Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Double Date (Season 2 Episode 11)

Therapy leads Zoey to a deeper revelation about loss on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 2 Episode 11, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Double Date.” 

Perhaps the best thing about Zoey’s new therapist (aside from the fact that he’s played by Oscar Nuñez) is that he doesn’t even flinch as Zoey discusses her powers. When she questions whether or not he believes her, he tells her that’s beside the point, and it doesn’t matter what he believes.

That all works a little better in the world of the show, but it also feels more compassionate and productive.

It turns out, though, that Zoey throwing her efforts into her relationship with Simon doesn’t have the intended consequences. In true Zoey fashion, it’s all a little much, and it’s generally misguided.

Her good intentions are flawed. They’re also thwarted when she learns Max is considering moving — albeit temporarily — to New York with Rose.

While it’s an overreaction on her part, sure, it also feels like a genuine one. She simply can’t hide the way she feels about this news, and her feelings toward Max are still complicated.

I have a hard time believing she doesn’t still have romantic feelings for him, no matter how much she insists she doesn’t. But add to that what her therapist tells her — Zoey’s feeling abandoned once again. 

Her dad, then Joan, and now her best friend. And let’s not forget, that’s the other complication with Max. Those two were best friends first. 

So not only does Simon not get his lunch (Maximo’s first crisis during a lunch rush) he also sees what we all see. There’s still something there between Zoey and Max. It’s all pretty uncomfortable, but it all rings true to the situation.

And it doesn’t take any of the fun out of the episode, which is generally as delightful and enjoyable as they come. If I’m being honest, I’m probably going to watch the performance of “Don’t Stop Me Now” a few more times.  

All of the musical numbers are strong. This is a cast that always goes for it, and the music really never fails. Skylar Astin’s “New York State of Mind” is beautiful, and David St. Louis’s rendition of that Matchbox Twenty song is breathtaking. There’s nothing not to love.

Speaking of that Matchbox Twenty song, Zoey hears Perry singing “Unwell” after learning that his ex, Brian, and Mo are going to meet soon. He’s worried about how it will go.

But it turns out those worries are less about them and more about him. 

He’s honest about those feelings with Mo. He’s having a hard time, deep down, with who Mo is and what people will think of them together. 

And that’s a dealbreaker for Mo. He’s honest too, and it turns out to be one of the most emotional parts of the episode.

Meanwhile, Maggie has been frequenting the casino during the day, and her friend Deb is worried over it. In her mind, especially after Maggie’s recent loss, it must be a sign of something deeper. 

But the truth? The truth of it is freaking amazing.

Maggie is trying to spend the money she earned from that awful recent job a while back, but instead of blowing it all, she just keeps on winning. 

She’s been hiding money in plants and doesn’t know what to do with it. 

It’s a bit over-the-top, but gosh, does Maggie deserve something like this. Thankfully she has her new friend and her daughter to convince her to at least use some of it for something fun. There’s a lot of joy to come from that — I just hope we get some sort of glimpse at this great girls trip.

Other thoughts:

• The costumes for the race are fun, and it’s certainly very in character for Zoey to go with something like “static electricity.”
• Am I the only one that finds that drone phone a little frightening? I mean, yikes.
• Leif and Tobin holding hands and jumping up and down over Tobin’s hookup is the funniest moment of the entire episode, hands down. I adore their friendship.

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

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