Round Two: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 2 “Zoey’s Extraordinary Best Friend” (B+)

I’m curious why networks sometimes choose to premiere a show and then let a good amount of time pass before airing another episode, since it seems like momentum would be lost during that time and it might be difficult to build an audience. I suppose there’s also a sense of anticipation that can be created during that time, especially for such a production as this. Six weeks after the first episode aired, this second outing didn’t disappoint. There are certain elements that remain a bit clunky, naming Lauren Graham’s entire role which allows her to use none of her talents and the development of Zoey’s professional life, but those are workable and don’t detract from the overall effectiveness of the show. I liked the opening number that had Zoey singing, something that doesn’t seem like it will happen all that often, and there continue to be very moving songs and renditions performed, like “Moondance” by Peter Gallagher and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by the coffee shop patrons and employees. I was glad that Zoey, after being offered noise-cancelling headphones that did nothing by Mo, decided to accept her newfound power and utilize it for good rather than run from it. I’m hopeful that, heartwarming as it might be, Mitch won’t experience too much miraculous recovery since I think that the relationship and dynamic is much more powerful if he really can only communicate through Zoey’s incredible abilities rather than manifest an unbelievable ability to recover from something which in the real world wouldn’t be possible