Wellington Paranormal Season 4 Episode 1 Review: Bird Woman
Wellington Paranormal Season 4 Episode 1, “Bird Woman,” is a hysterical addition to the show’s universe, chock full of excellent slapstick, hilarious one-liners, and plenty of mating calls. It’s also surprisingly action-packed, with both plotlines bearing highly physical elements.
“Bird Woman” is a solid season opener, especially for the (tear) final season. Wellington Paranormal always finds new creative avenues that yield comedic fruit. The writers never repeat a storyline or premise, and it’s refreshing to watch a supernatural series that doesn’t focus solely on a handful of specific creatures.
MINOGUE: I spoke to a witness who said, “I only just got here just now. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
This universe is so expansive, which broadens the scope for potential spinoffs. Admittedly, it’ll be difficult to leave this world behind in five more episodes.
“Bird Woman” might be one of the few episodes wherein the B plot almost outshines the main story. Maaka Pohatu and Thomas Sainsbury’s onscreen chemistry is fantastic, and they play off each other so well comedically. Here’s hoping we see more of them in Season 4.
There are a few laugh-out-loud moments in “Bird Woman.” Everyone performing their version of a bird mating call is ridiculous, but it fits the tone of Wellington Paranormal to a tee. The entire precinct chasing down a foul-mouthed bird is hysterical since said bird incessantly screeches, “F*ck the police.”
MAAKA: It’s okay. I trust her. I met her on an internet bird forum.
Another humorous highlight is the tasing scene, where Parker inadvertently tases Maaka, Minogue, and himself. O’Leary’s weary expression says it all at that moment.
Even Minogue and O’Leary’s active adventure unleashes some edge-of-your-seat developments. Notably when they’re hanging off the top of a building. If you’re afraid of heights, this bit might make you squirm. Wellington Paranormal feels like a bona fide supernatural action adventure with “Bird Woman.”
Additionally, the gags and comedic exchanges feel seamless and effortless, shifting smoothly from joke to joke. How Maaka, O’Leary, and Minogue kept a straight face while Waitahi Aniwaniwa rattled off that laundry list of “greats” concerning her ancestral grandfather is beyond this reviewer. That said, it illustrates the consummate professionals at the helm of this show.
O’LEARY: We’d also like to warn the public about the potential dangers of falling patrol cars.
“Bird Woman” is great fun — a piece of whimsical, sharp, lighthearted escapism that puts an exciting spin on a Māori legend. This show will undoubtedly leave a void in its wake when it ends. Thankfully, streaming is forever!
Stray Observations:
- It’s always fun when Wellington Paranormal mixes Māori culture into the narrative. Fun fact: Kurangaituku is a bird woman of Māori legend. Hatupatu, Beverly’s surname in this episode, is the name of a hero who escaped said bird woman. Unfortunately, the bird woman consumes Beverly in this outing, so she’s not as lucky.
- Parker’s sexy “French” bird call is hysterical. We need to see more of his smooth dance moves at some point.
- Perhaps it’s the state of social media, namely Twitter, but it’s hard to hear “Take the ‘W'” and not think of someone urging you to “take the win.”
- Parker addresses the idea of him and Sergeant Maaka becoming flatmates again, and it seems like the show might end with these two becoming The Odd Couple duo we always wanted.
- O’Leary’s exasperated facial expressions are on point in “Bird Woman.” She might explode in the series finale, and it’ll be hilarious.
What did you think of this episode of Wellington Paranormal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Wellington Paranormal airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW, with next-day streaming on HBO Max.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.