In the last Melissa & Joey episode until spring, Joe Knows, thinking about his ruined reputation in finance makes Joe determined to reclaim some of his career through informational videos. But when “silent” partner Mel directs, his videos are a hit…just not in the way he expected.
As a way back to success, Joe decides to turn all of his notes on business into an e-book. To promote the book to potential customers, Joe wants to make instructional videos all about the world of finance for the average person. He tries to professionally ask Mel to invest in the company, but well-meaning Mel automatically writes him a check, which hurts his pride. However he sucks it up and begins making the videos in the garage, with Ryder as his technical producer.
But Mel doesn’t exactly get the concept of a “silent partner,” and so starts forcing her totally unwanted advice on him. In order to help him relax on camera, she tells him to work out, since it calms him. However, when he says his lecture while working out, she recognizes an instant hit. Sure enough, a thousand viewers are tuning into Joe Knows…but just to stare at his “assets.” Joe isn’t happy that he isn’t helping his business at all, and instead getting a modeling offer from a sports gear company.
But he sells out anyway and goes forward with the videos. However, Mel finally notices how unhappy he is, and realizes he should stick with his original plan. He surprises her when he already sold the Joe Knows brand to the sports gear company, which paid for her invested money.
Meanwhile, Lennox is getting tutored by a geek who has a crush on her. But the more time she spends with him, the more Lennox actually starts to like him, even though he’s socially below her. When she finally asks him out, though, he says that her talking to him…helped him get other girls talking to him too. He rejects her, but Mel tells her heartbroken niece that dumping someone would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, while she would get the chance many, many times.
This was definitely a cute episode. Personally, I love Lennox and Mel storylines, so my favorite scene was Mel reassuring her after the boy turned her down. Their bond as aunt and niece just seems stronger and more genuine than any other on the show…including Mel and Joe’s. I think part of the reason for that is because Mel’s shown as a likeable, unsure guardian instead of a sarcastic brat.
Although I have to say, even though she got on Joe’s nerves plenty, Mel isn’t as annoyingly snarky as she usually is this episode. Sure, she’s totally oblivious of Joe’s feelings the whole time, but she doesn’t insult him, just forces him to take her direction. And even though Joe was upset by this, it was sweet that she was willing to just hand Joe five thousand dollars because she trusted him. Plus, well, I have to admit her comedy video at the end of the episode is pretty hilarious.
Joe trying to reinvent his career, and Lennox showing that she does have a heart, makes for an appropriate “finale” episode. Can’t wait for more Melissa & Joey in 2011!
