Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Memory (Season 2 Episode 7)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 2 Episode 7, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Memory,” is one of the most relatable episodes to air so far. 

Life is made of the memories we make with people we love, and especially when a family member has died, the desire to re-create a perfect memory you’ve shared with them is more than understandable — it’s innate. 

Zoey’s trip to visit the Leodons is an essential part of her healing process, especially because by the end of the episode she learns that while she can’t re-create her experience with her dad down to every last detail, the memories she makes with him in mind can be just as sweet. 

It’s heartbreaking to watch her tiptoe through the episode trying not to burden everyone by explaining the truth about why the Leodons matters to her so much. But, those feelings are relatable too. 

I often get tired of the sound of my own voice when I’ve rambled on about something too long, even if my friends have asked me a particular question. Zoey grieving her dad is completely different than that, of course.

But she has every right to also feel tired of her grief and sadness. It’s probably emotionally exhausting. 

It’s refreshing to see both Zoey and Mo balancing their own needs with being good friends to each other and everyone else who needs them. 

Zoey deserves the redo of the Leodons night. Whether her friends know it or not she’s doing heavy emotional lifting for them every day when their feelings get so overwhelming that they just must break out into unconscious song.

Leif can’t help his “Tainted Love” outburst. He doesn’t even know it’s happening. But I get so angry for Zoey when it happens that I can’t help my own feelings. 

It’s unclear whether Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist knows this or not — but it is doing a very good job at subtly exploring how Zoey’s “powers” are interfering with her life. I’m interested to see if the frustration bubbles to the surface again.

Zoey’s been pretty mellow about living her life while also fixing friends’ problems as they come up in heart songs.

Constantly hearing people’s feelings in song form would really annoy me, so it’s not out of line if Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist wants to explore Zoey’s frustrations with this more than once throughout the series. 

Speaking of going back to themes that work, all signs are pointing to Zoey and Simon eventually becoming a couple again when the time is right. It’s exciting to watch Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist pace this correctly.

It means Zoey and Simon might have the chance that she and Max never did. I support this because I don’t think Max and Zoey are meant to last romantically.

He should shoot his shot with Roseanna. We all have to admit that she might be too good for him. But she’s a character I want to get to know more, so I’m all for her staying in whatever capacity makes sense. 

Fire Marshall Haskins is hot (pun necessary) and must also stay around for as long as Mo wants him. You felt that fire between them through your screen, right?

Is there anything we need more on TV than an “enemies to lovers” queer Black love trope? The only answer I’ll accept is “No,” followed quickly by “Eddie who?”

Mo deserves everything, even if I am confused about how Maximo is going to make enough money to succeed. 

“Zoey’s Extraordinary Memory” only stumbles with David’s story. He’s been a new dad who needs adult stimulation for a while now. Joining a band is a great idea, but the plot feels random next to the Leodons memory and Maximo’s opening. 

I’m not going to complain too much about an episode of TV with perfect bookend scenes and a little bit of “Watermelon Sugar” sprinkled on top, though. 

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Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist airs Sunday at 9/8c on NBC.

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