A Wonderful Creation, by Tyler Smith

I know I’m a little late to this party- and that my opinion seems to be in the minority- but I’m a really big fan of Parks & Recreation, the new show from the makers of The Office. It is by no means a perfect show, but it has real potential. I’ll talk about the show as a whole another day. Right now, though, I want to single out my favorite aspect of the show.

Every once in a while, a character will come along that is so unquestionably complete, so beautifully realized, that I find I can’t stop thinking about said character. I would include such characters as E.B. Farnum (Deadwood), Bunk (The Wire), Dale Cooper (Twin Peaks), Ben Stone (Law & Order), George Costanza (Seinfeld), and Jack Donaghy (30 Rock).

The latest addition to this list is Ron Swanson, played in Parks & Recreation by Nick Offerman. In a show with characters that we’ve seen before and feel somewhat familiar with, Ron is very refreshing. At a glance, Ron seems like a sitcom cliche: the grumpy, put-upon boss who really, deep down, has a heart of gold. Upon closer inspection, however, we find that Ron stopped caring about his job long ago. He hates the idea of government interference, and yet he himself works as a low level government official. He is quick to discuss his political philosophies, and even quicker to talk about the shortcomings of others.

In those few scenes where he comes out of his office and has to actually do his job, Ron’s face is frozen in a mask of misery. As he gives an introductory speech that is meant to honor a hated colleague, Ron chooses to merely state facts. “Marlene is a woman. She has worked in the government for three decades. Thirty years.” And so on.

Ron’s one moment of heroism comes when he stands up for his subordinate, who has broken an insignificant rule. As she is questioned about her actions, Ron expresses his frustration at the proceedings. Finally, after comparing the discussion to North Korea and Communist China, he storms out, bringing the subordinate with him. It’s an exciting moment, as we feel that this man’s true colors have finally come to light. A moment later, however, we realize that his anger came more from his philosophies than any affection he might feel for his employees.

It’s a realization like this that makes Ron Swanson such a complete character. Played by Nick Offerman with a perpetual scowl, Ron is a much-needed component to a show about government. He represents those officials that have absolutely no faith in the system in which they’re employed and, as such, stopped trying to make any sort of difference long ago. Of course, he does recognize that other people have not yet come to the same realization as he, and will show some support for them.

Offerman finds and hits exactly the right notes for this character. Ron’s station in life has left him with frustration and rage, which Offerman wisely keeps below the surface, bubbling to the top only when he can’t stand it anymore. Perhaps Offerman’s best moment comes during the questioning in which one of the officials brings up some questionable behavior of the city planners. Ron responds with a look of absolute hate and gives the official a dead-eyed stare as he states, “That’s not my department.” He looks as though he could literally reach across the table and choke the official to death, but it’s delivered in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Offerman has yet to miss a beat. In a perfect world, Offerman would be nominated for a Supporting Actor Emmy. He probably won’t, though. This kind of subtlety isn’t often rewarded.

I’m excited to see where Parks & Recreation goes from here. I care about the characters, to the point that I even find myself caring for the incredibly inane goal they have set for themselves. I am eager for the next season, not only to see what happens, but also to see Ron Swanson sigh wearily through it all.