Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Zoey’s Extraordinary Session (Season 2 Episode 12)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist breaks form in order to reveal details from Zoey’s past, but it still finds ways to use music to convey some of the most important moments.

On Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 2 Episode 12, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Session,” Zoey shares with her therapist the first time she ever experienced a feeling of loss. She recounts her first day at SPRQ Point, which is also a day that her mother had a frightening health scare that made her realize her parents were as vulnerable as anyone else.

It’s a fun chance to see how things began, including a bit of a wacky competition to actually get a job she thought she already had. Danny Michael Davis has wild tricks up his sleeve, and it all begins with him singing a classic song from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — one of many creative ways the show maintains its musical structure even though Zoey doesn’t have her powers yet. 

I also appreciate getting this backstory, which includes seeing Zoey stressing over getting what she says is the job of her dreams. She’s nothing if not driven, but more interestingly, we see her skills at work in a way we really haven’t before. 

The way music plays a part also seems to offer clues as to what we happen with Zoey later. Max suggests Zoey needs a Spotify account so she can become aware of popular music, she hears another one of the “pre-hires” singing out loud and tells him to get a hold of himself, and she witnesses her parents singing a sweet song to one another that they’ve sung many times.

Only this time, it feels different.

That, to me, is the key. Witnessing that song sung this way, she tells her therapist, is the real moment she sees their vulnerability.

And while that’s all important to her backstory, Zoey’s therapist points out that her memories of this day really tell the story of her connection with Max.

Their early dynamic on that first day of meeting is special, especially as they figure out how well they can work together as a team.

It’s also meaningful that Max is willing to make the sacrifices he does. First, by suggesting Zoey work remotely so she can see her mother in the hospital, but second? By actually forfeiting the job so she can have it. 

Of course, we know he winds up at SPRQ Point eventually, and Zoey reveals that happened just a few weeks later. After all of that, it also really makes perfect sense to see that he’s on a different path years later. 

Something else that makes this episode special is that it allows us to Zoey’s dad, and to see him in a way we haven’t before. It’s a treat to have Peter Gallagher back for the episode, and even more so that he gets such a special musical performance.

It reveals a little more about his relationship with his daughter, too. The sandwich detail is sweet, as is his confidence in her and overall support. He also notes that he likes Max when he meets him for the first time. Make of that what you will.

Other thoughts:

• Another creative way the show uses music in this episode is by having Mo sing out loud as Zoey’s rideshare driver, which I love.
• Zoey’s first day is also Leif’s, and you have to love his long hair. More important, his duet battle with Max.
• While we’re focused on Zoey’s story, we also get a chance to see how things with David and Emily began, which is especially nice considering their current struggles.

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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