Diane Explains: How A Bill Becomes A Law

In the aptly named How a Bill Becomes a Law, the third episode of the fifth season of the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is forced to make a sacrifice to assure the passage of a bill. The episode, which aired on October 4, 2012, sees Leslie scramble to pass a bill that she proposed, while her colleague Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) meets a potential love interest named Diane (Lucy Lawless). The episode also features Ben (Adam Scott) and April (Aubrey Plaza) who decide to make an impromptu road trip to Pawnee but are stuck in a parking lot and can't make it back.

Leslie's bill to extend pool hours

In the episode "How a Bill Becomes a Law", Leslie Knope is determined to get her bill to extend pool hours passed into law. She faces resistance from fellow Councilman Jeremy Jamm, who is unhappy that Leslie has been assigned a private bathroom in her new council office. Jamm agrees to support the bill only if Leslie gives up her private bathroom and office.

Leslie initially tries to get the support of another councilman, Milton, but this backfires when he tries to kiss her and falls, injuring himself. With no other options, Leslie is forced to make a deal with Jamm. She agrees to his demands, and the bill to extend pool hours is passed into law.

At a press conference by the poolside, Jamm intends to reveal the deal he made with Leslie. However, before he can do so, he is pushed into the pool by Tom, who then jumps in himself, followed by Leslie, pretending it was a stunt.

In the episode, we see Leslie's determination to get her bill passed, even if it means sacrificing her own interests. We also see the inner workings of local government and the challenges of getting a bill passed, with a mix of humour and political commentary.

Ron meets Diane

In the episode "How a Bill Becomes a Law", Ron Swanson meets a potential love interest, Diane, while fixing a pothole. Ron first encounters Diane over the phone when she repeatedly calls his line about a pothole in front of her house. He decides to fill the pothole himself, bringing Andy Dwyer along to help. At Diane's house, Andy bonds with her two daughters, while Ron and Diane begin to connect. After fixing the pothole, Ron is embarrassed by Diane's children, who apply a lot of face paint to his face. Andy, noticing the chemistry between Ron and Diane, later lets Diane know that Ron likes her, and she asks him out on a date, which he accepts.

Ron's encounter with Diane stands out as a memorable moment in the episode, adding a touch of romance and humour to the story. It also marks a significant development in Ron's personal life, as he shyly pursues a relationship with Diane, showcasing a more vulnerable side of his character.

Ben and April's road trip

Eventually, the motorcade leaves, but when they try to exit the garage, Ben's car runs out of gas. They have to push the car back into the parking spot and end up laughing about the whole experience. Ben even offers to pay for plane tickets to Pawnee the following weekend.

Leslie's new office

Leslie Knope's new office is a large city council office with a private bathroom. It is given to her as she works to pass a bill that she proposed. The office is a source of contention among her fellow councilmembers, particularly Councilman Jeremy Jamm, who interrupts a video call between Leslie and her husband Ben Wyatt, by using her private bathroom. Jamm is frustrated that he doesn't have his own private bathroom and doesn't think Leslie deserves one as the newest member of the council.

Leslie's office is filled with inspirational pictures of herself, as well as photos of twelve real historical figures, mostly politicians. These include Hillary Clinton, Sally Ride, Madeleine Albright, and Olympia Snowe.

Ultimately, Leslie is forced to give up her office and parking spot to Jamm in exchange for his vote on her bill.

Ron and Andy fix Diane's pothole

Ron Swanson and Andy Dwyer team up to fix a pothole for Diane Lewis, a local mother and potential love interest for Ron. Chris Traeger, inspired by his therapist, has started a 311 phone service, allowing citizens to call in with complaints and requests for the local government. Diane has repeatedly called Ron's line about a pothole in front of her house, but to no avail. Taking matters into his own hands, Ron, accompanied by Andy, decides to fix the pothole himself.

At Diane's house, Andy bonds with her two children, playing tag and letting them do his makeup. Meanwhile, Ron and Diane begin to connect, with Ron flirting in the best way he knows how—by explaining how to fix the pothole. After the hole is filled, Ron is humiliated by Diane's children, who apply a large amount of face paint to his face. Andy, noticing the chemistry between Ron and Diane, later lets Diane know that Ron likes her, and she asks him out on a date.

Ron's interaction with Diane and her children provides a rare glimpse of his softer side, showcasing a different dynamic to his usual straight-shooter persona. Andy, always the meddlesome one, plays Cupid and successfully sets the stage for a potential romance between Ron and Diane.

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