Animal Control

Didn't expect much after reading many of these reviews, (some seem weirdly personal), but was surprised how funny I thought it was. It's not Seinfeld or MASH of course but not even close to some of the lame shows (I'm looking at you Night Court), but all I can suggest is try it because it's a pleasing cast, yes Joel McHale is pretty much Jeff Winger 2.0, but what's wrong with that? It kind of reminded me of Community in that I actually laughed out loud a couple of times and am looking forward to more episodes. Give it an opportunity, it won't be the first time a show that actually is funny gets canceled, but I plan on enjoying while I can.

The premise is pretty simple: a team of animal control professionals getting into antics that require a fair amount of suspension of disbelief to enjoy. Personally, I am able to suspend my disbelief enough to have a fun time watching the show. I don't think the show is trying to do anything ground-breaking, and I don't need every show to do that. Animal Control mostly follows the proven formula for workplace comedies, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine (although, I don't feel that Animal Control is as memorable as the former), and it's a formula that works for me.

Joel McHale is charming and fun to watch, as usual. His character, Frank, is fairly similar to the one McHale played in Community, and I don't view that as a negative. A character I was quite surprised by is "Shred" played by Michael Rowland. The character of Shred has been given a lot of heart and compassion in a charmingly innocent light. From the promos, I was a bit apprehensive about the character, fearing he would be presented as an annoying sidekick character. However, Shred might be my favorite character in the show. Everyone else is great in each of their respective roles, including Vella Lovell who, in my mind, could have also come off a bit annoying but rather is quite charming. Her character meshes really well with Rowland's.

I am a big fan of dramatic and unpredictable entertainment, but sometimes I want to sit easy and stay in a light-hearted mood. Animal Control has done that for me, and I appreciate that. I'm sure it's not for everyone, and if one was to "academically" analyze this show, it may garner a 7, a 6, or even a 5 in rating. However, I'm a fan and am hoping for more seasons in the future, therefore, I gave it an 8.

I genuinely enjoy these workplace comedies. And I love like 70% of anything that Joel McHale is in. I think it has enough potential to give it a chance to last 2-3 seasons in order to find its footing. Too many networks throw dozens of shows out there and see what sticks and abandon them before the reach their full potential (The Mick). I can only imagine if they'd cancel The Office or Parks and Rec in their infancy. The cast is diverse and they all seem like good enough comedy actors. I didn't recognize any of the writers which could bode well. I guess my gist is give the show time to breathe before dropping it.

Joel McHale struck gold with this sitcom. I actually enjoyed the premise about animal control officers in Seattle, Washington. The unit is headed by a charming attractive woman, Emily. McHale is paired up with younger Shred who was an athlete and idealistic. There is another pair of officers with a female officer from New Zealand and an Asian Indian character Patel. The four of them get into all types of trouble like attacking rabbits, snakes, peacocks, raccoons, possums, squirrels etc. I think it's a fine sitcom model and I have a preference for the standard multi camera model. Unlike a studio sitcom, Animal Control works best outside the standard norms. I still look forward to it every week.

I have been watching Joel McHale since Almost Live! In the late '90s. He was funny then and he is funny now.

I have watched 3 episodes and I think it has gotten better each episode. I like all of the actors, with particular kudos to Vella Lovell. She is pretty funny.

People should stop complaining about how unrealistic it is. It is TV. It is a sitcom. It's not a documentary.

Just sit back, enjoy it for what it is. Don't take it seriously, don't be offended. No animals were harmed during the making of the show.

I hope to see more episodes and that the show and characters continue to grow on me.