The generational jig is up on the latest episode of The Z-Suite on Tubi. Most of the banter and quips on Gen Z’s behalf incite eye rolls instead of chuckles in Episode 6 (“Second Shift”). At this point in the show, the multigenerational characters should really be reaching that point of understanding they’re scripted to get to. Instead, the jokes are the same as always, and we’re desperate to get to a turning point with the characters.
At the end of Episode 5 (“Work Hard, War Hard”), the president of Boppin’ Burger declared a pitch-off for his Super Bowl commercial, giving Kriska and Monica an opportunity to secure the coveted burger campaign. Both parties are scrambling. After accidentally messaging Olivia Rodiguez (a lover of Christ and single mother of 2) instead of Olivia Rodrigo, the Z-Suiters are at a loss. Kriska gets violently chewed out for cosplaying as a CEO without taking the livelihoods of other Atelier employees into account, and a terminal case of imposter syndrome sets in after flipping through a younger Monica’s iconic campaign files for inspiration. A mess.
Across the elevator at Marks & Marks, Monica and Doug conduct their own research to craft a burger pitch worthy of Gen Z audiences, but they’re stuck without the youthful voices of Kriska, Elliot and Clem.
“But, if we want to learn about Gen Z in order to do a commercial for Gen Z, then how do we do that without talking to Gen Z.”
“Euphoria.”
After watching the HBO series only garners them information on drug use and sex, the duo enlist Doug’s young step niece and her friends to Gen Z-ify their Boppin’ Burger pitch. Enter Alexis: she’s all TikTok slang ever invented rolled into one vocabulary, every single joke and presumption ever made about Gen Z personified — and that’s a derogatory statement. Alexis is unfortunately pulled away from attending a protest in solidarity with her boyfriend. The protest in question– male circumcision.
“He was circumcised when he was a week old. He couldn’t give consent.”
Alexis and company roll up to Monica’s apartment to help brainstorm, though it immediately becomes a party, and Monica is introduced to the concept of a borg (short for blackout rage gallon for anywhere who’s unaware). The former CEO imparts the wisdom, and message of the show, that absolutely no one knows what they’re doing at any age– you continue to figure it out as you go. Then promptly collapses after taking a singular hit of a dab pen. “She’s overdosed!”
Recovering outside, Monica says one of the worst things you could possibly say to a Gen Z’er: “Why do you have anxiety? What do you guys have to be worried about?” Big UGH, but Monica does represent the generalized majority of Generation X who are all asking the same asinine question. Alexis mentions the screwed up world Gen Z doesn’t have a say in, Gen Z’s reputation for being annoying for trying to make sense of society and the climate crisis– all receiving a sigh from Monica. Hoping there would be a character dynamic shift by now with only two episodes left, the advertising magnate still yet has found any compassion for her younger counterparts. Finally getting back to the campaign, Monica continues her vocab lesson, learning the meaning of, “secure the bag,” thus finding the beginning of her Gen Z approved Boppin’ Burger pitch.
Back at the office, Kriska is having a menty b on the floor. Crystals and positive affirmations can’t undo the damage of all the doubt surrounding her reign as CEO. And where is big boss Oliver in all this chaos? Shouldn’t he be the one getting read to filth for putting a child in charge of an entire company, ignoring the security of all other employees? Elliot suggests the trio blow off some steam by heading to a party in Tribeca, or else Kriska’s crash out will debilitate all of them.
“It’s getting serious– I have panic attack empathy, and if I see someone having a panic attack, I start to have one.”
I think you can guess whose apartment the three find themselves at. Monica and Doug throw all the centennials out. After hearing their drunk peers try to make it to Boppin’ Burger before it closes, the Z team conjures the slogan for their pitch. “Boppin’ Burger is the afterparty.”
There’s only two episodes left until the season one finale of The Z-Suite. Kriska is in shambles over her ability to spearhead the campaign, especially after reviewing Monica’s successful ads when she was her age. Will the 24 and a half year old be the one to convince Monica into joining forces to maximize their joint slay? When will we get to see Doug’s extensive Christmas village? Will Alexis and her friends successfully end male circumcision? Only time will tell.
New episodes of The Z-Suite debut every Thursday on Tubi.
Claire Waheed is a recently graduated freelance writer currently based in Texas. She loves all things pop culture and new adventures.