TV SHOWS & THE ENNEAGRAM |Parks & Recreation

We are looking into all members of the Pawnee Parks & Recreation dept. and four key relationships.

See TV Shows & The Enneagram: The Office, One Tree Hill & Gilmore Girls.

Listen to an accompanying podcast episode on my show Monologue HERE.

Donna Meagle is a Type 8 (The Challenger)

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

• Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
• Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
  and destiny)

What’s going down in Donna town? What’s the happs in Meagelwood?

Donna’s gotta be the most confident character on Parks & Rec (besides maybe Ron and well…there might be a reason for that…)

Leslie doesn’t seem to really be fazed by anyone and yet, she’s clearly intimated by her, especially in the earlier seasons. Donna loves conflict and drama and loves being an instigator.

I love when she and Jerry bond in the later seasons. It shows an 8 at its healthiest: strong-willed and confident, and bonding with the biggest underdog on the show.

Donna can get it.

Jerry Gergich is a Type 9 (The Peacemaker)

Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

• Basic Fear: Of loss and separation
• Basic Desire: To have inner stability “peace of mind”

Oh Jerry/Gary/Larry/Terry.

Just the very fact we think his name is Jerry for the first THREE SEASONS and it’s actually Gary, because the old director called him Jerry on his first day and he just “didn’t think he should correct him,” SCREAMS a 9. Doesn’t correct his co-workers for years of his NAME because he doesn’t want to disturb the peace.

The Jerry trope is hilarious and it’s pretty brilliant because at times you feel really bad for him and the joke gets a little tired, but then he does something so embarrassing and you can’t help but think you’d probably join in on the chastisement.

Can’t you do anything WRONG Jerry?

Ann Perkins is a Type 2 (The Helper)

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

• Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved
• Basic Desire: To feel loved

Oh, Ann. You beautiful, naïve, sophisticated newborn baby.

I like Ann. I feel bad for Rashida Jones because she either plays a fairly unlikable character (Karen on The Office) or a character you feel fairly ambivalent toward (Ann, here on Parks and Rec).

Ann’s not gonna be your favorite character because she is the least colorful — and can be a bit basic when it comes to relationships — but she is actually super funny and a great grounding character for Leslie.

She displays the healthy sides of her 2ness in her friendship with Leslie. She’s always there to offer advice or to just be a soundboard for Leslie’s crazy. She loves her with no agenda.

We see her unhealthy sides in pretty much all of her other relationships, however. Even when it’s Ron and April or Ron’s girlfriend’s kids. She’s always seeking approval and to be loved.

We see this especially in her romantic relationships. Andy treats her like his maid and cook for wayyyy too long. She’s wooed by Mark even though he’s a boring jerk. She’s insecure for most of her and Chris’s relationship (the first time) and she dates TOM.

Even when she finally realizes that she becomes whoever she’s dating and decides to date around and try a lot of different things, she still starts dating guys and focusing too much of her attention on that. Like you do you girl but also, figure out who you are. On your own. Without a man.

Eventually though she does do this and decides to have a baby on her own. She’s not looking to end up with Chris but it happens naturally — and not until she’s honest with him and until she knows she doesn’t need him. She’s got some great, underrated one-liners as well.

You are an opalescent tree shark, Ann.

Ben Wyatt is a Type 1 (The Reformer)

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

• Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
• Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced

Do you think a depressed person could make this??

Ben is so delightfully nerdy, morally conscious, and reliable. I was between a 6 and a 1 for him, as Ben also very much values security and can run on his anxiety and stress.

But his main purpose seems to be the logical anchor and moral compass for Leslie (and everyone else in his life). Ben is such a perfectionist and I sometimes feel that this must stem from his failure as an 18-year-old mayor. It’s hard for him to admit his failures, and very hard for him to admit that he’s depressed (in Season 4) because he never wants to be viewed as defective.

1s can also fall into being judgmental, and we see this when he’s being too serious about every aspect of Leslie’s campaign.

His 1ness is mostly healthy, however. He’s inherently a good person down to his core and he takes good situations and makes them great.

Keep on dancin’ little man.

Andy Dwyer is a Type 7 (The Enthusiast)

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

• Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
• Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content — to have their needs fulfilled

Oh sweet bb Andy. What a playful, energetic, scattered 7.

Andy has a great arc on the show. In the beginning he’s such a lazy bag of bones who treats Ann like his babysitter. Then he gets a job at the parks dept., falls in love with April, and the rest is history.

Andy is a bit of an unhealthy 7 — all over the place, distractible and doesn’t like to deal with pain.

But he’s such a sweetheart and can be oddly wise. He is probably the most unassuming character on the show and is so refreshingly unconcerned with what people think of him.

You keep doing you Andy. Mouse Rat forever.

Chris Traeger is a Type 7 (The Enthusiast)

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

• Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
• Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content — to have their needs fulfilled

Chris is literally! a Type 7.

Chris (next to Leslie) is the most energetic, positive, and hyperbolic character on the show. He exaggerates every situation, tries to do way more than humans are typically capable of doing, and he’s a classic pain denier.

When I chose 7 for Chris (thanks Instagram poll — I was also considering a 3) I immediately thought of this scene.:

This is a classic 7 move. They downplay their negative emotions and think if they just stay busy, they can distract themselves from being unhappy. This stems from the fact that they hate being in pain and avoid it like the plague.

Chris spirals out of control due to his failed relationships (and from feeling his immortality), and instead of trying to deal with his depression, he works harder and works out harder.

However, he eventually goes to therapy, listens to Ann about why their relationship didn’t work out (and she exposes perhaps his patterned behavior in all of his relationships), and moves toward a more healthy version of himself. Chris is motivating, kind, encouraging, and enthusiastic.

Diabetes!

April Ludgate is a Type 5 (The Investigator)

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

• Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable
• Basic Desire: To be capable and competent

April is a dark, weird, secretly loving and sensitive queen.

I was tempted to type April a 4 as we all know she is very original. But the emotional, temperamental aspects of a 4 didn’t make sense to me. She for sure has a 4 wing but like a 5, she is more withdrawn and doesn’t care what people think, yet she’s fiercely loyal to the few crucially important people in her life.

April is the youngest character but has such great energy about her because you feel like she’s actually the wisest (and for sure the coolest).

She’s super intelligent and individualistic. I love her weird one liners and how, at the end of the day, all she really cares about is Andy, Champion and sleeping.

I love her relationships with Ron and with Leslie. Ron and her are kindred spirits and they exemplify those beautiful friendships where you just get each other and can sit in silence. Alone together. Leslie and April are such opposites that they really challenge and support each other in their own unique ways.

It also makes so much sense where she ends up career wise. A 5 is super insightful and April can remove the emotion from situations.

Keep keepin’ it real, April.

Tom Haverford is a Type 3 (The Achiever)

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be-role models who inspire others.

• Basic Fear: Of being worthless
• Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile

Oh Tommy Timberlake.

Tom might be my favorite character. He is such an unhealthy 3 and it’s hilarious. He’s super materialistic and narcissistic.

Tom is selfish and overly concerned with his appearance 95% of the time. He has big dreams of achieving, but is never practical about them. His visions can be successful when paired with Leslie’s work ethic, Ben’s practicality, or Ron’s resourcefulness.

Tom has great ideas and experiences both success and failure in his life. Finally, (in the futuristic 2019….), he’s able to be self-aware about this and uses what he’s learned through failures to educate and inspire people.

Treat yo self forever.

Ron Swanson is a Type 8 (The Challenger)

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

• Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
• Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
  and destiny)

He’s Ron f****** Swanson.

Ron was super easy to type. When you think of Ron Swanson you think of a gruff, no nonsense, bad ass who hides his sweet and sensitive side.

Ron is the most confident character on the show — aside from maybe Donna, a fellow 8, because he gives zero shits about what people think of him. He does his own thing, is never intimidated, and always presents himself as strong and untenable.

However, this hurts him in his relationships. It’s so hard for 8s to be vulnerable because they never want to appear weak.

This hurts him when he and Leslie have issues, and when he finally finds the woman he wants to be with (that isn’t a Tammy). It’s hard for him to apologize when he’s wrong and express his feelings.

However, he eventually learns that expressing those feelings is necessary and doesn’t mean that he’s weak. Ron can be too detached and gruff at times, but ultimately he’s a sweet protector and a loyal friend.

Who loves whiskey and snake juice.

Leslie Knope is a Type 3 (The Achiever)

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be-role models who inspire others.

• Basic Fear: Of being worthless
• Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile

Leslie is super chill all the time!!!

I was between a 3 and a 7 for Ms. Leslie Knope. She’s so energetic, optimistic and works harder than anyone. Ben calls her the “energizer bunny of local government” in Season 3. Typing Leslie a 3 makes more sense due to her motivations as a character, however. I believe she’s more motivated by achieving and advancement than by experiencing everything.

Her deepest desire is to feel valued and useful, and she often uses her talents to prove to others why she’s worthwhile.

Leslie is the driving force of the show. While typical to unhealthy 3s can be selfish, she puts everyone in her life before herself, all while achieving most anything she sets her sights on. I think she for sure has a strong 2 wing (the helper).

The times she does get caught up though is when she’s so focused on a goal that she can become too visionary and idealistic — whether it’s a work project or a relationship.

In Season 4, she’s so determined to win over one voter that doesn’t like her that she bowls and buys this prick beer for hours to win him over. She’s sometimes overly concerned with what others think of her, and these are the times the 2 aspects of her personality can hinder her: being overly focused on winning.

At the end of the day, Leslie fights fully for her people and what she believes in. Her determination and empathy always wins.

Everyday is Galentine’s if you’re BFFs with Leslie Knope.

RELATIONSHIPS

Chris and Ann (Type 7 with Type 2)

Pros:

Both Enneagram Twos and Sevens can be outgoing, friendly, funny, high-energy people and very enjoyable company. They want others to be happy and to have a good time, and both types tend to interpret things (including setbacks) in a positive way-always looking for the silver lining or the blessing in a seeming disaster. In addition, Twos bring a depth of feeling and concern for the welfare of others into the mix. Sevens bring high energy, and a quick mind that sees possibilities and generates ideas faster than they can be acted on. Both Twos and Sevens are idealistic, but Twos can more easily and consistently translate this impulse into altruistic action. This inspires the Seven who also enjoys sharing their abundance with others. Together, they can be remarkably generous and thoughtful as a couple. The Two and Seven combination can have a positive effect on people that is virtually unmatched by any other couple: they can be warm, welcoming and generous, making others feel loved and invited to the party.

Oh Chris and Ann. They’re both so beautiful they probably just want to see each other naked!

This is a fun, warm couple to be around. 7s bring the optimism and playfulness, and 2s bring love and service. When Chris and Ann get together in the beginning, it just feels fun and right. They then go through it (which I’ll cover in a bit), ultimately making them a stronger couple, but at the beginning they are drawn to each other’s positivity and warmth.

Cons:

In time, Twos feel that they can never have enough intimacy and they usually try to find ways to be closer to the Seven. Sevens, on the other hand, generally find the idea of settling down and limiting their options to be nowhere nearly as attractive to them. Sevens are capable of long-term commitments, but they tend not to be eager to get into them. As a result of these signals, the Two may start to hover and become more intrusive, pulling in the reins on the Seven, insisting that they have more quality time together. Sevens can easily feel trapped by this maneuver, and they may begin to lose interest in the Two, feeling that the relationship has gone stale (rather than realizing their own anxiety over the potential closing of options). While making the Seven the center of attention generally suits Twos well for a while, Twos eventually begin to unconsciously feel used. They will either withhold their attention and affection, or start to compensate in other ways, such as by overeating or having real or imagined health problems as a way of forcing the Seven to pay attention to their needs.

Chris and Ann do end up together, but in a very unconventional way — which is maybe why it worked for them? They were seemingly too perfect as a couple at first.

After Chris breaks up with her (and was so positive about it she didn’t know he did…) they debrief their relationship when Chris is having issues with Millicent Gergich, and she says that he turned her into a version of himself, so he got bored dating her because he was essentially dating himself. This makes so much sense for a 2 when they’re unhealthy. They can be so focused on the other person that they almost become a chameleon.

The way they get together for good is by Ann wanting to have a baby and asking him to be the sperm donor. She doesn’t have romantic intentions at all, but because of this greater purpose, they fall for each other again — finally healthy versions of themselves.

Ann doesn’t sacrifice who she is to be with him, and Chris learns to chill out a bit and simply say “that sucks” when something is wrong.

Ron and Leslie (Type 3 with Type 8)

Pros:

Both Threes and Eights are assertive and go after what they want in life. Either an alliance forms that will enhance both parties or a competition develops that will keep them apart. Surprisingly, Eight’s strength and solidity gives Threes permission to be more heartfelt: the Eight feels reliable and Threes seek safety to reveal their hearts. Eights also like seeing Threes use the opportunities and rise to the challenges they offer. On the other side, it helps Eights to relax once they see that the Three is competent and can do things on their own.

They both have a marked degree of self-confidence (at least outwardly), they can be persuasive, and they can cut their losses and change goals when things are not working for them. To this mix, Threes bring more awareness of others, a feeling for public relations and for how to please people. They are more diplomatic and adaptable, both in their relationship with Eights and with others. Eights bring forthrightness in expression, fearlessness, physical vigor, and determination to achieve their personal vision. They want to be proud of each other and to support each other’s potentials and accomplishments. They tend not to compete with each other — surprising because both tend, in general, to be competitive with others.

They’re not similar to Michael and Pam at all, but this is the comparable relationship in Parks and Rec. I love this platonic relationship (although Ron and April have a wonderful friendship as well). It seems like a 3 and 8 relationship is naturally symbiotic, but if something significant tears them apart, reconciliation is difficult. Which is exactly what happens with Leslie and Ron!

At their best, they have a mutual respect for each other in the fact they’re both competitive, competent and confident. When working for the same goal, or able to compromise if their goals are different, they are supportive and complementary.

Cons:

Under sufficient stress, they may stop supporting each other and compete to top the other’s achievements. Of the two types, Eights are more openly controlling than Threes, although Threes will attempt to control situations covertly-which can arouse the Eight’s suspicions and lack of trust. Once trust is compromised, Eights can become jealous and possessive, ordering the Three to do things to prove their personal loyalty to the Eight. Threes may easily feel used and belittled, and begin to feel that they are losing their ability to pursue their own goals, that they are becoming an appendage of the Eight. In response to deteriorating conditions, both types can become manipulative to get what they want. Once they begin to do this with each other, trust and openness cannot be maintained. Neither Threes nor Eights are very skilled at talking about their real feelings or needs, nor do they feel comfortable being vulnerable. Eights may see the Three as deceitful and untrustworthy; Threes may see the Eight as willful and vengeful, and they can fear being humiliated and co-opted for life. Eights ultimately want support for themselves and their vision. Threes want to be developing themselves and to be admired for their qualities. Battles over who is supporting whom result.

It makes so much sense to me when I read that 8s are outwardly manipulative and 3s are covertly so. When Leslie is unhealthy, she can be controlling in a way that she masks with good intentions. When Ron is unhealthy, he’s just straight up controlling and aggressive.

The first situation I think of between Ron and Leslie is in Season 4, Episode 4 “Pawnee Rangers.”

Ron and Leslie have separate clubs, the Pawnee Rangers (male) and the Pawnee Goddesses (female). Leslie’s club is much more fun and some of the boys want to join the girl’s club. Leslie is flashy and in-your-face competitive with Ron, whereas Ron is more stoic. He’s clearly sad but doesn’t admit it. Leslie eventually solves the problem by creating a club for “Swansons,” for both boys and girls, for anyone who wants to be hardcore and outdoorsy, like Ron. It’s really sweet and a great way for a 3 and 8 to compromise.

But when they have their big falling out (which happens “offscreen,” and we learn about it via flashbacks in the final season), reconciliation and compromise is much harder. Their friends have to lock them in the office to get them to work things out.

3s and 8s both struggle with vulnerability, but especially 8s. Once they’re finally able to get passed this barrier and be honest with each other, they’re able to see each other again and reignite their sweet, respectful and supportive friendship.

Andy and April (Type 5 with Type 7)

Pros:

Since they are both thinking types, Enneagram Fives and Sevens both bring a lot of mental energy and appreciation for ideas to their relationship. Their approach is complementary and reciprocal-each one brings something that the other does not have. On the positive side, Fives bring depth, clarity of observation, insight into the objective state of affairs, independence and self-reliance, and often a wonderfully, off-beat, whimsical sense of humor. Sevens bring quickness not only of mind but of spirit-ready to do almost anything at a moment’s notice, from going to a movie to booking an around the world trip, from moving the furniture across the room to moving the home to another state. Fives tend to be private and taciturn around strangers, although they can be very funny once they get to know you and feel secure. Fives ground and deepen Sevens, giving them permission to take themselves and their interests more seriously, to focus their energies, and to stay with things until they pay off. Sevens get Fives to try new experiences and to make more social contacts. Both like conversation and ideas and they love to explore new realms together.

I mean, one of the best couples on TV ever.

I sometimes think “opposites attract” is bullshit, but it for sure works for April and Andy. 5s and 7s can be super different outwardly (Andy is a playful puppy dog, April is a dark and twisted wolf), but they’re able to understand each other on a core level.

They get a kick out of each other’s oddities, especially since they’re so different from themselves. But they bond over flushing out ideas, planning experiences, and challenging each other in way’s that are counterintuitive to the other.

Cons:

As pressures on Fives increase, they tend to withdraw and detach emotionally, becoming more reclusive and isolated. This pattern is very difficult on Sevens for whom quick action and having multiple escape routes is the norm. As pressures increase on them, Sevens go into hyper-drive, going more places, doing more things, talking more, getting more advice, gossiping about their relationship problems, and possibly turning to substance abuse to control their mounting anxiety and sadness. These problems only make Fives withdraw further and become frightened of someone who they see as out of control. In the lower Levels, Fives can see Sevens as too escapist, superficial, intrusive, and coarse. The Seven wants the Five to be more fun so that their experience will be more positive. Sevens embarrass Fives by being too effusive and glib. On the other hand, Sevens think Fives are cold and unresponsive. Sevens may act out to get the Five’s attention, but they may go too far causing Fives to close the door. A lack of trust and difficulty in finding a safe common ground to work out differences makes things worse as both types tend to take extreme, well-defended positions.

Andy and April get married very spontaneously.

They learn how to be adults together, and perhaps they survive as a couple because of this, and because they never take things too seriously.

Their differences sometimes get in the way. They can see things so differently that it’s hard to connect. April wants to be understood without expressing how she feels, and Andy needs it written in the sky.

But they learn how to understand each other just enough and love each other despite their incongruences.

Leslie and Ben (Type 3 with Type 1)

Pros:

Enneagram Ones and Threes are both competent, serious-minded, and idealistic. This is a highly task-oriented relationship, with both partners driven to hard work and to be intensely aware when, individually and collectively, they are not measuring up to their own expectations and high standards. Both parties can bring selflessness, self-discipline, good work habits, and the ability to put aside their personal feelings for the sake of the objective good that needs to be done. Both types are used to working so hard that they often succeed, attaining places of leadership and responsibility. They both strive after excellence, both as an ideal and as something to personally embody. They strive to make each other proud of them. There are only two other equally goal-oriented pairings, a One with One combination and a Three with Three pairing, although since these both are same type pairings, they typically have blind spots that these combinations will need to be aware of. Because the One/Three is a mixed pair, this produces a powerful coalition that is capable of dealing both with ideals and with practical matters. Ones help Threes to be more grounded and realistic; Threes help Ones stretch themselves and not be so perfectionistic. They are both industrious and persistent, efficient and concerned with excellence and with making a real difference in the world.

Also one of the best couples on TV ever.

Ben and Leslie seem made for each other — they’re both simultaneously dorky and confident, nerdy and charming. They both work extremely hard and are very passionate about what they believe in. Ben helps Leslie think practically and Leslie helps Ben let go of his perfectionism.

It’s funny that they get together breaking the rules, especially for Ben who’s such rule follower, but that shows just how much he loves her and how willing he is to risk everything.

They become a politically uncorrupt power couple. They let go of each other when they need to and become selfless when they know the other is chasing greatness.

& they’re both feminists!

Cons:

If this relationship gets into trouble, it is often over time commitments, lack of emotional attachment to each other, and a creeping sense of competition. Further, Ones tend to find Threes too workaholic, pragmatic, and too concerned with image and with their reputations rather than with principle. On the other hand, Threes tend to find Ones too rigid and judgmental in their attitudes and inflexible in various areas. While Threes generally value Ones’ organizational ability and ability get things done, Threes can also feel that Ones are too narrow-minded and methodical, too perfectionistic and focused on details rather than results. Eventually, Threes start avoiding Ones, triggering Ones’ abandonment issues-and more anger and criticism. Both gradually lose respect for the other: Ones losing respect for the Three’s integrity, and Threes losing respect for Ones effectiveness.

The great thing with Leslie and Ben is they’re always the healthiest when they’re together. When they go through that time period in Season 4 when they can’t be together, the worst sides of them come out. Ben becomes depressed and agitated, Leslie becomes angry and manipulative.

One of my favorite Leslie quotes is in Season 4, Ep 7 “The Treaty” when they both get in a big public fight and Leslie yells, in response to Ben suggesting that she and her team wave a white flag: “The only thing I’ll be waving is your decapitated head on a stick in front of your weeping mother!”

They go through difficult times in their relationship, but it’s really only due to frustration of having to be so selfless for the other to allow them to pursue their dreams. They’re a team together and they fight for what they believe in and for the people they love.

THE END.

Originally published at http://monicamarymoser.wordpress.com on April 16, 2019.