Quirky and Smart

While it almost goes without saying we are gonna say it anyway. We love Amy Poehler's character Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation. Leslie shows the audience how quirky and smart go hand-in-hand as she moves between moments of being completely silly and running for political office. Poehler's character demonstrates what it means to have pride in yourself, your work and your town. She isn't afraid to be true to herself and while she cares about her relationships with other people, she doesn't live for their approval. In season four she decides she has to end her romantic relationship with a coworker so she can run for political office. Instead of portraying Leslie as selfish, power hungry and uncaring (as so many shows might do) we see the other characters supporting Leslie's decision and encouraging her campaign. This is brought home in the moment when her romantic interest (Ben) tells her he knows she is running for office (and they have to break up) and presents her with a campaign badge to show his support.

Keep it up, Parks and Recreation!