'Parks and Recreation' (RTE2) resembles 'The Office' but isn't as cruel as the ground-breaking Gervais launch vehicle and as a result, is perhaps more likeable. Amy Poehler (remember her fiesty Hilary Clinton on 'Saturday Night Live' up against Tina Fey's Sarah Palin?) plays the government official/middle manager Leslie Knope working in the Pawnee Parks and Wildlife Department. She is one of nature's triers; keen, usually enthusiastic but ultimately, not quite reaching her career goals. Yes, there's a bit of 'Everyperson' in her characterisation and the comedy is a gentle roll of a programme that will never be a trendsetter or a huge audience draw but it is ideal passive TV. The writing is witty enough and Poehler is an amiable bumbler, realistic and to be found in more Offices than the David Brents of this World. The cast is very good (Rob Lowe is one of the better kown actors in the latest series). Nothing much happens in 'Parks and Recreation' but that nothing makes for a very relaxing evening ('thetvreviewguy' really is getting older if he thinks this is the scoring criteria for decent TV, but hey, there you go, he is). Look out for the lugubrious Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman is particularly good here) as the perfect counterpoint to Leslie's go-get-it earnestness.This is television for the weary viewer; get youreslf down to 'Parks and Recreation' for some face-time with this entertaining crew.
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