Animal Control never strikes out for me. It’s one of my favorite comfort comedies. Its low stakes, lighthearted humor and warmth make it an easy watch. This week’s outing, Season 2 Episode 4, “Big Dogs and Mini Horses,” is no exception.
In addition to the sharp one-liners and gags, Season 2 is blessing us with a multi-episode arc. Frank’s ex-cop instincts kick into high gear as he investigates an animal smuggling ring in Seattle. I love him teaming up with Emily in “Big Dogs and Mini Horses,” and I’m excited to see how they bring those responsible for the ring to justice. Meanwhile, Victoria will do anything to become a US citizen without taking a test. Girl, I get it. I’m an awful test taker.
Side note: we need Emily’s animal-themed playlist. Sheryl Crow? Whitesnake? Cat Stevens? Arctic Monkeys? If FOX doesn’t seize this marketing opportunity, I will.
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Big Dogs and Mini Horses
VICTORIA: “I’m gonna find a loophole to get me out of all this studying.”
FRANK: “Shortcuts and laziness — spoken like a true American.”
Frank’s (Joel McHale) got a point. Is there anything more American than having an urge to find a shortcut and exhibiting laziness? Although, to the latter point, I’d argue that most of us are clinically depressed instead of lazy. Regardless, Victoria (Grace Palmer) is well on her way to becoming the best American.
Side note: later in the episode, when he’s chasing that animal smuggling ring lead with Emily (Vella Lovell), Frank says, “I know a shortcut.” Point proven.
SHRED: “I’m just dating myself right now, and I like my choice in men.”
Shred (Michael Rowland) is the epitome of adorable. I love his burst of self-confidence. There’s nothing wrong with dating yourself. I take myself out on dates all the time. That said, I need Emily and Michael to be cute together. Make it happen, Animal Control (after the appropriate narrative slow burn).
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Norway
VICTORIA: “I could be an interpreter.”
PATEL: “Nope, not gonna work. Not with that accent. I can’t even understand what you’re saying half the time.”
VICTORIA: “No way!”
PATEL: “See? Right there, I heard ‘Norway’ like the country. I mean, that could cause a diplomatic emergency.”
I love Patel (Ravi V. Patel) and Victoria’s scenes. They’re so fun, and Patel and Palmer play off each other well. Now, whenever I rewatch this episode, I, too, will only hear “Norway.” Is there anything better than a Kiwi accent, though?
FRANK: “Some kid on a bike called me his little b*tch for walking on the sidewalk.”
VICTORIA: “The eight-year-old with the neck tattoo?”
SHRED: “Yes, that is Chris, and he protects the block.”
Is Chris looking for work? I’d love to hire him as my personal security guard. He can protect my house, fend off potential intruders and keep wild animals away. Who wants to go toe-to-toe with an eight-year-old with a neck tattoo? Not I.
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Get the Parm
VICTORIA: “Did you guys fork out for a smoke machine? This is so fun.”
PATEL: “Oh no, the bug guys came a day early … somebody, get the parm!”
Patel has his priorities in order. When catastrophe strikes, always protect the chicken parm. Food takes precedence. Even though he’s injured, our perpetually exhausted family man still has savory goodies on the brain. That’s after the branzino and Chinese food for breakfast.
What are your favorite quotes from Animal Control‘s “Big Dogs and Mini Horses”? Sound off in the comments.
Animal Control airs new episodes every Wednesday at 9/8c on FOX, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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