Over 7 seasons,Parks and Recreationintroduced many interesting couples. Some were doomed, like Ann (Rashida Jones) and Tom (Aziz Ansari) orRon (Nick Offerman) and Tammy (Megan Mullally), while others became well-developed and long-lasting relationships. With Ben (Adam Scott) and Leslie (Amy Poehler), Ann and Chris (Rob Lowe), and Ron and Diane (Lucy Lawless), there is fierce competition forthe series' best couple, butApril(Aubrey Plaza)and Andy(Chris Pratt)are at the top of the list.
These two have a unique opposites-attract charm, and their relationship lasts the longest. The unlikely pair get married in Season 3 and never break up. While they have childish tendencies, they encourage and bring out the best in each other. On the surface, April and Andy are an odd pairing, but they are perfect for each other despite their differences. From the beginning, the chemistry between the enthusiastic musician and the deadpan intern is undeniable, yet it wasn’t part of the original plan.April and Andy’s romance wasn’t on anyone’s mind until Aubrey Plaza went off script, inspiring what becameParks and Rec’s best love story.
‘Parks and Rec’ Didn’t Plan on April and Andy
It shouldn’t be a surprise that April and Andy’s long-term romance wasn’t in the plan becauseAndy wasn’t supposed to be a permanent character. Introduced as Ann’s lazy boyfriend who fell into the pit, Andy was going to be written off, but the series made adjustments because they didn’t want to lose Pratt. Andy’s character drastically changed when he became more of a fixture, and it was for the better. Yet, it wasn’t changing Andy into the lovable man-child fans know that inspired his relationship with April. Asseries creatorGreg Danielsrevealedduring a panel at the Paley Center in 2011, that came down to a single improvised line from Plaza in the Season 1 finale, “Rock Show.”
The episode features Andy getting back on stage now that his cast is removed, and he invites the Parks team to his show. However, as hetries to explain the kind of music his band, Scarecrow Boat (later renamed Mouse Rat), plays to the Parks employees, no one really understands. Andy rejects the term “rock,” preferring to leave his style undefined, which confuses everyone except April, who shows interest, saying, “I totally get what you mean.” This unassuming moment establishes a connection between them, but it wasn’t scripted. In the panel discussion,Plaza explains that she added the line because April would think Andy was cute and decided to be a little flirty, which got the creator’s thinking. April showing interest in Andy’s band is a starting point for them in the series and the idea. Of course, it had to be developed much more, but Plaza’s addition set the ball rolling for April and Andy.
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April and Andy Have a Supportive Relationship in ‘Parks and Rec’
Despite not being part of the plan,April and Andy’s relationshipis a highlight of the show. Both characters add humor to the series, but together, they are even better. Though their relationship took a while to develop, April’s improvised line marked the perfect beginning for them. April’s understanding of Andy’s music may be a subtle start, but it makes sense. Not only does it put her in contrast withAndy’s current girlfriend, Ann, who doesn’t appreciate Andy’s music, butit is the foundation of support that their relationship relies on.Though they are not at all alike, April never encourages Andy to give up on his dreams. She helps him find places to perform, and when he searches for a new career, she helps him think of ideas. Likewise, when April has an amazing opportunity to work with Ben in D.C., Andy is happy for her despite the distance. It is a rare relationship when both parties unconditionally support each other and never ask the other to compromise their dreams.
Throughout the show,April and Andy understand each other in a way no one around them does, and that’s what’s so beautiful about the couple. Together, they reject the expectations of adulthood and live completely as themselves. Despite their differences, neither wants to change the other, thoughthey do mature together by the end. The unique and loving relationship became a highlight of the series, all because Plaza added one simple line.
Parks and Recreationis streaming on Peacock in the U.S.
Parks and Recreation
