NBC Watch--Parks and Recreation

Watching NBC was a huge part of my life for more than a decade.

Beginning with the premiere of "The Cosby Show" in Fall 1984 on through the "Seinfeld" finale in 1998, I'd be glued to my tube every Thursday. I've watched many comedies, like "Will and Grace" and "Friends," but its been years since I've regularly watched NBC.

Maybe that's all changed with the new comedy "Parks and Recreation." The series is a starring vehicle for Amy Poehler, a familiar face for me because she starred on the network's "Saturday Night Live" for eight seasons (and before that she had recurring skits as Andy Richter's annoying little sister on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien.")

Poehler stars as Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks and Recreaction Department of Pawnee, Indiana. The only thing is that Poehlere isn't your typical government slacker. She plots ways to establish subcommittes and attacks mundane duties with gusto. She's the type that thanks you for taking the time to meet with her, even though you're just in the adjoining office.

Most importantly, she build parks. There's nothing a park can't cure! Got a big whole in the ground near your house? Call Knope. She and her crack staff will fill it in, and put a park on top of it. It's no surprise that she sees herself in the same vein as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.

"Parks" is in the same style as "The Office," a faux documentary. I never really much liked "The Office" (or is it just Steve Carell's character?). But "Parks" seems like a funny show. Powered by Poehler and a supporting cast, I think I'll be checking it out again.
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Speaking of SNL, there was one crazy/hillarious skit from last weekend's Seth Rogen hosted episode that has been gaining heat on the web. It's titled "The Fast and the Bi-Curious," an obvious take-off on "The Fast and the Furious."

And Andy Sandberg deserves a special mention for delivering a line like, "Why am I shaking?" with a straight face.



Photo: Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope