‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘A Matter of Life and Boeuf’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in storytelling at any level, any kind of encounter between the hero and the heavy, are super tense in nature. Simply because the story wants to keep it clear who is good and who is evil, and that a grand showdown between the two awaits, and such a tense encounter will help to build toward that and well, that’s so engrained in our minds that we often expect encounters with someone we consider to be our nemesis, to be just as tense, when in reality… that’s just entertainment magic. Because that kind of tension really just doesn’t exist. Sure, there is awkwardness when we cross paths with that sour individual. But in reality, two people who don’t like each other and are on opposing sides in this world, tend to just… exist… when they share the same space.

To the point where there’s often just silence and distance between the two of us when it happens. If anything, the only real drama we experience in that moment, is where anxiety reminds us that they’re in the room, and perhaps that is why the tension is ramped up in storytelling, so that what is in actuality, a mundane moment, has gravitas and power… instead of a sequence where sour glances are exchanged from across the room before business-as-usual takes place, and really, this is top of mind today, because a realistic ‘showdown’ between Bitsy Brandenham and the Tillerman family took place in the next episode of Central Park on Apple TV+.

For when we catch up with the fam in ‘A Matter of Life and Boeuf’, there was guilt hanging over Abby’s head regarding her decision to work at the Brandenham. After all, she knew of Owen and Bitsy’s sorted past regarding the park, and she also wanted to be honest with her family. Which motivated her to butter them up and make them an offer they couldn’t refuse, in that… she’d see to it that they would have a nice and wondrous dinner at the Brandenham. One that would be devoid of any Bitsy sightings since she never came down to the restaurant. Just so they could see the pride she was taking in her work and to perhaps take some of the edge off of the tension regarding her working there and well, at first glance… that was a solid plan to put forth.

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Because not only did the family accept, but they came to learn of the benefits of enjoying a nice dinner at such a swanky hotel. Since the ice was from a freakin’ glacier and the service structure was quite nice. But alas, the plan quickly went to pot when someone ordered the legendary Côte de Boeuf. For that meant a private room and private meal were to be arranged, since the person that ordered such a classy beef dish was about to drop twenty grand at the hotel, and that would require Bitsy’s presence since any mistakes would make the hotel look foolish. Putting both her and the Tillerman family on a surprise collision course. One that was mostly avoided until two surprises came into play. In that, Abby was to help serve this meal… to none other than Bitsy’s always annoying brother, Ambrose.
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For it was he that ordered the Boeuf to torment his sister. Which came to fruition when his lawyer suggested putting that classy cut of steak into a blender to make into a flavorless meat smoothie and well, when the steak went missing… and Abby nearly took the fall for it, the family quickly got involved for a brief steak related mystery. One where Paige and her sister actually worked to absolve Bitsy when the tables turned and in doing so… saved her hide from her brother’s wrath. Since it turned out to be his lawyer and Champagne that made the steak go missing. Giving rise once again to a showdown between these two where the good guys and gals did their best to treat Bitsy right. Reminding us of the importance of the high road in all things.

In the end however, this was just… a quaint and delightful episode. One that truly did offer up a different kind of showdown, one grounded in simplicity and was devoid of traditional tension. It was just a wild encounter and a wild evening, with a whodunit to boot, and that just speaks to how this show likes to keep things fresh and original and keep us on our toes in the process. Not to mention, this episode also begs the question… will the good deed performed here, help the Tillerman family in any way regarding Bitsy and her plans? History of course, speaks otherwise since Bitsy has often taken kindness in stride, but at least we know the Tillermans will always take the high ground regardless and that’s really all that matters. That they stay pure and good and keep living their best lives… regardless of how many times they encounter Bitsy and her special brand of fussiness, and kudos to this show for taking the time to offer up a realistic showdown, one complete with a reminder that while it is indeed irritating to see our nemesis out and about… life goes on. Until next time.

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