Animal Control Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Cats and Monkeys

Animal Control Season 2 Episode 2, “Cats and Monkeys,” successfully uses an adoption competition as a means of connection between the pack members.

Written by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, & Tad Quill and directed by Bob Fisher & Rob Greenberg, this episode introduces some fun and chaotic pairings that Animal Control would only benefit from featuring more often.

Namely, Emily & Frank and Patel & Shred are nothing but a good time.

“Cats and Monkeys” shakes up the pack’s dynamics by competing with Templeton’s precinct. It’s a missed opportunity that Animal Control doesn’t follow Templeton’s eventually frantic efforts to beat Emily and Frank.

Frank’s mention of Templeton’s supervisor emphasizes how little is known about Templeton — and his precinct. It also builds anticipation around the workplace comedy continuing to expand its world, like Animal Control Season 1 Episode 8, “Hellhounds and Sturgeons,” does with the Fish & Game jurisdiction.

Because there is still plenty to learn about the character who enjoys being a thorn in Frank and Emily’s side, Animal Control has somewhere to go — figuratively and literally — in its future. That longevity is a good thing.

Similarly, “Cats and Monkeys” continues building interest in the funny new receptionist, Bettany. Still, that development comes with confusion around Dolores Stubb’s disappearance after the show’s first season.

Kelli Ogmundson was great in the role, and Season 1 gradually expanded Dolores’s presence, suggesting she would be a more significant part of Animal Control moving forward. Hopefully, this season takes a beat to offer an update. 

Meanwhile, Victoria spends all of “Cats and Monkeys” waiting on an update from immigration on the longest phone call ever. It’s such a silly bit that effectively emphasizes how slowly social services often move in the United States.

The phone call itself is also a perfect plot device in the Frank and Victoria story.

This episode repeatedly reinforces that Frank doesn’t want to be alone but is afraid to embark on anything serious because he has been romantically scorned. It’s impactful that Victoria is the one who helps him back on the horse because that relationship so clearly would work — one day. 

Knowing that Animal Control has already been renewed for a third season makes the pacing of this story work even better. Otherwise, the current TV landscape doesn’t have much room for slower-burn romantic relationships.

Unfortunately, shows burn out too fast to support them anymore.

“Cats and Monkeys” can have Victoria point out Frank’s assets (for a dating profile, of course) while reiterating that she has time to settle down — without any external pressures rushing that story along. Animal Control has time for Frank and Victoria to have productive, independent arcs and other love interests.

Then, whenever they decide to (hopefully!) take that step with one another, Frank and Victoria will be ready for each other. Until then, Animal Control can utilize Joel McHale and Grace Palmer’s chemistry in great, charged scenes with loaded looks, like their final one on “Cats and Monkeys.”

Similarly, Animal Control can hit the brakes on Emily and Shred without any real disappointment. Even though Shred insists that he has moved on from her, his actions and words show that he still has very strong feelings for Emily.

Where Frank bottles up, Shred turns outward and tries to find someone or something (the new investment with Patel) to distract him — until he can’t.

The scene where Shred mourns his could’ve-been relationship with Emily while Audrey’s loved ones mourn her much more permanent death is an excellent use of miscommunication. It’s even funnier, considering Patel didn’t even know that Shred was romantically interested in Emily.

It’s exciting to imagine the hilarious situations those two will get themselves into during this adventure. The house also seems like the perfect avenue to get to know Patel more — outside his growing family, who rarely appear on the show.

That said, Patel’s daughter Addy wreaking havoc on the precinct on Animal Control Season 1 Episode 4, “Dogs and Bears and Minks,” is objectively hilarious. So, it wouldn’t be bad for the show to feature Patel’s family more often.

Nevertheless, it’s a positive turn in getting to know Patel better — and with someone who isn’t Victoria. Their friendship is a standout on Animal Control, but it doesn’t have to be the only strong dynamic for Patel.

With an ensemble of characters this great, a second season should be used to test the waters of different pairings and prove how well — or not — the characters can get along with one another. “Cats and Monkeys” succeeds with Emily and Frank, who find a common goal among adorable cats.

Frank’s wish to avoid his feelings with a ping-pong table is the perfect match for a “petty, competitive Emily.” In turn, two very different characters can unite through their shared interest in being better than Templeton. It’s fantastic. However, the cats dressed up in Western-themed costumes certainly help.

“Don’t use office hours for trivial nonsense. You’re supposed to be ordering tiny cowboy hats,” is a joke that wouldn’t land on many shows but does on Animal Control. If that’s not another reason to tune into this delightful comedy, what is?

Ultimately, “Cats and Monkeys” is another strong episode that proves this show can avoid a sophomore slump if it continues to tell hilarious and heartfelt stories that emphasize how dynamic these characters are — individually and together.

In many ways, this episode feels like a necessary team-building exercise. 

Animal Control is settling into itself and making sure that no dynamic — platonic or romantic — is left behind. This pack is finding new ways to bond, and the show is only getting better and funnier because of it.

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Animal Control airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

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