Poehler’s character, a deputy director of parks in a small Indiana city, has indulged in the contents of a gift basket valued at more than the ethical maximum of $25. So she starts apologizing to every woman in Congress — alphabetically. And Bachmann happens to be first.

Poehler’s mea culpa begins at the 6:40 mark of the full-episode video (nbc or hulu), just after the first commercial break indicated by a white line:

Good morning. Last night, in a foolish attempt to infiltrate a boys’ club, I violated the Government Employee Ethics Code of the State of Indiana. I have always tried to live my life in an ethical way, and last night I failed. I realize I have let down every female public official in America, and I would like to apologize to them, right now, individually and in alphabetical order.

Michele Bachmann, Republican, Minnesota. I’m sorry.

Tammy Baldwin, Democrat, Wisconsin. I’m so sorry, Tammy.

Melissa Bean –

Women politicians are a theme on the show. In last night’s episode, Poehler’s character turns framed desktop photos of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and others, in shame.

During last year’s presidential campaign, Poehler portrayed Hillary Clinton. Her “Parks” character idolizes women who wield political power far more vast than her own, from U. S. House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

A highlight of Poehler’s SNL career came on her final show, when she delivered a fiercely satirical Sarah Palin rap during a “Weekend Update” sketch in which the real Alaska Governor and Republican vice presidential candidate was also appearing.

Now that should have produced a Poehler apology.

For the moose.

Refreshingly, the “Parks and Recreation” Web site appears to have absolutely no information about the TV show, except for a page devoted to Poehler’s character, City of Pawnee Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Leslie Knope. So here’s a trailer for “Parks and Recreation,” which is coming soon to a city near you via network TV, whether your local government needs parody or already provides its own.

TV trivia: The fictional city of Pawnee, Ind., has an official seal that bears a slight resemblance to Minnesota’s state seal.