Animal Control continues to prove that it can balance sharp humor with heartfelt character moments, and Ducks and Penguins is a perfect example of why the show is hitting its stride in Season 3. In this episode, Frank (Joel McHale) and Shred find themselves chasing after an elusive penguin named Oreo who’s managed to escape—setting off a series of chaotic, hilarious events. The absurdity of having to wrangle a penguin becomes the perfect backdrop for the show’s trademark humor, with McHale’s sharp comedic timing elevating every scene. It’s a bit wild to see these hardened animal control officers take on such a quirky and seemingly trivial problem, but that’s what makes the show so fun to watch.
What I really enjoyed about this episode is how it pushed the personal stakes for the characters, especially Frank. There's this underlying tension with Frank and Emily throughout the episode that adds more weight to the comedy. We see Frank going against Emily’s more reasonable approach, driven by his instinct to get things done his way. That friction makes the episode feel like it’s building toward something more significant. I found myself invested in their relationship, wondering where it would go next. I really like how the show touches on the complexities of workplace dynamics in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Frank’s usual swagger comes across as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional stakes, and you can see that it’s starting to affect his relationships with others.
Another part of the episode that really stood out for me was the subplot with Victoria and Patel. Their mission to deliver a dog across the Canadian border had some hilarious moments, but also gave us a chance to see these characters interact outside of their usual roles. The chemistry between them was spot-on, and while the dog-related chaos they encounter is ridiculous, it felt like a nice balance to the more tense moments with Frank and Emily. It’s a good reminder of how Animal Control can take an outlandish premise—like a penguin escape—and use it to explore real emotional beats, both big and small.
I also can’t help but mention the physical comedy in this episode, which is so well done. From Shred’s frantic penguin-chasing moments to the awkward attempts to corral a dog that refuses to cooperate, the slapstick humor never overstays its welcome. The show knows how to use physical comedy without it feeling repetitive or cheap, which is a rare thing. It’s clear that the actors are having a great time, and that energy makes it all the more fun to watch.
On a personal note, what really makes this show stand out for me is how it keeps finding new ways to make its characters feel more fleshed out without losing its humor. I’ve become really invested in these people—especially Frank, who’s a character that can be hard to like at times, but McHale gives him just enough vulnerability that I care about his journey. It’s also refreshing to see how the show has evolved from being just a zany animal-wrangling series to something that’s not afraid to delve deeper into interpersonal relationships, all while keeping the laughs coming.
Ducks and Penguins is another strong entry in Animal Control’s third season. It delivers on all fronts: the humor is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the character development continues to shine. It’s episodes like this that make me excited to see what comes next, as the show continues to balance absurd situations with meaningful moments between its lovable (and often frustrating) characters. Whether you’re a fan of the wacky animal encounters or the more grounded emotional beats, this episode proves that Animal Control has mastered the art of making you laugh, while also making you care about what happens to these characters.
What did you think?
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So/So