Animal Control Season 5 Episode 5 Review: Does Shred Propose to Emily?

Animal Control Season 5 Episode 5, “Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter,” exceeds expectations to produce something far stronger and more memorable than imagined. It’s another unmissable 5-star episode!

It’s clear that this episode won’t miss when Shred says that a husky has perfect pitch before suggesting that he will be good at sledding with dogs on dry land because it’s originally a snow sport. There really is nowhere “Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter” can go from that already high place but up and up. 

Cutting from that to the employees fawning over Brett, the kitty litter delivery guy, is just so good. It’s hit after hit! It’s particularly great because there is no toxic masculinity in sight besides, well, Frank, and that instantly backfires on him.

He tries to exercise his superior strength — in front of Victoria — and ends up creating a larger mess. Frank really should have seen that as a warning sign.

It’s to the benefit of “Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter,” written by Alison Bennet and directed by Maggie Carey, that he doesn’t. Then again, Piggy may think differently.

In fairness, this show has been needling away at his self-hatred and toxic masculinity for some time — the beginning of the show, really. Animal Control Season 4 Episode 7, “Donkeys and Weasels,” is an excellent and recent example.

This episode makes Frank’s self-doubt also about his feelings for Victoria.

His one-sided competition with Brett dials up to Frank sending self-described “proof of life thirst traps” to Victoria. It’s amazing!

This slow-burn relationship has been one of the (many) best things about Animal Control forever. Frank and Victoria are now in a place where they’re both aware of their mutual feelings, but neither of them will be brave enough to admit them.

Their scene in Frank’s bathroom perfectly signifies as much. 

Frank and Victoria are only willing to lean in when it means saying the other person did it first. They’re so close to seeing that it doesn’t matter who leans in first as long as they are honest about their feelings.

“Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter” is acutely aware of their compatibility regardless. 

They speak the same language now that Victoria has Piggy. Only she could understand why Franks gave Doc Whiskers and Hopper their own room in his house. For that reason, it’s a big deal that Victoria trusts Frank with Piggy.

Sure, he’s the only one not on a date. So it sets Frank up for pig-related antics that spiral out of control in the most absurdly delightful ways. A pig eating HGH, pulling the entire ensemble to Frank’s house? Only on Animal Control!

It is nice that “Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter” finally addresses the fact that Dr. Colette Summers disappeared after the first season. Since then, there’s been a real void in the vet department on Animal Control.

This episode changes that with Dr. Moore, who hopefully won’t disappear too. 

Patel has had too many friends — set up by Shred or not — come and leave this season. It could just be a bit that Animal Control wants to run with until Maya and the kids come home. However, it may be better to stick with Dr. Moore.

It expands the precinct, and it guarantees at least some consistency for Patel moving forward. After all, it’s played as humorous, but there is something deeper in Patel asking Shred, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I keep a man?” Animal Control may find some interesting answers in exploring those questions.

“Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter” is a wonderful reminder that this show is really good at character work. From Frank and Victoria to Shred and Emily, there’s a lot going on with the characters and their feelings. The latter’s story is so well-written too.

Emily is justified in thinking that it’s too soon for a proposal, but she never gives Shred the opportunity to agree with her. She doesn’t articulate her feelings well, and Shred internalizes that Emily is afraid of a future with him.

It’s a really good conflict for Animal Control to explore. The only thing that would have made it better is Bettany reminding Emily to octagon breathe!

Regardless, “Sled Dogs and Kitty Litter” exemplifies why Emily and Shred are in a solid, romantic relationship while Frank and Victoria aren’t. Emily and Shred deal with their conflict, take accountability, and move forward honestly. 

They’re not denying that they are on the same page. Relatedly, Emily proposing that Shred move in with her is one of the most romantic things these two have done on this show — and they kissed for the first time in front of penguins who are soulmates. Animal Control just keeps getting better and better!

---

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!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

Animal Control airs Sundays at 8:30/7:30c on FOX.

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!