Animal Control Season 4 Episode 12 Review: Golden Moose and Dogs

Animal Control Season 4 Episode 12, “Golden Moose and Dogs,” uses the lore of the ACOOTYs to give this season finale a fiery edge. 

The episode, written by Tad Quill and directed by Natalia Anderson, takes the pack on a weekend trip that changes everything for almost everyone.

“Golden Moose and Dogs” rightfully brings season-long stories, like Emily and Shred’s secret relationship, to an end. It also knows what relationships and rivalries have more fuel in them to extend to next season.

This season finale starts on such solid footing. Animal Control can’t find a better lead-in to the pack’s history with the ACOOTYs than Seattle’s 17th annual (and outrageous) Wiener Walk. Every frame of the chaos is perfect, but nothing matches Victoria screaming for everyone to stay calm. 

It also emphasizes how this show never wastes an episode’s teaser — or tag. Frank’s instincts that something is amiss are actually correct and fold right into Templeton’s plans to literally upstage Frank at the ACOOTYs.

Relatedly, “Golden Moose and Dogs” starts with the relevant reminder that what happens on this trip can go on the pack’s professional records. Establishing those stakes early makes what follows land with even more significance.

It also works in favor of a new Animal Control running bit — Victoria accidentally started a fire last year and isn’t allowed to book a room at the hotel.

It always feels like the best choice for the show — and this season finale — is Victoria ending up at Frank’s room. It’s how “Golden Moose and Dogs” gets there and then subverts expectations that flex Animal Control‘s storytelling skills.

Frank isn’t Victoria’s first option — that would mean instantly acknowledging their feelings for each other. The episode delays that satisfaction as Victoria tries to flirt with everyone else but him to find a place to stay. It’s only when she knows that Templeton is sabotaging Frank that Victoria reaches out to Frank.

She pretends that it’s about them helping each other (one speech for one room), but the page and performances come alive in the subtext.

Their scene in that hotel room is one of Animal Control‘s very best.

Of course, this show has always been building to this more explicitly romantic place for Frank and Victoria. Just this season, Animal Control Season 4 Episode 5, “French Bulldogs and White Broncos,” is practically a first date.

On the other hand, this season finale earns Frank’s vulnerability after outings like Animal Control Season 4 Episode 7, “Donkeys and Weasels.” 

For all of that to come together in a scene where Frank opens up — for the first time — about losing his mom and his connection to animals is just spectacular writing. Joel McHale’s emotional read of “And on the morning my mom died, Buddy didn’t leave my side. He knew my pain,” complements what’s on the page.

With this scene, Animal Control taps into an honest side of Frank that no one really gets to see, not even Shred, to his own disappointment. So, it’s effective that Frank’s openness brings tears to Victoria’s eyes. This scene is also the perfect timing for Frank and Victoria to get the closest they’ve ever been.

The near-kiss lingers between them even when Shred enters the room. The direction is excellent, too, because adding that third character opens the space of that hotel room up more. Before Shred enters the scene, that set feels so small and tense with Frank and Victoria. It all works together so well!

The same is true about Emily and Shred’s storyline.

This will-they-won’t-they take their relationship public has been a growing thorn in their sides since Animal Control Season 4 Episode 1, “Bear Cubs and Broncos.” It’s more than understandable that Shred internalizes Emily’s resistance. 

“Golden Moose and Dogs” is smart to give them some space, and not only because it tees up that montage of all the characters sleeping after a wild night at the ACOOTYs. Relatedly, ACOOTYs Patel tries to be the life of the party, only to miss his kids so much that he drunkenly calls them — no notes! 

The pacing of the season finale works in favor of Emily and Shred’s reconciliation in the photo booth. It’s such a sweet scene that gives them perceived privacy in a party where everyone is in everyone else’s business. 

After Animal Control Season 4 Episode 9, “Bats and Camels,” it’s good that this episode gives Emily the chance to say, ‘Well, I love you, and I just want to be with you.” It’s such a romantic win that it’s stressful waiting for that other shoe to drop.

When it does, the pack’s reactions couldn’t be better — Frank can’t stop smiling through how bad it is, Patel is in shock that he didn’t know, and Victoria uses her skills to her advantage and pulls the fire alarm to save Emily from being fired.

The Animal Control ensemble really is one of the best ensembles on TV. “Golden Moose and Dogs” proves that in those final minutes, when the pack rallies around Emily and against Templeton. It always feels like this season will lead here, but it’s exciting to see it land there so effectively. Here’s to Season 5! 

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

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