Ep 7. Leslie vs April

Leslie Knope, the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana is often the center of attention. Her passion for her job and the community she serves is unmatchable. However, in season 5 episode 7 "Leslie vs April," Leslie's reign of being the star employee is threatened when April Ludgate is promoted to Director of Animal Control.

April, who was previously Leslie's assistant, is initially hesitant and unsure of her abilities to lead a team. But with encouragement from her husband Andy Dwyer and a swift kick in the butt from Ron Swanson, April musters up the confidence to take on the role.

Meanwhile, Leslie struggles to come to terms with no longer being the boss of April. She starts to feel neglected when April fails to invite her to the weekly department head meeting. In a desperate attempt to remain in control, Leslie crashes the meeting and proceeds to nitpick every detail that April has presented.

The tension between the two only escalates when April suggests that Pawnee should build a dog park instead of a children's playground. Leslie, who is a staunch supporter of youth development, adamantly opposes this idea. The disagreement quickly turns into a public debate with each woman rallying support for their cause.

As the conflict continues, their coworkers in the Parks and Recreation department must choose sides. Tom Haverford, Leslie's former apprentice, decides that he can benefit from the feuding and tries to play both sides. Meanwhile, Donna Meagle and Jerry Gergich remain neutral but continue to offer their comical commentary throughout the episode.

The episode culminates in a debate between Leslie and April in front of the Parks and Recreation committee. Both women bring their A-game and present compelling arguments for their respective causes. In the end, it is up to the committee to decide which project gets approval.

Overall, "Leslie vs April" is a hilarious and insightful episode. It delves into the complicated dynamics of working with colleagues who become friends and ultimately rivals. The episode also highlights the importance of listening to one another and coming to a compromise, even when it seems impossible.

Viewers get to witness the growth of April's character as she steps up and confidently takes on a leadership role. And of course, Leslie's quirky antics and unwavering passion continue to make her one of the most endearing characters on the show.

Overall, episode 7 of season 5 is a must-see for fans of Parks and Recreation and serves as a reminder of why the show is a beloved classic in the world of television.