
If it feels like just last week that I was asking you to take a moment to appreciate Parks and Recreation’s most excellent Ben Wyatt & calzones running joke that’s because it was. Never being one to shy away from beating a dead horse I’m back — after another consistently terrific installment of Parks — with more appreciation to pile on for another subtle and under-appreciated gag that deserves more attention: awkward run-ins with Councilman Howser.
I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t realize it was this established until I ran across this wonderfully comprehensive GIF set…




It’s funny because he’s a well-respected public figure and Leslie keeps running into him when she’s acting unprofessionally, you see. Also because she saw his penis.
And in case you’re curious, Yvans Jourdain is the actor who plays Councilman Howser. You may recognize him from such roles as “French Anchorman” in The Austronaut Farmer. The man is diverse to say the least.
Thank you for your time and mutual appreciation.



He sees respected colleagues acting childishly, and he reacts by addressing them both by their first names. Thereby putting them firmly in their place.
That is a burn with class.
dang, how did I never pick up on this either? for shame!
Haha, Austronaut. Like the French.
You can just tell that this is a long build-up to an eventual joke… I can’t wait.
I’ve always enjoyed these run-ins. He never looks mad, just disappointed.
Councilman Howser is my favorite running joke. I laugh so hard whenever he shows up. I hope they do an episode just about him & how he views the Parks department.