Zoey's Extraordinary Birthday

**Zoey's Extraordinary Birthday** is the eighth episode of Season Two and twentieth episode overall of *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.* It aired on April 4, 2021.

## Episode Summary

It's Zoey's 30th birthday, but before she can celebrate properly she must confront her unresolved feelings for the men in her life.

## Plot

Zoey leans over Miles' crib and asks if he can say her name, and Emily says he can't because he's a baby. Maggie asks if Zoey can bring her a carafe, and Zoey asks about the fancy plates on the table. Maggie reminds her that it's the first night of her birthday week, but Zoey insists that she doesn't want her birthday to be a big deal so soon after Mitch's death. Maggie says it is a big deal since she's turning 30 and reminds Zoey that her father believed in "bigger moments, bigger memories." Zoey considers the possibility of having a party to honor his legacy and asks if they could have it at her mother's house. Maggie says she would love that, and David asks who she plans on inviting. Zoey insists that she has a lot of people to invite.

The next morning, Zoey asks Alicia, the receptionist on the fourth floor of SPRQ Point, if she has plans on Saturday and invites her to the party. Despite being confused by Zoey's motives at first, Alicia agrees to attend. Zoey then walks into Simon's office and asks him what he's smiling about. Simon notes that *Tech Trends Weekly* just came out with its annual list of the most influential voices in tech, and he is number 27. Zoey congratulates him, and Simon thanks her and notes that Tatiana put him up for it and she's acting like his publicist these days. Zoey asks if he’ll come to her 30th birthday party, and after making a big show of clearing his schedule on his laptop, Simon flirtatiously says he's free and that he can't wait. Zoey thanks him and awkwardly leaves.

Zoey walks into the bullpen and announces to the coders that she's having a birthday party and they're all invited. Tobin asks what the man-to-lady ratio at the party will be, and Zoey tells him that depends on how many women he invites. Tobin says he's on it. Zoey makes another announcement that Danny Michael Davis wants to revamp SPRQ Point's signature phone and has opened up pitches to the entire company. Tobin notes that Leif is at a birding conference all week and wonders how they can come up with something without him. Mackenzie touts her accomplishments in robotics and says she can think of something, and Tobin insists he can think of something, too. Zoey says she's looking forward to seeing what they all come up with and also seeing them at her party.

At MaxiMo, Mo thanks Perry for coming in on such short notice and emphasizes that they are newly committed to fire safety and just added another alarm. Perry approves the alarm but mentions that they probably didn't need a fire marshal to come to the restaurant for that. Mo says better safe than sorry, and Perry agrees but also notes that if he just wanted to see him again, he could have just asked him on a proper date. Mo concurs, and Perry coyly says he would have said yes and tells Mo he hopes to hear from him soon. Mo fans himself as Perry walks off.

Zoey walks into the restaurant and observes that Mo looks happy, and Mo says he loves a hot man with a clipboard. Max walks up to them and happily greets Zoey, asking what their plans are for her birthday that year, and Zoey tells him that she decided to throw a big party. After someone calls Max's name, he leaves Zoey for a second and walks up to Rose, who apologizes for being late and touches Max on the shoulder as she explains why. Mo gives Zoey a pointed look. Rose tells them that a hippie gave her a worry stone and asks if anyone wants it. Mo takes the stone and introduces himself, complimenting Rose's top and telling Max that he'll put the worry stone in his cubby. Max stammers as he introduces Zoey to Rose and then explains to Zoey that he and Rose went to sleepaway camp together. Rose adds on that Max had a giant crush on her, and the two laugh about camp memories while Zoey nods along awkwardly. Rose asks how they know each other. However, when Zoey starts explaining, Rose starts singing "Need You Tonight" and doing a sexy dance. When Max joins in on the heart song, Zoey is surprised, and she expresses jealousy throughout the performance. After the song ends, Zoey distractedly says that she and Max are friends. Max says he and Rose were going to get dinner and invites Zoey to join them, but she declines. When Max and Rose walks away, Mo walks up to Zoey, who is visibly uncomfortable, and remarks on the sexual tension between Max and Rose.

As Zoey walks back into her apartment building with Mo, she goes on about how Max and Rose's heart song was to watch. Mo asks when the last time she and Max discussed their relationship status was, and Zoey asks what he's talking about. Mo points out that Max is clearly thinking of someone else, and so is Zoey. Zoey innocently asks who, and Mo mentions Aiden. Zoey insists they're just friends, so Mo brings up Simon. Zoey asks what his point is, and Mo says she's getting defensive and asks what the rules are on her and Max's "pause." Zoey says there aren't any that she's aware of, and Mo asks if she's mad at Max for breaking rules that don't exist. Zoey insists she's not mad, just surprised that he had those feelings for someone else. Mo asks if she thought Max was just going to wait around for her to make a decision, and Zoey says it sounds unfair when he puts it like that. Zoey resolves to talk to Max to see where they stand.

The next morning, in Aiden's garage, David and the band finish up playing a funky song, and he exclaims happily. David apologizes for flaming out at the end and not-so-subtly mentions that he and Emily had a long night in the bedroom. Aiden says he doesn't have to tell them about his sex life, and David apologizes and says he was just trying to express how good the band has been for his marriage. After the other band members leave for some fresh air, David goes over to Aiden and tells him that the tune they played was catchy. Aiden thanks him and explains that he writes a lot of music whenever he's been feeling rejected. David asks what happened, and Aiden starts telling him about a girl who got up in his head but stops and says they definitely shouldn't talk about it. David insists they should and declares that the best songs come from heartbreak. Aiden explains that he can't stop thinking about this girl and starts listing things about her. David makes a rhyme, and Aiden pulls out his notebook. Though David tries to hang around and help Aiden write, Aiden insists that he writes alone, so David leaves.

That night, Zoey empties a bag of baby carrots onto a platter when someone knocks on the door. Max walks in holding a bag with ginger ale, whiskey, and chamomile tea and mentions that Zoey's text to have a mature talk about their relationship threw him a little. Zoey carries the platter over to the living room and sits on the couch, clarifying that she feels like they should discuss where things stand between them and what the rules of engagement are for their pause. Max sits on a chair opposite her and asks if there is any particular reason why. Zoey admits that she saw him sing a sexy duet with Rose at MaxiMo the night before, which seems to take Max by surprise. Zoey asks if he and Rose have feelings for each other, and Max says he doesn't know and expresses frustration with Zoey's powers. He asks if she's ready to stop their pause and says otherwise, he doesn't know what they're doing. Zoey insists she just wants to make sure they aren't messing them up and are clear about their expectations when it comes to other people. Max asks what other people are in her life, and Zoey mentions Aiden but downplays it. She also admits to possibly starting to have feelings for Simon again, which takes Max aback. Zoey and Max get into a fight that culminates in Max leaving her apartment. Zoey watches in frustration as he goes, and she takes a sip of whiskey.

The next day, Zoey shows up at Mo's apartment and tells him that she's going to cancel her party. Mo protests that he already invited the hot fire marshal to be his date, but Zoey doubles down that she has nothing to celebrate. She laments how badly things went with Max the night before, and though Mo says that that is no reason to deprive herself of a party, Zoey insists that the party is not happening.

At SPRQ Point, Tobin walks up to Zoey and says they have some phone pitches for her. After he promotes his pitch for the Mega Phone, the biggest phone on the market, Mackenzie cuts in with her idea, the tiny Micro Phone. They lead Zoey toward the food bar, where Simon and all of the fourth floor employees surprise her with a Zoey Bar decorated with pink candy, cake, and cookies that match her clothes. Zoey thanks everyone and unceremoniously announces that her party is cancelled, much to her coworkers' dismay. Simon asks why she cancelled the party, but Zoey avoids telling him the real reason. However, after Simon and the rest of the fourth floor sing "Don't Leave Me This Way," Zoey excitedly exclaims that she hears them and announces that the party is back on.

After seeing David and Emily locked in a passionate kiss just before Zoey's party, Maggie tells them they should go in a closet for sevem minutes. Maggie asks if they know where Zoey is and remarks that their guests are about to arrive. David says that he thinks she's still upstairs getting ready, and Maggie walks upstairs to go check on her.

In her childhood bedroom, Zoey tearfully looks at a pair of earrings in her hand when her mother walks in and asks what's wrong. Zoey says she forgot to wear earrings and then found the earrings her dad gave her for her sweet sixteen in an old jewelry box. Maggie says that she misses Mitch, too, but she's not going to let it get her down because Zoey is turning 30. Zoey does not seem too keen on celebrating, but Maggie reminds her that though both of them are not the most comfortable at parties, Mitch loved parties. Maggie cheerily urges Zoey to do the party and honor her father, admitting that she may have already started drinking. Zoey smiles and says Mitch would be so proud.

Tobin and Mackenzie walk into the party bickering about their phone ideas. Tobin hands Mackenzie his jacket, and they open the closet door and see David and Emily making out inside. David takes the coat from them, and Tobin and Mackenzie walk away. Elsewhere, Mo is walking around the party with Perry when they see Zoey walking down the stairs. Mo tells Zoey she looks stunning and introduces her to Perry. After Mo and Perry walk away, Zoey turns and sees Max walk into the party holding a present. He tells her happy birthday, and Zoey says she's really glad he's there. He gives her the present, and she asks if she can open it now. Max says yes but asks if they can go somewhere private.

They walk upstairs to Zoey's childhood bedroom, and Max tells Zoey that he got her the present before their fight and almost didn't bring it because he was worried she would think it was too much. Zoey opens the present, a framed vinyl of “A Moment Like This.” She says it's perfect and hugs him. Zoey tells Max that he means a lot to her and that if he's having feelings for Rose, it would be wrong of her to get in the way. Max says he appreciates that and says that it would also be wrong of him to get in the way of anything she wants. Zoey says she doesn't want to lose him, and Max says they'll figure it out like they always do. They walk back to the party together.

While walking down the stairs, Zoey and Max see Simon walk into the party. Zoey smiles, but her smile falters when she sees Tatiana walk up beside Simon and set her hand on his shoulder. They all awkwardly greet each other, and Zoey expresses obvious discomfort at seeing Simon and Tatiana together. Zoey awkwardly walks away.

Zoey walks up to Mo and asks him what's happening with Tatiana and Simon. Mo says he's too busy worrying about his own love life, and Zoey asks how things are going with Perry. Mo expresses uncertainty, noting that Perry plays it really cool. Right after, Mo starts singing “Kiss Me,” and Perry joins in, singing and dancing with him. Zoey walks into the other room and sees David and Emily singing, too. Several more couples start singing and dancing together while Zoey watches, looking slightly disappointed. Zoey goes into the next room and sees Mackenzie and Tobin joining in on the heart song, and she looks surprised. She goes into the other room again and hears Tatiana sing to Simon, but he does not sing back. After the song finishes Zoey tells Mo that he and Perry want to kiss each other. She says she's happy for him and everyone at the party who wants to kiss someone but laments that nobody is singing to her on her birthday.

Later, while talking to Tobin and Mackenzie, Zoey asks Tobin why his Tinder ladies never showed up, and Mackenzie teases him about it. Maggie clinks her glass and thanks everyone for being there. She makes a brief, heartfelt speech for Zoey and then introduces the band. Aiden says happy birthday to Zoey and starts playing "Crimson Love" with David and the rest of the band. Zoey and the other onlookers seem to be enjoying the song at first, but when it becomes clear that the lyrics are inappropriately referring to Zoey, she and everyone else gets uncomfortable. After the song finishes, everyone claps awkwardly.

Mo walks up to Perry and suggests that they leave the party together soon. Perry says that sounds great but mentions that he has to go pick up something from his ex-husband. Mo notes that he's never dated a divorced guy before and asks what Perry is picking up. Perry explains that he has two kids, and Mo seems nonplussed by the idea. Perry says it's not usually something he brings up right away unless he likes someone and asks if that's an issue for Mo. Mo seems unreceptive, and Perry says the kids and him are a package deal. He tells Mo to call him if he didn't scare him away.

Zoey walks into the living room and quickly pivots when she sees Simon and Tatiana sitting together on the couch. She runs into Aiden, who asks what she thought of his song. She says it was flattering but maybe not the best choice for her birthday party. Aiden says he wanted to let her know how he felt, and admits that since their day together, he can't stop thinking about her. Zoey quickly shuts him down and says they are not going to happen. Aiden dejectedly walks away. Maggie walks in holding the birthday cake, and everyone starts singing "Happy Birthday" to Zoey until she loudly exclaims for them to stop and says she doesn't need any more singing right now. She thanks everyone for being there and celebrating with her and blows out the candles.

While holding the door and watching people walk out, Zoey thanks Tatiana for coming and asks where Simon is, noting that they came together. Tatiana says she has a late-night Bumble date, and Zoey asks if there's nothing romantic going on with her and Simon. Tatiana says they’re just friends and that she thinks there's someone else he might be interested in.

In the kitchen, Emily says she still can't believe David didn't realize Aiden's song was about Zoey. David insists that he thought the girl's name was Ginger and that Aiden didn't sing the ending until that night. Zoey walks in and says she hopes they're not talking about what she thinks they are. David apologizes to Zoey and downheartedly tells Emily he thinks he has to quit the band. Max, David, and Emily take out the trash, leaving Zoey alone with Simon. Simon asks Zoey if she had a good time, and Zoey says it was fun and that she thinks her dad would have loved it. She tells him she's glad he is still here. Simon leans in as if to kiss Zoey but pulls back when the others walk back inside. David asks both Max and Simon if they want to be in a band, but they both turn him down. Zoey and Simon look at each other in longing.

The next morning, Mo knocks on Zoey's door and tells her happy actual birthday, presenting her with a tray of brownies. Mo asks what she has planned for her birthday, and Zoey says she texted Simon and invited him over for dinner. Zoey asks Mo how it went with him and Perry, and Mo tells her that he has two kids and an ex-husband. Zoey asks if that's a dealbreaker, and Mo says it goes against all of his instincts to hold onto his youth. Zoey sarcastically tells Mo he should definitely forget about Perry, even though he's made Mo giddier than she's ever seen him. Mo says he sees what she's doing and leaves.

David walks into the Clarke home, where Maggie is playing with Miles. Maggies asks how breaking up with the band went, and David says it was pretty devastating for him. He says it's okay and that he'll find something else and asks how having a party without Mitch was for her. Maggie says it was a little weird and sad at moments, but it was nice bringing some life back into the house again. She says she might start to have more friends over, taking baby steps after Mitch's passing. Maggie and David play with toy instruments with Miles.

Max is sitting with Rose at MaxiMo, and he brushes her hair behind her ear. In Mo's apartment, Mo and Perry sit down with a glass of wine. At SPRQ Point, Tobin and Mackenzie tease each other.

At Zoey's apartment, Simon tells Zoey he has one last birthday surprise for her. He says he didn't her big birthday week would feel complete without their favorite, the cheesequake. He lights a candle on the cheesequake and says happy birthday, telling her to make a wish. Zoey closes her eyes, and Simon starts singing “Into You” to her. During the song, Zoey mirror's Simon's sensual dance movements, and and they get very close but never touch. After the song finishes, Zoey pulls Simon into a kiss.

## Cast

### Starring

* **Jane Levy** as Zoey Clarke
* **Skylar Astin** as Max Richman
* **Alex Newell** as Mo
* **John Clarence Stewart** as Simon Haynes
* **Mary Steenburgen** as Maggie Clarke
* **Michael Thomas Grant** as Leif Donnelly *(credit only)*
* **Kapil Talwalkar** as Tobin Batra
* **Andrew Leeds** as David Clarke
* **Alice Lee** as Emily Kang

### Guest Starring

* **Alvina August** as Tatiana Morris
* **Katie Findlay** as Rose Williams
* **Felix Mallard** as Aiden
* **David St. Louis** as Perry Haskins
* **Morgan Taylor Campbell** as Mackenzie

### Co-Starring

* **Cecilly Day** as Alicia
* **Finley Alexander Hysen** as Miles
* **Riley Quinn Hysen** as Miles
* **Andres Joseph** as Karan
* **Levi Wall** as Brock

#### Uncredited

* **Beta Chan** as Cass
* **Melanie Hidalgo-Cruz** as Yasmeen

## Gallery

* Pictures
* Videos

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Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist 2x08 Promo "Zoey's Extraordinary Birthday" (HD) Jane Levy series

## Trivia

* Zoey celebrates her 30th birthday.
* This episode features the show's first-ever original song, "Crimson Love."

## References

1. ↑ https://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/interactive/2929fed4187b40648b79a9839e70e91fproduct169208/index.html#/brand/9e1d45af-02d1-4b13-8bba-4939e0de5e79/press-releases/9716ddbc-36f5-4802-829e-242ac30eb9d3
2. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/index.php/articles/news/television/9549815/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-debuts-first-original-song-listen-first