Citizen Knope

"Citizen Knope" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American comedy television series Parks and Recreation, and the 56th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on December 8, 2011. In the episode, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) forms a citizens action committee while serving her suspension, Ben (Adam Scott) looks for a new job, and the parks department plans the perfect Christmas gift for Leslie.

Plot

Leslie (Amy Poehler) is serving a two-week suspension from her job, but keeps sneaking back into her office to do work, although Chris (Rob Lowe) keeps catching her and kicking her out of city hall. She decides to use the free time to focus on her campaign for city council, but her advisors William (Johnny Sneed) and Elizabeth (Antonia Raftu) suggest that she relax until post-scandal poll numbers are released. At Ben’s (Adam Scott) suggestion, Leslie forms a citizens action committee to keep busy and continue involvement with the local government. She names it the Parks Committee of Pawnee (PCP).

Ben has resigned as Assistant City Manager and is looking for an accounting job, meeting with cologne maker Dennis Feinstein (Jason Mantoukas) and accountant Barney Varmn (John Balma), but he is not interested in either. Like every Christmas, everyone in the parks department receives extremely thoughtful gifts from Leslie. Ann (Rashida Jones) suggests they all work together to give Leslie a great gift, and they all decide to make her a miniaturized city hall made of gingerbread.

The PCP become a loud and growing presence at town meetings and at Chris' job thanks to Leslie's leadership. However her optimism is crushed when she learns that her poll numbers have taken a staggering hit due to the scandal, causing William and Elizabeth to quit. Chris feels responsible for derailing Leslie's campaign and ends her suspension. Meanwhile, Ben decides to take the job at Barney's accounting firm, but he later bumps into Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz), who uncharacteristically gives Ben inspiring advice to follow his dreams and not settle. Ben turns down the job offer, unsure but excited about his next step.

Leslie returns to city hall and is pleasantly surprised by the gingerbread city hall. Ron (Nick Offerman) tells her the parks department has another gift: they will become her new campaign staff. Leslie is deeply touched. Meanwhile, Barney hires Jean-Ralphio, but his attitude and complete lack of experience has him fired within seconds.