S7E1
2017
⚠ Spoiler alert This recap gives away what happens in this episode.
Episode Summary & Review
Summary
Leslie launches a competition with tech company Gryzzl for a large parcel of land, which she wants to turn into a National Park. April and Andy try to regain their spontaneity. Ben is recognized at a Bicentennial gala, where Tom delivers a speech in his honor.
Our Take
The 2017 time jump gives the season a fresh start, and the Gryzzl standoff sets up a decent conflict for Leslie’s final run. April and Andy’s spontaneity game is mostly filler, but Tom’s surprisingly sincere tribute to Ben lands well. A serviceable premiere that spends too much time re-establishing the new status quo instead of telling jokes.