Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2/ Episode 8 “Zoey’s Extraordinary Birthday” – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Despite it being Zoey’s 30th birthday, you’d think it was Valentine’s Day due to the focus firmly being on the various couples of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Despite it being Zoey’s 30th birthday, you’d think it was Valentine’s Day due to the focus firmly being on the various couples of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
| Director(s) | Shasta Spahn |
| Writer(s) | Lindsey Rosin |
| Aired (NBC) | 4/4/2021 |
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text may contain affiliate links, which, if a purchase is made, we’ll earn money or products from the company.
Recap
The End Of David’s New Band – Emily, Aiden, David
While playing in Aiden’s band is revitalizing David’s marriage and sex life, as it becomes clear Aiden’s band is too young, and Aiden is into Zoey, David bows out.
Defining The Relationships – Rose, Max, Mo, Perry, Zoey, Simon, Tatiana, Tobin, McKenzie
After witnessing Max and Rose sing a heart song to each other, Zoey decides it is time to define her and Max’s relationship, and, ultimately, she releases him. Granted, a part of her was trying to manipulate him, but with turning 30 and still reeling over her father, she feels it is best to let him be free.
But, in doing so, she finds herself quite lonely on her birthday. For with Mo and Perry matched up, despite him having two kids and an ex-husband, and even McKenzie and Tobin paired up, 30 is looking lonely. Luckily for Zoey, however, when she talks to Tatiana about her relationship with Simon, she says they are friends. Thus, Zoey focuses on her backup for when Max isn’t trying to play her games.
A Birthday Surprise – Zoey, Simon
After learning Tatiana and Simon aren’t dating, it makes Zoey comfortable with Simon’s pursuit since she doesn’t have to compete for his love and attention. Leading to the greatest gift she can have on her birthday, a hot kiss and maybe the opportunity to show Simon her birthday suit.
Things To Note | Question(s) Left Unanswered
- What was with the receptionist asking if Zoey asked her to the party to cater?
- For one of the first times in the show, Zoey doesn’t get to say the censored word before the title card – it’s Mo.
Review
Highlights
Zoey and Simon Being A Thing So Rose and Max Can Be
While a part of us liked Simon and Tatiana as a couple, it seems they are friend-zoning that relationship to keep Zoey occupied, and we’re fine with it. Mainly since Zoey’s difficulty dealing with her dad’s death is something Simon might be more able to handle, and considering Simon has far more time on his hand, and being with him wouldn’t make a love triangle, I’m for the relationship.
However, considering Simon’s storyline dealing with how he lives as a Black man, it makes me wonder if they will address him being in an interracial relationship? Or was that whole thing just to make a statement?
That thought aside, though Rose hasn’t really said or done much, is it wrong I want her to stick around? Clearly, Zoey and Max are end game, but this alternative of Max’s childhood crush being his last and best relationship? I’m not mad at it.
Mo and Perry
A gay Black man, divorced, with two kids?! There is a lot going for Perry and so much, which will make Mo struggle, but don’t you want to see Mo interact with a 9-year-old and 7 year old? Between Mo having a man and dealing with kids, this storyline gets better with each passing episode.
On The Fence
Tobin and McKenzie
Our fears when it comes to this pairing are varied. The first is Leif coming in and making this a love triangle to keep him and Tobin relevant. Following that is McKenzie, no matter who she is with, just being used to build up Tobin or Leif, and her remaining a mystery.
This isn’t to say I don’t have faith in the writers, it is just the whole “More women in the engineering department!” thing has fizzled out with only McKenzie getting consistent screen time and lines. Which only furthers the need to side-eye the whole race conversation the show had since Tatiana is the only new woman of color who has stuck around, gotten lines, and appears to have a life.
But I digress – I just don’t want McKenzie being used for Tobin’s benefit, even though having all the random tidbits he has dropped thus far coming together feels overdue.
David and Emily
It’s nice that their marriage is on the mend but, is anyone invested? David’s life is flailing, Emily may have gone back to work but remains strictly David’s wife, and as a combo, there remains this vibe these two could be written off without it being an issue.
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Summary
Zoey and Simon Being A Thing So Rose and Max Can Be - 84%
Mo and Perry - 83%
Tobin and McKenzie - 76%
David and Emily - 70%
78%
As people pair up, there is a question of who may last until the end of the season but, till then, each one seems immensely enjoyable.
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- Plot and Dialog - /100
- Character Development and Performances - /100
- Visuals and Sound - /100
- Pacing - /100
- Value For Intended Audience - /100
