The Five Stages of Parks and Recreation Grief

We knew this time would come, but that doesn’t make it easier. Tonight we must sadly bid farewell to our favorite residents of the not-quite-real town of Pawnee, Indiana. (And in some spare cases, thank God it wasn’t real!) After seven seasons, a slew of time-slot shuffles, and 123 episodes, we are down to just two super-emo eps (NBC, 10 p.m.). So, as you begin to hide your grief in your futuristic Gryzzl device—wait, what? Those aren’t real either? Aaahhh!—let us walk you through the proper stages of loss as they pertain to Parks and Recreation.

1. Denial and Isolation: Upon first learning of the impending loss, you start binge-watching old episodes while drinking heavily to numb the pain.

2. Anger: As the denial starts to wear off, you will become irrationally angry that someone is taking away all of these imaginary but delightful friends. (Let’s just blame NBC.)

3.  Bargaining: Once that anger clears, the normal reaction is to combat feelings of helplessness with a need to regain control by doing something drastic such as—oh, I don’t know—exercise.

4. Depression: Feel free to commence weeping uncontrollably. You’ll feel better!

5. Acceptance: Yes, Parks and Recreation is going away—but keep in mind these characters will live on forever via the Internet, steaming services, and reruns. (Seriously, does anything ever end?)

Of the many lessons to be learned from your favorite Pawneeans, remember to love unconditionally in all of your relationships. With that said, it’s time to let Andy and April (Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza) show the true heart of Parks and Rec in their own behind-the-scenes farewell.