Four episodes in to Season 2, and I think the show has more than made up of for the lackluster Season 1. These early Season 2 episodes are funnier, more clever, and characters are finally starting to develop. Now, the best thing that this extremely underrated Season 2 episode does is develop it's characters, and it's mostly all done in a minor B-story.
Before I get to the B-story of "Practice Date," let's talk about the main plot for which the episode is named after. Leslie and her new boyfriend, Dave, are about to go on their first date, and Leslie is freaking out, because her previous dates have gone, well, terribly. Ann agrees to go on a practice date with Leslie to help her prepare, but this only makes Leslie even more nervous. This storyline works so well, because it allows an avenue for Amy Poehler to flex all her comedic muscles. Leslie goes through a sea of emotions in just this episode alone. We see her happy, nervous, angry, drunk, and embarrassed. Poehler is comedically at her best here, which what makes the storyline so entertaining.
As great as the main plot is, it just does not compare to the stellar B-story for which this episode contains. Arguably the best in the entire series. Now, up to this point, very minor characters like Jerry and Donna have not gotten a lot of screen time. Heck, if you're watching this episode for the first time, you might not even know who these characters are. However, this all changes because of the brilliant premise; the gang competing against each other to see who can dig up more dirt on each other. It's genius! From this point on, Jerry will be the show's punching bag, Donna will become more lively, and Tom more pathetic. It's incredible writing, and really fleshes out these characters by adding exposition in a very amusing way. Also, quick side note, this episode has a great ending at a jazz club, which I won't spoil, but adds another layer to an already great character.
I consider "Practice Date" to the be the first truly great episode of the series. It not only is tightly written with so many great lines, but also fleshes out characters, showcases other characters at their best, and even introduces new characters (Perd Hapley, Councilman Dexhart). This episode is arguably the most important episode of the entire series, and allows the show to reach even newer heights comedically.
Before I get to the B-story of "Practice Date," let's talk about the main plot for which the episode is named after. Leslie and her new boyfriend, Dave, are about to go on their first date, and Leslie is freaking out, because her previous dates have gone, well, terribly. Ann agrees to go on a practice date with Leslie to help her prepare, but this only makes Leslie even more nervous. This storyline works so well, because it allows an avenue for Amy Poehler to flex all her comedic muscles. Leslie goes through a sea of emotions in just this episode alone. We see her happy, nervous, angry, drunk, and embarrassed. Poehler is comedically at her best here, which what makes the storyline so entertaining.
As great as the main plot is, it just does not compare to the stellar B-story for which this episode contains. Arguably the best in the entire series. Now, up to this point, very minor characters like Jerry and Donna have not gotten a lot of screen time. Heck, if you're watching this episode for the first time, you might not even know who these characters are. However, this all changes because of the brilliant premise; the gang competing against each other to see who can dig up more dirt on each other. It's genius! From this point on, Jerry will be the show's punching bag, Donna will become more lively, and Tom more pathetic. It's incredible writing, and really fleshes out these characters by adding exposition in a very amusing way. Also, quick side note, this episode has a great ending at a jazz club, which I won't spoil, but adds another layer to an already great character.
I consider "Practice Date" to the be the first truly great episode of the series. It not only is tightly written with so many great lines, but also fleshes out characters, showcases other characters at their best, and even introduces new characters (Perd Hapley, Councilman Dexhart). This episode is arguably the most important episode of the entire series, and allows the show to reach even newer heights comedically.
