Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Glitch (Season 1 Episode 8)
This writer generally sees Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist as a bright light amidst darkness, but Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1 Episode 8, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Glitch,” makes abundantly clear that Zoey isn’t placing in the race for “most compelling character” on her own show.
In fact, the only reason she’s not in dead last is that Max exists.
Zoey’s issues are what make her journey compelling, namely her dad’s illness and her new role at work.
This “glitch” in Zoey’s abilities is definitely a twist and some of her songs are powerful or funny, others are cringe-worthy whether they’re meant to be or not.
Neither of Zoey’s suitors is worth her time (I still like her even though she lacks depth), but at least Simon is off-limits because he’s engaged and his fianceé is a lovely woman who doesn’t deserve to be cheated on.
If Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist finds a believable way to have Simon exit his relationship, I’m all in on him and Zoey.
So, the fact that Max is being shoved even further down our throats is maddening. Not only does he know her “power,” he now believes her and has heard almost every one of the heart songs that the glitch forces her to sing out loud.
Helping her survive her presentation is sweet, but he absolutely negates any good he does when he hears her sing “I Want You To Want Me” to Simon, shames her for her feelings, and then mansplains them for her.
“I’m Yours” is a great song. But Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist ruins it a little bit — not because Jane Levy doesn’t do a great job with it, rather because of how smug Max is after she sings it to him and when he declares it a love song that “wins” over the lust Zoey declares for Simon when she sings “I Want You To Want Me.”
How. Dare. He.
No one has the right to shame Zoey for her feelings, and Simon would be much more understanding if he knew her abilities than Max is being. He’s very rarely acted like a “best” friend through this whole series. So the whole episode would’ve worked better if Simon were Zoey’s partner in figuring out the glitch.
All of the attention on Max makes us worried about Zoey’s inevitable choice.
It’s also a misstep to have so much of the episode take place at Sprqpoint.
The glitch in her “powers” happens after hearing the news that her dad’s illness is getting worse.
The silent scene that follows is one of the most effective of the series. It shows us Zoey’s feelings without telling us anything. It’s also just lovely to watch a minute or two of completely mute TV.
She’s mostly avoiding hard truths about her dad. But why does she go to work and stay there? All that’s waiting for her is more stress.
We can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if Zoey had run away after the failed presentation and somehow received guidance from a stranger that helps her confront her reality and go talk to her dad, instead of wasting all that energy on Max. Gross.
It’s impossible not to watch Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and empathize with Zoey’s pain and fear of losing her dad.
We don’t want Mitch to die, either Zoey.
Forget about other men for now and spend as much time with him as you can. When you feel ready, there’s always Bumble. You deserve better than both of these men.
Also, Mo is better at giving advice than Max or even Simon. Who decided fans would be OK with no dose of Mo at all? They’re wrong.
Music Notes
- “Crazy” is decent, though I don’t like how it ends.
- “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is my favorite number of the episode because 2020 desperately needs Christmas early.
- “How Do I Live” is sweet, but not the most emotional song that could fulfill Zoey’s purpose at that point. If the glitch happens because Zoey can’t face her feelings, couldn’t Zoey have sung something that turns into a duet with Mitch and ends with Mitch singing to prove her powers are back?
What did you think of this episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist airs Sundays at 9/8c on NBC.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.
2 comments
This review kicked total ass! I also read a review from someone who is on team max and I was totally grossed out. Thanks for being awesome!
In retrospect, yeah Max is a little too shoehorned in and not a fantastic character, but Zoey is just awful. In the first place Zoey established her relationship with Simon by providing insight into his feelings she only had through her powers. At the very least it’s dishonest, at most the entire basis of their relationship was misconstrued. I just can’t get behind them even they have a good dynamic. And her struggle to deal with her father’s impending death really is one of the few ways she is remotely compelling. Thanks for the review, it was an interesting perspective.
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