But before we get into specifics, this must be said: Josh Groban runs away with this show. I'm no Groban fangirl, having experienced too many bad choir performances* of "You Raise Me Up," and considering that his honey-sweet voice always creeps me out a little—especially seeing it come from his tiny adorable mouse face. But the man has a gift for comedy (highlighted previously in "Josh Groban Sings Kanye West Tweets," one of the greatest Internet videos ever). Here, he completely rocks as a would-be stalker for Sydney, one who is later rejected by her in an overly harsh manner. His desperation comes in the form of sending SMG gift baskets and an album of what might be the catchiest song ever, complete with remixes! Once SMG insults him to his face, he goes on to write a bitter breakup song, and thus blossoms as an "artist." Groban is wonderful at playing the naive goofball, and it made me wish he would be a regular in this series, just so there's something to look forward to other than Lauren.
Simon's desperation manifests through his courting Australian tourism for a deal, even though he hates the country with a passion. To be fair, the reasons he lists for hating Australia are valid reasons to dislike the place, but it's overboard even for him. Apparently all of his ideas come off as too "clever"—including a shameful and over-the-top Priscilla the Desert Queen pitch that is somehow their idea of dumbing down. Which is ridiculous because that's way too inside of a reference. So Simon rips off Groban's song, necessitating Sydney's desperation, where she grovels at the feet of the man she rejected.
This leads to a great moment at his release party, where Zach reveals that he is a raging fanboy of Groban's character--buying shirts and CD's on a "goof," but squealing like a teenage groupie when he starts singing. Still, it's too little too late, and the entire show ends up feeling so needy that a shower is needed afterward, just to eliminate the stink of futility.
*And by choir performances, I mean my own choir performances. I was even the accompanist for half of them. I can pound out that dramatic swell in the middle on the piano with my eyes closed.