History Recap / ParksAndRecreationS04E04

* EatingLunchAlone: Ben is eating alone. Donna feels sorry for him when she sees this, prompting her to bring him along on her and Tom's Treat Yo Self trip.

* MachoDisasterExpedition: PlayedWith. Leslie formed an all-female camping group since the Pawnee Rangers wouldn't take girls. On their joint camping trip, the girls (led by Leslie) have tons of fun because they get to eat candy, do arts and crafts, and play with puppies while the boys (led by Ron) are miserable due to Ron forcing them to learn stoic survivalist methods instead of having fun.

* PetTheDog: Donna is usually shallow and aloof, but when she sees Ben eating lunch by himself and looking despondent, she immediately brings him along on her and Tom's shopping spree.

* ShoutOut: Ben's idea of a big shopping splurge treat for himself is a full, comic-accurate Franchise/{{Batman}} costume. In that same scene, Tom also the Joker's "Why so serious?" line from ''Film/TheDarkKnight''.

* ShoutOut: Ben's idea of a big shopping splurge treat for himself is a full, comic-accurate Franchise/{{Batman}} costume.

Tom and Donna try to teach Ben how to loosen up at the spa, but he has a very hard time relaxing and nearly hurts himself during a round of acupuncture. When they go to the mall, Tom complains when Ben buys himself some socks, but Donna figures maybe they should let Ben do "Treat Yo Self" his way, asking him what he would like to splurge on for himself. Ben buys himself a Batman costume, and then breaks down crying, admitting that his depressed state was caused by a recent break-up. Donna and Tom reassure him he'll get through this and he has their support, which cheers him up.

* MundaneMadeAwesome: Ben comes out of his room, unplugs and replugs the broadband router and fixes the houses connectivity issues. To make this awesome, replace the word "Ben" with "Batman". The way he flourishes his cape when he's finished is also epic.

* StunnedSilence: To be fair to Andy and April; having your quiet roommate emerge from his room in a full Batman costume could merit no other response.

Ron is the troupe leader of the Pawnee Rangers. Leslie is the troupe leader of the Pawnee Goddesses, which she started when the Rangers' leadership wouldn't allow girls into the club. Ron and Leslie have taken their groups out camping at the same grounds, and Leslie is determined to prove her group is better to avenge the past rejection. Andy is assisting Ron, and Ann and April are assisting Leslie.

One of the boys in Ron's troupe approaches Leslie and asks to join the Goddesses, who appear to be having a lot more fun on the trip, as they have puppies, pillow fights, and candy, while the Rangers are only given a can of beans to eat and told to build a meager shelter. Leslie gloats that her club is the best while telling the boy, Darren, that her club is only for girls. Several of the girls point out to Leslie that she's doing the same thing that was done to her five years ago in keeping the opposite gender out of the club. The girls suggest holding a public forum on the issue with the boys.

* StartMyOwn: Leslie started her own all-girls outdoor group, the Pawnee Goddesses, when the Pawnee Rangers refused to allow girls to join, decrying the policy as sexist. When one of the boys from Ron's troupe wants to join, she tries to refuse, using almost the exact same arguments. However, the girls call her out on her hypocrisy and convince her to change the policy. The two groups end up merging into Leslie's fun-focused version with a new (also coed) group called "The Swansons" established as a successor to Ron's all-practical-skills version of the Rangers.

* ButtMonkey: Ann fills this role in the episode. The girls in Leslie's club clearly don't appreciate her and everything she tries to do integrate results in either failure or her being given the cold shoulder. Subverted at the end when she bonds over catching a mackerel with the club. Double subverted when she reveals she bought it at the supermarket for that very reason.

* FashionShopFashionShow: Tom and Donna do this annually with their "Treat Yourself" day.

* {{Hypocrite}}: After Leslie made her own all-girls ranger group in protest of the Pawnee Rangers not accepting girls, she refuses to accept a boy with the exact same argument. The girls call her out on this. Additionally, she wants to prove that girls can be good with the outdoors too, but she winds up just reinforcing stereotypes by having them do stereotypically girly things like pillow fights and "puppy parties" instead of actual wilderness survival activities.

* TooMuchInformation: Chris feels obligated to inform Jerry about everything that happened during his date with Millicent, up to and including the fact that they spent the night together.

* EatingLunchAlone: Ben does this. Donna feels sorry for him when she sees this, prompting her to bring him along on her and Tom's Treat Yo Self trip.

Tom and Donna try to teach Ben how to loosen up at the spa, but he has a very hard time relaxing and nearly hurts himself during a round of acupuncture. When they go to the mall, Tom complains when Ben buys himself some socks, but Donna figures maybe they should let Ben do "Treat Yo Self" his way, asking him what he always wanted to buy for himself. Ben buys himself a Batman costume, and then breaks down crying, admitting that his depressed state was caused by a recent break-up. Donna and Tom reassure him he'll get through this and he has their support, which cheers him up.

When Ron arrives at his office, there are several children waiting for him for their club meeting. Leslie has set up a hardcore outdoor club for boys and girls called The Swansons for Ron to lead.

* EatingLunchAlone: Ben does this. Donna feels sorry for him because of this.

* TheGenerationGap: Ron laments how he doesn't understand kids these days.

* {{Hypocrite}}: After Leslie made her own group in protest of the Rangers not accepting girls, she refuses to accept a boy with the exact same argument. The girls call her out on this. Additionally, she wants to prove that girls can be good with the outdoors too, but she winds up just reinforcing stereotypes by having them do stereotypically girly things like pillow fights and "puppy parties" instead of actual wilderness survival activities.

* MachoDisasterExpedition: PlayedWith. Leslie formed an all-female camping group since the Pawnee Rangers wouldn't take girls. On their joint camping trip, the girls (led by Leslie) have tons of fun because they get to eat candy and play with puppies while the boys (led by Ron) are miserable due to Ron forcing them to learn stoic survivalist methods instead of have fun.

* ThatCameOutWrong: Ann's talking heads segment:
-->'''Ann''': I bought this mackerel at the supermarket. I've been standing in the water with the fish on my hook for 30 minutes. I saw it on an episode of ''Series/ILoveLucy''. Pathetic? Maybe, but it feels pretty good to have a bunch of little boys be super into me. That came out wrong.

* MachoDisasterExpedition: Leslie formed an all-female camping group since the Pawnee Rangers wouldn't take girls. On their joint camping trip, the girls (led by Leslie) have tons of fun while the boys (led by Ron) are miserable due to Ron's stoic survivalist methods.

* TooMuchInformation: Chris feels obligated to inform Jerry about everything that happened during his date with Millicent, up to and including the fact that they spent the night together.
* UglyGuysHotDaughter: Chris is rather surprised to see that Jerry's daughter Millicent is very beautiful.

One of the boys in Ron's troupe approaches Leslie and asks to join the Goddesses, who appear to be having a lot more fun on the trip, as they have puppies, pillow fights, and candy, while the Rangers are only given a can of beans to eat and told to build a meager shelter. Leslie gloats that her club is the best, while telling the boy, Darren, that her club is only for girls. Several of the girls point out to Leslie that she's doing the same thing that was done to her five years ago in keeping the opposite gender out of the club. The girls suggest holding a public forum on the issue with the boys.

Tom and Donna try to teach Ben how to loosen up at the spa, but he has a very hard time relaxing and nearly hurts himself during a round of acupuncture. When they go to the mall, Tom complains when Ben buys himself some socks, but Donna figures maybe they should let Ben do "Treat Yo Self" his way, asking him what he always wanted to buy for himself. Ben buys himself a Batman costume, and then breaks down crying, admitting that a recent break-up is the reason for his depressed state. Donna and Tom reassure him he'll get through this and he has their support, which cheers him up.

At lunch, Chris and Millicent hit it off. Back at the Parks department, Chris asks Jerry's permission to date Millicent. Jerry says that Millicent is a grown woman and that he trusts them both.

At the "public forum" between the Rangers and the goddesses, Ron tries to convince the boys that he's teaching them valuable skills, but when the puppies arrive, the boys (including Andy) desert him. The boys are allowed to join the Goddesses. Later, Leslie sees Ron sitting all by himself and starts to feel bad. She tries to reassure him that he's a good Ranger leader, but he laments that children no longer want to learn tough survival skills and admits her group is better. This doesn't give Leslie the satisfaction she thought it would.

* StartMyOwn: Leslie started her own all girls outdoor group, the Pawnee Goddesses, when the Pawnee Rangers refused to allow girls to join, decrying the policy as sexist. When one of the boys from Ron's troupe wants to join, she tries to refuse, using almost the exact same arguments. However, the girls call her out on her hypocrisy and convince her to change the policy. The two groups end up merging into Leslie's fun-focused version with a new (also coed) group called "The Swansons" established as a successor to Ron's all-practical-skills version of the Rangers.

Ron is the troop leader of the Pawnee Rangers. Leslie is the troop leader of the Pawnee Goddesses, which she started when a girl couldn't get into the Pawnee Rangers.

Ben goes over the Parks department paperwork with Donna and Jerry. They are surprised that he is a bit cranky. He has been wondering what is keeping him in Pawnee now that he has broken up with Leslie. Tom shows up for his and Donna's annual "Treat Yourself". Donna wants to bring Ben along.

Ron and Leslie take their groups on a camping trip. Andy is assisting Ron, and Ann and April are assisting Leslie. Ron's leadership style is to teach his boys how to survive in the wild. Leslie teaches her girls crafts. Leslie makes fun plans for her group in front of Ron's group, trying to make the boys jealous.

When Chris arrives at the Parks department, Jerry is the only one there. Chris gives Jerry the day off. Jerry plans to go to lunch with his daughter Millicent and invites Chris. When Chris meets Millicent, he agrees to have lunch with them.

One of the boys, Darren, approaches Leslie and asks to join the Goddesses. She gloats that her club is the best, while telling Darren that her club is only for girls.

At the spa, Ben is having a hard time relaxing. They go to the mall, and Tom and Donna encourage Ben to get something he really wants, not needs. Ben buys a Batman outfit for himself. Ben thanks them and starts to cry. Donna gets him to open up about what's bothering him.

Several of the girls point out to Leslie that she's doing the same thing that was done to her five years ago in keeping the opposite gender out of the club. The girls suggest holding a public forum on the issue with the boys.

At the "public forum", Ron tries to convince the boys that he's teaching them valuable skills, but when puppies arrive, the boys (including Andy) desert him.

Later, Leslie sees Ron sitting all by himself and starts to feel bad. She tries to make him feel better but he admits her group is better. This doesn't give Leslie the satisfaction she thought it would.

Next week, Chris gives Jerry much more information than he wanted about Chris' date with Millicent.

When Ron arrives at his office, there are several children waiting for him for their club meeting. Leslie has set up a hardcore outdoor club for boys and girls called the Swansons.

When Ron takes his boys only group of Pawnee Rangers on a camping trip, Leslie, upset that girls were not allowed into the Rangers, takes her all girls group of Pawnee Goddesses camping as well. Leslie is determined to prove that her group is better to avenge the past rejection.

Donna and Tom are excited to be going on their annual "Treat Yo Self" trip, where they spend a day treating themselves to extravagant material goods, spa trips, and luxurious food and drink. On their way to the mall, they see Ben is by himself and looking rather down, prompting Donna to bring him along despite Tom's protests.

Jerry is left alone in the office, so Chris gives him the day off. Jerry invites Chris to have lunch with him and his daughter Millicent. Chris initially declines, but agrees to come with them when he sees that Milly is very attractive.

The Pawnee Rangers become jealous of the Pawnee Goddesses, who appear to be having a lot more fun on the trip, as they have puppies, pillow fights, and candy, while the Rangers are only given beans and told to build a meager shelter. Leslie is glad her efforts to make the boys jealous worked, and is about to reject them from joining the Goddesses, but the members, after a public forum, decide to let the Rangers join them if they want. Every Ranger, including Ron's assistant Andy, defect to the Goddesses, making Leslie feel sorry when she spots Ron sitting at a campfire all alone. She apologizes for being so competitive, and Ron laments that children no longer want to learn tough survival skills, admitting Leslie has the better group.

Tom and Donna try to teach Ben how to loosen up at the spa, but he's so anxious that he nearly hurts himself during a round of acupuncture. Tom complains when Ben buys himself some socks, but Donna figures maybe they should let Ben do "Treat Yo Self" his way, asking him what he'd like to spend lavishly on. Ben buys himself a full Batman costume, and then breaks down, admitting that a recent break-up is the reason for his depressed state. Donna and Tom reassure him he'll get through this and he has their support, which cheers him up.

Millicent and Chris hit it off at lunch. Later, Chris asks Jerry for his approval in asking Millicent out, and Jerry is alright with it, as he trusts Millicent as an adult. However, Chris is insistent on being open with Jerry about all their activities.

Later, Ron is surprised to find a group of eager children in his office ready to join a new scouting group. It turns out Leslie took out an ad in the paper for a new group of self-reliant survivalists called "The Swansons".

When Ron takes his boys only group of Pawnee Rangers on a camping trip, Leslie, upset that girls were not allowed into the Rangers, takes her group of Pawnee Goddesses camping as well. Leslie is determined to prove that her group is better to avenge the past rejection.

Donna and Tom are excited to be going on their annual "Treat Yo Self" trip, where they spend a day treating themselves to extravagant material goods, spa trips, and luxurious food and drink. On their way to the mall, they see Ben is by himself and looking rther down, prompting Donna to bring him along despite Tom's protests.

* {{Hypocrite}}: After Leslie made her own group in protest of the Rangers not accepting girls, she refuses to accept a boy with the exact same argument. The girls call her out on this. Additionally, he wants to prove that girls can be good outdoorsmen too, but she winds up just reinforcing stereotypes by having them do stereotypically girly things like pillow fights and "puppy parties" instead of actual wilderness activities.

Tom and Donna try to teach Ben how to loosen up at the spa, but he's so anxious that he nearly hurts himself during a round of acupuncture. Tom complains when Ben buys himself some socks, but Donna figures maybe they should let Ben do "Treat Yo Self" his way, asking him what he'd like to spend lavishly on. Ben buys himself a full Batman costume, and then breaks down, admitting that a recent break-up is the reason for his depressed state. Donna and Tom reassure him he'll get through this and he has his support, which cheers him up.

When Ron takes his boys only group of Pawnee Rangers on a camping trip, Leslie, upset that girls are not allowed, takes her group of Pawnee Goddesses camping as well. Leslie uses multiple tactics to win the boys over to her group (including Ron's assistant camp counselor, Andy).

Meanwhile, Tom and Donna participate in their annual "Treat Yourself" date. When they see that Ben is depressed, they invite him along and try to teach him how to loosen up.

Since Jerry is the only one to remain in the office, Chris gives him the day off. When Jerry goes to lunch with his daughter Millicent, he invites Chris along. Millicent and Chris hit it off.

-->'''Ann''': I bought this mackerel at the supermarket. I've been standing in the water with the fish on my hook for 30 minutes. I saw it on an episode of ''Series/ILoveLucy''. Pathetic? Maybe, but it feels pretty good to have a bunch of little boys be super into me. ThatCameOutWrong.

* {{Hypocrite}}: After Leslie made her own group in protest of the Rangers not accepting girls, she refuses to accept a boy with the exact same argument. The girls call her on this.

* ScoutOut: The Pawnee Rangers are classic outdoors scouts, while Leslie's Goddesses are a bit more fun-centered. When the Rangers collapse, the Swansons come into being.
* StartMyOwn: Leslie started her own girl's outdoor group, the Pawnee Goddesses, when the Pawnee Rangers refused to allow girls to join, decrying the policy as sexist. When one of the boys from Ron's troupe wants to join, she tries to refuse, using almost the exact same arguments. However, the girls call her out on her hypocrisy and convince her to change the policy. The two groups end up merging into Leslie's fun-focused version with a new (also coed) group called "The Swansons" established as a successor to Ron's all-practical-skills version of the Rangers.

When Ron takes his boy-only group of Pawnee Rangers on a camping trip, Leslie, upset that girls are not allowed, takes her group of Pawnee Goddesses camping as well. Leslie uses multiple tactics to win the boys over to her group (including Ron's assistant camp counselor, Andy).

* StartMyOwn: Leslie starts her own girl's outdoor group when the Pawnee Rangers refuse to allow girls to join, decrying the policy as sexist. When one of the boys tries to defect she tries to refuse using almost the exact same arguments; her girls call her out on her hypocrisy and force her to change the policy. The two groups end up merging into her fun-focused version with a new (also coed) group acting as a successor to Ron's all-practical-skills version of the Rangers.

Meanwhile, Tom and Donna participate in their annual "Treat Yourself" date. When they see that Ben is depressed, they invite him along. They convince him to buy a Batman outfit.

* ScoutOut: The Pawnee Rangers are classic outdoors scouts, while Leslie's Goddesses are a bit more modern. When the Rangers collapse, the Swansons come into being.

-->'''Ann''': I bought this Mackerel at the Supermarket. I've been standing in the water with the fish on my hook for 30 minutes. I saw it on an episode of ''Series/ILoveLucy''. Pathetic? Maybe, but it feels pretty good to have a bunch of little boys be super into me. ThatCameOutWrong.