“Knopey! My girl! What up?” exclaims Parks and Recreation fan favorite (and least favorite) character Jeremy Jamm, mirroring my exact thoughts concerning the show’s monstrous nine-month hiatus.

Last year’s finale left off with our favorite ‘Pawneeans’ sprung three years into the future, with Leslie and Ben’s triplets not only born, but at the ripe age of three. A short cameo by Jon Hamm preceded the credits. Viewers knew NBC had renewed the show for a seventh season, despite no source announcing the premiere date until December.

We begin the final season in 2017, a year that also serves as the episode’s title. Leslie has been promoted to Regional Parks Director, sporting a sharp pair of bangs. As the episode continues, we quickly learn what all of the characters have been up to for the past three years.

Major character development becomes apparent, with Tom turned a restaurant mogul, Donna an engaged real estate agent, Ben a City Manager, Jerry/Larry now working for Leslie under the name Terry, Ron a business owner of the self-managed “Very Good Building and Development Company,” and April and Andy converted into their worst nightmare: the old married couple.

This premiere set immense expectations for the rest of the season, including plots such as Leslie and Ron’s rivalry over the unexplained “Morningstar” incident, Tom’s ex-girlfriend Lucy moving back to Pawnee, and Leslie’s quest to obtain Newport land for conversion into a national park.

Parks and Recreation proves the same quirky and refreshing show I and millions others have grown to love over the past six seasons, thanks to its witty dialogue, bizarre plotlines, and impeccable delivery guranteed by the show’s cast.

Parks and Recreation airs Tuesday nights at 8 PM, with double episodes until the February 25 series finale.

The Chant’s Grade: A-