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Joan opens up to Zoey this episode as Mo struggles to decide if he is Team Max or Team Simon.
| Directed By | Daisy Von Scherler Mayer | |
| Written By | Sam Laybourne | |
| Aired (NBC) | 2/23/2020 | |
| Introduced This Episode | ||
| Charlie | Justin Kirk | |
Episode Recap
Whose Team Are You?: Mo, Simon, Max, Zoey
With finding himself integrating into Zoey’s life, beyond hearing people do musical numbers in her head, the second most interesting thing about Zoey is her love life. I mean, she has the smoldering Simon, who gives Mo the butterflies, but then there is Max. He is cute, funny, boy next door vibes, and the two of them leave Mo torn. Though, what doesn’t help is Zoey throwing cold water on the fantasy with noting both are dating other people. Thus keeping Mo from living vicariously.
Can’t Get No Satisfaction: Maggie, Mitch, Joan, Charlie, Zoey, Simon
Maggie is struggling taking care of Mitch by herself, yet she sees it as part of what it means to be married. Her vows were for better or worst and the kids didn’t make any of those promises. However, as Maggie has a moment in a grocery store, which causes her to be banned, it becomes clear to Zoey and her brother they need to step up.
But they aren’t the only ones who need to step up. Charlie, Joan’s husband, he is shown to be this big name in tech but is an absolutely terrible husband. One that Joah puts up with possibly due to the time invested than anything actually being there to hold onto. And with her singing “I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)” around Zoey, she finds herself forced, beyond her comfort zone, to get involved. Leading to her not just learning how unhappy Joan is, but also she feels like she is in her husband’s shadow and is in a place where she, unfortunately, needs his co-sign.
However, between Zoey’s advice and Charlie consistently proving himself unreliable, Joan breaks out from his shadow and roars to the front of the stage. And as this happens, Zoey doesn’t just provide Joan a sense of liberation but Simon too. For with him struggling with his father’s death still, there is an inability to celebrate his accomplishment or truly enjoy the party. But, with Zoey knowing what he is going through, when she says to allow himself to enjoy life, he finds her permission to do so freeing. And being that she freed him, he asks of her to also free herself and let loose.
Review/ Commentary
Highlights
Joan and Zoey’s Relationship
Meeting Charlie revealed onto us a side of Joan we didn’t get to see in the first two episodes. At least in the capacity we did this one. For, previously, Joan was painted as the boss who may be on Zoey’s case, but ultimately was trying to groom her for an industry that would be a challenge. Especially since Zoey isn’t the most assertive but is one of the most hard-working and talented. However, that has now evolved a bit. Not to imply the toughening up process is no more, but it does seem that Joan has had to be the sole woman for so long, has likely worked to the point of missing so many friendships, and potential relationships, that having another woman to talk to is a blessing.
Now, granted, Zoey is younger and hasn’t much in the way of life experience. However, she is willing to listen, she cares and doesn’t’ seem to be brown-nosing. That genuine connection seems to be what Joan needs after compromising what she needs as a human being for who knows how long.
Simon’s Vulnerable Side
I don’t think it can be stated enough how much you have to appreciate Simon, this cool Black dude, being willing to be vulnerable. Also, while Mo sees something there, I feel the need to add in how cute it is that he and Zoey have this platonic relationship where they can be open about the trauma of what their dads are going through, or have gone through. Also, they are each other’s rock at work without it being weird.
Which is why I find it hard to be team Simon, or Max for that matter, for while it is beautiful to see a friendship blossom into something more intimate, that shouldn’t always be the end game. Sometimes, just getting a different perspective, showing a man and woman being capable of being friends, without it getting sexual, is important. Especially in the workplace where there still are many who don’t know how to be cordial with a woman unless there is no sense of attraction.
On The Fence
Zoey’s Brother & His Wife
Is it wrong I don’t know either of their names? It was made into a thing Zoey’s brother is a public defender but without heading over to IMDB and trying to match a headshot to screenshot, I couldn’t tell you who Zoey’s brother is. Much less, was his wife in the first two episodes or was she just introduced? Considering at least a quarter of every episode focuses on Zoey’s family, these two should not feel like strangers.
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