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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!

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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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 1 - Ms. Knope Goes to Washington
    7.8/10(2538 votes)

    #1 - Ms. Knope Goes to Washington

    S5:E1

    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

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  2. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 2 - Soda Tax
    7.8/10(2495 votes)

    #2 - Soda Tax

    S5:E2

    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

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  3. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 3 - How a Bill Becomes a Law
    7.9/10(2471 votes)

    #3 - How a Bill Becomes a Law

    S5:E3

    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

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  4. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 4 - Sex Education
    8.0/10(2507 votes)

    #4 - Sex Education

    S5:E4

    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

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  5. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 5 - Halloween Surprise
    8.6/10(2772 votes)

    #5 - Halloween Surprise

    S5:E5

    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

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  6. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 6 - Ben's Parents
    7.7/10(2434 votes)

    #6 - Ben's Parents

    S5:E6

    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

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  7. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 7 - Leslie vs. April
    7.7/10(2413 votes)

    #7 - Leslie vs. April

    S5:E7

    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

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  8. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 8 - Pawnee Commons
    7.7/10(2383 votes)

    #8 - Pawnee Commons

    S5:E8

    Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park.

    Director:Morgan Sackett
    Writer:Alexandra Rushfield

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  9. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 9 - Ron and Diane
    8.9/10(3075 votes)

    #9 - Ron and Diane

    S5:E9

    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
    Writers:Aisha Muharrar, Megan Amram

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  10. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 10 - Two Parties
    8.8/10(2970 votes)

    #10 - Two Parties

    S5:E10

    Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune.

    Director:Dean Holland
    Writer:Dave King

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  11. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 11 - Women in Garbage
    8.0/10(2437 votes)

    #11 - Women in Garbage

    S5:E11

    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

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  12. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 12 - Ann's Decision
    7.6/10(2352 votes)

    #12 - Ann's Decision

    S5:E12

    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

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  13. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 13 - Emergency Response
    8.5/10(2517 votes)

    #13 - Emergency Response

    S5:E13

    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
    Writers:Norm Hiscock, Joe Mande

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  14. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 14 - Leslie and Ben
    9.2/10(3396 votes)

    #14 - Leslie and Ben

    S5:E14

    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
    Writers:Michael Schur, Alan Yang

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  15. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 15 - Correspondents' Lunch
    7.8/10(2268 votes)

    #15 - Correspondents' Lunch

    S5:E15

    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

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  16. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 16 - Bailout
    8.0/10(2351 votes)

    #16 - Bailout

    S5:E16

    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

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  17. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 17 - Partridge
    7.5/10(2248 votes)

    #17 - Partridge

    S5:E17

    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

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  18. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 18 - Animal Control
    8.2/10(2346 votes)

    #18 - Animal Control

    S5:E18

    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

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  19. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 19 - Article Two
    7.9/10(2282 votes)

    #19 - Article Two

    S5:E19

    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

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  20. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 20 - Jerry's Retirement
    8.0/10(2285 votes)

    #20 - Jerry's Retirement

    S5:E20

    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
    Writers:Norm Hiscock, Aisha Muharrar

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  21. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 21 - Swing Vote
    7.5/10(2200 votes)

    #21 - Swing Vote

    S5:E21

    Leslie deems Ron's budget-cut proposals unacceptable. Andy and Ben celebrate a big donation made to their charity. Ann tries to solve Tom's girlfriend troubles.

    Director:Alan Yang
    Writers:Alan Yang, Joe Mande

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  22. Parks and Recreation Season 5 Episode 22 - Are You Better Off?
    8.2/10(2326 votes)

    #22 - Are You Better Off?

    S5:E22

    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

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Season 5 Ratings Summary

"Ms. Knope Goes to Washington" is the best rated episode of "Parks and Recreation" season 5. It scored 7.8/10 based on 2538 votes. Directed by Dean Holland and written by Aisha Muharrar, it aired on 9/20/2012. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Soda Tax".