The Master Plan (Parks and Recreation)

"The Master Plan" featured the first series appearances by Scott and Lowe, who became permanent cast members as characters Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger.

The idea of Pawnee's governmental problems were inspired by news reports at the time of a number of states shutting down schools, parks and other services due to the global recession.

According to Nielsen Media Research, "The Master Plan" was seen by 4.28 million household viewers, a five percent increase in viewership compared to the previous episode, "Telethon".

"The Master Plan" and the rest of the second season of Parks and Recreation was released on DVD in the United States on November 30, 2010, which included an extended 30-minute "producer's cut" of the episode.

Tom returns to the Snakehole Lounge to close his tab, where he meets the bartender, Lucy, who makes fun of his efforts to pick up women.

In particular, Schur cited stories about Kansas City closing down several of their public schools, and Idaho threatening to shut down the state parks department.

[7] During the end credits, Andy sings a song he wrote for April called "November," which includes the lyrics, "Let's spread our wings and fly on a date."

This is also a reference to "Woman of the Year," in which Andy explained every song he writes includes either the lyrics, "Spread your wings and fly" or "You deserve to be a champion."

While Ben was a politician who found great success at a young age then suffered a downfall, Henry was an actor who became a caterer after his acting career declined.

[6][16] During the scene when Ben explains his failed mayoral tenure, shots of a newspaper clip with images of the character's prom pictures are shown.

The episode also featured the first in a string of guest appearances by actor Rob Lowe, who had recently departed from the ABC drama series Brothers & Sisters.

[20] Unlike Scott, Lowe was originally not expected to join the regular cast, but rather make guest appearances in "Freddy Spaghetti" and six third season episodes before departing the show.

[22][23] Lowe said he loved playing the part, which he described as "a big fat nerd" and "the most positive person in the world [with] unrelenting enthusiasm", adding, "He is also very, very intense and specific.

In one line of the episode, while describing his exercise regimen and supplements, "Scientists believe that the first human being who will live 150 years has already been born.

That line was inspired by Schur's wife, J. J. Philbin, who had recently read an article about that scientific prediction and felt it applied to the character.

[6] Parks and Recreation was suffering in the Nielsen ratings when "The Master Plan" aired, and it was hoped Lowe's appearance would help increase viewership.

[25][26] Natalie Morales, best known for her role in the ABC Family science-fiction dramedy The Middleman,[14][15] made her first Parks and Recreation appearance in the episode as Lucy, a Pawnee bartender and romantic interest for Tom.

[6] During one scene, Ann and Mark have a discussion at J.J.'s Diner, a Pawnee restaurant that had previously been featured in the episodes "The Reporter" and "Summer Catalog".

[7] In its original American broadcast, "The Master Plan" was seen by an estimated 4.28 million household viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

[34] HitFix writer Daniel Fienberg did not believe Rob Lowe's guest appearance significantly helped the Parks and Recreation ratings, calling the increase "a statistically irrelevant bump".

Parks and Recreation ranked third in its timeslot, behind the CBS reality series Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains and the Fox crime drama Bones, but received higher ratings than the ABC science-fiction drama FlashForward and the first season finale of the CW Network supernatural fantasy series The Vampire Diaries.

Matt Fowler of IGN said the budget problems created strong character development potential for Leslie and comedic opportunities for Ron.

Fowler also enjoyed that the normally-dissolute Tom formed an authentic romantic connection, and said Chris Pratt brought "a certain naturalness" to a role that could otherwise have been overly idiotic.

Sepinwall also said the episode balanced well the workplace humor with the romantic subplots between Leslie and Ben, April and Andy, and Ann and Chris.

[3] New York magazine writer Steve Kandell described Lowe as entertaining but "one-note", but said Adam Scott was "much more promising and nuanced", with better potential for a romantic interest for Leslie than previous guest stars like Will Arnett and Justin Theroux.

Kandell felt Schneider's imminent departure from the series seemed unceremonious, and praised Nick Offerman's reactions of "unbridled ecstasy" at the idea of cutbacks and the government shutdown.

[29] Eric Hochberger of TV Fanatic expressed doubt about the long-term effectiveness of Lowe's character, and said the April and Andy subplot felt "dragged out for yet another week".

"[36] TV Squad writer Kona Gallagher felt "The Master Plan" was an especially important episode due to the addition of the Lowe and Scott characters, the beginning of Mark's exit from the series and the economic problems for Pawnee.

It included eight extra minutes, which consisted of deleted scenes, an extended ending and additional footage with Lowe and Scott.

[39][40] It also included a commentary track for "The Master Plan" featuring Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Dean Holland, Michael Schur, Harris Wittels and Parks and Recreation producer Morgan Sackett.