‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘Mother’s Daze’ & ‘Fista Puffs Mets Out Justice’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘Mother’s Daze’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 202 and 203 of ‘Central Park’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that when we settle in to enjoy an animated series, we are expecting something that is supremely lighthearted and silly and hilarious. Because our understanding of shows in this vein is that they are going to be comedies at heart and indulge themselves in goofy moments because that is just what cartoons do from beginning to end and well, that’s why Central Park on AppleTV+ is a series of note. Simply because, it is obvious that this particular animated series is eager to buck the trend of being known for its goofiness since it offers so much more to the audience. Because it continues to examine the wonder of everyday life and the magic of how people communicate through song and other methods and well, it would seem that it is prepared to take these explorations to a whole new level in season two.
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Because the next two episodes in this magnificent series take the time to examine all kinds of storytelling elements that you just don’t find all that often in an animated show. For instance, the importance of caring for oneself the right way. Because all too often, we come to believe that we have to step out of our comfort zone or go to extravagant heights to find peace within our minds and well, this episode points out that such feats aren’t always necessary to take care of our mind. An exploration that ‘Mother’s Daze’ pulled off by having us spend a self-care day with Helen. For she managed to get the day off from the Brandenham and well, it quickly became apparent that what is paramount to her mental health isn’t mud baths and massages at a day spa, it is putting Bitsy in her place and making a difference with a staff she cares about and it was quite wonderful to see an animated show take the time to point out that the best way to heal a mind is by doing what makes us happy. 

But while that examination alone could have carried this second episode from beginning to end, it also took the time to explore how important it is to use similar logic in caring for others. Because how we make others feel special is important as well and sometimes, going the extra mile or taking them out of their comfort zone to make them feel they matter can be detrimental. Which is why Owen and the kids opted to go above and beyond in all the right ways for Paige on Mother’s Day, by offering up a mystery for her to solve since her reporter’s mind loves nothing more than the thrill of putting together a story and by offering up homemade gifts. Because she is all about gifts that have meaning and this made for some supremely sweet sequences for certain, the kind that definitely hammered home such a wonderful message. 

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‘Fista Puffs Mets Out Justice’

However, what truly made this week’s three-episode season two premiere of note, is the sheer fact that its in-depth exploration of mental health didn’t end with Mother’s Day delights. Because ‘Fista Puffs Mets Out Justice’ is a story that really wanted to dive deep into an important message about how we handle adversity. For this particularly unique journey saw Molly struggling to deal with a bad day at school. To the point where she opted to just hide in her room and draw some Fista Puffs comics, so she didn’t have to reconcile the fact that she was seen as weird on this particular day and wasn’t able to entertain the kids like she normally does. And the point of going this route storytelling wise, was to teach audiences of all ages that hiding from our problems… never really does us any good. Because it just leaves us in a sour place. 
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Which is a lesson that Molly of course comes to learn by the end of the episode, and that in turn allows her to face her day and everything about it that upset her. But what truly makes this story of note, is the sheer fact that it teaches its audience this all-important lesson in a supremely unique manner. For Molly’s discoveries are made on the page, and she uses Fista Puffs’ inner dialogue and an animated version of herself to reach them. Which is perhaps, one of the most creative ways to gently inform the viewer that it is actually okay to lose ourselves for a quick minute when the going gets tough. But never lose sight of the fact that our problems don’t solve themselves and we eventually need to deal with them when the time is right… and that it is also okay to do so in a manner that suits us best, as long as we make peace with whatever is bothering us.

If anything, all of these elements make these two episodes, incredibly refreshing and incredibly progressive. Simply because you just don’t see animated shows, or television shows in general, work to speak to mental health in a manner this positive and this encouraging. But that’s just how this particular series rolls, and it really does deserve a round of applause for offering up such an uplifting exploration of how to treat ourselves and others in a way that makes all parties feel good. Because that’s honestly the kind of messaging the world needs right now as we begin to slowly emerge from a lengthy quarantine that was tough on or minds and souls and well, this kind of positive storytelling really does leave one hungry for more of this incredible series. All so that we can quickly see, what other powerful lessons Central Park has in store for us in its sophomore season. Until next time.

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