The tenth episode of “Parks and Recreation” begins with an end. Viewers aren’t watching “Parks and Recreation.” They’re being treated to the final episode of “The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show,” and it features quite a few special guests.
The show’s first special segment includes the one and only April Ludgate on “April’s Animal Corner.” She brings a tarantula for show and tell, but, Andy has misplaced the spider somewhere in the studio — cue super long disclaimer.
Next, Johnny Karate pays a visit to Ron Swanson with “Making Something with Carpenter Ron,” followed by “Learn Something with Professor Smartbrain” featuring Ben Wyatt and “Karate Chop Something with Mailman Barry,” with Garry Gergich.
The show transitions to “Try Something New with Leslie Knope.” Little does Andy know, Leslie’s segment involves her hosting the show to pay tribute to him. From falling into the pit to his band adventures in Mouse Rat, the episode covers it all.
Andy’s friend, Lord Edgar Covington, from his time working with a non-profit in England, visits the show and knights both Andy and Ben. The show’s audience is now fortunate enough to be in the presence of Sir Andy Dwyer.
This episode also comes complete with its own commercials. Some of the companies viewers see advertised are the Very Good Building and Development Company, the Wamapoke Casino, Paunch Burger and the unlikely power trio of Verizon, Chipotle and Exxon.
John Cena also makes an appearance as himself. He supposedly stole a guitar in a case Bert Macklin is working on, and Cena finds himself a victim of the show’s dunk tank.
Leslie has arranged for a karate outfit to be left in Pawnee in Andy’s honor, once he and April move to Washington D.C. April is upset she’s making Andy leave a part of his life he loves, but he assures her that she’s the one he really loves — she’s his Verizon, Chipotle and Exxon.
Episode 11 also begins with several endings. Leslie has officially been offered a promotion taking her to D.C., Donna and Joe bought a house in Seattle, Garry is retiring and Pawnee’s Mayor Walter Gunderson, played by Bill Murray, has passed away.
Ben, April and Garry begin searching for a mayor and interview local celebrities like, Bobby Newport, played by Paul Rudd, talk show host, Joan Callamezzo, radio personality, “The Douche” and Jean-Ralphio’s father, played by Henry Winkler.
After a series of failed interviews, April suggests Ben take over as mayor to redeem himself from the horrendous Ice Town days. Ben eventually decides against the position and passes the duty along to Garry. Garry Gergich will be the new interim mayor of Pawnee, Indiana.
Leslie encourages Tom to propose to Lucy. The two plan an elaborate proposal video for her while she’s out of town, but when Leslie and Tom pick Lucy up from the airport, he decides the proposal plan is too much.
Tom proposes to Lucy at The Snakehole Lounge, where they first met, and she says yes. There’s another death in the episode, as well. Ron’s barber died and he’s heartbroken. Where will he find another successful $8 haircut? Donna sets him up with a salon of hers, and Ron and his new hairdresser form an unlikely friendship.
The episode ends with an inauguration celebration for Garry in the park, complete with a choir and celebratory banner. The episode ends with Garry sailing away in a hot air balloon.