Parks and Recreation — Season 5
Because parks don't grow on trees.
About this season
In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, takes on bureaucrats, cranky neighbors, and single-issue fanatics whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the democratic process she loves so much.
Episodes (22)
1. Ms. Knope Goes to Washington
7.2Aired 20 September 2012 • 22 min
Leslie and Andy visit Ben and April at their new jobs in Washington D.C., and Leslie feels overwhelmed by the city -- especially after meeting two of her idols. Meanwhile, Ron throws a "thank you" barbeque for the entire Parks and Recreation staff.
2. Soda Tax
7.4Aired 27 September 2012 • 22 min
Leslie decides to wage war on obesity in Pawnee in her first mission as city councilor by passing a city-wide soda tax. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get in shape for his police-entrance exam, and Ben struggles to connect with the interns in his office.
3. How a Bill Becomes a Law
7.4Aired 4 October 2012 • 22 min
Leslie helps a local swim team get more practice time by working on a new law that extends the hours at the community pool; Ron finds himself filling a pothole for a local woman (Lucy Lawless) as part of Chris' new plan to solve citizens' problems around the city; April and Ben take a road trip to Pawnee.
4. Sex Education
7.6Aired 18 October 2012 • 22 min
An STD outbreak amongst Pawnee seniors prompts Leslie to conduct a sex education class. Meanwhile, Ron helps Tom adjust to life without technology after his gadgets are taken away, and Ben and April meet Congressman Murray for the first time.
5. Halloween Surprise
7.9Aired 25 October 2012 • 22 min
A new job offer for Ben causes Leslie to contemplates their future. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy take Diane's girls out trick-or-treating, and Tom searches for a new business idea.
6. Ben's Parents
7.3Aired 8 November 2012 • 22 min
Leslie is nervous about meeting Ben's divorced parents. Tom prepares to pitch his new business to Ron with Jean-Ralphio's help. Chris rides an emotional rollercoaster.
7. Leslie vs. April
7.4Aired 15 November 2012 • 22 min
Leslie gets upset when April tries to get Lot 48 made into a dog park. Meanwhile, Tom enlists Ben's help as he tries to launch his new business venture, and Andy hones his crime scene investigation skills.
8. Pawnee Commons
7.3Aired 29 November 2012 • 22 min
Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park.
9. Ron and Diane
8.0Aired 6 December 2012 • 22 min
Ron, Diane, and Leslie attend a wood working awards dinner after one of Ron's handcrafted chairs is nominated, but the happy occasion is threatened by the arrival of Tammy II. Meanwhile, Jerry hosts a holiday party at his home with his wife, and some of his friends are shocked to find they were not invited.
10. Two Parties
7.7Aired 17 January 2013 • 22 min
Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune.
11. Women in Garbage
7.4Aired 24 January 2013 • 22 min
Leslie and April handle a garbage route, while Tom asks Andy and Ben to teach him about basketball. Meanwhile, Ron is left to watch Diane's kids while their babysitter is out of town.
12. Ann's Decision
7.3Aired 7 February 2013 • 22 min
Ann tries to get to know herself as Leslie meddles in one of her biggest life decisions. Meanwhile, things go south when Ben enlists the guys to help choose a caterer for the wedding.
13. Emergency Response
7.8Aired 14 February 2013 • 22 min
Leslie and Ben organize a black tie gala to raise money for their park, but their plans are derailed when a city-wide emergency response drill is called. Meanwhile, Andy prepares to take his Police Academy Exam and Ron fills in for Leslie on Pawnee Today.
14. Leslie and Ben
8.4Aired 21 February 2013 • 22 min
Leslie and Ben are getting married, and have to cram months of planning into two hours. Meanwhile, Ron's temper gets him in trouble.
15. Correspondents' Lunch
7.5Aired 21 February 2013 • 22 min
Leslie's speech she prepared for a special event is stolen. Ben begins his new job at the Sweetums Charity Foundation. Ann summons the courage to ask an important question.
16. Bailout
7.4Aired 14 March 2013 • 22 min
Leslie is determined to help a local video store stay in business, while Chris offers Tom advice on how to deal with a difficult employee. Elsewhere, Ann resorts to blackmail to get April to be her friend.
17. Partridge
7.3Aired 4 April 2013 • 22 min
Leslie accompanies Ben on a trip to his hometown which has offered him a key to the city. Ron deals with a lawsuit filed against him by Councilman Jamm. Ann and Chris take a parenting compatibility quiz.
18. Animal Control
7.6Aired 11 April 2013 • 22 min
Leslie decides to give the Animal Control Department a much-needed makeover. Ann tries to get Ron the medical attention he needs. Ben, Tom, and Andy recruit donors for their charity foundation.
19. Article Two
7.6Aired 18 April 2013 • 22 min
Leslie works to get rid of outdated laws from the original town charter. April and Ron receive management training from Chris. Ben finds himself in a bidding war against Ann to win a present for Leslie.
20. Jerry's Retirement
7.4Aired 18 April 2013 • 22 min
When Leslie finds out Jerry is retiring, she struggles with the proper way to commemorate the occasion. Chris and Ann prepare to have a baby together. Tom worries he will become the office punching bag once Jerry leaves.
21. Swing Vote
7.2Aired 25 April 2013 • 22 min
Leslie deems Ron's budget-cut proposals unacceptable. Andy and Ben celebrate a big donation made to their charity. Ann tries to solve Tom's girlfriend troubles.
22. Are You Better Off?
7.7Aired 2 May 2013 • 22 min
Leslie celebrates her first year as a city councilwoman. Retired Special Agent Burt Macklin is recalled to action. April gets some life-changing news. Tom debates a big business opportunity.