An imaginary reader writes:
Herc, you swine! Why did you tell us how hilarious you found the March 3 episode of “Parks and Recreation,” when clearly no “Parks” episode of any caliber aired on March 3?
Look, Junior. This was what NBC printed on the back of the screener:
So sue me.
NBC says of tonight’s installment, titled “Harvest Festival”:
With the fate of her entire department hinging on the success of the Harvest Festival, Leslie deals with last-minute problems with a Wamapoke tribal leader, who threatens to put a curse on the event. Meanwhile, April is upset with Andy, while Ann gets romantic advice from an unlikely source.
What NBC is not telling you:
* The Wamapoke stuff is hilarious generally, but a related Tiger Woods-style CGI reenactment is a knee-slapper.
* Funny Leslie Knope line: “Right past the entrance turnstile. So that you have to look at it before you start having fun.”
* Nick Offerman is really funny chewing everyone out as Ron Swanson.
* Newish regular Adam Scott is really funny as Ben Wyatt, the one guy who doesn’t get the Fest’s number-one attraction.
* Aziz Ansari is really funny as Tom torments Jerry.
* Chris Pratt is really funny working the carny games.
* Aubrey Plaza is really funny reacting to her incredibly dense boyfriend.
* Mo Collins is really funny as she returns for the sixth time as Leslie’s TV tormentor, “Pawnee Today” host Joan Callamezzo.
* Jay Jackson is back for his fifth episode as Perd “Ya Heard” Hapley. (Fun fact: former KCAL newsman Jackson has played a reporter on “Dexter,” “The Closer” and “The Mentalist” as well.)
* Tilda Bird is among the chief Harvest Fest attractions.
* Rob Lowe isn’t in the episode but he remains in the opening credits. How does he stay on the show now that he’s broken up with Ann and has moved on to another troubled Indiana municipality? Invisotext on! When the Harvest Fest proves a big success, Leslie becomes famous and begins her quest for higher office. I assume Lowe’s character will act as a catalytic mentor in this regard.
What else is happening tonight?
Annie organizes a baby shower for Shirley, while Shirley plots to keep Senor Chang out of her life. Meanwhile, Britta has a mysterious new love interest named Lukka, whose classroom poetry soon reveals a dark past.
Contestants face brand-new obstacles such as the Bed Bugs and the Springavator.
Jack puts Liz in charge of an event for Angie in the hopes that she can emotionally manipulate Angie into making an appeal to Tracy. The "Queen of Jordan" cameras bring Jack some embarrassment while leaving Jenna starved for attention. A lost love returns to Frank's life, causing him to question his maturity. Susan Sarandon guest stars.
Scenes deleted from “Indianapolis”:
Put that DVR to use:
“Community”: 8 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“Spring Wipeout”: 8 p.m. Thursday. ABC.
“Parks”: 9:30 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“30 Rock”: 10 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
