Ep 3. Born & Raised

Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt head to Ben's hometown of Partridge, Minnesota, so that Ben can accept the key to the city. This is an honor he is receiving because of his many accomplishments, including his work in local government and his time on the high school varsity basketball team. Leslie is excited to meet Ben's family, especially because she has heard so many stories about them, but she is also a little nervous. She has never been to Minnesota before, and she worries about fitting in with Ben's conservative Midwestern family.

Once they arrive in Partridge, Leslie and Ben are greeted by his mother, Stephanie, and his father, Steve. They are both very friendly and welcoming, and Leslie immediately feels at ease. However, she soon learns that Ben's family is even more conservative than she had expected. They are opposed to many of the things that Leslie cares about, including public parks and government-funded programs.

Despite their political differences, Leslie and Ben are determined to make the best of their visit to Partridge. They attend a parade, a barbecue, and a high school basketball game, all of which are attended by many of Ben's old classmates and neighbors. Leslie is amazed by the warmth and friendliness of the community, which is much different from the cutthroat world of Pawnee politics.

As they spend more time in Partridge, Leslie begins to realize that she has a lot in common with Ben's family. They all value hard work, family, and community service, even if they have different ideas about how those values should play out in the real world. Leslie also learns a few things about Ben that she didn't know before, including that he was once a rebellious teenager and that he still has some unresolved issues with his father.

Despite these challenges, Leslie and Ben are able to come together as a couple and work through their differences. They also make important connections with the people of Partridge, who teach them a lot about the importance of family, community, and tradition.

Overall, "Born & Raised" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the many strengths of Parks & Recreation. It features strong character development, witty humor, and a powerful message about the power of community and the importance of family. Whether you are a fan of the show or just looking for something to watch, "Born & Raised" is an episode that is sure to delight and inspire you.