Don't you just love watching a tv show when the wheels first start to set in motion? Characters become developed, the writers figure out what works and what doesn't, and the tone is just right. I believe we are finally at that point in this series, and "Beauty Pageant" continues the trend made by the previous two, solid episodes. I remember when I first started watching the show, it was these early Season 2 episodes that got me hooked, and when I first fell in love with the town of Pawnee and its characters.
"Beauty Pageant" works in similar ways like the Season 2 opener "Pawnee Zoo" does. Where "Pawnee Zoo" was a satire on gay rights in America, "Beauty Pageant" is a satire on women's empowerment. The thoughts and opinions on what women can and cannot do have changed drastically over the past century in our country. Heck, women couldn't even vote until 1920!! This perspective of women changed because of the powerful, outspoken women like Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and Sandra Day O'Connor who helped change America for the better. Leslie Knope is, in a lot of ways, like a mini-version of these incredible women, who changed America, except Leslie Knope is trying to change a small town in Indiana. Hey, you gotta start somewhere!
The entire main plot at the beauty pageant is comedic gold. Leslie has become a judge at the Miss Pawnee beauty pageant. Unfortunately, the four other judges (one of them being Tom), have a different outlook on women, and tend to go the more traditional route and choose the most attractive. It is a "beauty" pageant after all, but you have to admire the total will and determination of Leslie in this episode. I think it is episodes like these, that prove Leslie Knope is one of the greatest sitcom characters of all time.
The B-plot at Ann's house is ok, but is thankfully saved by Andy Dwyer's appearance, who is still living in the pit right behind Ann's house. Chris Pratt is so funny in these scenes, but if you really think about it, Andy Dwyer is an insane weirdo. Can you imagine if someone in real life actually did this? They would probably be arrested! Pratt really toes the line between insanity and hilarity so well.
For an episode that does not feature Ron Swanson one bit, "Beauty Pageant" is very funny and just proves how deep this talented cast is. Also, how introspective the writer's have become in highlighting important political issues in our country.
