Animal Control continues to deliver wild and unpredictable laughs, and Season 3, Episode 6, titled “Buffalo and Beavers,” is no exception. The episode opens with a chaotic Super Bowl party that’s quickly hijacked by an out-of-control Gronkowski and a slew of mascots who only add to the madness. From there, the stakes get even higher, as Emily, our ever-reluctant leader, takes a personal day, leading to both chaos and hilarious pranks that culminate in some big reveals and an absurd prank war.
One of the highlights of the episode is its blend of fast-paced humor and deeper character moments, especially around Emily. At first, it seems like she’s taking a rare day off just to avoid conflict or work, but as we dig deeper, it becomes clear that she’s still struggling with the fallout from her breakup with Rick. Watching Emily as she navigates this personal turmoil while simultaneously dealing with the chaotic antics at work makes her one of the most relatable characters on the show. It’s also great that her friends are there to offer advice—though, as expected, they don't always provide the most practical suggestions, like dead-drops for breakups. But even in the most absurd moments, Animal Control makes it clear that the show's humor is rooted in real human emotions.
The prank war between Templeton and the rest of the team is also a standout storyline. Frank and Shred seem completely caught off guard by Templeton’s unholy alliance with the fire department, which only adds to the drama when their chairs collapse in an elaborate prank. What’s even more entertaining is how each member of the precinct gets involved in trying to “one-up” each other in increasingly outlandish ways. I found myself laughing out loud at the ridiculous lengths they’ll go to, including Templeton’s bold move of using beavers for a revenge prank, a move that is both hilarious and totally fitting for the madness that unfolds on this show. Frank, of course, is more concerned about surviving his height-induced fears than winning the prank war, which is one of the show’s recurring themes—characters constantly trying to maintain control over situations they clearly can't.
What struck me in this episode was the balance between lighthearted comedy and the deeper, more personal stakes. While the humor is certainly outlandish at times (can we talk about how ridiculous the whole “buffalo-lasso” scene was?), there are moments where the show takes a beat to address the real emotional conflicts its characters face. Emily’s internal struggle about whether or not to fully let go of Rick is something anyone can relate to, even if it’s embedded in the chaos of a prank war.
There’s also the added layer of character dynamics at play—especially the friendship (or rivalry) between Frank and Templeton. The prank war between the two is ridiculously entertaining, but underneath it, there's a sense of honor and unresolved tension that makes their relationship more interesting. Frank’s fear of heights becomes a point of vulnerability, yet there’s an unspoken respect between him and Templeton—something that is revealed in the final moments of the episode. The way the show portrays this “brotherhood” within their dysfunctional team is surprisingly heartwarming amidst all the zany chaos.
Emily’s quiet transformation throughout the episode is worth noting. She starts the day trying to avoid emotional confrontation but ends up facing her feelings head-on. The dead-drop—her first attempt at finally getting closure—reminds us how awkward, messy, and downright awkward breakups can be. But in true Animal Control fashion, it’s the absurdity of her situation that makes it feel real. Emily’s recognition that maybe she wasn’t truly over the breakup—coupled with her realizing the importance of closure—adds another layer to her character arc.
And of course, we can’t forget about the absurd animal antics. From buffaloes to beavers, the show doesn’t hold back when it comes to throwing unexpected wild animal chaos into the mix. These moments are definitely what make Animal Control so unique, especially when you throw in a crazy wild party with an entire team of mascots and a disgruntled buffalo. The unpredictability is what keeps this show fresh and exciting each week.
I also really enjoyed how the episode tackled office dynamics. Patel being left in charge (and trying to keep order) is an amusing reflection of how management often struggles to control the madness that happens beneath them. His unwillingness to let things escalate into another prank war was funny, but it also played on the real struggle of balancing authority and the hijinks that come with working in such a chaotic environment. Patel's nervousness as the de facto leader only added to the episode’s fun, particularly as he tries to put his foot down but inadvertently ends up giving everyone the green light for more shenanigans.
In terms of the prank war escalation, the idea of using beavers—an absurdly funny and unexpected twist—was pure comedic gold. Templeton, ever the schemer, uses the animals as part of his master plan, and it's hilarious to watch as it unfolds. As crazy as the pranks get, the way the entire precinct comes together in the end just solidifies how much they rely on one another, no matter how ridiculous their situations get.
"Buffalo and Beavers" was a hilarious, high-energy episode that continues to showcase Animal Control’s clever balance of absurd humor and character-driven storytelling. The pranks were laugh-out-loud funny, but it was the emotional moments, particularly around Emily’s personal journey and the bonds between the characters, that added heart to the chaos. This episode really highlights why Animal Control has become one of my favorite comedies. It’s unpredictable, funny, and surprisingly poignant when it needs to be—making it a standout episode in a season full of ridiculous, laugh-out-loud moments. I can't wait to see how the fallout from this prank war affects the precinct and what Emily’s next move will be.
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