ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST (S1E2) “Zoey’s Extraordinary Best Friend”: Continues To Delight

After debuting its pilot episode in January, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist has returned in all its musical number glory with new episodes. Shows with high-concept premises such as this one often make a stellar first impression, but are unable to maintain momentum moving forward. Fortunately, this NBC musical comedy shows no signs of slowing down and continues to not only entertain, but firmly pull at the heartstrings as well.

Let’s Get This Under Control

In the show’s debut episode, we are introduced to Zoey (Jane Levy), a coder in San Francisco who, after a blackout during an MRI scan, is able to not only hear the inner thoughts of those around her, but also hear them through song and dance numbers. In this second episode, she is trying to grapple with her peculiar abilities and the newfound discovery that her best friend Max (Skylar Astin) has romantic feelings for her while also trying to make a strong first impression after being promoted to team leader at her company.

I was pleasantly surprised with the pilot episode of this show. Its premise fondly reminded me of the incredibly underrated Eli Stone, a show with a very similar premise where the main character would have hallucinations of those around him breaking out into song and dance. Fortunately, this show is able to stand on its own two feet and distinguish itself in a way that makes it wholly unique. It’s colorful, fun, entertaining, and surprisingly emotional.

The MVP of the show is easily Jane Levy. She’s an actress who has shown immense versatility over the years, turning in stellar performances in films like Don’t Breathe and the remake of Evil Dead. She’s able to make Zoey instantly likable, effortlessly radiating a nerdy charm and warm heart that makes her easy to love. Her supporting cast is also terrific, the highlights being Skylar Astin as her best friend Max and Alex Newell as her next door neighbor who helps her navigate her overwhelming new abilities. Both turn in fun, inviting performances that not only allow the audience to understand why Zoey is drawn to them, but also why they’re able to help her grow and become more vulnerable.

I Got The Music In Me

Now, the highlight of show, to no one’s surprise, are the musical numbers that wonderfully illustrate Zoey’s quirky ability. NBC clearly has a deep catalogue of songs they’re able to work with and that is able to help provide some highly entertaining musical sequences. They’re well-staged and choreographed, filled to the brim with propulsive and addictive energy that makes them magnetic. However, what I truly love about these sequences is not only do they allow our protagonist to peek inside the minds of those around her for better or worse, but she’s able to gain insight into those closest to her, leading to discoveries that help her connect more deeply with them.

The best relationship of the show is that between Zoey and her father (Peter Gallagher), who unfortunately has a physical disorder that leaves him unable to speak or move with much success. She desperately wants to remain close with him and her ability is able to keep that connection alive and even make it stronger. She’s able to see him move, sing, and dance and get valuable insight into what he’s feeling so she could better understand what mindset he’s currently in. Their relationship feels warm and lived in, both Gallagher and Levy bringing out the best in one another in their scenes together.

It doesn’t take an expert sleuth to figure out that when Zoey inevitably is given an opportunity to rid herself of this mostly irritating power, it will be a difficult decision to make given the progress she’s been able to make with her father. However, that decision is ripe with emotional potential and I feel the show will be able to handle such a development with a deft hand.

A Love Triangle Forms

I loathe love triangles. I think they’re a manipulative way of getting an audience invested in a show and they always get stretched out far too long. That’s why it makes me roll my eyes to see the show forming one between Zoey, Max, and her new work friend Simon (John Clarence Stewart), who has a girlfriend. Zoey has a breezy chemistry with both of them, but I feel like this development is ultimately a misguided detour from the emotional core of the show.

When the story is focusing on Zoey’s abilities and how they can help her connect with strangers and loved ones alike, the show soars and shows its true potential. Wasting screen time on a possible romantic relationship with one of these men just seems superfluous and unnecessary. Both have terrific qualities, this episode in particular showcasing Max’s thoughtfulness through bringing Zoey’s dad some soup and spending quality time with him, but keeping both men as friends would be the smarter move. Alas, this is network television after all so it won’t come a surprise when she ends up with one of these fine suitors.

A small nitpick I have with the show is that it rarely shows Zoey in her element at work. She’s an immensely talented coder, hence her promotion, but we only get small glimpses into what she does and how she does it. This episode shows a little more of her creativity and prowess in the office, but the show would be wise to expand on her skillset a little more and organically work it into the plot of each episode so that we’re reminded she’s far more than just a love interest.

Final Thoughts

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is a high-concept show with rich storytelling potential. Its first two episodes have not only proven that it embraces its quirky premise with delight, but that it will use it to emotionally immerse the audience in Zoey’s ongoing struggle. The performances are terrific and the musical numbers are zany and vibrant. This is a show that wears its heart on its sleeve earnestly as well and its all the better for it.

The only concern I have is whether or not this premise has strong enough legs to carry it past a first season. It’s a concept that could ultimately become repetitive and stale, but I have hope that this cast and creative team can keep things fresh moving forward. I’m on board and am ready to see where this wild ride takes me. In fact, my feet are already tapping just thinking about the next episode.

Have you checked out Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist yet? If not, are you more interested in giving it a chance now? Let us know in the comment section below!

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist airs Sunday nights at 9pm on NBC.