Ep 16. Bailout

In the Parks & Recreation Season 5 Episode 16, titled "Bailout," viewers find the Parks Department struggling to keep their department alive amidst the ever-changing political climate in Pawnee.

As the episode opens, it is revealed that Pawnee is facing some serious financial trouble, which could result in the shutdown of various municipal departments.

This news hits the Parks Department hard, especially Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), who is determined to keep the department alive.

To do so, she enlists the help of Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott), who suggests that they try to secure a bailout from the state government. Initially, Leslie rejects this idea, but eventually gives in and agrees to go along with the plan.

As they prepare for their meeting with the state treasurer, Leslie and Ben must contend with a number of obstacles, including a difficult-to-please councilman (Kyle Bornheimer) and a group of angry seniors who are upset about budget cuts to their local center.

Despite these challenges, Leslie and Ben remain determined to secure the bailout and save the Parks Department. They come up with a clever scheme involving a fake fire drill, which helps them win the support of the councilman and convince him to vote in their favor.

In the end, their hard work pays off, and the state government agrees to provide the much-needed bailout to save the Parks Department.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the usual mix of humor and heart that has become a hallmark of Parks & Recreation. Whether it's Leslie's unwavering dedication to her department, or the hilarious antics of Andy (Chris Pratt) and the other members of the team, Bailout is a fun and enjoyable episode from start to finish.

Overall, Bailout is a great example of why Parks & Recreation was such a beloved show during its run. It's a well-crafted episode that manages to balance humor and heart while also tackling serious issues like budget cuts and government bureaucracy. If you're a fan of the show, or just looking for a funny and uplifting sitcom to watch, this episode is definitely worth checking out.