Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020) s01e02 Episode Script
Zoey's Extraordinary Best Friend
1 [EXHALES.]
["I'VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME" PLAYING.]
Ain't got no trouble in my life No foolish dream to make me cry I'm never frightened or worried I know I'll always get by I heat up I cool down When something gets in my way, I go round it Don't let life get me down Gonna take life the way that I found it I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me Feel funky I feel good Gonna tell ya I'm in the neighborhood Gonna fly like a bird on a wing Hold on to your hat, honey Sing, sing I heat up I cool down I got words in my head, so I say them Don't let life get me down Catch ahold of my blues and just play them - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh I got the music in me I got the music in me - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh I got the music in me I got the music in me - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh - I got the music in - [GASPING.]
[GASPS.]
[PANTING.]
What the Mama needs an update.
Please, come on in.
So, what exactly is the look we're going for in here? Third-grade science fair? Ooh, white girl corporate housing? Or "she was quiet and kept to herself"? Uh, I just don't spend a ton of time in my apartment, and I can see why not.
So, tell me.
What's the latest on this musical power of yours? Hear anybody new sing their feelings out loud to you lately? Thank you for asking, Mo.
I appreciate you being so concerned.
No, no, don't be flattered.
I view you more as a social experiment, Like a rat running through a maze or that one time that I kissed a girl in college.
[SIGHS.]
To be honest, um, my musical power isn't going so great.
Because of whatever this new ability is, I discovered that all the programmers at work hate me.
On the other hand, I was able to communicate with my dad again and bond with my office crush.
On the other hand, my office crush has a fiancée, and my best friend is in love with me.
Or at least thinks he's in love with me.
He did say, "I think I love you," when he sang, so hopefully that'll just blow over.
I'm sorry.
I got bored about three "on the other hands" ago.
There just doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for when a song happens, Mo, and I need to figure out how to control it A.
S.
A.
P.
so that it doesn't get in the way of my job or my sporadic attempts at something resembling a social life.
As a resident music expert, I do have some theories I'd like to try out.
I don't have time right now, okay? I have to go meet my family, and then I have to give a big speech at work this morning.
I get it.
You're busy.
I'm busy, too.
I don't just wake up looking like this.
Can you meet me at The Golden Gate Grind at lunch? Mm, sounds bougie.
I'm in.
This is literally the fourth doctor's office I've been in this week.
I mean, between Dad and all of Emily's prenatal exams, I don't think I've seen this many physicians since you were convinced I had A.
D.
D.
when I was nine.
Oh, I love these things.
That's a cute jacket, Zoey.
Something big happening at work today? I'm giving my first speech as the new manager of engineering.
Wanna look good and be prepared in case there's any curveballs.
Yeah, like, forgetting your own name.
I'm not making fun of her.
She actually wrote down, "Hi.
I'm Zoey," on here.
You are gonna do great.
You always do.
Your dad and I are very proud of you.
Isn't that right, honey? Oh, check out that impressive hand movement.
I like to see that, Mitch.
Looks like you brought the whole beautiful family with you today.
Dr.
Hamara, we've noticed quite a few positive changes in Mitch lately, more facial movement, more agility in his hands.
It seems like he's getting a little bit better.
Uh, is that possible? Let's take a look.
Follow the pen.
Squeeze my hands, will you? Not so hard.
I've still got other patients to see today.
And blink for me.
Here's the good news.
Mitch's new meds are working.
It's not a cure, but it might slow the progressive supranuclear palsy down, give him a bit more movement and dexterity.
I'd take advantage of it if you can.
[ELEVATOR DINGS.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Ah, Zoey, just the person I wanted to see.
[CLICKS TONGUE.]
I'm not in trouble, am I? What? No.
Why does everyone keep me asking that? I think maybe it's just a tone thing that Zoey, not a real question.
Look, since it's your first week as manager, I just wanted to check in.
How are you feeling? And, more importantly, do you have any new strategies you'd like to implement? Well after reading multiple books and listening to several popular podcasts on how to be an effective leader, I Oh, my God.
Bottom line, please.
I think we need more team spirit.
Okay, as long as you're not talking about instituting, like, crazy hat day or something, in which case, you should start sending your résumé around.
No, no, nothing like that.
Look, I'm sure you've got it all figured out, but if you want some advice, here it is.
Be strong, be bold, and keep your personal life to yourself.
Now get out of here.
- Oh.
- You have work to do.
Jesus.
Thank you, Joan.
[WORKERS LAUGHING.]
Um, guys, coders, friends.
Hey.
Uh, I realized, as the manager, I didn't give a big introductory speech, so hello, best programming team ever.
Whoo! Best programming team ever! Thanks, Max.
Um, I have lots of ideas for how to make this a positive work environment and for how we can be a harmonious, well-functioning team.
Uh, I thought we were a well-functioning team, hence the "best programming team ever" part.
Good team can always be better, can't it? So, with that in mind, I have two things to hand out.
First is a tiny memo with some small suggestions just to kick things off.
Tiny memo? This thing has a table of contents.
Mm-hmm.
And the second are journals that I bought for everyone for you to write down your daily progress, inspirations.
Pick your color.
I have kept one myself every day since my first day of the job.
Oh, cool.
I've always wanted a diary.
Are you there, God? It's me, Tobin.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- It's nice to write down your inspirations and ideas before they just [MUSIC PLAYING.]
Oh, no.
No, no, no.
Not right now.
We go together Better than birds of a feather, you and me We change the weather - Yeah - Max.
I'm feeling heat in December - When you're round me - Do you mind? I'm kinda trying to give a speech to the troops here.
I've been dancing on top of cars And stumbling out of bars I follow you through the dark Can't get enough This really isn't the best time.
You're the medicine and the pain The tattoo inside my brain And, baby, you know it's obvious What's obvious? - I'm a sucker for you - Oh, God, really? You say the word, and I'll go anywhere blindly I'm a sucker for you, yeah Any road you take, you know that you'll find me I'm a sucker for all the subliminal things No one knows about you, about you, about you And you're making the typical me Break my typical rules It's true, I'm a sucker for you Ooh whoo ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh It's true, I'm a sucker for you Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh It's true, I'm a sucker for you [MUSIC STOPS.]
I'm sorry.
Uh, where was I? I think you were explaining what a journal is for.
Right.
Um, how about you read the section on, um, better work efficiency and how not to be distracted in the workplace, and we'll reconvene later.
Go, team.
Whoo! Go, team! You're yelling, bro.
Hey.
Hey, friendo.
Great news.
I won the lottery.
- What? - Well, the restaurant lottery.
I finally got us into that fancy farm-to-table place.
You got us into Hand-Picked? Yeah, Thursday night.
Is it a date? Is it a date? What? No.
I just mean like, can you go? Why are you acting weird? Am I acting weirder than normal? Hard to tell.
Anyway, they're doing this fancy, uh, 10-course tasting meal and - Sounds romantic.
- Or delicious.
Do you know that they make their own butter? Apparently there's an actual cow on the premises and What's happening over here? Nothing.
Not a thing.
Max, you remember Simon.
Uh, well, we haven't officially met yet, but Zoey might have mentioned your name once or twice.
Or Well, it's a very common name.
You know, maybe it actually wasn't you.
You two must be close.
I feel like I see you together all the time.
Just close the way friends are close when they're friends with each other.
Yeah.
What she said.
Listen, Zoey, I've got a project for your team I need to talk to you about.
Great.
Let's go talk about it.
Max, let me just check my schedge, and I'll get back to you about that dinner ASAP.
Was that code for "I've got some heavy dad stuff to unpack?" No.
This is actually a real work thing.
- Oh.
- The marketing team is gonna throw a party here at the offices to get the word out about the new Sprq Point Watch.
And you want me to post about it, 'cause my Insta's blowing up right now.
Pretty sure I've got at least 12 followers.
[LAUGHS.]
Uh, thanks, but we already sent out beta versions to various bloggers and YouTubers and tech titans months ago, so I think we're covered.
Okay, well, my followers are gonna be devastated, but, you know, do what you gotta do.
However, here's how I could use your help.
I talked to Joan, and she said your team could send push notifications on the watch as an official party invite? Anything specific? Blast to all the beta users with the party details - Time, place, whatnot.
- I could do that.
Or we could have a little bit more fun with it instead.
What'd you have in mind? We could turn the whole thing into a massive scavenger hunt.
- Oh.
- Um, we could push live clues to everyone's watches.
Taking them to different landmarks all around the city.
We then merge them into even bigger groups as they go, and, once they've converged into a critical mass, the final clue will lead them here for a total rager.
- Boo-yah! - [OBJECTS SHATTER.]
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
Just a major humanitarian award I won.
Super sentimental.
- No biggie.
- Mm-hmm.
Believe it or not, I didn't really play any sports growing up.
I'm not surprised by that information.
I gotta say, it is nice to talk to you about something other than dead and dying dads for once.
That reminds me, I actually got some good news about my father today.
The new drug he's on seems to be having some positive effects.
That's amazing, Zoey.
I love that.
What does that mean? It means a tiny bit more mobility and a few more facial expressions.
We'll take the win.
All right.
Uh, have your team start working on the art, and I'll get my team on the tech.
- [TROLLEY BELL RINGING.]
- It happened again.
I heard Max sing another love song to me this morning, and, this time, it seemed way less ambiguous than last time.
Mm, what song was it? - "Sucker.
" - Ooh, that song's hot.
- How did Max look doing it? - It doesn't matter.
My best friend is super into me, Mo, and now he wants me to go to Hand-Picked for dinner with him.
He won the lottery? Huh.
So go.
He doesn't know you're aware of how he feels.
But I know, and I can't unknow it.
And I don't want to talk about his feelings with him, and I don't wanna live in the awkwardness.
With everything that's going on in my life, I just want to keep things exactly how they are between us.
Then, tell him you got sick or that Hand-Picked uses store-bought arugula or something.
It's bigger than just one dinner.
Max is becoming a major distraction at work.
I can't focus and be the team leader that I need to be with him singing heart songs to me all the time.
- Heart songs? - I just coined the phrase.
- I'll allow it.
- [SIGHS.]
I've got to figure out how to control this thing and get Max off me so I don't lose my mind or my job.
Uh, Zo-ldilocks, calm down.
I have the answer to all of your musical-based problems.
These are the best noise-canceling headphones in the entire world.
I wear them to sleep, when I'm DJing at the club, every time an Uber driver says, "How's your day going?" [POPS LIPS.]
They're incredible.
Ooh, check them out.
Looks like they're trying to make a baby up in here.
Clock strikes upon the hour And the sun begins to fade Still enough time to figure out How to chase my blues away Mo, can I try those on? I've done all right up till now It's the light of day that shows me how And when the night falls The loneliness calls These headphones are useless.
Wait.
Are you hearing a song right now? Yes, and the music's in my head, not my ears, and I can't just block it out.
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody I wanna feel the heat with somebody Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody With somebody who loves me Unbelievable.
All I see is a bunch of mostly white people drinking overpriced coffee while you get a whole show? What song is it? Uh, I think it's Whitney Houston.
You think Whit This power is wasted on you.
- What are they doing now? - Now they're in the middle of some sort of emotional dance-slash-instrumental break.
It's actually very beautiful.
And you're still talking to me.
- Has this ever happened before? - No.
I've never spoken to anyone during a song before.
What are you doing? We want to figure out how to control this thing, right? Somebody has to take notes.
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody And they're back.
I wanna feel the heat with somebody Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody With somebody who loves me I need a man who'll take a chance On a love that burns hot enough to last So when the night falls My lonely heart calls [MUSIC FADES.]
Hey, Autumn.
Hey, Zoey.
The usual? Yeah.
And, actually, I think I'll get something to go for my buddy, Max.
Speaking of Max, what's your take on Max? You like his vibe? Appearance? General outlook? You a fan? - Um, Zoey? - Working here, Mo.
Sure, he's cute and funny, I guess.
Why are you asking? Oh, no reason.
Just curious.
But, you know, while we're shooting the breeze, what do you, uh, think about farm-to-table food? Oh, I love it.
Have you heard of this place Hand-Picked? Turns out they have an actual cow on the premises.
- How great is that? - So, so great.
AUTUMN: Is this weird? This feels weird.
Are you sure he's cool with it? Are you kidding? Max is the coolest.
Come here.
- Max.
- Hey.
Guess what? I used Dijkstra's algorithm to find the shortest paths between all the hunt locations so we can make sure our guests get to where the Hi.
Max, you remember Autumn from our favorite place, The Golden Gate Grind.
Yeah.
Hi, Autumn.
Uh, did we win free coffee or something? [LAUGHS.]
Better than that.
So, turns out I got a family thing Thursday night.
- Oh.
What? - But Autumn is a huge foodie, and she would love to go to dinner in my place.
But only if you're cool with it.
I promise I will still serve you your black coffee every morning if you say no.
You remember my drink order? I remember everyone's order.
People say I have a foam-o-graphic memory.
[MAX CHUCKLES.]
Well, yeah.
Um, I mean, I can't really think of anyone else I would take at the moment, because, I mean, I just ended things with, like, four girls last week, so Their loss.
Yeah.
I gotta say I am loving the energy.
[CHUCKLES.]
So, I am gonna leave it to you two to sort out the details.
Okay.
- ZOEY: Hello? - Hey, you remember that old game we used to play, Taboo? - You remember that? - Uh, I remember Dad and I crushing you and Mom at it.
Why? Yeah, okay, so check this out.
One buzz for yes.
Two buzzes for no.
Watch this.
Hey, Dad.
Do you like talking like this? [BUZZ.]
Would you rather watch TV? [BUZZ BUZZ.]
Do you find that sound just to be a little bit annoying? [BUZZ.]
All right, Zoey, you try.
Okay, uh, Dad, are we going too fast? [BUZZ BUZZ.]
Do you want me to come over later? [BUZZ.]
- Do you like me more than Zoey? - [BUZZ.]
I am really sorry you had to find out like this.
Isn't this awesome? I This is the first time we've been able to really communicate with him in months.
[SIGHS.]
I can't wait to show Mom.
- Hey.
- Looks good.
Hey, Zo Will you tell me the truth? Why didn't you want to go to dinner with me? - What are you talking about? - Don't do that.
You tried to set me up with our barista.
Ever since I mentioned Hand-Picked, it's like you haven't been into it.
I have a lot going on, Max.
I know, I know, but, you know, something just feels a little bit different between us all of a sudden.
Is this because of your new power? Um, come here for a second.
Okay.
- My new power? - Yes.
Your new power over me as my boss.
Is that what this is about? Yes, that is exactly - what this is about.
- Okay.
As your boss, I feel it's necessary to create some boundaries between the two of us, and I guess I-I don't think it's quite appropriate for us to be dining at fancy foodie restaurants right now.
And what's the fear, exactly? That we eat some pickled beets out of a Mason jar and I end up with stock options? This is all new to me, and I'm figuring it out - as I go, so please respect that.
- Okay, but I just think that you're seriously overreacting.
Everyone knows we're friends.
We've been friends since the day we met at company orientation.
You becoming team manager shouldn't change any of that.
And, yet, it does.
It changes everything, Max, because, when people look at us, they don't see two friends.
They see a boss and an employee who look like they're in the middle of a lovers' quarrel.
I'm pretty sure nobody cares, but if you need to create some boundaries between us, fine.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I should go back to work before my boss starts yelling at me again.
- Anything? - [BUZZ.]
- [BUZZ.]
- Oh, God.
What about, um, this? - [BUZZ BUZZ.]
- What is going on, you crazy kids? I leave you alone for two minutes.
Oh, I can't even joke about this.
Your father has been trying to tell me something all afternoon, and I don't know what it is.
- Mitch, is it like - [BUZZ BUZZ.]
I've taken everything out of the cupboards, everything out of the fridge.
I've gone through eight different photo albums.
I even tried on that old hula skirt when I thought maybe Hawaii was leading us somewhere.
Nothing.
Apparently it's a lot harder to communicate with yes-no answers than we thought.
That must be really frustrating.
[BUZZ.]
It is.
But on the bright side, the hula skirt still fits.
You know what? I'm gonna clean all this up.
Why don't you talk to him? Maybe you can have better luck than I did.
Hey, Dad.
Any desire to tell me what this is all about? Take your time.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
While you gather your thoughts, I'm just gonna vent.
[SIGHS.]
I'm fighting with Max.
I don't know how I'm supposed to be his boss while also [MUSIC PLAYING.]
Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance With the stars up above in your eyes A fantabulous night to make romance 'Neath the cover of October skies And all the leaves on the trees are falling To the sound of the breezes that blow And I'm trying to please to the calling Of your heartstrings that play soft and low And all the night's magic Seems to whisper and hush And all the soft moonlight Seems to shine in your blush Can I just have one more moondance with you My love? Can I just make some more romance with you My love? Remember how I told you I could hear people's innermost feelings expressed through song? [BUZZ.]
Well [SIGHS.]
I just heard you sing a song to Mom that I've never heard before, but it definitely had the word "moon" in it multiple times.
Does what you want to say to Mom have something to do with that song? [LONG BUZZ.]
Good.
We're getting somewhere.
Now, why the moon song, Dad? [SIGHS.]
Right.
Not yes or no.
[WHEEZES.]
Okay, don't despair.
I'm gonna go do some research on this and get back to you.
Thank you for getting those.
Oh, I just wasn't in the mood for another over-the-top song-and-dance number by lonely, overcaffeinated people again.
Huh.
Understood.
Having to witness amazing private concerts throughout the day must be incredibly tedious.
My heart breaks for you.
[SIGHS.]
So, since we really want figure this thing out, I have some new ideas.
Seems to me, since you're hearing people's inner thoughts, we need to go where their inner thoughts are the loudest.
I got bigger fish to fry right now, like trying to figure out why my father sang "Moondance" to my mother in front of me last night.
You don't know that song, do you? Of course I know that song.
It's a very famous song.
Do you know that song? - Not until last night.
- Oh, Jesus, take the wheel.
I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out why that song, and after going home and googling the lyrics, I think that maybe Your daddy wants to get it on with your mama.
- Does he, though? - Mm.
That's not open to interpretation? "Well, I want to make love to you tonight.
I can't wait till the morning has come.
" It doesn't get more clear than that.
We didn't quite get to that verse when he sang it.
Fine.
Guess I have no choice, but to talk to my mom about my parents' sex life.
Mm, with great power comes a whole lot of nasty stuff don't nobody want to do.
Hi, Daddy.
[SIGHS.]
I don't get it, guys.
I told you to establish a model for how fast each leg of the scavenger hunt will go.
I gave you all the parameters.
I told you I'd be checking your progress.
The project needs to be done by tomorrow morning.
I couldn't have been clearer, so can somebody tell me why isn't the work getting done and getting done properly? Maybe we're just not used to someone standing over our shoulder every five minutes.
He's right.
I haven't felt this kind of stress since I got into both MIT and Harvard.
"What are you gonna do, Tobin? What are you gonna do?" Hack into the CIA and go to prison for three years instead.
- What? - I think I need to sit down.
- My sciatic is acting up.
- Now? You've been at a standing desk for years.
Are these actual complaints, or are you guys just messing with me? Okay, forget about it.
It was my idea.
I have the vision.
I'll just do the entire project myself.
[TRAFFIC HONKING.]
[MAX SIGHS.]
Wait.
What am I doing wrong? Am I being too hard on everybody? I don't know.
I'm just following orders and trying my best to please you.
Right.
I'll text you some pictures of the food at Hand-Picked, unless you think that's crossing another boundary.
No, that would be nice.
Well, um, I hope you and your work have a lovely evening together.
[KNOCKS ON DESK.]
Are you all right? Yeah.
Hi.
What's going on? Well, everyone's waiting in the conference room to see our final presentation.
Should we do it later, or Oh, no, uh-uh.
I finished it.
Let's do this.
Wait.
Oh, wait.
You have a little - Hmm.
- Mm-hmm.
Okay.
[LAUGHS.]
I'm not not mortified right now.
Don't worry.
And once all the influencers are grouped together, the last clue will lead them all here to our offices for one big rocking shindig.
This is a seamless integration of Simon's marketing department and my well, our engineering skills.
Yes, team, we've done it again.
Go Sprq Point and Sprq Point and Sprq Point! Whoo! Hey, Zoey, um good work on the app, but what is going on? Your hair is a mess, and you're wearing leftover clothes from the company volleyball tournament.
That presentation was like a talk of shame.
Oh, wow, that is not good at all.
- No.
- But, still, are we only talking about my appearance? 'Cause if I was a guy No, no, you smell bad, too.
Listen, as talented as you are, you can't take on these projects all by yourself.
It's unsustainable, so go home, get some rest, and, remember, the swag is for the interns.
It keeps them happy so we don't have to pay them.
Please tell me your day was better than mine and you finally solved the case of the mystery Taboo buzzer.
[CHUCKLES.]
Sadly, no.
I thought for a moment we got back a tiny bit of control over this thing, and then [SIGHS.]
Is it possible that nonverbal communication was almost easier? You really don't know what he wants or what he's trying to say? No.
Okay.
Okay.
Well, um, I am just spitballing here, but have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe he wants to have sex with you? [LAUGHS.]
Sweetheart, it is very kind of you to be worried about our love life, but we're doing just fine in that department, thank you very much.
You are? Do you know the song "Moondance"? Yes.
Why? Because I was just watching a show with Dad the other day, and his face lit up when that song came on, and he kept pressing the buzzer over and over again, almost like he wanted to sing along or something.
Uh, when we were dating your dad and I went to a Van Morrison concert.
Do you know who that is? Um, yes.
I have recently become quite acquainted with his body of work.
[SIGHS.]
Sorry.
And, in the middle of that exact song, your dad turned to me and gave me the biggest kiss and said, "I love you," for the very first time.
Mom, then maybe that's what he's trying to say that he loves you.
[CHUCKLES.]
And he wishes he could go back to that night with you.
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Are you expecting somebody? Mm-mm.
Max.
What are you doing here? Oh, I was just dropping this off for your dad.
I didn't think you'd be here.
After the all-nighter you pulled last night, I thought that you'd be at your place sleeping.
Mm, I power napped, and then I had to talk to my mom about my parents' sex life.
What's in the bag? Oh, Hand-Picked has this incredible butterscotch pudding, and I remember you saying that your dad can only swallow soft food, so I thought maybe he'd want to try some.
That's really nice of you.
Uh, come on in.
Yeah, well, your dad's always been so nice to me, letting me crash holiday dinners and birthdays and barbecues in the summer.
And you know I don't have that same dynamic with my own dad, so it's always meant a lot.
It was really hard not asking you to stay at work and help me last night.
Yeah, it was really hard to see you all alone and not stay.
Here.
And Hand-Picked was? Was fantastic.
Yeah.
You really missed out.
And how was Autumn? She was also good.
I know I didn't handle the work thing well.
Yeah, well, that makes two of us.
Oh, um, do you want to see him? Can I? Yeah, of course.
Um, just prepare yourself, 'cause it's been a few months, and he might not be exactly how you remember him.
[SOFTLY.]
Okay.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
Dad, Max is here.
Hey, Mitch.
How you doing? I see you're in your favorite chair.
That hasn't changed.
Remember when I spilled soda all over this chair and Maggie got so mad and you didn't care at all? - [CHUCKLES.]
- [MITCH COUGHS.]
- [SIGHS.]
- It's good to see you.
I'll call you later.
Okay.
And she's back.
Do I need to hide all of my breakables? Nah, I think you're safe.
This QB is hanging up his jersey.
Um, can I ask you something? You manage a whole team of people just like me, right? Yeah.
How are you out of here at 6:00 every night? 'Cause I've read a bunch of books - I-I never did any of that.
- [GROANS.]
It's actually something my pops taught me.
Oh.
Well, then, we don't have No, no, it's a good story.
So, growing up, my dad owned a small chain of electronic stores in Michigan.
Uh, had a lot of stress, lots of employees, but every Friday was "Let's eat" day.
He'd make a giant vat of chili or cinnamon rolls or spaghetti and go from location to location and serve everyone.
It's just a small personal touch he'd bring to the table just to let everyone know he cared about 'em.
And that one thing made everyone want to work that much harder for him.
I can't cook.
[LAUGHS.]
You should see the inside of my fridge.
Just mustard and baking soda and several science experiments growing out of an old chow mein.
Then, find another way to let them know you care about them.
But what if I don't? Is that really true? There's nothing good about those guys? [SIGHS.]
I want to read you all something.
If it's from "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," please don't spoil the ending.
- [LAUGHING.]
- It's, uh, my journal that I've kept since my first day on the job.
Thought maybe you'd like to hear my initial impressions of everyone.
"Wow, I can't believe I get to work at Sprq Point "with all these incredibly smart, "talented, and impressive men.
"Please don't say anything stupid.
Andy Howard is" Oh, wait.
He works at Google now.
Sorry.
"Chin Wu" Got fired.
"JP Feakins" He had a nervous breakdown.
Okay.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Here's one.
Um "Has there ever been a bigger genius than Leif Donnelly? [CHUCKLES.]
"I'm intimated to even be in the same room as him and his dope cardigans.
" Yeah, hey.
"And Tobin Batra? "This dude's a legend in the hacking community, "and now he actually knows my name? "I think I might be dreaming.
"And Max Richman.
Is it too early to say, 'Friend for life?'" Look, I know not everyone is thrilled to have me as their boss, but believe me when I say I know how good you are at your jobs, so I'm gonna try to let go and trust you more, and, in return, all I ask is that you trust me back.
Understood? - Yeah.
- Yep.
- Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Now get back to work.
[A CAPPELLA.]
Well, I want to make love to you tonight I can't wait till the morning has come And I know now the time is just right And straight into my arms, you will run Can I just have one more moondance With you, my love? Can I just make some more romance With you, my love? [BUZZ.]
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
[MUSIC PLAYING.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Yo, Zo.
Uh, okay.
Wow.
I guess we've just breezed right past the whole knocking and waiting for the other person to answer phase.
When I get inspired, no doors will stand in my way.
Now, I got a whole bunch of new ideas for us to try to test your musical powers.
First one, sensory deprivation tank.
"I can't see anything.
I can't hear anything.
But is there music? I don't know.
Let's find out.
" Number two, we put you in a room with a whole bunch of mimes.
My worst nightmare may be your musical breakthrough.
Creative.
Absolutely terrifying.
Oh, praise God.
Hoo! Number three, we go to karaoke, see if people sing you their inner song at the same time they sing the crowd their outer songs.
Eh, could be cool.
Could be confusing.
Could be both.
Let's see.
Look, we can keep looking for ways to control my new ability.
[SIGHS.]
But what if there are no ways? - I don't like that attitude.
- Nope.
Listen, it has happened enough times that we have actual research and data now.
Some songs go by in a blip, as if no time has elapsed.
Other songs, I'm able to talk to you the entire time.
Some songs are sung to me by complete strangers, others by my closest friends and family.
Songs never happen when I want them to only when I'm meant to hear them.
Then, what do we do about it? [EXHALES.]
As a kid who took apart my parents' broken VCR and put it back together when I was five, I can't believe I'm saying this, but nothing? I think I'm just gonna have to live with my new musical power for a bit and see what the universe brings.
Did I really just say that out loud? Yeah, you did, and I'm kind of obsessed with you and inspired to paint right now.
Mm.
Silver lining in all of this, at least it's got us talking and invading each other's personal spaces.
Door's always open, honey.
Unless I have a gentlemen caller over, so if you hear Sade playing, I'd keep my distance.
You do know who Sade is, right? Mm-hmm.
I got the music in me I got the music in me
["I'VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME" PLAYING.]
Ain't got no trouble in my life No foolish dream to make me cry I'm never frightened or worried I know I'll always get by I heat up I cool down When something gets in my way, I go round it Don't let life get me down Gonna take life the way that I found it I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me I got the music in me Feel funky I feel good Gonna tell ya I'm in the neighborhood Gonna fly like a bird on a wing Hold on to your hat, honey Sing, sing I heat up I cool down I got words in my head, so I say them Don't let life get me down Catch ahold of my blues and just play them - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh I got the music in me I got the music in me - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh I got the music in me I got the music in me - I got the music in me - Yeah - I got the music in me - Oh - I got the music in - [GASPING.]
[GASPS.]
[PANTING.]
What the Mama needs an update.
Please, come on in.
So, what exactly is the look we're going for in here? Third-grade science fair? Ooh, white girl corporate housing? Or "she was quiet and kept to herself"? Uh, I just don't spend a ton of time in my apartment, and I can see why not.
So, tell me.
What's the latest on this musical power of yours? Hear anybody new sing their feelings out loud to you lately? Thank you for asking, Mo.
I appreciate you being so concerned.
No, no, don't be flattered.
I view you more as a social experiment, Like a rat running through a maze or that one time that I kissed a girl in college.
[SIGHS.]
To be honest, um, my musical power isn't going so great.
Because of whatever this new ability is, I discovered that all the programmers at work hate me.
On the other hand, I was able to communicate with my dad again and bond with my office crush.
On the other hand, my office crush has a fiancée, and my best friend is in love with me.
Or at least thinks he's in love with me.
He did say, "I think I love you," when he sang, so hopefully that'll just blow over.
I'm sorry.
I got bored about three "on the other hands" ago.
There just doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for when a song happens, Mo, and I need to figure out how to control it A.
S.
A.
P.
so that it doesn't get in the way of my job or my sporadic attempts at something resembling a social life.
As a resident music expert, I do have some theories I'd like to try out.
I don't have time right now, okay? I have to go meet my family, and then I have to give a big speech at work this morning.
I get it.
You're busy.
I'm busy, too.
I don't just wake up looking like this.
Can you meet me at The Golden Gate Grind at lunch? Mm, sounds bougie.
I'm in.
This is literally the fourth doctor's office I've been in this week.
I mean, between Dad and all of Emily's prenatal exams, I don't think I've seen this many physicians since you were convinced I had A.
D.
D.
when I was nine.
Oh, I love these things.
That's a cute jacket, Zoey.
Something big happening at work today? I'm giving my first speech as the new manager of engineering.
Wanna look good and be prepared in case there's any curveballs.
Yeah, like, forgetting your own name.
I'm not making fun of her.
She actually wrote down, "Hi.
I'm Zoey," on here.
You are gonna do great.
You always do.
Your dad and I are very proud of you.
Isn't that right, honey? Oh, check out that impressive hand movement.
I like to see that, Mitch.
Looks like you brought the whole beautiful family with you today.
Dr.
Hamara, we've noticed quite a few positive changes in Mitch lately, more facial movement, more agility in his hands.
It seems like he's getting a little bit better.
Uh, is that possible? Let's take a look.
Follow the pen.
Squeeze my hands, will you? Not so hard.
I've still got other patients to see today.
And blink for me.
Here's the good news.
Mitch's new meds are working.
It's not a cure, but it might slow the progressive supranuclear palsy down, give him a bit more movement and dexterity.
I'd take advantage of it if you can.
[ELEVATOR DINGS.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Ah, Zoey, just the person I wanted to see.
[CLICKS TONGUE.]
I'm not in trouble, am I? What? No.
Why does everyone keep me asking that? I think maybe it's just a tone thing that Zoey, not a real question.
Look, since it's your first week as manager, I just wanted to check in.
How are you feeling? And, more importantly, do you have any new strategies you'd like to implement? Well after reading multiple books and listening to several popular podcasts on how to be an effective leader, I Oh, my God.
Bottom line, please.
I think we need more team spirit.
Okay, as long as you're not talking about instituting, like, crazy hat day or something, in which case, you should start sending your résumé around.
No, no, nothing like that.
Look, I'm sure you've got it all figured out, but if you want some advice, here it is.
Be strong, be bold, and keep your personal life to yourself.
Now get out of here.
- Oh.
- You have work to do.
Jesus.
Thank you, Joan.
[WORKERS LAUGHING.]
Um, guys, coders, friends.
Hey.
Uh, I realized, as the manager, I didn't give a big introductory speech, so hello, best programming team ever.
Whoo! Best programming team ever! Thanks, Max.
Um, I have lots of ideas for how to make this a positive work environment and for how we can be a harmonious, well-functioning team.
Uh, I thought we were a well-functioning team, hence the "best programming team ever" part.
Good team can always be better, can't it? So, with that in mind, I have two things to hand out.
First is a tiny memo with some small suggestions just to kick things off.
Tiny memo? This thing has a table of contents.
Mm-hmm.
And the second are journals that I bought for everyone for you to write down your daily progress, inspirations.
Pick your color.
I have kept one myself every day since my first day of the job.
Oh, cool.
I've always wanted a diary.
Are you there, God? It's me, Tobin.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- It's nice to write down your inspirations and ideas before they just [MUSIC PLAYING.]
Oh, no.
No, no, no.
Not right now.
We go together Better than birds of a feather, you and me We change the weather - Yeah - Max.
I'm feeling heat in December - When you're round me - Do you mind? I'm kinda trying to give a speech to the troops here.
I've been dancing on top of cars And stumbling out of bars I follow you through the dark Can't get enough This really isn't the best time.
You're the medicine and the pain The tattoo inside my brain And, baby, you know it's obvious What's obvious? - I'm a sucker for you - Oh, God, really? You say the word, and I'll go anywhere blindly I'm a sucker for you, yeah Any road you take, you know that you'll find me I'm a sucker for all the subliminal things No one knows about you, about you, about you And you're making the typical me Break my typical rules It's true, I'm a sucker for you Ooh whoo ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh It's true, I'm a sucker for you Ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh It's true, I'm a sucker for you [MUSIC STOPS.]
I'm sorry.
Uh, where was I? I think you were explaining what a journal is for.
Right.
Um, how about you read the section on, um, better work efficiency and how not to be distracted in the workplace, and we'll reconvene later.
Go, team.
Whoo! Go, team! You're yelling, bro.
Hey.
Hey, friendo.
Great news.
I won the lottery.
- What? - Well, the restaurant lottery.
I finally got us into that fancy farm-to-table place.
You got us into Hand-Picked? Yeah, Thursday night.
Is it a date? Is it a date? What? No.
I just mean like, can you go? Why are you acting weird? Am I acting weirder than normal? Hard to tell.
Anyway, they're doing this fancy, uh, 10-course tasting meal and - Sounds romantic.
- Or delicious.
Do you know that they make their own butter? Apparently there's an actual cow on the premises and What's happening over here? Nothing.
Not a thing.
Max, you remember Simon.
Uh, well, we haven't officially met yet, but Zoey might have mentioned your name once or twice.
Or Well, it's a very common name.
You know, maybe it actually wasn't you.
You two must be close.
I feel like I see you together all the time.
Just close the way friends are close when they're friends with each other.
Yeah.
What she said.
Listen, Zoey, I've got a project for your team I need to talk to you about.
Great.
Let's go talk about it.
Max, let me just check my schedge, and I'll get back to you about that dinner ASAP.
Was that code for "I've got some heavy dad stuff to unpack?" No.
This is actually a real work thing.
- Oh.
- The marketing team is gonna throw a party here at the offices to get the word out about the new Sprq Point Watch.
And you want me to post about it, 'cause my Insta's blowing up right now.
Pretty sure I've got at least 12 followers.
[LAUGHS.]
Uh, thanks, but we already sent out beta versions to various bloggers and YouTubers and tech titans months ago, so I think we're covered.
Okay, well, my followers are gonna be devastated, but, you know, do what you gotta do.
However, here's how I could use your help.
I talked to Joan, and she said your team could send push notifications on the watch as an official party invite? Anything specific? Blast to all the beta users with the party details - Time, place, whatnot.
- I could do that.
Or we could have a little bit more fun with it instead.
What'd you have in mind? We could turn the whole thing into a massive scavenger hunt.
- Oh.
- Um, we could push live clues to everyone's watches.
Taking them to different landmarks all around the city.
We then merge them into even bigger groups as they go, and, once they've converged into a critical mass, the final clue will lead them here for a total rager.
- Boo-yah! - [OBJECTS SHATTER.]
I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
Just a major humanitarian award I won.
Super sentimental.
- No biggie.
- Mm-hmm.
Believe it or not, I didn't really play any sports growing up.
I'm not surprised by that information.
I gotta say, it is nice to talk to you about something other than dead and dying dads for once.
That reminds me, I actually got some good news about my father today.
The new drug he's on seems to be having some positive effects.
That's amazing, Zoey.
I love that.
What does that mean? It means a tiny bit more mobility and a few more facial expressions.
We'll take the win.
All right.
Uh, have your team start working on the art, and I'll get my team on the tech.
- [TROLLEY BELL RINGING.]
- It happened again.
I heard Max sing another love song to me this morning, and, this time, it seemed way less ambiguous than last time.
Mm, what song was it? - "Sucker.
" - Ooh, that song's hot.
- How did Max look doing it? - It doesn't matter.
My best friend is super into me, Mo, and now he wants me to go to Hand-Picked for dinner with him.
He won the lottery? Huh.
So go.
He doesn't know you're aware of how he feels.
But I know, and I can't unknow it.
And I don't want to talk about his feelings with him, and I don't wanna live in the awkwardness.
With everything that's going on in my life, I just want to keep things exactly how they are between us.
Then, tell him you got sick or that Hand-Picked uses store-bought arugula or something.
It's bigger than just one dinner.
Max is becoming a major distraction at work.
I can't focus and be the team leader that I need to be with him singing heart songs to me all the time.
- Heart songs? - I just coined the phrase.
- I'll allow it.
- [SIGHS.]
I've got to figure out how to control this thing and get Max off me so I don't lose my mind or my job.
Uh, Zo-ldilocks, calm down.
I have the answer to all of your musical-based problems.
These are the best noise-canceling headphones in the entire world.
I wear them to sleep, when I'm DJing at the club, every time an Uber driver says, "How's your day going?" [POPS LIPS.]
They're incredible.
Ooh, check them out.
Looks like they're trying to make a baby up in here.
Clock strikes upon the hour And the sun begins to fade Still enough time to figure out How to chase my blues away Mo, can I try those on? I've done all right up till now It's the light of day that shows me how And when the night falls The loneliness calls These headphones are useless.
Wait.
Are you hearing a song right now? Yes, and the music's in my head, not my ears, and I can't just block it out.
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody I wanna feel the heat with somebody Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody With somebody who loves me Unbelievable.
All I see is a bunch of mostly white people drinking overpriced coffee while you get a whole show? What song is it? Uh, I think it's Whitney Houston.
You think Whit This power is wasted on you.
- What are they doing now? - Now they're in the middle of some sort of emotional dance-slash-instrumental break.
It's actually very beautiful.
And you're still talking to me.
- Has this ever happened before? - No.
I've never spoken to anyone during a song before.
What are you doing? We want to figure out how to control this thing, right? Somebody has to take notes.
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody And they're back.
I wanna feel the heat with somebody Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody With somebody who loves me I need a man who'll take a chance On a love that burns hot enough to last So when the night falls My lonely heart calls [MUSIC FADES.]
Hey, Autumn.
Hey, Zoey.
The usual? Yeah.
And, actually, I think I'll get something to go for my buddy, Max.
Speaking of Max, what's your take on Max? You like his vibe? Appearance? General outlook? You a fan? - Um, Zoey? - Working here, Mo.
Sure, he's cute and funny, I guess.
Why are you asking? Oh, no reason.
Just curious.
But, you know, while we're shooting the breeze, what do you, uh, think about farm-to-table food? Oh, I love it.
Have you heard of this place Hand-Picked? Turns out they have an actual cow on the premises.
- How great is that? - So, so great.
AUTUMN: Is this weird? This feels weird.
Are you sure he's cool with it? Are you kidding? Max is the coolest.
Come here.
- Max.
- Hey.
Guess what? I used Dijkstra's algorithm to find the shortest paths between all the hunt locations so we can make sure our guests get to where the Hi.
Max, you remember Autumn from our favorite place, The Golden Gate Grind.
Yeah.
Hi, Autumn.
Uh, did we win free coffee or something? [LAUGHS.]
Better than that.
So, turns out I got a family thing Thursday night.
- Oh.
What? - But Autumn is a huge foodie, and she would love to go to dinner in my place.
But only if you're cool with it.
I promise I will still serve you your black coffee every morning if you say no.
You remember my drink order? I remember everyone's order.
People say I have a foam-o-graphic memory.
[MAX CHUCKLES.]
Well, yeah.
Um, I mean, I can't really think of anyone else I would take at the moment, because, I mean, I just ended things with, like, four girls last week, so Their loss.
Yeah.
I gotta say I am loving the energy.
[CHUCKLES.]
So, I am gonna leave it to you two to sort out the details.
Okay.
- ZOEY: Hello? - Hey, you remember that old game we used to play, Taboo? - You remember that? - Uh, I remember Dad and I crushing you and Mom at it.
Why? Yeah, okay, so check this out.
One buzz for yes.
Two buzzes for no.
Watch this.
Hey, Dad.
Do you like talking like this? [BUZZ.]
Would you rather watch TV? [BUZZ BUZZ.]
Do you find that sound just to be a little bit annoying? [BUZZ.]
All right, Zoey, you try.
Okay, uh, Dad, are we going too fast? [BUZZ BUZZ.]
Do you want me to come over later? [BUZZ.]
- Do you like me more than Zoey? - [BUZZ.]
I am really sorry you had to find out like this.
Isn't this awesome? I This is the first time we've been able to really communicate with him in months.
[SIGHS.]
I can't wait to show Mom.
- Hey.
- Looks good.
Hey, Zo Will you tell me the truth? Why didn't you want to go to dinner with me? - What are you talking about? - Don't do that.
You tried to set me up with our barista.
Ever since I mentioned Hand-Picked, it's like you haven't been into it.
I have a lot going on, Max.
I know, I know, but, you know, something just feels a little bit different between us all of a sudden.
Is this because of your new power? Um, come here for a second.
Okay.
- My new power? - Yes.
Your new power over me as my boss.
Is that what this is about? Yes, that is exactly - what this is about.
- Okay.
As your boss, I feel it's necessary to create some boundaries between the two of us, and I guess I-I don't think it's quite appropriate for us to be dining at fancy foodie restaurants right now.
And what's the fear, exactly? That we eat some pickled beets out of a Mason jar and I end up with stock options? This is all new to me, and I'm figuring it out - as I go, so please respect that.
- Okay, but I just think that you're seriously overreacting.
Everyone knows we're friends.
We've been friends since the day we met at company orientation.
You becoming team manager shouldn't change any of that.
And, yet, it does.
It changes everything, Max, because, when people look at us, they don't see two friends.
They see a boss and an employee who look like they're in the middle of a lovers' quarrel.
I'm pretty sure nobody cares, but if you need to create some boundaries between us, fine.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I should go back to work before my boss starts yelling at me again.
- Anything? - [BUZZ.]
- [BUZZ.]
- Oh, God.
What about, um, this? - [BUZZ BUZZ.]
- What is going on, you crazy kids? I leave you alone for two minutes.
Oh, I can't even joke about this.
Your father has been trying to tell me something all afternoon, and I don't know what it is.
- Mitch, is it like - [BUZZ BUZZ.]
I've taken everything out of the cupboards, everything out of the fridge.
I've gone through eight different photo albums.
I even tried on that old hula skirt when I thought maybe Hawaii was leading us somewhere.
Nothing.
Apparently it's a lot harder to communicate with yes-no answers than we thought.
That must be really frustrating.
[BUZZ.]
It is.
But on the bright side, the hula skirt still fits.
You know what? I'm gonna clean all this up.
Why don't you talk to him? Maybe you can have better luck than I did.
Hey, Dad.
Any desire to tell me what this is all about? Take your time.
[SIGHS DEEPLY.]
While you gather your thoughts, I'm just gonna vent.
[SIGHS.]
I'm fighting with Max.
I don't know how I'm supposed to be his boss while also [MUSIC PLAYING.]
Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance With the stars up above in your eyes A fantabulous night to make romance 'Neath the cover of October skies And all the leaves on the trees are falling To the sound of the breezes that blow And I'm trying to please to the calling Of your heartstrings that play soft and low And all the night's magic Seems to whisper and hush And all the soft moonlight Seems to shine in your blush Can I just have one more moondance with you My love? Can I just make some more romance with you My love? Remember how I told you I could hear people's innermost feelings expressed through song? [BUZZ.]
Well [SIGHS.]
I just heard you sing a song to Mom that I've never heard before, but it definitely had the word "moon" in it multiple times.
Does what you want to say to Mom have something to do with that song? [LONG BUZZ.]
Good.
We're getting somewhere.
Now, why the moon song, Dad? [SIGHS.]
Right.
Not yes or no.
[WHEEZES.]
Okay, don't despair.
I'm gonna go do some research on this and get back to you.
Thank you for getting those.
Oh, I just wasn't in the mood for another over-the-top song-and-dance number by lonely, overcaffeinated people again.
Huh.
Understood.
Having to witness amazing private concerts throughout the day must be incredibly tedious.
My heart breaks for you.
[SIGHS.]
So, since we really want figure this thing out, I have some new ideas.
Seems to me, since you're hearing people's inner thoughts, we need to go where their inner thoughts are the loudest.
I got bigger fish to fry right now, like trying to figure out why my father sang "Moondance" to my mother in front of me last night.
You don't know that song, do you? Of course I know that song.
It's a very famous song.
Do you know that song? - Not until last night.
- Oh, Jesus, take the wheel.
I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out why that song, and after going home and googling the lyrics, I think that maybe Your daddy wants to get it on with your mama.
- Does he, though? - Mm.
That's not open to interpretation? "Well, I want to make love to you tonight.
I can't wait till the morning has come.
" It doesn't get more clear than that.
We didn't quite get to that verse when he sang it.
Fine.
Guess I have no choice, but to talk to my mom about my parents' sex life.
Mm, with great power comes a whole lot of nasty stuff don't nobody want to do.
Hi, Daddy.
[SIGHS.]
I don't get it, guys.
I told you to establish a model for how fast each leg of the scavenger hunt will go.
I gave you all the parameters.
I told you I'd be checking your progress.
The project needs to be done by tomorrow morning.
I couldn't have been clearer, so can somebody tell me why isn't the work getting done and getting done properly? Maybe we're just not used to someone standing over our shoulder every five minutes.
He's right.
I haven't felt this kind of stress since I got into both MIT and Harvard.
"What are you gonna do, Tobin? What are you gonna do?" Hack into the CIA and go to prison for three years instead.
- What? - I think I need to sit down.
- My sciatic is acting up.
- Now? You've been at a standing desk for years.
Are these actual complaints, or are you guys just messing with me? Okay, forget about it.
It was my idea.
I have the vision.
I'll just do the entire project myself.
[TRAFFIC HONKING.]
[MAX SIGHS.]
Wait.
What am I doing wrong? Am I being too hard on everybody? I don't know.
I'm just following orders and trying my best to please you.
Right.
I'll text you some pictures of the food at Hand-Picked, unless you think that's crossing another boundary.
No, that would be nice.
Well, um, I hope you and your work have a lovely evening together.
[KNOCKS ON DESK.]
Are you all right? Yeah.
Hi.
What's going on? Well, everyone's waiting in the conference room to see our final presentation.
Should we do it later, or Oh, no, uh-uh.
I finished it.
Let's do this.
Wait.
Oh, wait.
You have a little - Hmm.
- Mm-hmm.
Okay.
[LAUGHS.]
I'm not not mortified right now.
Don't worry.
And once all the influencers are grouped together, the last clue will lead them all here to our offices for one big rocking shindig.
This is a seamless integration of Simon's marketing department and my well, our engineering skills.
Yes, team, we've done it again.
Go Sprq Point and Sprq Point and Sprq Point! Whoo! Hey, Zoey, um good work on the app, but what is going on? Your hair is a mess, and you're wearing leftover clothes from the company volleyball tournament.
That presentation was like a talk of shame.
Oh, wow, that is not good at all.
- No.
- But, still, are we only talking about my appearance? 'Cause if I was a guy No, no, you smell bad, too.
Listen, as talented as you are, you can't take on these projects all by yourself.
It's unsustainable, so go home, get some rest, and, remember, the swag is for the interns.
It keeps them happy so we don't have to pay them.
Please tell me your day was better than mine and you finally solved the case of the mystery Taboo buzzer.
[CHUCKLES.]
Sadly, no.
I thought for a moment we got back a tiny bit of control over this thing, and then [SIGHS.]
Is it possible that nonverbal communication was almost easier? You really don't know what he wants or what he's trying to say? No.
Okay.
Okay.
Well, um, I am just spitballing here, but have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe he wants to have sex with you? [LAUGHS.]
Sweetheart, it is very kind of you to be worried about our love life, but we're doing just fine in that department, thank you very much.
You are? Do you know the song "Moondance"? Yes.
Why? Because I was just watching a show with Dad the other day, and his face lit up when that song came on, and he kept pressing the buzzer over and over again, almost like he wanted to sing along or something.
Uh, when we were dating your dad and I went to a Van Morrison concert.
Do you know who that is? Um, yes.
I have recently become quite acquainted with his body of work.
[SIGHS.]
Sorry.
And, in the middle of that exact song, your dad turned to me and gave me the biggest kiss and said, "I love you," for the very first time.
Mom, then maybe that's what he's trying to say that he loves you.
[CHUCKLES.]
And he wishes he could go back to that night with you.
[DOORBELL RINGS.]
Are you expecting somebody? Mm-mm.
Max.
What are you doing here? Oh, I was just dropping this off for your dad.
I didn't think you'd be here.
After the all-nighter you pulled last night, I thought that you'd be at your place sleeping.
Mm, I power napped, and then I had to talk to my mom about my parents' sex life.
What's in the bag? Oh, Hand-Picked has this incredible butterscotch pudding, and I remember you saying that your dad can only swallow soft food, so I thought maybe he'd want to try some.
That's really nice of you.
Uh, come on in.
Yeah, well, your dad's always been so nice to me, letting me crash holiday dinners and birthdays and barbecues in the summer.
And you know I don't have that same dynamic with my own dad, so it's always meant a lot.
It was really hard not asking you to stay at work and help me last night.
Yeah, it was really hard to see you all alone and not stay.
Here.
And Hand-Picked was? Was fantastic.
Yeah.
You really missed out.
And how was Autumn? She was also good.
I know I didn't handle the work thing well.
Yeah, well, that makes two of us.
Oh, um, do you want to see him? Can I? Yeah, of course.
Um, just prepare yourself, 'cause it's been a few months, and he might not be exactly how you remember him.
[SOFTLY.]
Okay.
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
Dad, Max is here.
Hey, Mitch.
How you doing? I see you're in your favorite chair.
That hasn't changed.
Remember when I spilled soda all over this chair and Maggie got so mad and you didn't care at all? - [CHUCKLES.]
- [MITCH COUGHS.]
- [SIGHS.]
- It's good to see you.
I'll call you later.
Okay.
And she's back.
Do I need to hide all of my breakables? Nah, I think you're safe.
This QB is hanging up his jersey.
Um, can I ask you something? You manage a whole team of people just like me, right? Yeah.
How are you out of here at 6:00 every night? 'Cause I've read a bunch of books - I-I never did any of that.
- [GROANS.]
It's actually something my pops taught me.
Oh.
Well, then, we don't have No, no, it's a good story.
So, growing up, my dad owned a small chain of electronic stores in Michigan.
Uh, had a lot of stress, lots of employees, but every Friday was "Let's eat" day.
He'd make a giant vat of chili or cinnamon rolls or spaghetti and go from location to location and serve everyone.
It's just a small personal touch he'd bring to the table just to let everyone know he cared about 'em.
And that one thing made everyone want to work that much harder for him.
I can't cook.
[LAUGHS.]
You should see the inside of my fridge.
Just mustard and baking soda and several science experiments growing out of an old chow mein.
Then, find another way to let them know you care about them.
But what if I don't? Is that really true? There's nothing good about those guys? [SIGHS.]
I want to read you all something.
If it's from "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," please don't spoil the ending.
- [LAUGHING.]
- It's, uh, my journal that I've kept since my first day on the job.
Thought maybe you'd like to hear my initial impressions of everyone.
"Wow, I can't believe I get to work at Sprq Point "with all these incredibly smart, "talented, and impressive men.
"Please don't say anything stupid.
Andy Howard is" Oh, wait.
He works at Google now.
Sorry.
"Chin Wu" Got fired.
"JP Feakins" He had a nervous breakdown.
Okay.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Here's one.
Um "Has there ever been a bigger genius than Leif Donnelly? [CHUCKLES.]
"I'm intimated to even be in the same room as him and his dope cardigans.
" Yeah, hey.
"And Tobin Batra? "This dude's a legend in the hacking community, "and now he actually knows my name? "I think I might be dreaming.
"And Max Richman.
Is it too early to say, 'Friend for life?'" Look, I know not everyone is thrilled to have me as their boss, but believe me when I say I know how good you are at your jobs, so I'm gonna try to let go and trust you more, and, in return, all I ask is that you trust me back.
Understood? - Yeah.
- Yep.
- Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Now get back to work.
[A CAPPELLA.]
Well, I want to make love to you tonight I can't wait till the morning has come And I know now the time is just right And straight into my arms, you will run Can I just have one more moondance With you, my love? Can I just make some more romance With you, my love? [BUZZ.]
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
[MUSIC PLAYING.]
[NO AUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Yo, Zo.
Uh, okay.
Wow.
I guess we've just breezed right past the whole knocking and waiting for the other person to answer phase.
When I get inspired, no doors will stand in my way.
Now, I got a whole bunch of new ideas for us to try to test your musical powers.
First one, sensory deprivation tank.
"I can't see anything.
I can't hear anything.
But is there music? I don't know.
Let's find out.
" Number two, we put you in a room with a whole bunch of mimes.
My worst nightmare may be your musical breakthrough.
Creative.
Absolutely terrifying.
Oh, praise God.
Hoo! Number three, we go to karaoke, see if people sing you their inner song at the same time they sing the crowd their outer songs.
Eh, could be cool.
Could be confusing.
Could be both.
Let's see.
Look, we can keep looking for ways to control my new ability.
[SIGHS.]
But what if there are no ways? - I don't like that attitude.
- Nope.
Listen, it has happened enough times that we have actual research and data now.
Some songs go by in a blip, as if no time has elapsed.
Other songs, I'm able to talk to you the entire time.
Some songs are sung to me by complete strangers, others by my closest friends and family.
Songs never happen when I want them to only when I'm meant to hear them.
Then, what do we do about it? [EXHALES.]
As a kid who took apart my parents' broken VCR and put it back together when I was five, I can't believe I'm saying this, but nothing? I think I'm just gonna have to live with my new musical power for a bit and see what the universe brings.
Did I really just say that out loud? Yeah, you did, and I'm kind of obsessed with you and inspired to paint right now.
Mm.
Silver lining in all of this, at least it's got us talking and invading each other's personal spaces.
Door's always open, honey.
Unless I have a gentlemen caller over, so if you hear Sade playing, I'd keep my distance.
You do know who Sade is, right? Mm-hmm.
I got the music in me I got the music in me