The Mark Brendanawicz Theory That Changes Everything On Parks And Recreation

But couldn't Mark have just moved on to a new job? The reason that's unlikely is because we literally never see him again — in any capacity. The company he says he's leaving for, Norton Construction, is still based in Pawnee, a city of about 80,000 people with an approximate area of 27.6 square miles. It's not a huge place. If you know someone who lives there you're going to run into them, but we never do in the subsequent five seasons. It's also unlikely that the company went under or moved locations, since a sign for Norton Construction is seen in the background of the episode "Save J.J.'s" in season 7. They're still in business and still in Pawnee.

Ultimately though, the most glaring indicator that Mark didn't simply start a new life is the fact that after his exit, no one acknowledges his existence ever again — not once. No throw away joke referencing his character, no flashback including him, no casual mention of him in conversation. After scouring the series the only hint of his presence to be found after season 2 is a painting he made in the episode "The Camel" hanging in Ron's office. Other than that, he's been almost completely erased. The only way this would make sense for the story is if, out of respect to Mark's family and the tragic circumstances of his death, the employees actively decided to never mention him again to the documentary crew. If he had moved away, died of natural causes, or passed away in an accident, there wouldn't be such a shroud of secrecy around his absence. 

This would also mean that for Leslie completing the park Mark helped her build wasn't just a personal goal, but a tribute to the memory of a fallen colleague... who definitely killed himself. At least, if you believe this particularly dark fan theory.

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