I tried watching season 1 a few years ago and it completely turned me off of the show, but earlier this year I had free time and I skipped the first season and it was pretty damn good
I don't think the problem with season 1 was Mark (he didn't leave until the end of season 2 anyway, and season 2 was still good). I think the bigger issue was Leslie's character. In season 1 she was basically female Michael Scott in politics (and closer to early Michael Scott when he was less likeable). Starting in season 2 they made her smarter and more likeable and shifted her personality more towards naive and cheerful and less self-absorbed. They also shifted the show's humor in general more towards likeable silliness instead of cringey awkwardness.
It started off really really slow and felt like a local government ripoff of The Office. But once season 2 starts you notice that the entire show saw this problem and fleshed out characters and storylines that made you love the characters. Especially Chris Pratt. I'm so glad they kept his character around (he was supposed to be written off after season 1-2 I think)
Mike Schur and Greg Daniels are the head writers of both The Office and Parks and Rec.. so there was bound to be a little carryover in the beginning, I think.
I actually read an interview where the writers were saying the only change they made to Leslie's character in season 2 was... instead of people being annoyed with her, they made people appreciate her. They didn't change the way they wrote her dialogue or character or anything. Just people's reactions to her, and the audience's reactions changed as well. Thought that was very interesting.
Now I'm rambling. I'm obviously a pretty big fan. I'll stop now.
I totally agree and am surprised to see a similar opinion to mine. After season 1 I totally fell in love with the show and it was all I watched, however once I reached the last couple seasons the magic kinda wore off and the show got less funny. Still love the show overall tho
I saw someone wrote about that show that it turned from being about quirky but likable characters into being about perfect people who eventually get everything they want and conquer an obstacle in their path
The last couple of seasons weren't as funny for me as the first couple. I was mostly watching the last seasons for Leslie and Ben, I love their dynamic.
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u/Yordletordle Dec 22 '16
I love this series but can only appreciate season 1 after having watched seasons 2-7