The Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 5
Every episode of Parks and Recreation Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 5!
In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, takes on bureaucrats, cranky neighbors, and single-issue fanatics whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the democratic process she loves so much.
Season 5 Ratings Summary
The best episode of "Parks and Recreation" season 5 is "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington", rated 7.8/10 from 2349 user votes. It was directed by Dean Holland and written by Aisha Muharrar. "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington" aired on 9/20/2012 and is rated 0.0 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Soda Tax".
7.8/10 2,349 votes#1 - Ms. Knope Goes to Washington
Season 5 Episode 1 - Aired 9/20/2012
Leslie and Andy visit Ben and April at their new jobs in Washington D.C., and Leslie feels overwhelmed by the city -- especially after meeting two of her idols. Meanwhile, Ron throws a "thank you" barbeque for the entire Parks and Recreation staff.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Aisha Muharrar
7.8/10 2,301 votes#2 - Soda Tax
Season 5 Episode 2 - Aired 9/27/2012
Leslie decides to wage war on obesity in Pawnee in her first mission as city councilor by passing a city-wide soda tax. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get in shape for his police-entrance exam, and Ben struggles to connect with the interns in his office.
Director: Kyle Newacheck
Writer: Norm Hiscock
7.9/10 2,282 votes#3 - How a Bill Becomes a Law
Season 5 Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2012
Leslie helps a local swim team get more practice time by working on a new law that extends the hours at the community pool; Ron finds himself filling a pothole for a local woman (Lucy Lawless) as part of Chris' new plan to solve citizens' problems around the city; April and Ben take a road trip to Pawnee.
Director: Ken Whittingham
Writer: Daniel J. Goor
8.0/10 2,324 votes#4 - Sex Education
Season 5 Episode 4 - Aired 10/18/2012
An STD outbreak amongst Pawnee seniors prompts Leslie to conduct a sex education class. Meanwhile, Ron helps Tom adjust to life without technology after his gadgets are taken away, and Ben and April meet Congressman Murray for the first time.
Director: Craig Zisk
Writer: Alan Yang
8.6/10 2,568 votes#5 - Halloween Surprise
Season 5 Episode 5 - Aired 10/25/2012
A new job offer for Ben causes Leslie to contemplates their future. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy take Diane's girls out trick-or-treating, and Tom searches for a new business idea.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Michael Schur
7.7/10 2,249 votes#6 - Ben's Parents
Season 5 Episode 6 - Aired 11/8/2012
Leslie is nervous about meeting Ben's divorced parents. Tom prepares to pitch his new business to Ron with Jean-Ralphio's help. Chris rides an emotional rollercoaster.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Greg Levine
7.7/10 2,232 votes#7 - Leslie vs. April
Season 5 Episode 7 - Aired 11/15/2012
Leslie gets upset when April tries to get Lot 48 made into a dog park. Meanwhile, Tom enlists Ben’s help as he tries to launch his new business venture, and Andy hones his crime scene investigation skills.
Director: Wendey Stanzler
Writer: Harris Wittels
7.7/10 2,206 votes#8 - Pawnee Commons
Season 5 Episode 8 - Aired 11/29/2012
Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park.
Director: Morgan Sackett
Writer: Alexandra Rushfield
8.9/10 2,841 votes#9 - Ron and Diane
Season 5 Episode 9 - Aired 12/6/2012
Ron, Diane, and Leslie attend a wood working awards dinner after one of Ron's handcrafted chairs is nominated, but the happy occasion is threatened by the arrival of Tammy II. Meanwhile, Jerry hosts a holiday party at his home with his wife, and some of his friends are shocked to find they were not invited.
Director: Daniel J. Goor
Writer: Megan Amram, Aisha Muharrar
8.8/10 2,757 votes#10 - Two Parties
Season 5 Episode 10 - Aired 1/17/2013
Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Dave King
8.0/10 2,254 votes#11 - Women in Garbage
Season 5 Episode 11 - Aired 1/24/2013
Leslie and April handle a garbage route, while Tom asks Andy and Ben to teach him about basketball. Meanwhile, Ron is left to watch Diane's kids while their babysitter is out of town.
Director: Norm Hiscock
Writer: Harris Wittels
7.6/10 2,169 votes#12 - Ann's Decision
Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 2/7/2013
Ann tries to get to know herself as Leslie meddles in one of her biggest life decisions. Meanwhile, things go south when Ben enlists the guys to help choose a caterer for the wedding.
Director: Ken Whittingham
Writer: Nate DiMeo
8.5/10 2,319 votes#13 - Emergency Response
Season 5 Episode 13 - Aired 2/14/2013
Leslie and Ben organize a black tie gala to raise money for their park, but their plans are derailed when a city-wide emergency response drill is called. Meanwhile, Andy prepares to take his Police Academy Exam and Ron fills in for Leslie on Pawnee Today.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Norm Hiscock, Joe Mande
9.2/10 3,149 votes#14 - Leslie and Ben
Season 5 Episode 14 - Aired 2/21/2013
Leslie and Ben are getting married, and have to cram months of planning into two hours. Meanwhile, Ron's temper gets him in trouble.
Director: Craig Zisk
Writer: Michael Schur, Alan Yang
7.8/10 2,095 votes#15 - Correspondents' Lunch
Season 5 Episode 15 - Aired 2/21/2013
Leslie's speech she prepared for a special event is stolen. Ben begins his new job at the Sweetums Charity Foundation. Ann summons the courage to ask an important question.
Director: Nick Offerman
Writer: Alexandra Rushfield
8.0/10 2,170 votes#16 - Bailout
Season 5 Episode 16 - Aired 3/14/2013
Leslie is determined to help a local video store stay in business, while Chris offers Tom advice on how to deal with a difficult employee. Elsewhere, Ann resorts to blackmail to get April to be her friend.
Director: Craig Zisk
Writer: Joe Mande
7.5/10 2,080 votes#17 - Partridge
Season 5 Episode 17 - Aired 4/4/2013
Leslie accompanies Ben on a trip to his hometown which has offered him a key to the city. Ron deals with a lawsuit filed against him by Councilman Jamm. Ann and Chris take a parenting compatibility quiz.
Director: Tristram Shapeero
Writer: Dave King
8.2/10 2,165 votes#18 - Animal Control
Season 5 Episode 18 - Aired 4/11/2013
Leslie decides to give the Animal Control Department a much-needed makeover. Ann tries to get Ron the medical attention he needs. Ben, Tom, and Andy recruit donors for their charity foundation.
Director: Craig Zisk
Writer: Megan Amram
7.9/10 2,108 votes#19 - Article Two
Season 5 Episode 19 - Aired 4/18/2013
Leslie works to get rid of outdated laws from the original town charter. April and Ron receive management training from Chris. Ben finds himself in a bidding war against Ann to win a present for Leslie.
Director: Amy Poehler
Writer: Matt Murray
8.0/10 2,110 votes#20 - Jerry's Retirement
Season 5 Episode 20 - Aired 4/18/2013
When Leslie finds out Jerry is retiring, she struggles with the proper way to commemorate the occasion. Chris and Ann prepare to have a baby together. Tom worries he will become the office punching bag once Jerry leaves.
Director: Nicole Holofcener
Writer: Norm Hiscock, Aisha Muharrar
8.3/10 2,148 votes#22 - Are You Better Off?
Season 5 Episode 22 - Aired 5/2/2013
Leslie celebrates her first year as a city councilwoman. Retired Special Agent Burt Macklin is recalled to action. April gets some life-changing news. Tom debates a big business opportunity.
Director: Dean Holland
Writer: Michael Schur
