Animal Control Season 4 Episode 9 Review: Bats and Camels

In another stellar outing for the workplace comedy, Animal Control Season 4 Episode 9, “Bats and Camels,” urges the pack to face the truth.

The episode, written by Jim Brandon & Brian Singleton and directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, is wall-to-wall excitement as the race for Animal Control Officer of the Year heats up for Frank, Templeton, and, apparently, eight other people. 

Dan Bakkedahl guest stars as the revered former officer, Wayne Peters. Bakkedahl’s appearance essentially makes it so Wayne must pop up in random disguises for the rest of Animal Control‘s run.

Knowing how much this show loves a bit, it feels right to have high expectations.

Regardless, Wayne’s presence pushes Frank and Templeton’s pranks into a higher yet familiar gear. Templeton pulls his former fraternity (and the mascot camel they stole) into the mix. So, “Bats and Camels” calls back to Animal Control Season 1 Episode 5, “Cows and Raccoons,” and a cow in the frat house.

This — and seeing Doc Whiskers and Hopper have their own room in Frank’s house after being adopted in different episodes of the show — is one of many reasons why comedies need to have multiple seasons with more than eight episodes. The built-in charm, jokes, and lore can’t come from nowhere.

That hindsight also shows how far this rivalry has gone during Animal Control, proving Wayne’s point that Frank and Templeton need a wake-up call.

It’s telling that Frank voices his self-disappointment for not putting the animals first, but Templeton is more concerned about potentially losing out on the prize money. Likewise, it’s revealing that when everyone doubts Frank’s personality and the appeal of his house, it’s Victoria who is honest with him.

That slow-burn relationship has been so glorious to watch, and it takes an adjacent step forward with “Bats and Camels.” 

Since Animal Control Season 4 Episode 3, “Dragons and Dognappers,” it’s felt like the comedy has been building to Victoria and Parker’s break-up. Animal Control Season 4 Episode 5, “French Bulldogs and White Broncos,” gives them steadier ground to stand on, but in retrospect, that is a last grasp for them.

“Bats and Camels” handles their break-up with such maturity and tenderness.

Grace Palmer and Josh Segarra play that scene with so much care.

This scene could’ve ripped Victoria and Parker’s relationship to shreds or presented it as something that was never all that serious.

Instead, Animal Control never questions if Victoria and Parker care about each other — they have outrageous chemistry at that dinner party.

Speaking of the dinner party, it’s an absolute delight to see Patel and his wife, Maya, share the screen again. It’s been since Animal Control Season 1 Episode 9, “Dogs and Geese,” when Kalyn Miles played the part. Now, Punam Patel, who is delightful as Jay’s sister, Bela, on CBS’s Ghosts, has stepped into the role. 

Hopefully, a recast means that Animal Control intends to spend more time with Patel and his family. After all, Animal Control Season 4 Episode 8, “Squirrels and Fat Cats,” does some great work with Patel, his daughter Addy, and Victoria.

Either way, because Victoria cares about him, she doesn’t want to stand in the way of Parker settling down and starting a family with someone. It’s a heartbreaking and sweet conclusion to their relationship that juxtaposes Emily’s jealousy-fueled actions as Shred goes on a date with Daisy’s friend, Cassie.

It almost feels silly for Emily and Shred to keep their relationship a secret. At this point, practically everyone knows.

However, “Bats and Camels” reinstills the threat that Templeton poses if he gets more power — and it goes beyond feta on Emily’s keyboard.

Therefore, Animal Control finds a believable reason for Emily to want Shred to commit to a single appearance. It’s honestly sweet that he cares so much about making her happy that he’ll pretend to date who Emily calls “the perfect woman.”

It’s even better to see how “Bats and Camels” backs that up with backstory and exposition. Once Emily practically pushes her out the door, Shred pivots to Camila, his ex-girlfriend from Season 1, just to preserve what Emily wants. 

Again, a prime example of why it’s nice when a show has the time to build out these characters and their stories. There’s so much for Emily and Shred’s story to sit on over the last four seasons. Regardless, Shred only has eyes for Emily.

Moreover, “Bats and Camels” uses the whole situation to set up a roundabout love confession from Shred. It feels so earned, and it’s so them. As exciting as that is for them, it’s equally so to imagine what Emily and Frank may have in store for Templeton next. Their energy in the episode’s tag is unmatched!

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

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