Ep 11. Two Funerals

As the penultimate episode of the series, Parks & Recreation season 7 episode 11, entitled "Two Funerals," is poignant, heartwarming, and filled with all of the humor and charm that fans of the show have come to expect.

The episode opens with Leslie Knope, played by the incomparable Amy Poehler, preparing for an event that she has been dreading: the funeral of her beloved mentor, Ida Blankenship. Ida was an instrumental figure in Leslie's life, having taught her everything she knows about politics and government, and shaping her into the capable leader she is today. Leslie is understandably devastated by her passing, and viewers are quickly pulled into her grief as she tries to come to terms with what has happened.

As Leslie navigates her way through the funeral, we also see glimpses of the other characters in the show grappling with the death of someone close to them. There's Ron Swanson, played by Nick Offerman, who is dealing with the loss of his favorite barber, and April Ludgate, played by Aubrey Plaza, who is struggling with the death of her boss at the animal shelter.

Despite the somber subject matter, "Two Funerals" manages to find moments of humor and levity, with the show's trademark wit shining through even in the darkest moments. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, from Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) accidentally pouring his coffee on his shirt, to Donna Meagle (Retta) getting increasingly frustrated with her coworkers' inability to take a decent photo.

But what really sets this episode apart is its emotional resonance. The death of Ida Blankenship is an event that has been brewing for several episodes, and the show has done an excellent job of building up the audience's attachment to her character. When Leslie finally gives her eulogy, it's impossible not to be moved by her heartfelt words about the impact that Ida had on her life.

Similarly, the other characters' reactions to their losses feel genuine and heartfelt. Ron's grief over the loss of his barber may seem minor in comparison, but it's clear that the relationship he had with the man was an important one. And April's sadness over the death of her boss is made all the more poignant by the fact that she's someone who typically masks her emotions with sarcasm and detachment.

As the episode draws to a close, Leslie's grief begins to turn into something else: a fierce determination to honor Ida's legacy by continuing to fight for what she believes in. It's a fitting tribute to a character who had such a profound impact on Leslie's life, and a testament to Leslie's own strength and resilience in the face of loss.

Overall, Parks & Recreation season 7 episode 11 is a remarkable piece of television that manages to balance humor and heartbreak in equal measure. Filled with wonderful performances from the show's talented cast, it's a fitting tribute to the characters and world that viewers have grown to love over the course of the series. Fans of the show won't want to miss this emotional and satisfying episode.