From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
"Flu Season"
Season" characters. Brent Briscoe made a guest appearance as J.J.,
owner of J.J.’s Diner, a restaurant that has appeared in
Parks and Recreation episode previous Parks episodes.[2][3]
According to Nielsen Media Research, "Flu Season"
was seen by 5.83 million household viewers, a six percent
decline from the previous episode, third season premiere
"Go Big or Go Home". The episode received positive re-
views, with many commentators calling it one of the
show’s best episodes. Critics also praised the perfor-
mance of Rob Lowe during the scenes when Chris is
stricken by the flu. Reviewers said the relationship be-
tween Chris and Ann made her character much more in-
teresting and funny.[1][4]
Ann cares for a flu-ridden Chris. The performance of Rob Amy Poehler submitted this episode for judging for
Lowe, and the developing romantic relationship between her nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Out-
Ann and Chris, drew critical acclaim. standing Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011.[5]
Episode no. Season 3
Episode 2
Plot
Directed by Wendey Stanzler The flu season has hit Pawnee hard, leaving nurse Ann
Written by Norm Hiscock (Rashida Jones) caring for many sick citizens at the hospi-
tal. Among them are April (Aubrey Plaza), who constant-
Original air date January 27, 2011
ly mistreats Ann in retaliation for kissing Andy (Chris
Guest stars Pratt). April asks Ron (Nick Offerman) not to tell Andy
she is in the hospital, and Ron is anxious not to get in-
• Terrence Beaser as Ed
• Brent Briscoe as J.J. volved in their personal affairs. Leslie (Amy Poehler) also
• Michael McGreevey as Preston has the flu, but will not admit it because she wants to
• Frank Noon as Business Man give an important presentation to the Pawnee Chamber
• Jeanne Simpson as Diane of Commerce about the planned Harvest Festival, which
Episode chronology she hopes will restore the dwindling budget of the parks
department. Ben (Adam Scott) finally takes a reluctant
← Previous Next → Leslie to the hospital, where she is admitted with a dan-
"Go Big or Go Home" "Time Capsule" gerously high fever and dehydration. Ben and Tom (Aziz
Ansari) decide to do the presentation themselves, much
List of season 3 episodes
List of Parks and Recreation episodes
to the chagrin of Leslie, who does not trust anyone but
herself to do it. Tom immediately abandons Ben to hang
"Flu Season (sometimes referred to as "The Flu is the
Flu Season" The Flu") out with a group of older men at the spa.
second episode of the third season of the American com- To Ann’s surprise, Chris (Rob Lowe) has also been ad-
edy television series Parks and Recreation, and the 32nd mitted to the hospital with the flu. The two have been
overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in dating and, although Ann really likes Chris, she fears he
the United States on January 27, 2011. In the episode, a is too perfect. However, because the extremely health-
flu outbreak leaves Leslie ill, but she insists on making a conscious Chris has a poor immune system and nearly
public presentation about her proposed harvest festival. no body fat, he suffers a complete physical breakdown,
Meanwhile, Andy and Ron bond, and a hospital-bound which makes Ann feel less intimidated about dating him.
April torments the nurse Ann.[1] Meanwhile, Leslie escapes the hospital and heads back to
The episode was written by Norm Hiscock and direct- city hall to deliver the presentation herself. Tom returns
ed by Wendey Stanzler. The episode included major de- from the spa, revealing his spa friends are the owners of
velopment of the characters Ann, Ron and Ben, the lat- several car dealerships, which have agreed to lend vehi-
ter of whom becomes extremely impressed with Leslie, cles to the festival. Although delirious with fever and an
starting a season-long romance subplot between the two excess of flu medication, Leslie delivers a flawless pre-
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
sentation, wildly impressing Ben. She is immediately
brought back to the hospital, where Ben tells her 110
businesses have agreed to help with the festival, surpass-
ing the minimum 80 needed.
At the department, with April absent from work, Ron
asks Andy to fill in as an assistant because the anti-gov-
ernment oriented Ron believes Andy will be ineffective.
The two bond over the course of the day, and Andy be-
gins to tell Ron about his problems with April, for whom
he still harbors romantic feelings. Although initially not
wishing to get involved, Ron reluctantly tells Andy she is
at the hospital and he should visit her. Meanwhile, Ann
remains pleasant throughout her nursing shift despite
April’s constant abuse. The second her shift ends, howev-
er, Ann immediately loses her temper and curses at April.
Ann apologizes for kissing Andy, but insists it was a mis-
take and that April should stop taking it out on Andy.
Later, Andy visits April, who pretends to be asleep but
smiles, revealing she is happy he came.
At the end of the episode, Chris tells Ben they have
been called back to Indianapolis for a new assignment,
but both agree to seek an extension to stay in Pawnee
longer. Although both claim they want to help organize
the Harvest Festival, it is hinted they really want to stay
because of Leslie and Ann.
Production
"Flu Season" was written by Norm Hiscock and directed
by Wendey Stanzler. Like all six of the first third season "Flu Season" saw the development of several major characters, including Ben W
episodes, it was written and filmed almost immediately spectively by Adam Scott, Rashida Jones (pictured) and Nick Offerman.
after the second season ended as part of an early shoot-
ing schedule needed to accommodate Amy Poehler’s town and her job.[2] Commentators suggested this transi-
pregnancy. However, although finished early in anticipa- tion appeared to begin in "Flu Season", when Ben is vis-
tion of a September 2010 release date, Parks was ultimate- ibly, extremely impressed by Leslie’s perfect deliveran-
ly placed on hiatus until early 2011, many months af- ce of a public presentation despite her illness. Steve Kan-
ter production on "Flu Season" was already finished.[6][7] dell of New York magazine wrote: "This is obviously the
Although initially titled "The Flu" in original press re- moment when Ben’s begrudging respect for her becomes
leases, and referred to as such by several news arti- something else",[1] and The Atlantic writer Scott Meslow
cles,[2][8][9] the episode title was later formally changed wrote: "Parks and Recreation has allowed Ben to develop
to "Flu Season".[10][11] "Flu Season" continued the sub- in the background so far, but his affection for Pawnee is
plot of restoring the parks department budget through a clearly growing."[14]
harvest festival, which will continue to be a major story "Flu Season" also demonstrated a departure in the
arc throughout the first six episodes of the season.[12][13] way Ann’s romantic relationships were handled com-
Brent Briscoe makes a guest appearance in "Flu Season" pared to past seasons. The character previously dated
as J.J., the owner of J.J.’s Diner. Although the restaurant Andy Dwyer, and Mark Brendanawicz (Paul Schneider)
appears in the previous episode "The Reporter", "Sum- who was written out of the show at the end of the second
mer Catalog" and "The Master Plan", "Flu Season" season. In both cases, Ann was primarily in control of the
marked the first appearance of J.J. himself.[3] relationship due to Andy’s immaturity and Mark’s lack of
Michael Schur, co-creator of Parks and Recreation, said experience in long-term romances. Schur said of Ann’s
the episode included development of several of the pro- relationship with Chris, "This is the first time that Ann
tagonist characters, including Ben Wyatt, Ann Perkins just completely loses herself and really falls for a guy su-
and Ron Swanson. One of the major story arcs of the sea- per hard. And the relationship goes in a lot of funny, un-
son entails Ben, who had never had a firm sense of home, expected directions."[2] Intimidated by her inability to
gradually falling in love with the town of Pawnee due to find a flaw in the extremely positive and physically per-
the optimism and enthusiasm Leslie Knope shows for the fect Chris, Ann acts more awkwardly and nerdy around
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
him than her character has been in the past.[15] "Flu Reviews
Season" also demonstrated deeper levels to Ron Swan-
The most recent installment of Parks and Rec showcased
son, who adamantly insists "I’m not interested in caring
itself at its finest, giving each of its characters unfor-
about people",[1] yet reveals he cares about both Andy
gettable moments to further prove that when it’s on its
and April, and tries to help the two reconcile. Schur said
game, it’s is one of the finest comedies on television.
Ron takes on a sort of father figure role, "and he ends up
“
revealing in a tiny, tiny, tiny way that’s still true to the
”
character that he has genuine feelings of caring for the
— Eric Sundermann, Hollywood.com[17]
people who work around him in the Parks office".[2]
"Flu Season" received generally positive reviews, with
many commentators praising the performance of Rob
Cultural references Lowe, whose character is usually physically fit to almost
superhuman proportions but becomes extremely ill and
In the episode, Ben compares Leslie’s delivery of a perfect
hallucinatory when infected with the flu. Tim Goodman
presentation despite having the flu to basketball player
of The Hollywood Reporter said Lowe’s character now
Michael Jordan’s showing during the 1997 NBA Finals.
seemed well-integrated into the cast, adding "If you’ve
During the fifth game of the series, Jordan lead the Chica-
never believed Lowe can make you laugh out loud, pay
go Bulls to victory despite suffering from a serious case
attention to that episode."[21] Steve Kandell of New York
of the flu. Ben also compares Leslie’s speech to the fa-
magazine said Lowe stole the show from the usual Parks
mous home run baseball player Kirk Gibson hit off of
powerhouses of Offerman and Pratt, and called one
pitcher Dennis Eckersley during the 1988 World Series,
scene, when Lowe tries to will away his flu by yelling
despite Gibson suffering from injuries to both legs at the
to himself in the mirror "Stop...pooping!", the "single
time.[14][16] While bonding, Ron and Andy discuss the
greatest self-effacingly comic moment of his long, hand-
draft history of the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL football
some career".[1][14] The Atlantic writer Scott Meslow, who
team of Indiana.[1][17] When Andy suggests Ron eat a bur-
said after two episodes, the pairing of Chris and Ann was
rito called the "Meat Tornado", Ron says, "You had me
already more interesting that Ann’s entire relationship
at Meat Tornado," a reference to the line "You had me
with Mark Brendanawicz in the second season, and that
at hello" from the romantic drama film Jerry Maguire
the new romance subplot allowed the normally "straight
(1996).[8][18] While deluded by the flu, Leslie mistakenly
(wo)man" Rashida Jones to display her comedic tal-
refers to the chamber of commerce as the "Chamber of
ents.[14] Entertainment Weekly writer Hillary Busis said
Secrets", a reference to the fantasy novel Harry Potter and
Chris "really came into his own" in the episode, and also
the Chamber of Secrets.[16] At one point, while practicing
said that Ann’s relationship with Chris made her charac-
her speech delirious with the flu, Leslie turns to a wall
ter more interesting and gave Jones greater comedic ma-
poster and says, "Good evening everyone, I’m Leslie Mon-
terial to work with.[15]
ster and this is Dateline," a reference to the NBC news-
HitFix writer Alan Sepinwall declared "Flu Season"
magazine program.[8] Later, while still delirious, Leslie
the one episode he would suggest to newcomers seeking
introduces Ben to the presentation audience as "Scott
to become familiar with Parks and Recreation because it
Bakula from Quantum Leap".[18]
spotlights so many different characters, includes both
warm and comedic moments and includes commentary
Reception on small town government. He praised the performances
of Lowe and Poehler, the latter of whom was especially
Ratings effective because there were real stakes to Leslie making
In its original American broadcast, "Flu Season" was seen her presentation.[8] Matt Fowler of IGN also said Lowe’s
by an estimated 5.83 million household viewers, accord- character, which he feared would get old fast, had proven
ing to Nielsen Media Research, with an overall 3.0 rat- to be a strong asset to the show, and Ann’s character was
ing/8 share, and 3.2 rating/5 share among viewers be- at her strongest opposite him. But Fowler also said "Flu
tween ages 18 and 49.[4] It marked a six percent decline Season" was a strong ensemble with great character mo-
compared to the previous episode, "Go Big or Go ments for everyone, including Ron and Andy’s bonding
Home",[19] which itself was the highest overall Parks rat- and Ben’s admiration of Leslie.[11] The A.V. Club writer
ing for since the premiere episode.[20] The night "Flu Sea- Steve Heisler said "Flu Season" gave the entire cast the
son" was broadcast, almost all of the comedy shows in chance to be a bit sillier than usual and demonstrate
NBC’s Thursday lineup lost viewership compared to the their wide comedic ranges. Heisler said Ben and Chris
prior week: while Community remained flat, Perfect Couples felt like they belonged among the other characters, and
was down 19 percent, while The Office and 30 Rock were he praised the performance of Aubrey Plaza, claiming
down 11 percent.[19] April’s character seemed more fleshed out than in past
episodes.[9]
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
References
[1] ^ Kandell, Steve (January 28, 2011). "Parks and
Recreation Recap: A Bug’s Life". New York. Archived
from the original on June 19, 2011.
http://www.webcitation.org/5zZcQCeHf. Retrieved
January 28, 2011.
[2] ^ Snierson, Dan (January 27, 2011). "’Parks and
Recreation’ scoop: Amy Poehler and co-creator
Mike Schur dish on Leslie’s big gamble, romantic
possibilities, and tonight’s episode ’The Flu’".
Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on
June 17, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/
5zWVGDd6q. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
[3] ^ Sackett, Morgan (2010) (Audio commentary).
Parks and Recreation: Season Two: "The Master Plan"
(DVD). Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
[4] ^ Seidman, Robert (January 28, 2011). "Thursday
Final Ratings: ’American Idol’ Adjusted Up; No
Adjustments for ’The Vampire Diaries’ or ’Nikita’".
TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on
June 13, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/
5zQMTfPX5. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
[5] http://www.goldderby.com/cms/view/79
[6] Masters, Megan (November 11, 2010). "Why Is Parks
and Recreation Still Gone?! Show Boss Talks Delayed
Return & When to Expect Season Three". E! Online.
Archived from the original on June 19, 2011.
Rob Lowe (pictured) received particular praise from reviewers
for his performance in "Flu Season". http://www.webcitation.org/5zZbz3HRz.
Retrieved January 29, 2011.
[7] Sepinwall, Alan (May 16, 2010). "NBC’s 2010-11
Zap2it writer Rick Porter called "Flu Season" one of
schedule: Still paying the price for ’The Jay Leno
the best episodes of Parks and Recreation, particularly
Show’". HitFix. Archived from the original on
praising the "outstanding teamup" of Ron and the "dif-
January 22, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/
ferent shades of Ann" displayed in the show. Porter said
5vv3iWDfC. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
he simultaneously loved both Lowe’s over-the-top per-
[8] ^ Sepinwall, Alan (January 27, 2011). "’Parks and
formance while sick, and Poehler’s more subtle perfor-
Recreation’ - ’The Flu’: Leslie Knope and the
mance.[16] Matt Richenthal of TV Fanatic said the way
Chamber of Secrets". Hitfix. Archived from the
Chris has become so well integrated into the show
original on February 1, 2011.
demonstrates how well the writers keep seemingly
http://www.webcitation.org/5wBm5mAfs.
ridiculous characters grounded. Richenthal said Poehler
Retrieved January 29, 2011.
made her sick scenes seem like strong character mo-
[9] ^ Heisler, Steve (January 27, 2011). "Parks and
ments rather than just slapstick comedy, and praised the
Recreation: "The Flu"". The A.V. Club. Archived from
scenes with Ron and Andy, as well as Tom’s scenes at the
the original on July 25, 2011.
spa.[18] Joel Keller of TV Squad said the episode strong-
http://www.webcitation.org/60SL8Ieh0. Retrieved
ly developed the characters Ben and Chris, and served
January 29, 2011.
as a showcase for the comedic talents of Poehler, who
[10] "Parks and Recreation - Episode Guide - Flu
he complimented for not going too over the top.[22] Hol-
Season". NBC. January 2011. Archived from the
lywood.com writer Eric Sundermann said the episode
original on August 1, 2011.
showcased Parks and Recreation at its finest, and said both
http://www.webcitation.org/60cwxeT14.
Poehler and Lowe gave some of their best performance
Retrieved January 29, 2011.
to date. Sundermann praised the pairing of Offerman and
[11] ^ Fowler, Matt (January 28, 2011). "Parks and
Pratt, and said although he had reservations about a Ben
Recreation: "Flu Season" Review". IGN. Archived
and Leslie romance, he believed it got off to a charming
from the original on July 31, 2011.
start in "Flu Season".[17]
http://www.webcitation.org/60akyEZFJ. Retrieved
January 29, 2011.
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Flu Season (Parks and Recreation)
[12] Pennington, Gail (January 20, 2011). "Fun time! Archived from the original on August 19, 2011.
’Parks and Rec’ returns tonight". St. Louis Post- http://www.webcitation.org/612tWfXRB.
Dispatch. Archived from the original on January 25, Retrieved January 29, 2010.
2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5vzjB1UE0. [19] ^ Seidman, Robert (January 28, 2011). "TV Ratings
Retrieved January 29, 2011. Thursday: NBC Comedy Night Slips; Idol Stable,
[13] Owen, Rob (January 20, 2011). "Cheers for ’Bones’ Up; $#*! Hitting the Fan?". TV by the
bureaucracy: ’Parks and Recreation’ returns". Numbers. Archived from the original on Augsut 19,
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/612tbA3oz.
on August 1, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/ Retrieved January 28, 2011.
60cvoVLV1. Retrieved January 29, 2011. [20] Bryant, Adam (January 21, 2011). "Ratings: Idol
[14] ^ Meslow, Scott (January 28, 2011). "’Parks and Slides Some More; Parks and Recreation Hits Series
Recreation’: Flu Season in Pawnee". The Atlantic. High". TV Guide. Archived from the original on
Archived from the original on June 25, 2011. August 1, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/
http://www.webcitation.org/5zi0S7jx6. Retrieved 60cwCCeCn. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
January 28, 2011. [21] Goodman, Tim (January 19, 2011). "Parks and
[15] ^ Busis, Hillary (January 28, 2011). "’Parks and Recreation -- TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
Recreation’: Love (and a nasty virus) is in the air". Archived from the original on January 25, 2011.
Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on http://www.webcitation.org/5vzegc61S. Retrieved
August 19, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/ January 28, 2011.
612tNTRaT. Retrieved January 28, 2011. [22] Keller, Joel (January 27, 2011). "’Parks and
[16] ^ Porter, Rick (January 28, 2011). "’Parks and Recreation’ Season 3, Episode 2 Recap". TV Squad.
Recreation’: Best episode ever? Yeah, probably". Archived from the original on July 11, 2011.
Zap2it. Archived from the original on August 19, http://www.webcitation.org/605bMKK1Y.
2011. http://www.webcitation.org/612tRT9eD. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
Retrieved January 29, 2011.
[17] ^ Sundermann, Eric (January 28, 2011). "’Parks and
Recreation’ Recap: The Flu". Hollywood.com.
External links
Archived from the original on July 12, 2011. • "Flu Season" at the official Parks and Recreation site
http://www.webcitation.org/608ZJh9c5. Retrieved • "Flu Season" at the Internet Movie Database
January 29, 2011. • "Flu Season" at TV.com
[18] ^ Richenthal, Matt (January 28, 2011). "Parks and
Recreation Review: Making Like MJ". TV Fanatic.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flu_Season_(Parks_and_Recreation)&oldid=451622745"
Categories:
• 2011 television episodes
• Parks and Recreation (season 3) episodes
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