Parks and Recreation: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Parks and Recreation Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Ms. Knope Goes to Washington
Sep 20, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie and Andy visit Ben and April at their new jobs in Washington D.C., and Leslie feels overwhelmed by the city -- especially after meeting two of her idols. Meanwhile, Ron thro
Soda Tax
Sep 27, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie decides to wage war on obesity in Pawnee in her first mission as city councilor by passing a city-wide soda tax. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get in shape for his police-entranc
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Oct 4, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie helps a local swim team get more practice time by working on a new law that extends the hours at the community pool; Ron finds himself filling a pothole for a local woman (L
Sex Education
Oct 18, 2012 · 22 min
An STD outbreak amongst Pawnee seniors prompts Leslie to conduct a sex education class. Meanwhile, Ron helps Tom adjust to life without technology after his gadgets are taken away,
Halloween Surprise
Oct 25, 2012 · 22 min
A new job offer for Ben causes Leslie to contemplates their future. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy take Diane's girls out trick-or-treating, and Tom searches for a new business idea.
Ben's Parents
Nov 8, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie is nervous about meeting Ben's divorced parents. Tom prepares to pitch his new business to Ron with Jean-Ralphio's help. Chris rides an emotional rollercoaster.
Leslie vs. April
Nov 15, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie gets upset when April tries to get Lot 48 made into a dog park. Meanwhile, Tom enlists Ben's help as he tries to launch his new business venture, and Andy hones his crime sc
Pawnee Commons
Nov 29, 2012 · 22 min
Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park.
Ron and Diane
Dec 6, 2012 · 22 min
Ron, Diane, and Leslie attend a wood working awards dinner after one of Ron's handcrafted chairs is nominated, but the happy occasion is threatened by the arrival of Tammy II. Mean
Two Parties
Jan 17, 2013 · 22 min
Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune.
Women in Garbage
Jan 24, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie and April handle a garbage route, while Tom asks Andy and Ben to teach him about basketball. Meanwhile, Ron is left to watch Diane's kids while their babysitter is out of to
Ann's Decision
Feb 7, 2013 · 22 min
Ann tries to get to know herself as Leslie meddles in one of her biggest life decisions. Meanwhile, things go south when Ben enlists the guys to help choose a caterer for the weddi
Emergency Response
Feb 14, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie and Ben organize a black tie gala to raise money for their park, but their plans are derailed when a city-wide emergency response drill is called. Meanwhile, Andy prepares t
Leslie and Ben
Feb 21, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie and Ben are getting married, and have to cram months of planning into two hours. Meanwhile, Ron's temper gets him in trouble.
Correspondents' Lunch
Feb 21, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie's speech she prepared for a special event is stolen. Ben begins his new job at the Sweetums Charity Foundation. Ann summons the courage to ask an important question.
Bailout
Mar 14, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie is determined to help a local video store stay in business, while Chris offers Tom advice on how to deal with a difficult employee. Elsewhere, Ann resorts to blackmail to ge
Partridge
Apr 4, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie accompanies Ben on a trip to his hometown which has offered him a key to the city. Ron deals with a lawsuit filed against him by Councilman Jamm. Ann and Chris take a parent
Animal Control
Apr 11, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie decides to give the Animal Control Department a much-needed makeover. Ann tries to get Ron the medical attention he needs. Ben, Tom, and Andy recruit donors for their charit
Article Two
Apr 18, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie works to get rid of outdated laws from the original town charter. April and Ron receive management training from Chris. Ben finds himself in a bidding war against Ann to win
Jerry's Retirement
Apr 18, 2013 · 22 min
When Leslie finds out Jerry is retiring, she struggles with the proper way to commemorate the occasion. Chris and Ann prepare to have a baby together. Tom worries he will become th
Swing Vote
Apr 25, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie deems Ron's budget-cut proposals unacceptable. Andy and Ben celebrate a big donation made to their charity. Ann tries to solve Tom's girlfriend troubles.
Are You Better Off?
May 2, 2013 · 22 min
Leslie celebrates her first year as a city councilwoman. Retired Special Agent Burt Macklin is recalled to action. April gets some life-changing news. Tom debates a big business op