Animal Control Season 4 Episode 6 Review: Roosters and Moles
Animal Control Season 4 Episode 6, “Roosters and Moles,” is this season and this show at its very best — five stars aren’t enough for this one.
This episode, written by Alison Bennett and directed by Brennan Shroff, will draw in new fans and reward those who have been watching from the pilot.
“Roosters and Moles” fires on all cylinders, with any mistakes being intentional and literal ones by the characters. The script never stumbles; it takes Animal Control to new highs as Frank emulates Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer from 24.
The timer tracking Frank’s mission to rescue 24 animals in 24 hours complements Animal Control‘s usual frantic energy.
Therefore, “Roosters and Moles” doesn’t break the show’s mold. It shapes the workplace comedy into a sharper version of itself.
The most effective way it does so is how well it incorporates Templeton.
Animal Control Season 4 Episode 2, “Bagged Birds and Alley Dogs,” struggles to sympathetically place Templeton at Precinct 23, given his inappropriate history with Victoria and his desire for Emily’s job. Animal Control Season 4 Episode 3, “Dragons and Dognappers,” mostly uses Templeton to further Frank’s story.
It also conveniently pushes Templeton into a probation room, so the show doesn’t have to immediately address how it will involve the character moving forward. “Roosters and Moles” answers that question.
The episode portrays Templeton as more than an annoying character in Frank’s life and an antagonist to more than the women at the office. It matters that the “roof crew” all recognize Templeton’s problematic behavior and want to band together to stop him from getting more power.
In turn, Templeton’s antics — a nomination for Animal Control Officer of the Year because of Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1, “Bear Cubs and Broncos” — test and, ultimately, strengthen the pack.
The best products of that group effort are the scenes between Shred & Victoria and Emily & Frank. However, it’s also noteworthy that Animal Control gives Patel a much-deserved hero moment after Templeton manipulates him.
Therefore, “Roosters and Moles” absolutely earns Patel’s getaway minivan reveal.
That bit highlights the episode’s top-tier editing. The cut from Emily trying to stay upbeat to her panicking is great. The same is true of Bettany casually walking up to the other characters, only for them to realize too late.
Each proves how the creative and technical aspects come together to support the workplace comedy’s sense of humor that sharpens with each episode.
That said, Bettany’s best moment is when she knocks Frank, who is hyped up on himself, down. Really, the women of Animal Control are the best part of “Roosters and Moles.” For instance, Vella Lovell’s delivery of “And you suspected Bettany? The woman who tracks my period on her phone?” couldn’t be better.
It’s not even the best part of the episode — that belongs to Victoria’s passion for Twilight (“I won’t apologize for who I am”). Thanks to her sister, Animal Control Season 3 Episode 5, “Hot Dogs and Lobsters,” reveals that Victoria moved to Seattle because of the franchise. “Roosters and Moles” runs with that.
Grace Palmer commits the bit when Victoria wears Edward Cullen cosplay. The episode delivers tenfold with each Animal Control character dressing up as a Twilight character by the end — the perfect excuse for Frank to take his shirt off!
It’s also very silly that Victoria is partly dressed as a beloved vampire while helping Shred conquer his yips brought on by a cat bite. This episode uses that to casually fold in more workplace lore with the Wall of Pain and Patel’s post-shot shakes. All those smaller details will only gain appreciation with time.
The script also expands Victoria and Frank’s history without them sharing the screen. Learning that he helped Victoria with immersion therapy after her first bite is one of the many times that Frank’s sentimental side presents itself.
The best example comes through his scenes with Emily. It’s massive that Frank tells her, “Coming from someone who hates himself, you’re being a little harsh on yourself,” and “You’re a good boss.” It’s a necessary reflection of his painful self-awareness as well as his predominantly unspoken respect for Emily.
The last time these two characters had the time to communicate like this was on Animal Control Season 2 Episode 4, “Big Dogs and Mini Horses.”
More lightheartedly, their scenes also suggest that Emily’s obsession with murder podcasts comes from a very real experience from her summer camp.
Ultimately, “Roosters and Moles” is a feel-good reminder — the way it just throws in a chicken crossing the road — that Animal Control is one of the best workplace comedies on TV right now, and it’s only getting better and funnier.
What did you think of this episode of Animal Control? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Animal Control airs Thursdays at 9/8c on FOX.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.