Parks and Recreation finishes its illustrious run Tuesday, a fact as irrevocable as it is upsetting. We’re saying good-bye with a look back at one of television’s most enduring tandems: Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins. It’s easy to forget given the strength of the ensemble cast, but the budding friendship between an optimistic public servant and a disgruntled nurse was the jumping-off point for seven priceless seasons, and Leslie celebrated her BFF the only way she knew how: intense, perplexing compliments. We’ve collected the best from the series below. Take Leslie’s lead and celebrate your best friend. Animal terminology optional.
“Oh, Ann, you’re so sweet and innocent and pretty.”
“Oh, Ann, I always forget because you’re so pretty, you’re not used to rejection.”
“Ann’s my doctor and she’s the most beautiful nurse in the world.”
“Sweet and beautiful Ann has never been dumped before.”
“Ann, you beautiful tropical fish. You’re smart as a whip and you’re cool under pressure.”
“You’ve resuscitated a human heart in your bare hands.”
“Oh, Ann, you beautiful spinster. I will find you love.”
“Oh, Ann, you beautiful, rule-breaking moth.”
“I’ve said this to you before and I know it makes you uncomfortable, but you’re thoughtful, and you’re brilliant, and your ambiguous ethnic blend perfectly represents the dream of the American melting pot.”
“He’ll never lasso another heifer as fine as you, Annie Oakley.”
“Ann, you are such a good friend, you’re a beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk-ox. Thank you, ox.”
“Ann, you know that I fully support any woman’s decision, especially a beautiful unicorn nurse like yourself, in creating the family that she wants. But you are so brilliant and kind and stupid hot, you’re definitely going to find a wonderful guy who loves you and respects you and fills your home with multiethnic genius babies.”
“You’re Ann Perkins! Sperm that is worthy of your perfect eggs does not grow on trees.”
On her wedding dress: “It is the most beautiful object I’ve ever seen. It is like the Ann Perkins of dresses. It is amazing.”
“Ann, you cunning, pliable, chestnut-haired sunfish.”
“Nobody can fill your shoes, Ann, with those tiny little doll feet.”
“Ann, you’re a genius! Your brain is almost as perfect as your face.”
After Ann gives birth: “He’s so beautiful! And you’re so beautiful. I mean, you’re always beautiful, but right now you’re the most beautiful, glowing, sun goddess ever.”
“Oh, Ann. You beautiful, naïve, sophisticated newborn baby.”
“Ann, you poetic, noble land-mermaid.”