‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘Rival Busker’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the dynamic nature of the AppleTV+ series Central Park. Simply because this particular show keeps finding new and fascinating ways to tell its stories, all while continuing to make us laugh and while most shows would settle into a routine at this point in their first season, or at least attempt to find one, this series is showing no signs of slowing down its quest to create the most unique animated series out there and for proof, well look no further than this week’s episode. For ‘Rival Busker’ not only found a way to advance the plot in fun fashion, it also managed to offer up a supremely original plotline involving an important character that has been with us since day one; Birdie.
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Because if you recall from last week’s episode, Birdie was the one who informed Paige that Bitsy Brandenham was the one funding the illegal activities of the ‘honorable’ Mayor Whitebottom and well, that apparently got him in serious trouble with the powers that be behind the scenes. For the signing fellow that popped at the end of that particular tale was Grififn and he was to be our new narrator. Because it turns out that there is a code amongst these noble storytellers and opening up the plot to the characters is an absolute no-no. Which meant that poor Birdie had to figure out what his life was going to look like going forward, since he was no longer going to be providing the viewer with any more details, when it comes to the exploits of the Tillermans.

But as it turns out, there is a way to get back into the good graces of the story creators, in that… brave and noble deeds can engender forgiveness. Something that came to light, courtesy of Owen and Cole’s desire to keep nature healthy and happy. Because a brand-new Owl Cam was installed into Central Park, so that the entire world could enjoy the cuteness of watching these tiny birds grow, and whilst the boys were watching, they noticed that one of the tiny and cute baby owls had fallen out of the nest. Which prompted them to go and save the little cutie and while their hearts were in the right place, momma wasn’t happy with this and pinned them in the tree. Which motivated Birdie to say to hell with it and save them, an act that was rewarded by making Birdie the narrator of this tale once again.

Yet while that was wonderful storyline for certain, there was mention of the plot advancing in this tale and that was handled by way of Paige and Molly. Because Paige got a hot tip that something was going down at The Brandenham, prompting her to dip into the family savings to go undercover at the hotel for a night. Something that was a disaster at first since she couldn’t get into the private wedding being held in a secret ballroom, where Bitsy was doing her thing. But an inadvertent assist from Molly, one that helped the Bride cool down her wedding nerves, got the duo into the event without any fuss and it got Paige the story she was looking for. For while Bitsy worked hard to woo and seal the deal with Dmitry, a man with all kinds of illegal ties, Paige was snapping all kinds of photos and that forthcoming story will undoubtedly ruffle some features and hopefully help expose what Bitsy is up to.

If anything, this really was quite the incredible tale when all is said and done. Because it really went all out in breaking down the fourth wall by way of the Birdie storyline, which is always a risky storytelling venture. But the show handled it just fine by getting us to root for Birdie, and the show deserves serious credit for pulling this off in dynamic and smooth fashion. Plus, we need to take a moment and recognize the sheer hilarity of this tale as well. Because the story went into overdrive with the jokes, more than usual in fact, and every last one of them worked to a tee and the musical numbers were equally as delightful and well, this just goes to show what a sheer delight this series is week in and week out. And truly, the fun factor and the fact that Paige is closer to exposing Bitsy, leaves one hungry for more and once again… we will all be counting down the minutes until next Friday’s new tale. Until next time.  

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