When Parks and Recreation debuted in 2009, there was every danger it would be little more than a clone of its creators other project, the US version of The Office. Instead, Greg Daniels and Michael Schurs follow-up set in the Parks And Recreation department of
a tiny town called Pawnee has a wholesome charm all of its own.
The shows first series introduces Amy Poehlers lovable Deputy Department Director Leslie Knope, who appears to
be just a public sector Michael Scott, less
a Y-chromosome. Her main aim during the brief, six-episode first season is to build a park on top of a local pit. Poehlers energetic performance as the ambitious bureaucrat (complemented by a supporting cast only superficially established but full of potential) drives what is a decent enough but not hugely original debut season.