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

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist‘s aired a new episode from its second season this week. Let’s first find out what this episode was about.

Here is a synopsis for this week’s episode entitled “Zoey’s Extraordinary Employee”

Zoey tries to “choose happiness” but finds it is easier said than done; David re-evaluates his priorities; Mo and Max face their first real challenge as business partners.

Join Nice Girls Roz, Karen, Ange, and Rueben as they share their thoughts on this latest, new episode of the second season [spoiler alert]:

Roz: There was an interesting theme running through the episode – what does happiness look like for most of our cast – and I think it brings up something that is crucial as we still deal with COVID-19. How do we find and maintain happiness in these times? I love that David is going to stay at home with Miles because he wants to see his kid grow up.

Did we all have weird feelings about George? I’m glad we did because I don’t think we saw him enough or had enough of his personality to miss him after this week.

That said, I love that button with Aiden. I know we have to think about Simon or Max, but this guy intrigues me so much.

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Rueben: Yes, I agree Roz, it was interesting to see how each cast member sought to find happiness throughout the episode, but for me, I could have done without all the alcohol consumption (personally I am very much against drinking alcohol, but that’s my personal hang-up). That being said I was entertained by Mo naming a lot of the drinks after himself. After all, he said to Zoey, “Sweetie, it’s called brand awareness.” And Mo’s karaoke cleanse was quite fun to watch too; although it did upset Max, who is still clearly not over this pause with Zoey.

I’m glad that Emily could see how much David wants to quit his job to spend time with Miles. “I’ll Stand By You” was such an appropriate song for that moment. Just because they made plans for the future doesn’t mean they have to follow it perfectly.

Watching Zoey deal with firing the staff – especially George – was awkward, and I get it that it was supposed to be awkward because it’s Zoey. But I have to wonder what was the point of having George there if he’s only there for the short term. Will he be brought back somehow OR will the girl coders on the 4th floor finally get to have some screen time?

I also have to wonder if we will see Tatiana (guest star Alvina August) again or if this was a one-off. The storyline left it open-ended since Tatiana told Mo that she wanted to interview Max for Wired Magazine. That could help get their restaurant much-needed press and maybe open up a relationship for her and Simon (MAYBE?).

And how about the hot Aussie neighbor, Aiden, who Zoey hasn’t seen in YEARS!! I had to look up who that was; and it’s Aussie model, actor, and musician Felix Mallard, who appeared in the Aussie soap opera Neighbours and the short-lived, one season only U.S. comedy Happy Together. I’m curious to see where this part of the story will go, as they’re not going to introduce a new character like that without taking it somewhere.

Ange: I was beginning to worry about this season as, to be honest, the last two episodes seemed to lack the magic that I was feeling last season. Thankfully, I felt some of that spark return this week and really enjoyed this episode. I wonder if the theme of choosing happiness played a part in that. I really enjoyed the musical numbers this week – Simon’s rendition of Lizzo’s ‘Juice’ was so fun – more happy Simon please! More Mo and Max duets please! George’s rendition of Britney Spears’ ‘Stronger’ was amusing.  (Although I’m with you guys on George’s storyline/presence being awkward. I agree that we haven’t really seen enough of him to get attached and miss him after this week.) I really liked that Emily sang a more stripped back version of ‘I’ll Stand By You’ and Aussie Aiden’s ‘Sex and Candy’ definitely had me intrigued before we even saw him. I’m interested to see how what I’m sure will be a fling between Zoey and him will pan out. Side note, as an Aussie, I’d like to say that I’m pretty sure they amped up the Aussie stereotype with Aiden – yeah we like to abbreviate our words but even I thought Aiden was laying it on a bit thick!

Related: Roundtable: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: “Zoey’s Extraordinary Employee”

Karen: Mixed feelings this week. I’m hoping we’re just gonna cut George and get rid of him. He’s such an annoying caricature. I absolutely loved all the happy songs this week. I agree that happy Simon is awesome! More of that. Tatiana was fun as well. If they put those two together I wouldn’t be mad.

I dig that David’s going to stay home with the baby. Looks like they’re going to tackle some male/female stereotyping this season. Let’s get those girl coders out in the open. And while I like the “bar” jokes, the pudding made me a little queasy. Yet again, I identify with women in management (and STEM industries at that) when Zoey had to fire staff members. As someone who’s been in that precise position, I got it.

I love seeing the cast members sing outside of heartsongs, and this week it was Max. I wanted that karaoke night to feature everybody. Karaoke is the perfect setting for that since we’ve seen both Max and Leif (cringe) sing that way. It’s cool to compare their super perfect heartsong performances to the real-life voices.

Roger and Maggie are cute together. I was hoping a little bit that they’d at least have a coffee date. We had a little time jump, so I wouldn’t blame her if she went out on a date at this point. I also like that Zoe flirted with Max which means she’s still in love with him. I like Aiden too, but haven’t we had enough of Zoey love-triangles? Still, I could deal with more Aiden. I hardcore cougar over this show, and he’s a nice addition to the Zoey’s cuties.

All in all, this week was “good, not great”. Channeling a little Dwight Schrute there.

[Photo Credits: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Liongate]

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist will air its next new episode on NBC on Tuesday, February 2 at 8/7c.

Zoey decides to explore her rebellious side with her neighbor from growing up, Aiden (guest star Felix Mallard). Max’s dad (guest star Chip Zien) comes to visit.