Recap of Episode 6 of ‘The Z-Suite’: Sharing with the Borg

The latest episode of “The Z-Suite” on Tubi reveals the clash between generations. In Episode 6 (“Second Shift”), the humor aimed at Gen Z often misses the mark, resulting in more eye rolls than laughs. By this point in the series, the characters from different generations should be on the brink of understanding each other as scripted. However, the jokes remain stagnant, leaving viewers yearning for a breakthrough moment.

In the previous episode, “Work Hard, War Hard,” the president of Boppin’ Burger announces a pitch-off for the Super Bowl commercial, offering Kriska and Monica the chance to win the burger campaign. Both individuals find themselves in a frenzy. A mishap occurs when Olivia “Rodiguez” (a devout Christian and single mother of two) is contacted instead of Olivia Rodrigo, leaving the Z-Suite team disoriented. Kriska faces criticism for acting like a CEO without considering the impact on other Atelier employees, leading to a bout of imposter syndrome after browsing through a young Monica’s successful campaign documents. Chaos ensues.

Meanwhile, at Marks & Marks, Monica and Doug delve into research to create a burger pitch that resonates with Gen Z audiences. However, they struggle without the input of Kriska, Elliot, and Clem, who represent the younger voices needed for the project.

“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.