‘Central Park’ Recap: ‘The Shadow’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Central Park’.
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Occasionally, we find ourselves frustrated with the fact… that we have to interact with people on a regular basis and it makes sense as to why that happens. Because let’s be honest, at times people can be exhausting and irritating and sometimes… our dealings with them are so grating, that in that moment we would love nothing more than to escape humanity. But eventually we come to our senses and continue to spend time with our fellow man because we know this is an important part of being human. But what’s funny about our ability to bounce back from our irritations, is that it happens super quick, and we never quite ask ourselves why we are suddenly so eager to deal with people when a day or two prior we wanted nothing more than to be done with everyone.
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But what’s truly amazing about this process is that there are fundamental reasons as to why we quickly get over our frustrations with the world and reintegrate into society post-hate, and it just so happens that the AppleTV+ series, Central Park made those reasons the focus of its next episode. Which made ‘The Shadow’ quite the powerful and moving experience, simply because it offered up a fascinating exploration on this matter. One that made it clear that one of the reasons we consistently deal with the ups and down of humanity, is because it provides us with a much-needed sense of validation and this examination and the importance of said validation, was handled by way of Bitsy Brandenham’s journey in this tale.

Because a strange robbery at the Brandenham Hotel, one that hinted at the potential return of a serial robber known as ‘The Shadow’ eventually led to Bitsy confessing that she was that very thief when she was young. An admission that initially made it seem as though Bitsy has always been evil and sour and eager to cause trouble. But instead, this line of truth, helped us to understand that she isn’t quite as bad as we previously believed and that much of her actions come out of the fact that she was ignored as a child. Which is a sad reality that managed to continued into her into adult life as well. And this was just… a powerful and stunning storyline to watch play out.

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Largely because it continued the humanization of Bitsy, something that has been a focus of season two’s storytelling but more so… because it really did hammer home how important validation is to our psyche. Because it hurts to feel as though we don’t matter or that we don’t exist, and that anguish can turn to anger and force us to lash out and act out in a manner similar to Bitsy and that’s quite the poignant observation to plop into a musical animated series. One that more or less asks the viewer to be better and friendlier and perhaps flash a smile or say hello to someone that isn’t sure anyone will ever notice them. Since it might change the course of their tomorrow as evidenced by how Bitsy’s attitude and demeanor changed when Hank informed her that he saw her on that fateful night.
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But while it was fascinating to look at the potential negative impact of being removed from the human experience and how one can potentially fix that, this story was also quick to point out the benefits of interacting with people, a feat that was accomplished by way of Birdie’s beautiful adventure in this tale. For his silent movie, one that involved playing the violin for an elderly and ill woman in the park… spoke volumes to the fact that being around people and being around the energies that we exude can do wonders for our soul. For it can heal us briefly when we are ailing and fill us with joy and it can inspire us to do what we love best, since having a captive audience only motivated Birdie to play harder and better… even after that sweet lady passed and this was simply… moving poetry when all is said and done. Since it said so much without the characters uttering a word and really it served to teach us that the human experience is something of great beauty and the more, we take the time to celebrate those special moments that never come again, the more we will undoubtedly find ourselves free from frustrations about the world that surrounds us.

If anything, this was simply… a stunning and beautiful episode when all is said and done. Simply because you just don’t see this kind of philosophy present within the framework of most animated shows. But this one is different, and it continues to take our breath away. For week in and week out, it continues to ponder upon the nature of life and the ties that bind us and the moments that change us and this one went to such incredible places, that it absolutely leaves you in stunned silence once it comes to an end. Because this one really does ask you ponder upon a great deal in regard to this crazy journey called life and it absolutely makes you appreciate what you have. To the point where it might not hurt to text or call your friends and family and let them know you’re thinking of them and love them. Because now we know that a little validation and love goes a long way... as does celebrating the wonder of the lives we are touched by. Until next time.     

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