actors played regular supporting roles throughout the second season. Jama Williamson continued her recurring role as Wendy, Tom Haverford's ex-wife who becomes a romantic interest for Ron Swanson. Mo Collins and Jay Jackson made repeated appearances as Pawnee journalists Joan Callamezzo and Perd Hapley. Both actors were originally expected to appear only in one episode, but both returned for subsequent episodes because the writing staff enjoyed their performances. Alison Becker played another Pawnee reporter, Shauna Malwae-Tweep, a character she also played in the first season. Ben Schwartz played Jean-Ralphio, an arrogant and fast-talking playboy friend of Tom, in several episodes. Pamela Reed reprised her recurring role as Leslie's mother, Marlene, in several second-season episodes. The second season also included several prominent guest appearances, something that distinguished Parks and Recreation from Greg Daniels' other comedy series, The Office. Schur said high-profile guests on The Office would be too distracting because most episodes are confined to one setting, while he said Parks and Recreation was "a little bit more bright and colorful than The Office". Megan Mullally, the real-life wife of Nick Offerman, appeared as Ron's ex-wife Tammy in the episode "Ron and Tammy". Schur said Mullally's appearance was well received and not overly distracting to viewers, which made the Parks and Recreation producers feel more comfortable about using future guest actors. Stand-up comedian Louis C.K. appeared in several episodes as Dave Sanderson, a Pawnee police officer and romantic interest to Leslie Knope. Although typically known for his raunchy and caustic comedy style, Louis C.K. adopted a far more deadpan sense of humor and technical tone of voice for Sanderson. Two of Amy Poehler's previous cast members from Saturday Night Live appeared in Parks and Recreation episodes: Fred Armisen played the vice director of a Venezuelan parks department in "Sister City", and Andy Samberg portrayed the head of security for Pawnee's parks in "Park Safety". Will Arnett, then married to Amy Poehler, made a guest appearance as an MRI technician in "The Set Up". In that same episode, Justin Theroux started a string of a guest appearances as Justin Anderson, a friend of Ann and love interest for Leslie. John Larroquette appeared in "Galentine's Day" as the long-lost former love of Leslie's mother. Kevin Symons appeared in two episodes as Bill Dexhart, a Pawnee councilman prone to sexual affairs and political scandals. Paul Scheer, who appeared in the MTV sketch comedy show