Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Dad (Season 1 Episode 12)
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is strongest when it avoids TV tropes, stops hiding behind Max, and leans into the grief that’s always lurking on the edges of this bright, musical dramedy.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1 Episode 12, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Dad” is not only the best episode of a show that has struggled to live up to its potential all season, it ends with the only beautifully tragic ending that this writer finds acceptable.
The love triangle may be the core of many successful dramas, but this one has an even stronger core: family.
To that end, Mitch’s scenes with his children are the strongest of the episode. Bringing back “True Colors” for a dance with Zoey to signify that he’s indeed dying and that’s why she’s not hearing him sing is genius.
Daddy’s girls everywhere struggle to keep it together in that moment. But Mitch’s lullaby to David is more powerful, or at the very least, more important to see on our screens.
Men feel lost and sad when their parents die. They cry. They need reassurance. David is going to be a father soon. So, Billy Joel’s “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” is positively gutwrenching to watch and adds even more depth to the emotions on-screen.
David and Mitch singing it as a duet signifies that they know what each other is thinking, but Emily is a necessity to the scene.
As David says, she’s his wife. Mitch wants to say goodbye to her too. Plus, there is no more heartfelt (and/or) depressing moment on the series than Mitch touching Emily’s belly.
Mitch isn’t going to meet his grandson. It’s horrible to think about but as horrible as it is to make viewers watch Peter Gallagher die on-screen, the the follow though there strengthens Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist as a whole.
It’s a bright show with plenty of singing and dancing, but it’s been preparing us for the moment Mitch dies for 12 episodes now.
Lesser shows pull ridiculous miracles out of thin air all the time. It’s harder to ground a show in reality because that involves a whole team of people being willing and able to access very difficult emotions in a natural way.
Death is just about the rawest subject there is, and while I’d really rather Zoey not be kissing Max when she gets word that the worst moment of her life is imminent, the whole Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist team deserves respect for the care they put into telling their most important story.
This season that story is family and preparing for a death, next could be grief. Perhaps it is easier to cope with when you have a partner by your side, but it’s definitely not necessary.
Zoey only needs her mom, David, Mo, and maybe Howie. As we raise a glass and pour one out for Mitch, let’s hope Zoey knows that.
Music Notes
- “Jealous” is such a great number.
- There is no better way to end the season than an ensemble version of “American Pie”
- If Max must sing John Legend’s “All Of Me” to Zoey, at least let him finish the chorus. Don’t waste a perfect song.
- Mo’s “I Will Follow Him” is great, but he’s still woefully underused.
What did you think of this episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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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.