In the words of the great Tom Petty, “The Waiting “is the hardest part for Max and Simon in “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return“. Showrunner Austin Winsberg makes the wise decision to deal with the Zoey, Max and Simon triangle in this episode instead of drawing the dilemma out.
In a nutshell, the strengths and few weaknesses of season one are carried over. The relationship triangle and family drama are where Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist shines brightest. However, the workplace element of the series isn’t as enthralling as the family elements.
Jane Levy sells Zoey’s emotional distress throughout the episode quite well. Grief was the major emotional throughline of season one and the season premiere carries that theme into this episode. Zoey, Maggie (A very quiet, but wonderful performance from Mary Steenburgen) and David are all struggling with the grief of losing their father at the end of season one.
The songs and Mandy Moore’s choreography are on point. Simon and Max’s first duet in the series is the musical highlight of the episode.
Lauren Graham’s premature departure due to the delay of filming season two is abrupt. However, there is a great scene between Zoey and Joan that gives some closure with the door being left ajar for a possible return later.
With most of the major non-spoiler details out of the way, here’s a more in-depth look at the songs, workplace and family of “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return.”
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The Songs in Zoey’s Extraordinary Return
The episode takes time before deploying heart songs. However, there are three heart-songs in this episode and each is quite lengthy. From a genre perspective, you have a movie musical, pop-rock and indie-pop.
Hello, Dolly!
Zoey hasn’t heard any song since her Dad’s funeral. She also hasn’t left her room in six weeks. Once she gets to work, the heart-songs start-up, beginning with “Hello, Dolly!.” This is a big broadway number with most of the cast with the exception of Max and John. The choreography reminded me of the 2nd episode in the first season.
Are you Gonna Be My Girl by Jet
Since she’s been out of the loop for six weeks, Max, Simon and Mo have been spending time together unbeknownst to Zoey. She walks in and then we get this joyous Simon-Max duet. Each vying for Zoey’s love via heart-song despite their denial.
Carry On by FUN
Maggie, David and Emily are also struggling. David and Emily are trying to get their newborn to sleep. Maggie is struggling to move on. Maggie, David and Emily’s heart-song is the most emotional in the episode. The ending of the song is my favorite bit of choreography as it seamlessly flows from the song to the Clarks sitting down to dinner with Zoey.
Work-Life Balance
The Mo, Simon and Max dynamic throughout the episode is great. Max is mostly pining for Zoey but trying to find a new business venture. The thought of Max, Simon and Mo hanging out together is fun and hopefully will continue. Max and Mo seem poised to work together on a business venture. An Alex Newell-Astin duet shouldn’t be too far off.
Zoey’s just trying to get up to speed at work. She’s ambushed by a new employee. George is a bumbling wreck trying to find his place with Zoey. Leif and Tobin tell Zoey about the pranks they played on George. Harvey Guillén is a talented actor, but I found the performance a bit over-the-top.
Joan offers Zoey her job. Zoey is overwhelmed by the idea as it’s her first day back at work. Later in the episode, Joan visits Zoey back at home. Joan apologizes for trying to pressure Zoey in what is probably the 2nd best scene in the episode.
The best scene in the episode is a video Mitch made before he was comatose. He tells Maggie with Zoey and David watching that he love her, the life they built and urges them to keep moving forward after he’s gone. Peter Gallagher crushes this small scene.
Final Thoughts on Zoey’s Extraordinary Return
“Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” is a strong return for the series. While not the best episode of the series, the season premiere proves that Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is more than a one-hit-wonder.
The Review
Zoey's Extraordinary Return
PROS
- Jane Levy and Mary Steenburgen do a great job subtly processing their grief.
- The Mo-Max-Simon dynamic is fun.
- The song catalog and choreography is still fantastic
- The moment between Joan and Zoey in Zoey's room is tremendous.
CONS
- The workplace scenes overall just didn't do much for me.
- Lauren Graham's departure was abrupt. Zoey should eventually get Joan's job, but that needs to be a longer arc.
