'Animal Control' Needs To Get the Frank and Victoria Romance Back on Track

Back in Season 3, it looked like Animal Control might finally take the steps to pull the trigger on a potential romance between main cast members, Frank Shaw (Joel McHale) and Victoria Sands (Grace Palmer). Instead, Victoria ended up getting together with Parker (Josh Segarra) in the Season 3 finale, and their situationship carried over into Season 4. Until recently, Animal Control Season 4 has largely ignored the romantic arc between Frank and Victoria, but recent events suggest that a spark still burns between them. After what took place in the latest episode, Animal Control needs to finally get this romantic pairing back on track in Season 4.

Frank Missed His Window With Victoria in Season 3

At first, Frank and Victoria had a friendly rivalry at work with their prank wars and witty rapport. However, during the funeral of C-38, the wild mountain lion the precinct was monitoring, the series hinted that their relationship might eventually take a romantic turn. Unfortunately, just as Frank was finally getting ready to work up the nerve to ask Victoria out, she got together with Parker in the Season 3 finale "Strays and Lovebirds." Sadly, it looked like Frank missed his window to court Victoria.

Although Victoria was not too eager to put a label on her relationship with Parker, the two have been growing closer in Season 4. Victoria, who enjoys playing the field, never came off like the settling-down type. However, Parker has been rather respectful and gentlemanly throughout their courtship, and now they appear to be a full-blown couple, further pushing the Frank and Victoria pairing off the table. It appeared that Animal Control had completely forgotten about their brewing romance until the latest episode finally resumed that thread.

'French Bulldogs and White Bulldogs' Finally Resumes the Potential Frank and Victoria Romance

The latest episode of Animal Control, "French Bulldogs and White Bulldogs," once again acknowledged the potential romance between Frank and Victoria, but it was unfortunately more of a case of two steps forward and five steps back. During the episode, Frank received a gift certificate for a free couples' horseback ride at a ranch. Of course, Frank, who is perpetually single and constantly struggles to find a date, does not have anyone to go with, so Victoria wants to take the gift certificate instead. However, Parker does not want to go since he thinks riding horses is morally wrong, so Frank and Victoria end up going to the ranch together for the romantic sunset ride.

The heartbreaking sequence reinforces how much Frank likes Victoria and how well the two work together as a couple, evident from the moment when Frank watches the sun setting behind Victoria. Unfortunately, the romantic outing is interrupted by Parker, who reveals to Victoria that he's actually terrified of horses, which is why he did not want to join her. Frank's true heart of gold emerges underneath his layers of cynicism, and he offers his horse to Parker, so he and Victoria can enjoy the rest of the evening together. Obviously, Frank performs a generous act here at his own expense and love life, but once again, he fails because he won't admit his true feelings for Victoria.

It's Time for Season 4 To Get Victoria and Frank Back on Track

Hopefully, the end of the latest episode is not a sign that the Frank and Victoria angle has been completely put to bed, and the possibility of the two becoming the show's endgame couple is still on the table. Weirdly enough, Frank and Victoria work well together because they have fantastic chemistry, as they both share a similar snarky style of humor. Frank prefers the company of animals over humans, and although Victoria is much more socially outgoing than Frank, she has always admired and appreciated how much Frank genuinely loves animals. Whenever Frank and Victoria are alone onscreen together, they reveal their softer, more caring sides, bringing out the best in each other. It would be a shame if Season 4 continues with more of Frank watching Victoria and Parker grow closer, further diminishing his chances at a romance with her.

Although the horseback outing ended with Victoria further developing her romantic bond with Parker, it was nice of Animal Control to finally recall the romantic spark between Frank and Victoria. Hopefully, the latest episode is a sign that the heat between them will eventually ignite into a full-blown romance. With the latest episode reinforcing Frank's affection for Victoria, it would be great if the show gave their relationship a chance, offering the perpetually grumpy and lonely Frank a way to finally find some happiness. Hopefully, Frank and Victoria's almost date represents a sign of things to come, and something will finally develop between the two of them later this season.