Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for FOX’s Animal Control, specifically Emily Price’s arc.
Emily Price
Fast Facts

Emily Price (Vella Lovell) is the director of the animal control precinct in Seattle. When we meet her in Season 1, Emily finds herself in over her head in this new leadership position. She struggles to keep her crew in line, which consists of Frank (Joel McHale), Amit (Ravi V. Patel), Victoria (Grace Palmer) and Shred (Michael Rowland).
Initially, Emily tries to move up the career ladder in search of better opportunities. She often butts heads with Commissioner Templeton Dudge (Gerry Dee), who feels she’s easy to manipulate.
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Throughout Season 1, Emily develops a crush on Shred, and her feelings are reciprocated. However, Emily represses those feelings and starts a relationship with Rick Doyle (Kevin Bigley), the former A.C. director and Frank’s ex-partner. They’re together through Season 2. By the season finale, though, they break it off after Emily rejects Rick’s marriage proposal. Season 2 also sees Emily team up with Frank to take down an illegal animal smuggling ring.
In Season 3, Emily persuades Fiona Holcomb (Lucy Punch), a billionaire, to consider being a benefactor for the precinct and invest necessary funds for an annex where prospective adopters can play with the animals. Emily still wrestles with her feelings for Shred, all the more amplified now that he’s in a relationship, but Bettany (Krystal Smith), her loyal assistant, keeps her preoccupied.
The Real Deal

Initially, Emily struggles to be a leader. It’s not an innate trait for her. She’s also socially awkward, but hey, who isn’t? If anything, this makes her more relatable, and Emily is a character who profoundly resonates with me.
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However, Emily grows into her leadership role and learns to juggle the day-to-day responsibilities of being a precinct director. She overcomes her fear of giving speeches, which, as an introvert, is a big deal. Emily is intelligent, kind and empathetic, and she truly loves animals. She only wants what’s best for those in her care.
Additionally, Emily is ambitious, and getting Fiona as a benefactor is an audacious move on her part. It’s proof positive of her growth as she steps outside her comfort zone, as is her teaming up with Frank in Season 2 to eradicate corruption. She’s a dreamer who evolves into a go-getter. Not to mention, as an Emily/Shred shipper, I hope she finds the love she deserves.
Why She Matters

Emily is a woman of color in a leadership role who’s not the stereotypical “natural-born leader.” It’s a position she adapts to, which is true to life. Instead of showing us a boss who has it all together, we see Emily struggle. However, she eventually proves she has what it takes to be in charge. Through it all, she has her fair share of accomplishments, along with beautifully (and hilariously) written growth that’s fun to watch.
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So, be like Emily Price. Keep your head above water. When a Templeton threatens to ruffle your feathers, maintain your cool. Always aim high. Oh, and try to keep your Frank content (and in his lane). You might never know when he’ll be an asset.
Animal Control drops new episodes every Thursday at 9 pm EST/PST on FOX, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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