The premiere episode of "Not Dead Yet" Season 2, titled "Not Owning It Yet," kicks off with a refreshing continuation of Nell Serrano's (Gina Rodriguez) journey as an obituary writer for SoCal Independent Newspapers, while navigating the complexities of life, love, and the supernatural. This episode is a perfect blend of humor, emotional depth, and a touch of the paranormal, setting the tone for the season to come.
The episode introduces us to Duncan Rhodes (Brad Garrett), the owner of SoCal Independent and Lexi's (Lauren Ash) father, who makes a significant impact on Nell's life from the outset. Duncan, a business tycoon with a penchant for luxury and power, forms an unexpected bond with Nell, much to Lexi's dismay. This new relationship sets the stage for a series of events that challenge Nell's personal and professional life.
Nell's unique ability to see the ghosts of the people she writes about adds a layer of complexity to her life. In this episode, she is followed by the ghost of a realtor who sold luxury condos. This ghost, or "Ghost" as he is playfully referred to, pushes Nell to be better in life, suggesting she ask for a promotion to avoid being stuck in her mold-infected basement office forever.
At the office, Lexi is busy ensuring everyone appears organized and busy in anticipation of her father's visit. Nell and Sam (Hannah Simone) discuss Nell's life values when Dennis (Joshua Banday) brings in photos of his child, distracting everyone. Lexi assigns Dennis and Sam the task of looking important in front of her father, dismissing Nell's offers to help.
Duncan's entrance into the office is marked by a clear agenda: to spend more time with Nell than his own daughter. This revelation provides insight into Lexi's character and her strained relationship with her father. Duncan's request for Nell to write his obituary leads to a series of events where Nell helps him connect with people on a deeper level, teaching him to appreciate others for who they truly are.
Edward (Rick Glassman) visits Nell's office and meets Lexi in the hallway, leading to a witty exchange between the two. Lexi, already upset about her father's attention towards Nell, kisses Edward in a moment of frustration.
Nell and Duncan's interactions continue at Cricket’s bar, where Nell teaches Duncan how to compliment people and establish human connections. Back at the office, Duncan orders Lexi to clear her office so he can discuss Nell's future, revealing his manipulative tactics to motivate Lexi.
The episode concludes with Nell realizing Duncan's true intentions and expressing her disapproval in the draft of his obituary. This realization marks a turning point in their relationship and sets the stage for Nell's growth throughout the season. "Not Owning It Yet" is a strong start to the season, offering a mix of character development, humor, and the supernatural that "Not Dead Yet" is known for.