We are back with a brand new series to review for Conner’s Critique and this time we are checking out Animal Control Season 1 on Fox.
As always, we break down our reviews and by the category of story, acting, and overall. So let’s jump on into it!
Story 6/10
The series is all about a crew of animal control workers in Seattle, Washington, as they’re managed by their new boss Emily who’s not very skilled in the field of animal control, but is eager to work together with the crew.
This is added to by the fact that a new hire is partnered with one of the older more sinical agents. The new hire being Shred, a snowboarder and extreme sports enthusiast, who suffered a major injury and can no longer perform professional competitions.
The series is pretty straightforward dealing with small animal control issues, rivalry between other animal control districts. A minor tiff with the police force, and the general dynamics of the character’s life affecting their work life.
The series also deals with a minor “Will they Wont They” relationship between the new hire Shred and the department manager Emily which is moderately interesting.
Acting 9/10
One of the lead animal control workers is Frank, played by Joel McHale. He brings to this role a sarcastic wit drizzled with modern yey macho demeanor, as he is known to constantly play. Partnering his truck is his probational and highly energetic new employee Shred, played by Michael Rowland.
Other animal control workers that provide commentary and prospective are Amit Patel, played by Ravi Patel, a family man who is constantly dealing with issues and the over-encompassing family life that regularly overshadows his animal control Job, his partner Victoria, played by Grace Palmer, who is a New Zealand immigrant who’s over the top bravado perfectly mirrors and matches Joel Michael’s Frank.
Lastly, Emily, played by Vella Lovell, is the department manager who is in over her head, but trying to make the right choices while also infatuated with new hire Shred played by Michael Rowland. You may remember her role in series like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” as the punk roommate with a heart of gold, or her role in “Mr. Mayor” as the young and snobby campaign manager with a heart of gold. She’s done very well keeping these characters all feeling unique and individual, which is surprising since they all have a heart of gold. I really enjoyed seeing her in another show as a major supporting character.
Overall 7/10
The series does a very good job telling episodic journeys through animal control. Dealing with wild animals while also developing, nurturing, and managing relationships in the background to keep a feeling of a thorough storyline that connects all the episodes.
While this series is not groundbreaking, it is a warm glass of milk and a fun journey to watch unravel.
Conner’s Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to see the series eventually pushing Victoria played by Grace Palmer and Frank Played by Joel McHale together into a relationship due to their matching competing bravados. That being said, I don’t know if it would be a death note for the series or something they might want to hold off on until the finality of the show is confirmed.
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