Ep 3. Three-Card Monte

Zoe Valentine season 1 episode 3, titled "Three-Card Monte," follows Zoe's attempt to make a romantic connection with her crush, Jordan. Meanwhile, her dad struggles with Zoe's growing independence and her older sister's move to college.

The episode begins with Zoe daydreaming about Jordan while in class. She imagines them having a loving conversation about their future together, but her fantasies are quickly interrupted by her best friend, Addy. Addy convinces Zoe to ask Jordan out to the upcoming school dance, but Zoe is hesitant due to her fear of rejection.

Meanwhile, Zoe's dad is struggling to adjust to her growing independence. He worries about her safety and is overbearing at times, causing tension between the two. On top of this, Zoe's sister, Sophia, has left for college, leaving her dad feeling alone and unsure of how to navigate his new role as a parent to an empty nest.

As Zoe contemplates asking Jordan to the dance, she receives a mysterious love letter in her locker. The letter is unsigned, but she suspects that it may be from Jordan. She seeks the help of her friends to decipher the clues in the letter and ultimately discovers that it was actually written by a boy named Ryan, who has a crush on her. Zoe is disappointed but tries to let Ryan down gently, while still holding out hope for Jordan.

However, when Zoe finally works up the courage to ask Jordan to the dance, she is met with an unexpected response. Jordan tells her that he is already going with someone else, leaving Zoe feeling rejected and embarrassed.

Throughout the episode, Zoe's dad learns to trust her independence and gives her more freedom to make her own choices. He also begins to connect with her through their shared love of music.

The episode ends with Zoe and her dad attending a concert together, bonding over their mutual love for the band. Zoe reflects on her newfound freedom and independence, while her dad comes to terms with the fact that his daughters are growing up and moving on to new phases in their lives.

Overall, "Three-Card Monte" is a touching and relatable episode that explores the themes of growing up, independence, and the struggles of parenthood. It shows the ups and downs of teenage life and the importance of family and friends in navigating these challenging years.