I think season one is a million times better if you watch it later and have a love for the characters, but otherwise I agree.
I remember I loved every minute of the first episodes with Chris and Ben. I couldn't believe the show was already so good and they would also join the cast.
as good as season two is, there is no comparison to the show once Chris & Ben join. the dynamic is infinitely better with them.
The only episode pre-Chris and Ben I go back to regularly (because sometimes I feel down and want to watch random episodes of Parks and Rec) is Hunting Trip.
Just seen Nick Offerman do stand up last night at University at Buffalo, wish I could hang out with him everyday. So good.
I love the continuity of this show. For the first time I finished season 7 and went right back to season 1. I'm noticing so many little details that surface again in later seasons.
Greg Pikitis, Boys' Club, The Stakeout, and Ron & Tammy are among my favorites pre-Ben and Chris. Andy's first scene with Greg has me ROLLING every time I see it.
I can def see dividing the show between pre/post chris and ben...for me I divide it between Mark. I couldn't stand him doing the stock Jim Halpert stuff, once we were rid of him and had the rise of Andy...the show did not cease.
"Money, please!" may be my most-quoted line from the show in my every day life. I don't know what that says about me.
I definitely say "money, please" sometimes but I don't think it's ever been to someone who has gotten the reference
I don't think S2 is great, except for the last few episodes. Ben and Chris add so much to the show in subsequent seasons and the plots in S2 don't really go anywhere, especially the one with Mark and Ann which became stale so quickly. S3 and S4 are amazing however.
This is pretty much where I've landed with season two. I still really enjoy it, but it's my second least favorite season. I think it's definitely a good season, but I think you can also definitely tell they're still trying to find their rhythm. To me, it is a season where they showed that this was a series worth sticking around for and then proved it with the next few seasons.