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"Greg Pikitis"
Parks and Recreation episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 7
Directed byDean Holland
Written byMichael Schur
Original air dateOctober 29, 2009 (2009-10-29)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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Parks and Recreation season 2
List of episodes

"Greg Pikitis" is the seventh episode of the second season of Parks and Recreation, and the thirteenth overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on October 29, 2009. In the episode, Leslie attempts to catch a suspected teenage vandal in the act of defacing a public statue. Meanwhile, Ann throws a Halloween party, which turns out to be very boring until Tom livens it up.

The episode was written by series co-founder Michael Schur and directed by Dean Holland, an editor on the series. "Greg Pikitis" featured a guest performance by stand-up comedian Louis C.K. as Dave Sanderson, Leslie's police officer boyfriend. It also featured Cody Klop as Greg Pikitis, a teenager whom Leslie considers her nemesis.

According to Nielsen Media Research, "Greg Pikitis" was seen by 4.96 million household viewers, only a slight drop from the previous week despite direct competition from the 2009 World Series. The episode received generally positive reviews.

Plot

[edit]

Leslie visits the Pawnee high school to confront Greg Pikitis, a teenager who she describes as her "arch-nemesis". Leslie warns Greg she knows he vandalizes the town's statue of Mayor Percy every Halloween, but that she will be watching him closely and will catch him this year. Greg casually denies having any such plans. At the Pawnee town hall, Ann talks excitedly about her upcoming Halloween party. She asks the others not to mention it to Tom, but she is disappointed to learn Jerry has already told him. That night, Leslie watches Greg with the help of her boyfriend, Pawnee police officer Dave Sanderson, while Andy, who now has a part-time job with the parks department, guards the statue.

Ann's party is off to a boring start and she soon begins to fear it will be a failure altogether. When Tom and his wife Wendy arrive, however, Tom spices up the party by turning the living room into a dance floor. The party is soon a big hit, and Ann thanks Tom profusely. Wendy tells Ron she knows Ron learned her marriage to Tom was a "green card marriage" to keep her from being deported to Canada, and thanks him for his discretion. She tells him they will soon be able to divorce without raising any suspicions, unaware that Tom is visibly upset about it.

After watching Greg for hours, Leslie and Dave decide to go to Ann's party. They stop at the parks department to get Leslie's costume, only to find the office has been toilet papered and vandalized. Leslie immediately suspects Greg, even though they had been watching him all night. Dave reluctantly agrees to bring Greg in for questioning, but Greg insists he is innocent. Andy comes in and questions Greg, pretending to be an FBI agent named Burt Macklin, but Greg is so mean to him Andy soon starts crying. Greg's mother eventually arrives and takes him away after threatening to report the trio for holding her son without proof of his guilt.

Later, Andy helps Leslie clean the parks office and, after a few beers, they decide to toilet paper Greg's house. Dave arrives in his police car and tells them he had been called to stop them. When an unfamiliar woman comes out of the house, Leslie thinks she has toilet papered the wrong house. However, the woman reveals she is Greg's actual mother, and that Greg hired a "fake mother" off of Craigslist to get him out of trouble. When she realizes Greg is not home, Leslie believes he is vandalizing the mayor statue. They go to the statue and catch Greg in the process; although Leslie wishes to have him "locked up," Dave points out he is still a minor and will likely only receive probation. Later, Leslie wonders how Greg managed to trash the parks department. The episode ends with a flashback showing Greg sneaking into the department disguised as a janitor, hiding in a dumpster until everybody leaves, then vandalizing the office.

Production

[edit]
Stand-up comedian Louis C.K. guest starred as Officer Dave Sanderson in "Greg Pikitis".

"Greg Pikitis" was written by series co-creator Michael Schur and directed by Dean Holland, an editor on the series. Both Schur and Holland previously worked on the NBC series, The Office.[1] The episode featured a guest performance by stand-up comedian Louis C.K., who reprises his recurring role as Dave Sanderson, Leslie's police officer boyfriend.[2] It also featured Cody Klop as Greg Pikitis himself.[3]

Within a week of the episode's original broadcast, two deleted scenes from "Greg Pikitis" were made available on the official Parks and Recreation website. In the first minute-long clip, Leslie broadcasts an impression of a police officer on Dave's police radio, which gets him into trouble. She also discusses the frequent use of torture by Jack Bauer, the protagonist of the Fox series 24, while she contemplates torturing Greg Pikitis. In the second 75-second clip, Jerry nearly passes out from dehydration in his oversized Halloween dragon costume, and Leslie arrives late to the party dressed as a nurse.[4]

Cultural references

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

In its original American broadcast on October 29, 2009, "Greg Pikitis" was seen by 4.96 million household viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.[8] It was only a slight drop from the previous week,[9] despite direct competition from game two of the 2009 World Series on Fox. "Greg Pikitis" drew a 2.1 rating/5 share among viewers aged between 18 and 49.[8] The episode received generally positive reviews. Many commentators said the awkward exchanges between Ron and Wendy at the Halloween party seemed to be hinting at a possible romance between the two in future episodes.[2][7] Matt Fowler of IGN said "Greg Pikitis" was "probably the best conceived and most hilarious episode" of Parks and Recreation so far. Fowler said he liked the Leslie and Andy pairing, and he was relieved the show found something "meaty and meaningful" to do with the character. Fowler said Ann's party was less funny, but advanced many of the supporting characters.[7]

Like The Office when it's clicking, Parks and Recreation this season works on two levels: it makes me laugh a lot, and it also makes me happy to spend time with these characters in their mundane but goofy little world.

Alan Sepinwall of The Star-Ledger declared "Greg Pikitis" one of the episodes he would suggest to newcomers seeking to become familiar with Parks and Recreation,[10] calling it "the version of Parks and Recreation that I most enjoy: silly, but also intentionally small in scale". He particularly praised Louis CK and some of the smaller jokes in the episode, like the fact that a gay character's "straight guy" Halloween costume is identical to Mark's regular wardrobe.[2] Steve Heisler of The A.V. Club said the episode "demonstrated how an episode of P&R can work wonders—dial up the conditions that might drive a character insane, as they did to Leslie, and watch them squirm". He also said the episode featured every supporting character well, but that Ann was less funny without a "wacky person to play off of".[6] Time magazine critic James Poniewozik said it was a "strong episode that hit office and personal sides of the characters equally well". Poniewozik praised Pratt and Louis C.K. in particular, but also said Leslie was pushed "a little too far into the crazy-obsessive end of the spectrum".[11] Not all reviews were positive. Linda Stasi of New York Post said the episode was "a big yawn", although she praised the performance of Cody Klop as Greg Pikitis.[3]

During a brainstorming session among the Parks and Recreation writers prior to season four, screenwriter Chelsea Peretti proposed bringing the Greg Pikitis character back for a future episode.[12] This finally happened in episode 18 of season six ("Prom").

DVD release

[edit]

"Greg Pikitis", along with the other 23 second season episodes of Parks and Recreation, was released on a four-disc DVD set in the United States on November 30, 2010. The DVD included deleted scenes for each episode.[13][14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Greg Pikitis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gregory Vernon "Greg" Pikitis is a recurring fictional character in the NBC sitcom , portrayed by actor Cody Klop. He is a teenage resident of the fictional town of Pawnee, , renowned for his elaborate pranks and acts of vandalism that frequently target the local parks department, particularly its deputy director, , whom he considers his arch-nemesis. Introduced as a cunning 17-year-old high school senior, Pikitis embodies youthful mischief and evasion tactics, often outsmarting authorities with clever schemes. Pikitis first appears prominently in the second season's seventh episode, titled "Greg Pikitis," which aired on , 2009. In this Halloween-themed installment, leads a to catch him in the act of vandalizing a of the town's founder, Mayor Percy, by spray-painting it and covering it in —a he repeats annually. Earlier in his "criminal career," Pikitis had filled the holes at a local with , earning 22 hours of , and swapped ketchup with red paint at J.J.'s Diner. His pranks escalate to include hiring an to pose as his mother to avoid consequences, showcasing his resourcefulness and disdain for authority. The episode highlights his elusive nature, with Knope describing him as an "invisible, adolescent super-villain criminal mastermind." Pikitis returns in the sixth season's eighteenth episode, "Prom," which aired on April 3, 2014, where he attends Pawnee High School's senior organized by the parks department. Now dating fellow student Allison Gliffert, he sneaks in a final by stapling Leslie's dress to a tablecloth, reaffirming his ongoing rivalry with her. He is later mentioned in the seventh season, including in "Leslie & Ron" for timeline references and episode 10, underscoring his lasting impact as a symbol of irrepressible in the series. Throughout his appearances, Pikitis's antics provide and contrast to the earnest of Pawnee's workers.

Episode Overview

Synopsis

In the episode, Leslie Knope becomes fixated on apprehending Greg Pikitis, a teenage vandal she views as her personal nemesis for repeatedly defacing Pawnee's public parks on Halloween. On the morning of , Leslie visits Pawnee High School to confront Greg directly, issuing a stern warning that she will monitor his every move to prevent this year's mischief, though he responds defiantly by eating a in her presence. To execute her plan, Leslie recruits her boyfriend, Pawnee police officer Dave Sanderson, for a stakeout at the statue of the town's founder—a frequent target of Greg's pranks—and enlists , the Parks Department's newest hire, to assist with surveillance. The trio shadows Greg throughout the day, logging his activities meticulously, but their efforts are undermined when the Parks office is vandalized with , , and mustaches drawn on staff photos, complete with a telltale pit as Greg's signature. Determined to press forward, Leslie, Dave, and Andy detain Greg at the Parks Department for questioning, where Andy clumsily impersonates an FBI agent in a bid to extract a confession, only for Greg to remain smug and uncooperative. A woman arrives claiming to be Greg's mother, berating the group for harassing her son and demanding his release, which they reluctantly grant; it later emerges that she was an impostor hired by Greg through to facilitate his escape. Amid the chaos, voices his strong aversion to Halloween, opting out of any celebrations, while and Andy navigate their early relationship tensions during the stakeout, with April's sarcasm contrasting Andy's overeager involvement. Parallel to the pursuit, attempts to host a at her , but the event initially flops due to lackluster costumes, awkward guests from her job, and an absence of energy or music. salvages the gathering by arriving in an elaborate costume, complete with an device, and introducing upbeat music and decorations that transform the space into a vibrant , drawing in attendees like Ron (in a reluctant pirate outfit) and easing Ann's hosting anxieties. In retaliation for the office vandalism, a frustrated Leslie and Andy toilet-paper Greg's house, discovering his real mother lives there and that he is absent. They then rush to the statue with Dave, where they catch Greg in the act of vandalism. A flashback reveals he earlier disguised himself as a janitor to vandalize the office undetected. As a minor, Greg faces juvenile consequences, resolving the case to Leslie's satisfaction as the episode concludes on a note of her unyielding civic zeal.

Cast and Crew

The episode stars as , the dedicated deputy director who spearheads the pursuit of the vandal targeting park signs. portrays , who organizes a Halloween party that intersects with the main events. plays , who revitalizes Ann's party. plays , who assists as backup during the stakeout operation. appears as , reluctantly drawn into the Halloween night activities. depicts , who maintains his characteristic disdain for . Notable guest appearances include as Dave Sanderson, Leslie's boyfriend and a who lends official support, including in the eventual confrontation and arrest. Cody Klop plays the central , Greg Pikitis, a mischievous teenager responsible for the vandalism spree. Directed by Dean Holland, the episode was written by series creator Michael Schur and originally aired on October 29, 2009, as the seventh episode of the second season.

Production

Writing and Development

The episode "Greg Pikitis" was penned by series co-creator as part of the second season's production cycle. The table draft of the script, dated September 29, , reflects the rapid turnaround typical of the show's weekly format, with the episode airing just one month later on October 29, . Schur's writing emphasized a balance between episodic themes and character development, particularly refining Leslie Knope's portrayal to showcase her enthusiasm and determination in a more relatable, less exaggerated manner amid ongoing arcs of professional and personal growth. Central to the episode's concept was Leslie's intense pursuit of a teenage vandal who targets Pawnee's parks annually on Halloween, weaving this "personal vendetta" subplot with lighter B-story elements like ' housewarming party to heighten comedic contrasts. Revisions during development focused on amplifying tension through Greg's elusive antics, such as his disguises and alibis, to underscore Leslie's overzealousness while integrating Pawnee's eccentric local lore, including recurring vandalism of a historical . The narrative also laid groundwork for Greg's recurring role in later seasons, establishing him as a foil to Leslie's civic passion.

Filming and Guest Appearances

The episode was directed by Dean Holland in his directorial debut for the series, employing the show's signature style to heighten the comedic chaos of key sequences, such as the stakeout and the crowded at Ann's apartment. Holland emphasized quick cuts and work to capture the frenetic energy of the vandalism pursuit and party interactions, aligning with the format's emphasis on improvised realism. Filming primarily took place at CBS Studio Center in , where interiors simulating Pawnee homes, the parks office, and Ann's Halloween party were constructed on soundstages. Exterior shots for the statue scenes, including the stakeout near the fictional Percy monument, were captured in local parks to evoke small-town settings, with practical effects used for the defacement props like and . Guest star reprised his role as Officer Dave Sanderson, contributing to the stakeout and confrontation scenes with his deadpan delivery that amplified the episode's bureaucratic humor during the attempted of Greg at the party. Young actor Cody Klop portrayed the titular teen Greg Pikitis, delivering a smug performance that clashed effectively with Leslie Knope's intensity in their and party showdown sequences. No major improvisations were reported in the core confrontation, though the scenes benefited from the actors' natural rapport in the setup. Deleted scenes released online via .com extended interactions between the guests and main cast, including additional party banter with Dave and a prolonged bit involving Greg's defiance. Production faced logistical hurdles in coordinating the 2009 shoot around Halloween-themed elements, including sourcing and fitting costumes like Raggedy Ann outfit and the dinosaur suit worn at Ann's party, all within the series' compressed weekly schedule. The team managed timely procurement of seasonal props such as jack-o'-lanterns and vandalism materials to maintain the episode's timely October airdate, ensuring seamless integration into the visuals despite the holiday rush.

Cultural Impact

References and Allusions

In the episode, several Halloween-specific allusions appear through character costumes and party elements. dresses as , the iconic from early 20th-century , which she explains stems from her childhood favorite book and shares her name. arrives at the party costumed as rapper , complete with a and , parodying the artist's flamboyant style and persona. Other attendees include and Ben Wyatt as pirates, as a cheerful , and as an Indiana basketball player, evoking classic and sports-themed Halloween tropes. Music plays a key role in underscoring the comedic Halloween atmosphere during Ann's party subplot. The 1962 novelty hit "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers plays upon Ron and Dr. Harris's arrival, setting a spooky yet festive tone typical of gatherings. Later, Tom queues up "Run This Town" by featuring to energize the dull event, shifting from traditional Halloween tracks to contemporary hip-hop for revival. Additionally, Sarah McLachlan's "Adia" is used ironically during Leslie Knope's of Greg, mimicking emotional manipulation tactics in pop culture thrillers. Pop culture nods include Greg Pikitis's scheme to hire an impersonator via to pose as his mother, satirizing the platform's reputation for anonymous, quirky transactions in early . The episode also alludes to Pawnee's fictional history, referencing the 1922 Pawnee Bread Factory fire where Mayor Percy heroically saved a secret pancake recipe, drawing on tropes of Midwestern towns' industrial pasts and quirky local legends. The plot uniquely echoes urban legends of Halloween mischief, particularly "" traditions of pranks like defacing , as Greg annually targets the statue of Mayor Percy in Ramsett Park with , , and . This setup parodies tales of elusive teenage vandals evading authorities on , with Greg's annual at the parks department office mirroring such folklore without deeper narrative ties.

Legacy and Series Connections

The episode "Greg Pikitis" left a notable mark on the series through its character callbacks, particularly with the return of the titular , Greg Pikitis, portrayed by Cody Klop. Originally introduced as a mischievous high school vandal targeting Pawnee's parks on Halloween, Greg reappears in season 6, episode 18, "," as the boyfriend of student Allison Gliffert. This cameo ties back to his earlier antics by having him playfully staple Leslie Knope's dress to a table at the prom, showcasing his unchanged prankster nature while highlighting Leslie's ongoing exasperation with him. The return underscores the series' penchant for long-term continuity, transforming a one-off into a recurring foil that emphasizes character growth—or lack thereof—over time. Thematically, "Greg Pikitis" reinforced Leslie Knope's portrayal as an unrelentingly dedicated , a trait that influenced subsequent episodes focused on and bureaucratic perseverance. Leslie's elaborate efforts to thwart Greg's , including and school confrontations, exemplify her passion for protecting public spaces, a core element that recurs in arcs like her planning in season 4 or city council campaigns in later seasons. Additionally, the established Halloween as a recurring motif in the series, blending holiday chaos with Pawnee's quirky absurdities; this theme reemerges in episodes such as "Halloween Surprise" (season 5, 5), where similar festive mishaps drive interpersonal conflicts and humor. These elements contributed to the show's consistent exploration of small-town governance through lighthearted, obsessive narratives. Within the broader series impact, "Greg Pikitis" played a key role in developing ensemble dynamics, notably through the subplot involving and . Tom's uninvited arrival at Ann's lackluster Halloween party, where he transforms the event by DJing as , highlights their contrasting personalities—Tom's flamboyant energy revitalizing Ann's more reserved approach—and foreshadows their evolving friendship amid Pawnee's eccentricities. The episode fits into season 2's arc of amplifying the town's absurd underbelly, from petty to interpersonal awkwardness, setting the stage for the series' signature blend of realism and escalating silliness in community projects. This integration of subplots strengthened the ensemble's chemistry, a hallmark that propelled the show's narrative momentum. In terms of long-term legacy, "Greg Pikitis" has endured in fan discussions for its sharp, character-driven humor, often praised for seamlessly weaving guest star antics into the core cast's world without overshadowing them—exemplified by Cody Klop's portrayal of as a sly villain. While the itself garnered no major awards, its callback in "" and holiday-themed levity have kept it relevant in retrospective analyses of the series' comedic style. As of 2025, no new connections or revivals have emerged, though recent fan engagements and streaming viewership continue to highlight its role in the show's enduring appeal.

Reception and Distribution

Critical Response

The episode "Greg Pikitis" received generally favorable reviews from critics upon its original airing in 2009, with praise centered on its character-driven humor and the style's effective use in key scenes. Reviewers highlighted 's performance as , noting her portrayal of the character's obsessive arc as a standout, with The A.V. Club's Steve Heisler describing it as a "mighty fine episode for ," where she excels in "fumbling over herself to impress Dave." The chemistry between Poehler and guest star , playing Detective Dave Hauser, was also lauded for providing a grounded contrast to Leslie's intensity; HitFix critic commended C.K.'s "pitch-perfect" timing, observing how he pauses "the right amount of time between words to make a simple line... sound really, really funny." IGN's Matt Fowler called the episode "the best conceived and most hilarious" of the series to date, emphasizing its lighthearted Halloween vibe through ridiculous escalations of mundane pranks, such as the stakeout and toilet-papering sequences. Critics appreciated the episode's comedic timing and elements, particularly in the stakeout scenes, where the and voice-recorded interrogations amplified the . Heisler praised how the format captured Leslie's unraveling obsession with the teenage vandal, turning small-scale antics into "ridiculous extremes." Sepinwall echoed this, noting the episode's success in embracing "silly, but... intentionally small in scale" comedy, with strong character moments like Andy's bumbling FBI impression adding to the charm. However, some reviews pointed to pacing issues in the subplot involving ' lackluster Halloween party, which Heisler found "treated... pretty tamely" and underutilized supporting cast members like , lacking the "wacky foil" needed to elevate it. Aggregate reception underscored the episode's strengths in execution and performances, earning an 8.6 out of 10 from and positive consensus across outlets for its focus on ensemble dynamics and timely Halloween humor, though without formal aggregation due to limited reviews at the time. Overall, it was seen as a step forward for the series' second season, balancing heartfelt character growth with sharp, .

Viewership and Home Media

"Greg Pikitis" originally aired on NBC on October 29, 2009. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode drew 4.96 million household viewers. This figure marked a slight decline from the 5.21 million viewers for the prior episode, "Practice Date," but aligned closely with the season two average of 4.68 million viewers per episode. The performance was solid for NBC's Thursday night comedy slot during the 2009-2010 television season. The episode was released on home media as part of the Parks and Recreation: Season 2 four-disc DVD set, distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment on November 30, 2010. The set includes all 24 episodes of the season in extended producer's cuts, along with bonus features such as deleted scenes for each installment. For "Greg Pikitis," the deleted scenes feature additional footage from Ann's Halloween party and other outtakes, totaling several minutes of unaired content. As of 2025, "Greg Pikitis" remains available for streaming on Peacock, NBCUniversal's platform, which hosts the complete series. It is also available for purchase or download on digital platforms such as Amazon Video and Apple TV. No significant re-releases or new editions have occurred since the original DVD set.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1523800/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Yr5D_3KYE
  3. https://parksandrecreation.fandom.com/wiki/Greg_Pikitis_(episode)
  4. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/30/parks-and-recreation-greg-pikitis-review
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3559602/
  6. https://www.avclub.com/parks-and-recreation-prom-1798180033
  7. https://parksandrecreation.fandom.com/wiki/Prom
  8. https://www.avclub.com/parks-and-recreation-greg-pikitis-1798207345
  9. https://teamcoco.com/podcasts/parks-and-recollection/episodes/director-dean-holland-greg-pikitis-s2e7
  10. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/ParksAndRecreationS02E07
  11. https://ew.com/article/2009/10/30/parks-and-recreation-recap-2/
  12. https://www.cbr.com/parks-recs-greg-pikitis-twist/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1523800/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/parks_and_recreation/s02/e07/cast-and-crew
  15. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/parks_and_recreation/s02/e07
  16. https://thescriptsavant.com/tv/Parks_and_Recreation_2x07_-_Greg_Pikitis.pdf
  17. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/2009/09/parks_and_recreation_interview.html
  18. https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/greg-pikitis/umc.cmc.1bntjovkrks50v0kchuret1dv?showId=umc.cmc.4rhzbt3nmsycvgt4nilhbuyae
  19. https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/parks-and-recreation/5883799404534408112/seasons/2/episodes/greg-pikitis-episode-7/91e0729c-d213-3545-a98c-f2d13624a40f
  20. https://lamag.com/tv/complete-parks-recreation-guide-los-angeles/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P70gQ7mHOnk
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bku8EfhSp4Y
  23. https://www.tunefind.com/show/parks-and-recreation/season-2/17231
  24. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/2009/10/parks_and_recreation_greg_piki.html
  25. https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/04/parks-and-recreation-prom-review
  26. http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2009/10/parks-and-recreation-greg-pikitis-pump.html
  27. https://jacksonupperco.com/2025/07/01/the-ten-best-parks-and-recreation-episodes-of-season-six/
  28. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/parks-and-recreation/season-2
  29. https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/parks-and-recreation
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