14 Years Later, This Parks & Rec Episode Still Has the Most Disturbing Cold Open in Sitcom History

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Even now, *Parks and Recreation* remains one of the most beloved and funny sitcoms ever made. Clips and lines from the show are still widely shared online, and it’s full of unforgettable moments. From Andy’s awkward online health searches for Leslie to the Parks Department’s comical fall on the ice, and the infectious energy of Gloria Stefan’s ‘Get On Your Feet,’ the series is packed with highlights. Many fans fondly remember April and Andy’s surprise wedding—a scene that was both funny and heartwarming. The episode featuring their ‘Fancy Party’ is also known for a brilliantly strange and hilarious opening scene that quickly became a fan favorite.

Okay, let me tell you about “Andy and April’s Fancy Party,” the ninth episode of *Parks and Recreation*’s third season. By this point, the show had really hit its stride – after a bit of a shaky start, they’d found their voice and added Ben and Chris, which was brilliant. But this episode? This one *escalated* things. It gave us a wedding nobody predicted, and honestly, it’s easily one of the best and most unforgettable episodes of the entire series, ranking right up there with classics like “Flu Season” and “The Fight.” Everyone remembers it for cementing Andy and April as a power couple, but what really sticks with me is the cold open. It’s genuinely one of the funniest, most shocking, and… well, slightly disturbing cold opens I’ve *ever* seen on a sitcom, not just *Parks and Rec*. Seriously, it’s iconic.

“Andy and April’s Fancy Party” Lets Ron Shine During the Cold Open

Ron Swanson, played by Nick Offerman in *Parks and Recreation*, remains one of the show’s most popular characters. Many of his funny lines and moments are still widely shared online. Offerman delivers a fantastic performance as Ron, the Parks Department boss who’s known for being straightforward, quiet, and distrustful of government. Ron’s serious personality and dry wit made him a uniquely funny character, and a great match for Leslie Knope’s energetic and ambitious nature.

Following the second season, *Parks and Recreation* shifted to a more team-focused style, giving supporting characters like Jerry, Donna, and Ron more opportunities to stand out. The episode “Andy and April’s Fancy Party” showcases this well, beginning with a now-famous scene featuring Ron Swanson. It starts like many episodes, with a Parks Department meeting where Ben shares updates on parking and recycling.

Things were going smoothly at first, but then Ron started moaning about a terrible toothache. Leslie noticed and asked if he was alright, and he tried to brush it off as nothing serious. But he just kept complaining, and Ben started to wonder if Ron should really go to the dentist. That’s when the opening scene took a really unexpected – and honestly, brilliantly weird – turn.

Ron, declaring his dislike of dentists, decides to pull his own tooth—using pliers—right there in the Parks Department conference room, with everyone watching. April is a mix of disgusted and thrilled, while Ben immediately runs out of the room when Ron starts. Donna, Jerry, and April quickly follow him. Leslie is completely stunned and can only stare at Ron in disbelief.

The funniest moment happens when Ron starts wiggling his tooth – Tom looks absolutely terrified, and then actually faints, collapsing onto the floor. What makes it even better is Ron’s confession to the camera: his dentist already removed the tooth yesterday! He only pretended to pull it out with pliers to prove how much pain he can handle. Plus, it’s always amusing to watch Tom pass out.

This Hilarious yet Disturbing Cold Open Perfectly Encapsulates Ron’s Character

The humor of this opening scene comes from the Parks Department staff genuinely believing Ron pulled his own tooth with pliers. While it would be unbelievable for most people, it feels strangely fitting for Ron. It’s almost a letdown to find out a dentist actually did it! Ron has carefully crafted an image of being stoic, independent, and completely self-reliant, so the idea of him handling a dental emergency himself just seems…right.

It also makes sense, considering Ron’s personality, that he was faking to intimidate his coworkers and appear stronger than they thought. He rarely reveals his true self, only letting his guard down in certain situations. He’s very private, especially at work, and even keeps his birthday a secret.

Despite his tough exterior, Ron often reveals a caring side. He consistently supports Leslie’s career and acts as a mentor to April and Andy, demonstrating he deeply cares for those around him, even if he doesn’t always express it. His affection for Li’l Sebastian is a notable exception.

Ron has an unusually high tolerance for alcohol, except when it comes to Tom’s Snake Juice. He’s skilled with his hands and loves being outdoors, able to build amazing things. He’s incredibly stoic, having only cried twice, and stubbornly avoids doctors, even when seriously ill or in pain – like when a hernia immobilizes him or the flu knocks him out. It wouldn’t surprise people if he could even pull his own tooth without anesthesia, but thankfully, he didn’t have to.

“Andy and April’s Fancy Party” Is a Roller Coaster of Emotions

After falling in love during Season 2’s “Hunting Trip,” Andy and April quickly became one of the most beloved couples on television. In this Season 3 episode, though they’ve only been dating for a short time, they surprise everyone by throwing a dinner party that’s secretly a wedding, inviting all their friends, family, and coworkers from the Parks Department.

Leslie initially tries desperately to halt the wedding, even reaching out to Andy’s ex and her close friend, Ann, who wasn’t present at the celebration. Despite her efforts, the wedding proceeds as scheduled. The episode is filled with funny and unexpected moments, but Andy and April’s wedding itself is a genuinely touching and beautiful scene, making it one of the show’s best. It’s also in this episode that Ben decides to commit to Pawnee, choosing to stay and work with Chris Traeger instead of returning to Indianapolis.

“Andy and April’s Fancy Party” is one of the best episodes of *Parks and Recreation*, consistently funny from beginning to end. The heartwarming scenes from Andy and April’s wedding – especially when April tells Leslie she loves her – beautifully balance the episode’s overall silliness, and moments with April’s quirky friend, Orin, are particularly hilarious. It’s when the show lets its characters connect on a deeper emotional level that *Parks and Recreation* truly excels.

As a huge fan of *Parks and Recreation*, I always think back to the episode “Andy and April’s Fancy Party” – it kicks off with one of the most unexpectedly hilarious and slightly unsettling cold opens ever! Seeing Ron seemingly yank out his own tooth just sets the stage for a truly memorable episode. That moment really cemented Ron as a comedic highlight of the show. What I love about *Parks and Rec* is how brilliantly it used each character’s unique personality and strengths. They really leaned into what made everyone special, and I think that’s a big reason why it remains one of the funniest and most beloved sitcoms out there.

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2025-10-19 06:37