‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘Hat Luncheon’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new Apple TV+ series Central Park, we spent a lot of time discussing the quality writing present within this series and understandably so. Because the writer’s room has indeed done a phenomenal job of assembling a rich and fascinating animated universe. One filled to the brim with colorful and dynamic characters and a plot that quite frankly is engrossing. But while it is important to recognize the power of plot and the wonder of writing, the fact of the matter is, we’re all watching this series to enjoy some serious laughs and that’s why the comedy will be the focus of today’s recap. 

Because, ‘Hat Luncheon’ takes the time to go all out with the jokes, by giving us one quirky and awesome event to let the comedy play out; an outright hat luncheon. But what matters more about this unique event, is that Owen is going to have to give a farewell speech to a coworker that’s retiring, something that he is outright terrified to do, (but manages to pull off in epic fashion) and that Bitsy Brandenham has some ideas for this event as well. In that, she is planning to make the divide between the Park League and the City even greater as she works to secure the park for her own nefarious purposes.

A plan that quite frankly, goes off without a hitch. Because Bitsy’s snarky little retorts and off comments, quickly raise the temperature in the room. To the point where the good people of the Park League and the city begin to snipe at one another, and what makes this so hilarious is the sheer fact that you’re not expecting to see city officials, in their fine regalia, and Park League personnel, in equally fine clothes and silly hats; ripping upon one another as though they’re third graders in the midst of a feud. But while that alone puts a smile on your face, it’s a gag that is amplified when the whole event devolves into a musically themed food fight when Bitsy fires off some proper fighting words.

Yet while a debonair food fight is pretty amazing in its own right, the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. Because every other side plot in this tale finds a way to come together at the luncheon in impressive fashion. For Molly’s crush comes along to witness the carnage at the promise and delivery of free ice cream, helping them to bond. Plus, Paige finally gets some unsettling confirmation that the Mayor is on this dastardly scheme as well, since her clues and the turkey leg battle royale, lead her to a little face time with the Mayor, wherein he is quick to admit that he gave the order to end the contract, which is quite the revelation when all is said and one.

Because it leaves one wondering exactly what Bitsy has promised him when her proposed sale of Central Park is complete, and how exactly the Tillermans are going to foil her plans if she’s managed to ingratiate herself down at City Hill. But those are all questions and ponderances that will have to wait for another time. Instead, we simply need to celebrate one hilarious tale. Because the laughs were everywhere to be found in this story and it just goes to show how quickly this show is coming together, since it is finding its stride quickly and truly, this one was such a blast that the wait for next week’s episode is going to be a difficult one. For this show is just pure fun and a wonderful escape and it should be interesting to see what hilarious surprises await us, come next Friday. Until then.

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