Parks and Recreation 7x06 "Save J.J.'s" Recap

Parks and Recreation “Save J.J.’s Spoilers Ahead

Episode still from Parks and Recreation "Save J.J.'s" — Source: NBC

This episode was a great way for fans of Parks and Recreation to treat themselves one last time.

Episode Summary: When the group learns that Dennis Feinstein plans to shut JJ’s Diner down, they rally for it together and in the process figure out a way to get the Newport land from Gryzzl. And Gryzzl was able to attain it by offering $125 million. Andy brings out a bit more serious counterpart of his (Johnathon Karate) in order to stop Dennis Feinstein. And to honor “Treat Yo Self 2017 – the best day of the year”, Donna and Tom finally take a trip to Beverly Hills.

Review | Analysis: The best part of this week’s episode was how wonderful “Treat Yo Self 2017” was. It was the most entertaining and definitely made for an epic way to end the chapter in the series. Donna and Tom’s friendship has always been an outstanding part of the show and this week especially we were reminded of why. And in this episode, “when it comes to matters of the heart, treat yo self,” became the most beautiful message stated.

Tom and Donna are two of the people I’ve always wanted to see in love – not with each other. They’re both such interesting souls and they’ve honestly always deserved someone who appreciates them for who they are. Someone who values them enough to make sure every day is “Treat Yo Self” day. And at this very moment, it seems they’ve both finally got that. It made all the sense for them to go all out this year since Donna’s taking such a huge step towards her future soon. At the end of the day however, it was gratifying that treat yo self ended up being an emotional experience. While the glitz and glamour is so them and so very entertaining to watch, bonding with each other was the real treat. Their friendship is the most fabulous one in existence and in the midst of that it’s even more fabulous that they can really dig into their hearts and be honest with one another, inspire each other, and help each other. If there’s one thing I’m looking forward to when it comes to Donna’s wedding, it’s Tom’s speech.

Speaking of love, I “awwwww’d” out loud and long at Tom’s declaration of love to Lucy. Surely there aren’t many people he’d be willing to give up all that he’s worked up to for, and the fact that he momentarily gave the restaurant to Craig was enough to show his dedication. He is most certainly not the same guy we’ve met a couple years back, and looking back, it’s a fantastic transition – not too different but enough to showcase growth. Tom Haverford did good.

While attempting to find another home for JJ’s Diner, the group realizes they can maybe try to convince Gryzzl owners to take Beach View Terras instead and donate the Newport land they bought to the Parks Department. For starters, how ridiculously entertaining was Leslie’s slang talk!? Poehler was hilarious in that scene and I can only imagine how much fun it was to film. At the end of the day however, what stood out the most was a few little words spoken by Ron Swanson: “A wise woman once told me that whenever you and I team up, good things happen.” Oh the glorious friendships on this show. I loved the fact that the person delivering the news on Leslie’s win was Ron. Their entire journey has been about building something great out of nothing, and with everything that’s happened in the last four years and their competition, such commending words coming from him are just right.

Moral of the story, every woman deserves a feminist best friend like Ron Swanson.

Again, my only concern for the show is that we aren’t getting enough of the triplets. I’d settle for at least a small scene even. They’re such a huge part of Leslie and Ben’s life and we haven’t gotten to know them yet as individuals. Additionally, I cannot wait for more Donna and Joe next week as their relationship already seems so sweet.