Leslie's mom Marlene is going to be given the Tellensen Award for Excellence in Pawnee Public Service. Leslie gets Tom to help her with her speech for the ceremony, but he gives her really bad advice.
Ann is attending the banquet with Leslie and spends some time trying to decide what to wear. Leslie goes to the barber, Salvatore, for a "political haircut". Since he only ever cuts men's hair, her new look is rather masculine-looking.
The Parks Department staff, and Mark, attend the banquet. At the event, Leslie and Ann appear together, and they are mistaken by many as a couple due to Leslie's suit and masculine hairstyle. When meeting Leslie's mom, Ann assures her that she has a boyfriend.
Leslie is excited to see that Janine Restrepo of the zoning board is at the banquet, hoping to get moving on the Lot 48 project with Janine's help. To impress her, Leslie mentions her by name in the speech she gives for her mother. Leslie then approaches Janine and asks for her help; Janine tells her she can call her office for an appointment. Marlene, however, tells Leslie that is a brush-off and Leslie should fight dirty. She tells Leslie that Janine's husband got a DUI and suggests Leslie use this information to get a meeting with Janine. Ann tries to talk Leslie out of this, and it leads to an argument where Leslie accuses Ann of giving into whatever Andy wants her to do; Ann leaves.
Leslie tries to blackmail Janine but feels remorse immediately and apologizes. She goes to Ann's house to tell her what happened and to apologize. Ann apologizes as well.
Meanwhile, Tom and Mark leave the banquet to pick up women at a bar. Mark goes reluctantly, wanting to stay at the event. Tom tries hard to flirt with women but Mark's heart isn't in it. He heads back to the event, but everyone has left.
Tropes:
- The Caretaker: Deconstructed with regards to Ann and Andy.
- Department of Redundancy Department: Leslie uses this trope while talking to/insulting Ann when Ann tries to warn her about Marlene's advice:Ann: Do you always do everything your mother tells you to?Leslie: Do you always do everything your boyfriend tells you to? (Ann gasps) Make him any pancakes lately?Ann: He has two broken legs!Leslie: And he has three crutches. One of them is you! The other two are crutches.
- I Need a Freaking Drink: Ann needs a drink when she sees people staring at her and Leslie.
- Mistaken for Gay: Leslie and Ann are mistaken for a couple.
- Power Hair: Leslie's hairstyle for the banquet is short and masculine looking.
- You Never Did That for Me: When Andy sees Ann dressed nicely for the event, he asks her why she doesn’t dress nice for him.
