Let Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope Show You What True Friendship Looks Like

By Vivian Kane | TV | January 21, 2015 |

By Vivian Kane | TV | January 21, 2015 |

Parks and Recreation seems determined to have us end the series in a puddle of our own tears. Last night was a two-parter, the second half of which could have been a really satisfying payoff to a four week ramp-up, but (because of this double-episode scheduling) instead had to settle for just being a really sweet episode a week into the new season.

The first three episodes teased us with the secret cause of Ron and Leslie’s falling out, which happened during the time jump the show took between last season and the current one. They referenced the mysterious “Morningside” incident, with no other clues as to what caused their current mutual hatred. Well, last night we finally (if you can say *finally* after one week) found out what happened. *Some spoilers for last night’s episode and the Morningside mystery ahead*

We already knew that Leslie felt Ron betrayed her. It turns out that in building the Morningside apartment complex, he tore down Ann Perkins’ old house, and he did so without telling Leslie. But we also find out that Leslie had been so busy with her work that she neglected to see Ron reaching out to her when he found himself lonely and alone in the Parks Department. Ron— stoic, stubborn Ron— turned out to value his friendships above all else. And lucky for us, through a wonderful contrivance involving the two being stuck in a room together overnight, they were able to make amends and give us the best example of a deep, true friendship.

Friendship means cooperation.

And fun.

And trying new things.

New for both people involved.

But true friendship means the ability to know what will make the other person make this face:

This face.

That’s the face of friendship.