One of the perks that comes with running a popular television-centric site is that every now and then something happens that’s so awesome you can’t help but think, “Did that really just happen?” Take, for example, the moment when PARKS AND RECREATION star Chris Pratt — whose career I’ve followed in a somewhat-obsessive-but-not-to-the-point-of-creepy-stalkerdom fashion — capped off our chat at an NBC event by suggesting we do a shot (or two) at the bar! (Knowing some of you would be skeptical, I made sure there’d be photographic evidence of this bonding moment, which can be found HERE.) And while that was more than enough to make the whole gig worthwhile for me, I made sure to ask a few questions about his time in both EVERWOOD and Pawnee so there’d be something in it for y’all, as well.

First off, you’ll have to forgive me for starting out with an EVERWOOD question or two because years later I still miss the show. Do you?
Chris Pratt: I wouldn’t say that I miss the show necessarily, but I look back on it really fondly. We had the greatest time and I’m really grateful to have been on it. From time to time I’ll miss living in Utah, I really liked Salt Lake City, but the amount of time we got [4 seasons] was perfect. We left fans wanting a little bit more which I think is a good thing so that the show didn’t have the chance to do that fifth season which might have caused it to jump the shark.

Do you still keep in touch with any of the cast members?
I do. I just went on a nice long hike with Greg [Smith] today. That’s a friendship that was developed there that I’ll never forget. He’s a really great friend and always will be. I’ll never look back on EVERWOOD with any negativity, it was just such an awesome opportunity and time in my life. You just bringing up the show makes me miss it even more.

Your former fictional girlfriends Sarah Drew is one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood, have you had the chance to catch her on anything.
Sarah Drew’s future is so bright she’s got to wear shades! I saw her on MAD MEN and she just gets better with time and with age and will be one of those actors who will work well into her eighties if she wants to. She’s just that good.

Speaking of working, this season has seen Andy find some fairly stable employment inside the government of Pawnee. Any chance this is just the first step of Andy’s political career?
That is a very good question. I think so. Andy would probably think so too. In fact, I think he’d make a great politician. He’s kind of wholesome and what’s that word that’s being thrown around for politicians lately… folksy? He’s very folksy and could appeal to a mass group of people. Plus he’s just dumb enough to not realize that he’s not in really in control. I think he’d be a wonderful candidate. Maybe he should run for Vice President?

And finally, on the relationship front, where do you think Andy and April are headed?
I don’t know how long Andy can remain oblivious of the fact that April likes him. I’ve really liked being able to do scenes with Aubrey [Plaza], but that’s really a question for the writers. All I know is that I hope they continue on because it’s made for a very fun work environment.

Thanks to high profile roles on THE OC and PARKS AND RECREATION you’re obviously more known for your comedic chops. But as any EVERWOOD fan can tell you, you injected some real and often unexpected emotional depth into Bright Abbott, a role that very easily could have ended up being your typical television comic relief. When PARKS AND RECREATION wraps up (seven or eight seasons from now) would you ever consider tackling a straight-on drama?
I’m too much of a beginner in acting to not consider everything but I feel like I’ve been a goofball my whole life so I can draw on my natural life experiences when it comes to comedy. In terms of drama I think I have it in me though and I’d love to be challenged with it and would love to try it.

PARKS AND RECREATION airs Thursdays at 8:30PM on NBC (CityTV in Canada)

With today news that EVERWOOD alum Chris Pratt will be joining the cast of Amy Poehler’s highly anticipated new NBC comedy, it should come as no surprise that this TV Addict is in complete agreement with Michael Ausiello when he says that PARKS AND RECREATION “just went from Must-See TV to Wild-Horses-Couldn’t-Drag-Me-Away TV.”

That said, we’re going to have to disagree with Ausiello when it comes to his assertion that, “the only thing that could make this show better is if they hired Cheri Oteri to play Poehler’s wacky assistant.”

Because we just so happen to believe that there are not just one, but rather two actors that could make this show even better than the hiring of an actress whose most notable gig over the past decade involves almost being cast in a J.J. Abrams comedy that is most likely never going to happen.

Their names: Tom Amandes (EVERWOOD’s Harold Abbott) and Liza Weil (GILMORE GIRLS’ Paris Geller). Two hilarious and talented actors that not only deserve a starring role in a Greg Daniels comedy, but would look smashing in matching Parks & Rec uniforms.

Agreed?

This TV Addict is incredibly excited for the season premiere of THE OC. Why you ask? Two words, Chris Pratt. Chris Pratt turned what could have been an incredibly ordinary ‘bully’ into one of television’s most enjoyable characters on EVERWOOD. Now’s THE OC’S mastermind, Josh Schwartz has hired Chris with the hopes that he’ll bring his own brand of Colorado magic to Newport Beach. Judging from his promotional video for student body president, both OC and EVERWOOD fans are in for a treat when THE OC returns this Thursday on FOX.

Returning Thursday November 2, THE OC will begin its fourth season with a familiar face. EVERWOOD’s Chris Pratt joins the cast as a love interest for Summer. After a dreadful third season, this TV Addict was ready to forget about Newport’s most troubled family, but as everybody who reads this site knows, cast an EVERWOOD alum, and you’ve earned yourself a new fan. Congratulations to the OC writers for finally having a ‘bright’ idea!