The ever-enthusiastic Leslie Knope has her sights set on the City Council, but political campaigns are never easy - Leslie must deal with shady journalists, a deep-pocketed opponent, a still smitten old flame and even suspension in her quest to serve her beloved hometown...

The fourth season of Parks and Recreation continues the high quality of writing and performing fans have come to expect. This season's ongoing story arc involves Leslie running for City Council. Things are shook up a little with the appointment of Andy as Leslie's assistant and April takes on a little more responsibility around the office.

We finally get to meet Ron's first wife, Tammy #1 (Patricia Clarkson) who has a surprising effect on poor Ron.

As usual, for me, the highlight in most episodes is the appearance of Andy (Chris Pratt), whose naive approach to life is always amusing.

Highlights in this season include:

Pawnee Ranger: It's the weekend of both Leslie and Ron's Ranger group meetings. Leslie started her group in response to Ron not allowing girls into his group. While Ron focuses his boys on survival techniques and learning about the hard knocks that life will throw your way, Leslie concentrates on letting her girls have fun... it's not long before the boys want to join Leslie's group.

Smallest Park: Chris asks Tom and Jerry to team up and redesign the Parks and Recreation logo. Andy decides he wants to enrol on a college course, but can't decide which one. Leslie and Ben work together on designing the look of the smallest park in the city (which is only several feet square), but when Leslie learns that Ben is leaving his job, and the city, when the park is complete, Leslie tries to stretch out the work for as long is possible.

Bowling for Votes: During a focus group to see how popular Leslie is with potential voters, one man says he wouldn't vote for her because she isn't "the sort of person he can imagine going bowling with." Leslie focuses on this and decides to take her team bowling in the hopes of meeting this man and proving him wrong. While at the bowling alley, Tom embarrasses Ron with his child-like, between-leg throwing style... but he gets a strike almost every go.

Operation Ann: With Valentine's Day approaching, Leslie gets the help of her team in getting Ann a date. For her special Valentine date with Ben, Leslie sends him on an elaborate treasure hunt. Totally out of his depth, Ben ropes in Andy and Ron to help him.

Sweet Sixteen: Born on 29 February, Jerry only has one birthday every four years. This year will be his 16th birthday and so Leslie plans a birthday surprise for him. April is getting fed up of Ann and Tom coming to her and asking her advice on their relationship.

Bus Tour: The highlight of this episode is Andy's ongoing investigation into who threw a pie at Leslie on the tour... Thankfully they missed, but they did hit Jerry smack on the head. Andy is determined to find out who was responsible.

Extras on disc one include End of the World: Producer's Extended Cut (27 min, 22 sec - compared to the original episode's running time of 21 min, 38 sec); Deleted Scenes (30 min, 23 sec); Webisode: Road Trip (8 min, 57 sec short sketches based on Andy and April's road trip); and Leslie Tribute Video from Tom (1 min, 09 sec full video that was included in the show).

On disc two we get more Deleted Scenes (32 min, 38 sec); and Campaign Ads (4 min, 35 sec full ads some of which were included in the episodes, others which weren't).

Disc three includes Deleted Scenes (32 min, 06 sec); and Catch Your Dreams Music Video (4 min, 31 sec which includes clips from the series as well as Chris Pratt and the rest of the cast performing the song. Be warned though, as this video spoils whether or not Leslie wins the election).

Extras on the fourth and final disc include The Debate: Amy Poehler's Director's Cut (26 min, 01 sec, compared with the original episodes which was 21 min, 13 sec); Bus Tour: Producer's Extended Cut (25 min, 29 sec, compared to the original episode which was 21 min, 13 sec); Win, Lose or Draw: Director's Extended Cut (27 min, 27 sec when compared to the original episode which was 21 min, 16 sec); Gag Reel Uncensored (17 min, 04 sec which also includes spoof ads); The Swanson Zone (5 min - three mini Ron related videos); and Odds and Ends (11 min, 10 sec - 5 random featurettes).

So, once again, another enjoyable 22 episodes that fans will totally enjoy.

9

Darren Rea