Editor’s Note: Spoilers ahead for Animal Control
Move over Shred and Emily becauseanother true romantic pairinghas been quietly building in the background, dating back to the first season ofAnimal Control. We’re talking about Frank Shaw (Joel McHale) and Victoria Sands (Grace Palmer). The characters may not see it yet, but their interplay together is electric, andromance is undoubtedly destined to bloom between the two characters. It’s time to unpack why Frank and Victoria areAnimal Control’strue endgame pairing, even if they don’t know it yet.
Frank and Victoria’s Romance Was Set Up in the First Season
Animal Controlseeded Frank and Victoria’s potential romance back in the first season, specificallythe first season finale, “Unicorns and Mountain Lions.” During the episode, Frank mourns the death of C-38,the Northwest Precinct’s beloved mountain lionFrank had risked his career to save earlier in the season. Later, the entire precinct held a memorial in C-38’s honor, mainly to help Frank feel better due to his deep connection to the animal. Late in the episode, Victoria checks on Frank, who thanks her for helping with the memorial. It was an interestingly intimate, romantic scene, and it wasone of the more genuine, sincere, and emotional moments depicted in the series so far— save for Amit Patel’s (Ravi Patel) comedic interruption. But what is a bigger sign of romance besides the two leads being comedically interrupted by another character?
This scene was the first sign of a true romantic spark between Frank and Victoria,showing how they could be more than just friends and coworkers. Earlier, it appeared that Frank and Victoria hada good-natured relationship,where they would engage in prank wars. However, the pranks were always more mischievous than malicious or mean-spirited. However, their scene in the first season finale underscored that the two have wonderful chemistry together, andthey could be catching feelings for one another.
‘Animal Control’ Season 3 Ramp Up Frank and Victoria’s Romantic Tension
Animal ControlSeason 3revisits things between Frank and Victoria after they both begin a relationship with the billionaire, Fiona Holcomb (Lucy Punch). After Frank and Victoria learn that they are both sleeping with Fiona,they compete against one another for the billionaire’s affection. However, the situation becomes awkward when Fiona attempts to arrange a group tryst with all three of them. While Frank and Victoria lean in for their first kiss while Fiona tries to set the mood with them, a drunk Emily Price (Vella Lovell) walks in and interrupts the trio, “killing the vibe.” Frank and Emily shared another moment alone at the end of the episode, talking about what just happened and accusing the other of “chickening out.“They chickened out of the act because they have genuine feelings for one another,which is what made the near kiss so awkward.
While both Frank and Victoria continue their casual fling with Fiona throughout Season 3, Fiona’s lawyer notifies them about their “breakup” via non-disclosure agreements. Frank and Victoria later throw a party at Fiona’s mansion in retaliation, believing she’s leaving town on a business trip. During the party, Frank and Victoria have the opportunity for separate rebound hookups. Frank leaves with single lady Blair (Carmel Amit), and Emily leaves with Parker (Josh Segarra), the charismatic squatter who attempted to stealAmit and Shred Taylor’s housethe duo wants to flip.
Watch Joel McHale and His ‘Animal Control’ Co-Stars Play the Wildest Game of Heads Up!
The trio share some absolutely bonkers clues!
However, while they both had the opportunity to sleep with separate partners after leaving the party, they didn’t go through with it and went home alone. Victoria calls Frank late at night, and once again,there is an interesting intimacy to their banter. Victoria blatantly lies about going home with Parker, and then she smiles at Frank’s jokes. Victoria calls Frank to hear his voice because she’s in love with him.
Frank and Victoria Are the Show’s Destined Endgame Pairing
WhileAnimal Controlhas outwardly developed a potential romance between Shred and Emily since the start of the season,Frank and Victoria’s brewing romancehas been more of a subtle slow burn. What first started asa friendly, good-natured, and somewhat competitive work relationshipbetween colleagues is gradually developing into romance.What helps is McHale and Palmer’s great performances and impeccable comedic timing.Frank and Victoria are both extremely likable, yet flawed, and charming characters, and the actors share dynamite chemistry.
Whenever the series puts Frank and Victoria front and center, they play off one another beautifully, and the romantic sparks fly. Even though their personalities are nothing alike, they share the best rapport,more than any of the other main cast members in the series. Despite their differences in background and age,they both share a love for animals and fierce loyalty to their friends.
Give Us More Frank and Victoria for ‘Animal Control’ Season 4
With Season 3 about to wrap up,the Frank and Victoria relationshipmight still need more time to fully marinate. The two don’t seem to be fully aware of their true feelings yet. Victoria’s reaction to her phone call with Frank, which she initiated,suggests she’s more in touch with her feelings for Frank. In the Season 3 finale, “Retrievers and Fruit Bats,” Frank and Victoria prove to be a great team together, salvaging Emily losing her funding for the precinct’s new animal kennels due to the party thrown at Fiona’s mansion.
While the episode was less about developing their romantic attraction, it was a good way to showcase how well they worked together, and they made up for their mistake ofmessing up Emily’s plans to improve the precinct and the welfare of their sheltered animals. Frank and Victoria are destined to become the next best sitcom whirlwind romance, potentially surpassing Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) onBrooklyn Nine-Nine.
Whilea fourth season ofAnimal Controlhas not yet been confirmed, hopefully, the series will be picked up for another round,so the antics of Seattle’s Northwest Animal Control Precinct will continue. That way, the potential romantic relationship between Frank and Victoria will finally take flight. It would be a shame if the series ends just as their relationship isnearing a romantic breakthrough.
All three seasons ofAnimal Controlare streaming now on Hulu in the U.S.
Animal Control
A group of animal control workers begin to see their lives complicated by humans and not so much by animals.
