Tammy and Tammy Two might disagree.
There are certain characters that become so ingrained in pop culture that they seem to take on a life of their own.
With the brilliant news that all seven seasons of Parks and Recreation are now available to watch on Netflix, it’s time to focus on that show’s greatest character.
It could only be the government-hating, meat-loving, mustache-wearing hero of Pawnee… Ron Swanson.
In three words, he’s: Principled, stubborn and manly.
Why he’s a TV great: Parks and Recreation is a wonderful show with an an array of incredible supporting characters, but the core of the show has always been the dynamic between the affectionate, positive and endlessly lovable Leslie Knope and her direct opposite, Ron Swanson.
What’s so great about Ron though is that it’s almost impossible to separate the actor who plays him, Nick Offerman, and the character because they’re so similar. Pawnee’s most famous libertarian is an absolute hero.
Ron hates his job, has an unhealthy fixation on meat, loves alcohol, loathes his co-workers and his sexual history reads as “epic and private”. His policy on crying is that it’s only acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon while the Swanson pyramid of greatness can turn “boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into Swansons.”
But the real genius of Parks and Recreation lies in those those moments when we get a glimpse at what’s under this exterior that’s as solid as Oak.
Despite his apathy, disdain for technology and belief that “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets”, lies a man that values the important things in life…
Friends, family and scotch.
His best quote: There are so many, but I do love his belief that “any dog under 50 pounds is a cat and cats are pointless”.
If we could put him in another show: Part of me would really love to see how Ron would last in one of those reality TV shows like Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
His best scene: Everything that you need to know about him is here.
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