Why “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is my new favorite show.
As a singer-songwriter, musical theater performer, and karaoke gal, music is a big part of my life. I run to it. I am inspired to write my own songs listening to other songs (don’t worry, I do NOT plagiarize material). In playing both my own songs, and covers I love, on guitar, I make new friends and touch people’s hearts. Music is such an important part of the human element. Songs express how we feel, no matter what the mood. Therefore, having a show like “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”, in which the character’s “sing” their innermost thoughts to Zoe, played by Jane Levy, is so true to the human psyche. We show a brave face, smile through our pain, or hide our true feelings, and yet, our inner monologue is telling a very different story.
In Episode 1, Simon (John Clarence Stewart), is still hurting from the death of his father, and Zoe overhears him singing one of the most depressing songs about suicide, “Mad World”. We watch a touching moment between Zoe’s comatose father, who cannot seemingly communicate with the world, but manages to “sing” to Zoe Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” to express his love for her. Max, (Skylar Astin), who is the best friend to Zoe, or one would say, “in the friend zone”, pours his heart out to Zoe singing “I think I love you” by the Partridge Family. He will eventually sing in later episodes, Sucker”, as well as “500 miles” which is a personal favorite.
My favorite character (although I have to admit, it was hard to choose, as everyone is so talented) is Joan (Lauren Graham), Zoe’s boss. In episode 3 she sings“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones, which could be about her job, but we eventually realize has been about her loveless marriage to a tech superhero. I also love her rendition of “Wrecking Ball” in episode 4, when she realizes her marriage is truly over.
Of course, Mo (Alex Newell) steals the show whether it be showing off her “fabulous” looks, or eventually opening her heart to us about having to be two different people and not being able to show her true self in the church choir, for fear of being shamed and rejected for identifying as female, singing “The Great Pretender” in episode 4.
This show could not have come at a better time, when many of us in the entertainment industry have been furloughed by a virus that could have been contained long ago, and will financially hurt so many of us both in entertainment, and other industries. We need a little light and music in our lives. I look forward to many future seasons and songs.
