[7.6/10] I enjoyed this one and the way it paid off the “April wants a new job” story that’s been percolating for a while. It makes sense that April would still be apprehensive about telling Leslie what she wants, given how bulldozing Leslie can be. But the moment of the confrontation feels earned, and I have to admit, there’s something pretty great about Leslie using Madeleine Albright as her sounding board to get to a good place on it. April’s confession that she loves and is grateful to Leslie, and Leslie setting her up with the American Service organization is a nice way to pay the story off, particularly with April deciding she wants to work there. It’s a bit too much of an ad for the place, but it works and the episode sets it up well.
Speaking of things that work well even though they feel a bit pandering, the bits with all the politicians were, surprisingly, a comedic highlight. I particularly liked Corey Booker and Orin Hatch’s enthusiasm for their “Across the Isle” Polynesian Folk band -- both were good sports and surprisingly good actors in it. But Leslie run-ins with the muckety-mucks of D.C. were all good fun.
Lastly, I also enjoyed the story of Ben, Ron, and Andy trying to find April a good job in Pawnee, and settling on being a consultant at Ben’s old accounting firm. For one thing, Barney from the accounting firm never fails to make me laugh, but it also creates a project for the whole team to work together on (I love Ben’s “get me Gary Girgich!” close up) and allows Andy to be the “well-meaning goofball” with his hilarious fireworks and April mask stunt.
Overall, a good episode that pays off a major storyline in the season and delivers some good comedy at the same time.