Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Mother (Season 1 Episode 11)
It takes a spoonful of Bernadette Peters and a dash of *NSYNC for Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist to reach its potential, but this Backstreet Boys fan will take what she can get.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1 Episode 11, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Mother,” reveals everything the show can be if it backs away from love triangles and just shows viewers everyone’s heart.
There’s still work to do, and it’s sad that it’s begun so late, but we’re here so let’s enjoy the view.
Zoey and Max’s “best” friendship is unbelievable from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot.” Do they act like friends? Sure. But best friends since childhood who know everything about each other and just happen to work at the same company? All of that has always been a stretch.
It’s why I have never been on board with these two as a couple. He might have a crush on her, but this friendship is no Dawson and Joey. It’s not even Haley and Lucas (who refreshingly never even almost kissed). Max’s love for Zoey has been pretty conditional and hard to buy throughout Season 1 so far.
This is the first time while watching the series that I’ve felt anything resembling positive feelings toward Max.
A fresh start is exactly what Zoey and Max need. It’s very strange to begin the story where we do as viewers, but hopefully, they re-build something stronger than they had before. If a romance between them then becomes believable, so be it.
It sucks for Max that he’s fired, but hopefully, it sticks. Distance from Zoey will make their relationship more believable if anything. The move up to the sixth floor wasn’t enough.
Zoey and Max’s story helps the episode, but it’s Bernadette Peters as Deb who makes it shine.
Mary Steenburgen is always lovely as Maggie, and exploring her grief as she prepares for Mitch’s death is important. But the episode should really be titled “Zoey’s Extraordinary Savior,” because that’s what Deb is.
She’s genuinely unique in a world full of tolerable but cliché quirk, not to mention an extraordinary talent.
It’s weird to watch a woman dance to “Feeling Good” at her husband’s grave. It’s safe to say most viewers probably relate to the episode’s opening number “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” while at a funeral home or on burial grounds or wherever the family is making visits throughout the episode.
It’s also refreshing to know that Deb isn’t singing “Feeling Good” because she’s happy to finally be free from an abusive relationship. Deb loves her late husband, she just happens to have made it through the ugliest stages of grief.
Maggie is nowhere near that stage because Mitch hasn’t even died yet (and let’s be real he’s one of the least annoying characters on the show; hopefully he doesn’t). It’s still helpful for her to see someone who has found happiness after loss.
Also, let’s be real, pie helps everything.
Sometimes the best way to help someone is by giving them space or finding someone else who has the experience to help them that you don’t.
Zoey’s hearing heart songs has made her a more empathetic person, but that doesn’t mean she has the emotional capacity or experience to solve every problem sung to her.
Making funeral arrangements for your father has to be hard enough. Of course, Maggie needs love and care, but leave that to the eclectic stranger who just happens to like spending tons of time on funeral grounds.
Zoey needs someone to care for her too, and it’s a little bit surprising that the best woman for the job is turning out to be Joan, but we’re not mad.
This isn’t Lauren Graham’s best role by a long shot. But when Joan sheds the “fake mean” facade, she’s one of the best elements of the show.
Joan is right that work is never everything. While it’s amazing that Zoey works in tech, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist unintentionally emphasizes that point because this episode, one of their best, takes place largely outside of the office.
Miscellaneous and Music Notes
- Mo/Alex Newell slays “Issues”. It’s my favorite musical number of the episode.
- Mo pushing Eddie away is understandable but sad. I wish he trusted he wasn’t going to get hurt.
- “Bye, Bye, Bye” really adds energy to the hour.
- “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” probably hits very close to home for everyone in the world right now.
- Joan should wear hoodies all of the time just because.
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.