NBC Photo: Mitchell HaasethParks are fun for kids, but Parks and Recreation is fun for all ages!
Now that you've met the crazy group of misfits who look to Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) to "bring hope" to the city of Pawnee, Ind., it's time to get the dish on where this six-episode season is going to take us.
We hit Kahlua's Parks and Recreation premiere party to get the scoop straight from the cast on what's to come for the gang other than turning that giant empty pit into a safe play place for kids. Plus, we meet the new Pam and Jim of P-Rex!
Leslie, Not Michael Scott: For those of you saying Leslie Knope is the Michael Scott of P-Rex, Amy points out the big difference for you: "Leslie's a real hard worker; she's very ambitious. She is certainly trying her best all the time and trying her hardest. She doesn't want to break the rules or anything. She's actually all about the rules all the time." Have you seen Michael Scott follow a rule in his life? Also, Steve Carell doesn't have a hot hubby to swing by the set. Though it's not official, Will Arnett told us he'd come on P-Rex once it had a name. With one episode left to film, we can only hope.
Ann, the Naughty Nurse: We briefly saw interest in Ann from Mark (Paul Schneider), but Ann does have a boyfriend who may get in the way. Rashida Jones tells us, "There's a little something looming [with Mark]. Who knows how it will develop, but there's definitely a bit of interest that they develop with each other." And don't forget, Ann is actually a nurse, so we get some ER-esque action soon, "You get to see me in fancy scrubs, which is exciting, but down the line you'll see me in the hospital," says Rashida.
Andy, the Deadbeat Boyfriend: Chris Pratt can't catch a break with the roles he's cast in. He says, "Somehow I just have an inherent knack for playing a douche bag, but hopefully I'm not one in real life." Could Andy's two broken legs land him on the couch for the rest of the season? "There is a chance you will see me off of the couch. Maybe sitting in a chair or on the bed, or on the toilet. Also, Andy is a musician, he's a rocker, so you may or may not see him putting on a rock concert." With a band name like Scarecrow Boat, how can he go wrong?
Tom, the Ladies' Man, Sort Of: As evidenced by his shameless flirtation with Ann in the middle of a town hall meeting, Tom is not afraid to go after what he wants. But does it actually ever work? Says Aziz Ansari, "Tom's a little bit of a sleazy guy. He's a mover and a shaker, sleazebag, douche bag guy. It's very fun to play. Tom definitely acts like he is a player, and he continues to act that way. We've filmed a lot of fun stuff where Tom is out at a bar, hitting on girls. He's such an idiot." Who wants to see Tom make a move for Leslie? Just us? "I don't know if Leslie's really his type. I think he thinks he's going to hook up with someone like Rashida. He's really into Ann, but I don't think it's going to work out for him though," adds Aziz.
April, the Soulless Intern: Even though April (Aubrey Plaza) acts like she hates her job, she's secretly a fan. Says Aubrey, "There's a lot more to April than being bored with the job. You're going to see her get into it at times. Her and Leslie find a common ground. They develop a good friendship. I think April is smart, and maybe she doesn't want to be there, but she has a lot of fun there and with Leslie."
April and Tom, the New Pam & Jim? Though there may not be love on the horizon between the pair, they have some office fun Pam and Jim style. "April and Tom like to trick Leslie a lot, and they like to do their own little office gags. The characters come together and they have fun making fun of Leslie," says Aubrey.
Get full episodes of Parks and Recreation at Fancast.
—Additional reporting by Megan Masters