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Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return”

By Rueben | January 6, 2021

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist finally returned for the start of its second season on NBC this week on Tuesday night.

Here is a synopsis for the season premiere episode entitled “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return”

“Zoey returns to the world after an extended time away and discovers that a lot has changed at work and in her personal life in her absence.”

Join Nice Girls Roz, Karen and Rueben share their thoughts on the season two premiere episode [spoiler alert]:

Roz: I want to kiss the music supervisor for this week’s songs – “Hello Dolly!” is one of my favorite ensemble numbers, and I’ve long loved “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Carry On” for years. To have all of those highlighted here, plus Mo’s opening actual song to wake Zoey up reminded me of what this show sparks in me each time I watch.

I’m not sure how I feel about this new guy in the office to replace Max, but we’ll see how he evolves in the coming weeks.

We rightly need to focus on some of Mitch’s death and the time jump helps, but I’m going to miss Peter Gallaghar each week. He’s such a touchstone to the show.

RELATED: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Karen: Gotta agree with you, Roz on Josh Gad… I mean, the new guy in the office. Not sure he’s necessary. The team seems complete without that person. A group of coders on one product shouldn’t have to be a literal room full.

However, EVERYTHING else was a home run. On a personal note, I was having a so-so day, and getting a new Zoey’s pumped me up and put a huge smile on my face.

This show is so uplifting and buoying. If you don’t get a feel-good boost after watching it, there’s something really wrong.

And talent… can it get better than this? Mo is a particular stand out, and she gets to be someone that sings even without a heart song, which gives her character a depth that the others just don’t have. I hope we see Eva (Renée Elise Goldsberry) soon, she’s also a great performer.

Lastly, I’m SO greedy for the romance between Zoe and Max. I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. I warmed up to Simon, and like his character, but I’m 100% #TeamMax.

LET’S GO, SEASON TWO!

Rueben: I have to tell you I almost forgot how much I LOVE this show. All the tears, laughs, musical numbers, Mo and even the dogs in the office. Sure that last part is new for this season, but I love dogs (no I mean I LOVE dogs) so, yeah, I loved that addition.

I agree with Roz the musical numbers they used were spot on and so much fun. The ensemble number of “Hello Dolly” was just spectacular to watch. Mandy Moore, the choreographer, is just SO good at making those work, isn’t she?!

I’m not sure how I feel about George either, but I did love that little hug moment between him and Zoey. When he said “long hugs,” I wrote in my notes (which I take each time I do a roundtable) “he’s like the Olaf of the show” [and if I have to explain who Olaf is to any of our readers, then there is a problem somewhere]; but we’ll see if he adds to the show or not.

I think I remember seeing the news that Lauren Graham would be leaving the show, but I forgot about it until Joan told Zoey that she’s leaving to go to Singapore. Wasn’t expecting that to be where she would depart to (not that I really thought about any particular geographic locale, though). It was strange but also cool to see Zoey go into Joan’s old office, and how she stood up to Leif and put Tobin in his place. Let’s just hope that Tobin isn’t just humoring Zoey about not hazing newbie George any more.

Loved the juxtaposition of Simon and Max telling Zoey they are friends, et al but in their “heart song” it was clear that they each want Zoey. But, Zoey did kiss Max at the end [readers: we did warn spoiler alert earlier, so sorry if I spoiled that moment] so we’ll see where that goes.

I’d love to see more of the videos that Zoey’s dad made for them (not the personal stuff with Maggie for which she stopped the video from playing, of course), but – more so – what he had to say to David about becoming a dad and what he had to say in general to Zoey.

I LOVED that Mo sang “Rise Up” to Zoey to get her up for her first day back to work and it wasn’t a “heart song.” OMG, Alex Newell can sing the s*it out of any song. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE him!!! And the writers give Mo the best lines!! Case in point: “You look like a sad Emma Stone Halloween costume” – said to Zoey about all the black she was wearing. “Go sports” – when she was addressing Max and Simon being there to watch sports (clearly not really a sports fan, given the delivery of that line.)

And then there was the zinger that Joan said to Zoey: “I like your sweater. It’s cute that you shop at Etsy.” I’m not sure if she was being sincere, snarky or a little of both.

I also loved the shield (aka ring with the upside down musical note) that Max gave to Zoey, which she tried to use on George when he was singing “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” Sweet gift, and so funny that she really hoped the ring would shield her from that.

Given all that we’ve gone through in 2020, it was just so delightful to have Zoey back to brighten up the week, and we have a whole season worth of episodes to enjoy. Bring it on NBC!