‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘The Brandenpire Strikes Back’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular storytelling element that fans of the Apple TV+ series, Central Park, have to come expect during a season finale… is a showdown between Bitsy Brandenham and the Tillerman family. For her plans to own the park and turn it into the worst shopping center ever, have always come to a head in some fashion for the finale, prompting Owen and his family to work hard to defeat her and it seemed as though, the stage was set for another big fight between the two of them for the end of season three. Since Bitsy was working to gain control of the ‘I Heart the Park’ campaign that Owen was championing and well… with the season three finale upon us, we were ready for another ten rounds between these heavyweights.
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But a funny thing happened in ‘The Brandenpire Strikes Back’. In that, there was no superfight between these two families to be found. Instead, an interesting reality at the Brandenham made it clear that this was a story that wanted to wrap up a season filled with lessons, with another lesson. Which in this case, revolved around an age old and tried and true teaching. In that, we tend to reap what we sow in this life, so it is best we put in good vibes to get good vibes out and it hammered home this particular lesson through Bitsy and Owen’s respective journeys. It just so happened that Bitsy’s… involved the more cautionary version of this particular lesson.

For on this day, she was prepared to muscle in with the mayor and use said muscle to take the park apart… but the mayor was nowhere to be found. For he was upset with the current standing of the Brandenham and wanted no part of the giant, anti-Bitsy protest that was raging outside her door. Which in turn, forced Bitsy to deal with a bevy of angry employees. Who were indeed informing her they were done with her rude nature and bad working conditions and all the ugly vibes that she poured into the world. Forcing Bitsy to truly reap what she has sown, as best as Bitsy can of course and well… that meant it fell to Helen to fix this, and she did, making it clear that she was seizing opportunity where she could since Bitsy was helpless and likely immune to this lesson.

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As for Owen’s positive journey, well that was handled in a unique manner for certain. For today was the day that his proud initiative was being unveiled to the city, and he was… he was worried. Because he truly wanted this to be a rousing success, one that would make the Mayor and the Park Commissioner proud and that meant… lots of stress was oozing from Owen. To the point where he needed to step away with Elwood to clear his head and find more tote bags to ensure great sales for this program and well, while Elwood tried to teach Owen how to relax and enjoy the moment, his words also went ignored. For this was as important to Owen as his family, and thankfully… he was rewarded handsomely for his efforts.
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Because the moment came when he had to sit down with the Commish and report in, and he truly thought he let her down on this day. But she instead surprised him and praised him for the amount of people that were in the park and how much they were enjoying themselves and what the city had cultivated for them. Plus, she also praised his work and thanked him for never being a problem park because of his fine work as a manager and well… just like that… years of hard work paid off for Owen and he too reaped what he had sown. But in this instance, it was nothing but good vibes and praise and validation, giving rise to a beautiful and happy ending to season three, one that also saw Abby rise up.

After all, Bitsy was awful to her as well and that prompted Abby to not be meek anymore and let loose and quit, especially after she lost out on another part. But that did make her free from Bitsy at last, and it helped to land her more auditions, all by putting a little fire into her life and well… that really was the perfect way to wrap up a cerebral season of storytelling. For it really spoke to how much we control in life through our good and bad actions and how sometimes we need to take a moment and look at life objectively, so we know which path we are on and well, in many ways… this sets the stage for new conflicts and challenges in season four. Which has not been green lit by Apple TV+ yet, and hopefully it receives a season four order, soon. Because this show teaches us so much, and puts so much joy into our lives, and we need to see how a confident Owen will handle his job and explore the fallout of the strike. But while we wait for that news, we can celebrate the show’s best season to date. One that went bold and offered up some powerful examinations on life, and the wonder of the human condition. Until next time.

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