“Perfect. You are perfect” The Marvelous Mrs Maisel states to her brisket, but I feel it’s more how she views her life, at least until she finds out it’s not as idyllic as she first believed. For one, her humourless husband (who thinks he’s a comedian) is the least funny thing in her life, while she’s so naturally gifted in the laughter department that she makes even their breakup sheer brilliance.
“I don’t know how to do this. I’m not good at things like this.”
“Things like what? Like leaving me?”
“Yes”
“So don’t. Practice a little. Try it again when you feel more confident about the moves.”
Drunk and annoyed she returns to her husband’s comedic hang-out only to find herself on stage and regaling the crowd with genuine wit; her stories honest, relatable and just gut-wrenchingly funny. From this she accidentally (at first that is) and then purposefully begins the chase of becoming a comedian herself. For once or twice on stage might just be an accident…might, but three times and you’re not fooling anyone – she loves the stage.
Image is courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
After discovering her voice, and as such her comedic abilities, the series follows Mrs Maisel as she tries to; juggle careers; her feelings on her ex; relationships in general; and the changing dynamics between her parents (and later between themselves). All while keeping her ‘uncouth’ comedic talent hidden from her loved ones. I say uncouth because the series is set in 1950s New York, where men can discuss ‘Dick Fungus’ and a woman can’t say ‘pregnant’ – the show however doesn’t directly focus on this, instead the quick comedy take-downs of Mrs Maisel does all the talking of inequality.
Mrs. Maisel is played by the fantastic Rachel Brosnahan, her timing, expressions and energy making Mrs. Maisel the most likeable of women, and a comedic talent that you don’t have to queue up to see (and thankfully doesn’t cost a fortune). Embarking on more than just a career change, Mrs Maisel “Midge”, is also working out the logistics of untangling yourself from a person you’re still very much in love with i.e. her husband Joel Maisel – played by Michael Zegen, and who’s so charming you almost forget his indiscretions. Combine this with a scattering of flashbacks to their earlier days, and you can’t help but root for them still.
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Vocally eccentric, unafraid of ruffling a few feathers and highly observant of life around her, Mrs Maisel can only be matched by her brilliant manager (who has no experience in managing) Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein). A grumpy lady who doesn’t glamorously dress-up like the former, but is happier in her skin, and wants to make a success of her life; “I just do not want to be insignificant. Do you?” And in this Susie works alongside Mrs Maisel in pushing her towards greater success, and with each venture she learns more about the business-world of managing. For though she be but little, she is fierce – Shakespeare could easily have meant Susie’s character as she matches her friend not just in drinks, but in humour; her comedy sarcastic, her points well-made – whilst being spoken as directly as our unfiltered brains.
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As the episodes progress, Mrs Maisel’s parents’, the Weissmans, play bigger roles, and it’s a good thing too with their characters – as befitting the show – being ridiculously funny. Especially her father Abe Weissmann (Tony Shalhoub), a maths professor who’s not great at expressing his emotions, or being in touch with them. I believe he has a little box where he keeps them hidden, the lid so rarely undone it needs a bomb to open it.
Image is courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
Never have I mentioned the word funny and its variations as much as I have in this review. It’s therefore not hard to believe that the show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, grew up laughing; her inspiration from Mrs Maisel coming in part from her dad’s time as a stand-up comic. The knowledge of such providing a deeper understanding of what’s involved in being a comedian and the impact it can have on the family around them. Add to this her respect for female comedians, such as Jean Carroll, and you have The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.
This show is the one to watch if you enjoy a good smile, love a great story and want a bucketful of characters you can invest in. If this still isn’t enough, just watch it for a tutorial on the greatest of comebacks, for Mrs Maisel will happily teach you some new things.
Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Executive Producer, Writer, Director: Daniel Palladino
Other notable works by Sherman-Palladino & Daniel Palladino:
- Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life 2016
- Bunheads 2012-2013
- Gilmore Girls 2000-2007
