We went on an adventure around the world this summer with Zoo Season 1, continent hopping alongside the Zoo Crew as they tried to solve the mystery of strange animal behavior, and find a cure.
There were some fantastic highs from this summer series; the animals were amazing, plenty of shocking surprises, the incredible Xander Berkeley, and characters that we grew to love and root for week after week.
There were also moments that left us scratching our heads. Who was that guy with the wonky eye? Why were there so many bat episodes? Where did Jamie get such a terrible tattoo?
Overall, Zoo was the show that kept us captivated week after week, and we’re sad that the show’s summer season is over.
Let’s wrap-up some of the best and worst moments of Zoo Season 1!
Most Badass Zoologist – Jackson
When Jackson and Chloe came face to face with the lions that were attacking Botswana on Zoo Season 1 Episode 1, it would have left me petrified and wetting my pants. Jackson however, stared the lion down, and it was badass.
Animal Attack We Loved Most – Wine Bear
Most bears that are preparing to hibernate for the winter (or summer in this case,) store up on good fats and yummy carbs. This bear broke into a kitchen in search of some good French wine. Right on, bear…right on.
Animal Attack Snooze – Bats, Bats, and Bats
Zoo switched up animal attacks nearly every week, with the exception of one three-week span where they hunted bats in Rio. It felt like they were never going to be able to take down the winged rodents. By the time the bats were exterminated, I had forgotten what damage they’d done to begin with.
Most Unbelievable Animal Attack – Jailbreak Wolves
Wolves are smart animals, there’s no argument there. Wolves are not smart enough, however, to plan a high security prison break-in and successfully release a prisoner from jail. This was just a little bit of a stretch.
Strangest Animal Behavior – Cats in a Tree
Back on Zoo Season 1 Episode 1, numerous housecats that we later discovered were somehow communicating over long distances, sat together in a tree. We never did completely find out why they were there or what they were talking about. Was it a special Kitty Council meeting perhaps? Maybe they were having a gripe session about their owners failing to clean their litter boxes on time.
Most Disturbing Animal Attack – Birds Attack Mom
In Zoo Season 1 Episode 9, nothing has ever left me feeling as queasy and uncomfortable as watching a mother shielding her baby from attacking birds while being pecked to death.
Animal Fact We Won’t Forget – Scat Means Poop
Of all of the animal facts that we learned on Zoo Season 1, this was the fact that kept making an appearance. We’ll forever remember exactly what “scat” means.
Death We’re Still Not Over – Evan Lee Hartley
What was his purpose? This is going to remain a mystery forever unless Zoo is renewed and we get a nice flashback. How did he know Robert Oz? Was he trying to cure himself? How did he get a defiant pupil? The world may never know.
Zoo Crew Member We Want to Hang With – Abraham
Abraham was the Zoo Crew member who always had some alcohol on hand to cheer up his friends, and a hangover cure for the next morning. Whenever the team needed some muscle, Abe was around the corner, ready to intimidate their foes. He also has an amazing voice…I would listen to him read every book.
Worst Tattoo Ever – Jamie
Was this tattoo a remnant of a bad spring break? There’s really no other explanation for why Jamie would have this horrible genie tattoo. She really shouldn’t publicize it either. Come up with a new blog name Ms. Campbell.
Quickest Death – Ray
Remember when Ray went to the woods to check on what that sound was? He came back saying, “There’s nothing out there.” That was the end of Ray. Death was fast.
Most Surprising Bad Guy – Delavenne
When it was revealed in Zoo Season 1 Episode 8 that Delavenne was actually working for Reiden Global, it left fans of the show completely stunned. Who expected that he was actually the enemy? Luckily, he changed his mind and rescued Chloe from the other good-guy-turned-bad, Gaspard, the man who assembled the Zoo Crew.
Most Obvious Bad Guy – Agent Ben Shaffer
Was anyone ACTUALLY surprised to discover that Agent Ben Shaffer was a bad guy? Certainly not us! He reeked of evil intentions right from his first appearance in Zoo Season 1 Episode 4. Chloe saw through his act pretty quickly, but Jamie fell prey to his charming facade, nearly losing the Mother Cell for the Zoo Crew.
Best Action Hero Moment – Jackson Jumps Stairs
Agent Shaffer was a bad guy, which was absolutely obvious. When Jackson put the pieces together and raced to rescue Jamie from her make out session with Shaffer, he pulled off this incredible action hero moment, leaping over the banister of the stairwell to take down the dirty double agent.
Best Guest Star – Xander Berkeley
Zoo had quite a few guest stars, but when we saw the legendary Xander Berkeley, who has a long and impressive television career, we couldn’t help but get excited. Every television program needs a veteran actor to steal the spotlight, even if just for a few episodes. Sadly, Brannigan’s fate was met far too early. We predicted he’d help the Zoo Crew in the end, and we were wrong.
Best Kiss – Mitch & Jamie
We went back and forth all season about whether or not these two would get together. Just when we’d settled on them staying friendly, things got romantic on an airplane. The results were hotter than we ever imagined they’d be!
Kiss That Took Too Long – Jackson & Chloe
They hinted at Jackson and Chloe all season. They flirted, they thought fondly of one another; they even had a cute misunderstanding about him asking for her number. The animal epidemic took precedence, however, and their developing feelings for each other took a backseat. It wasn’t a surprise moment when they finally locked lips, but it was a thrilling moment that led immediately into Chloe being captured by Brannigan, and the new couple to be separated.
Worst Disguise Ever – Jamie
Jamie knows that just wearing a hat and glasses will stop no one from recognizing her, right? I’m still confused about her plan here. Was she hoping for a Clark Kent/Superman reaction?
Best Girl Power Moment – Chloe and the Flamethrower
Remember those creepy crawly rats that left us oh-so-itchy? Chloe easily took down those crazy unisex rats with a flamethrower, and it was amazing. This was easily our favorite Chloe moment of the season!
Moment That Left Us Saying, “SERIOUSLY?!” – The Stampede
The status of Zoo’s renewal is still up in the air. The season ended with a stampede of lions and tigers and bears (and more) headed straight for the Zoo Crew, leaving them with no escape plan. If we get a second season next summer, it will be fun to see how they manage to survive, and if we don’t…well, we had a fun summer we’ll never forget.
