The dynamic duo of showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino and actress Rachel Brosnahan have done it again. Season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel hits just as hard as the first season. It makes you laugh, cringe, and long to live in 1958 New York.
If you haven’t watched Season 1, just watch the first scene of Season 2 Episode 1: you will be in awe of the impressive two-minute one shot. It has fantastic acting, directing, writing, cinematography, music, and all that jazz. It’s practically perfect. And it has the awards to back it up.
In Season 2, Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel is navigating new waters. At the end of season 1 her husband’s secretary makes a scene at the B. Altman makeup counter, blaming Midge for Joel leaving her. As a result, Midge is demoted from the makeup counter to the call room, directing calls with 11 other women. But much of the season actually takes place between the Catskill Mountain resort and gigs booked by her agent Susie.
The second season revolves around what it means to put your career first as a woman and the consequences of acting without thinking. In season 1 Midge takes down a famous comedienne during an unscripted set. In season 2 that comes back to bite her, and she’s bumped to the last spot in a late-night telethon. Through all of the ups and downs, she is learning when and when not to be the center of attention with her humor.
Midge is a relatable gal, since she often puts herself first without considering how her actions affect those around her. She goes on vacation to the Catskills for two months without even telling her agent, who has been hard at work getting her performance slots. But Midge has her redeeming qualities. She’s a mother who has always taken care of her family before herself, so without her husband, she’s learning how to be a comedian and a mother. As she struggles to balance both aspects of her life, she goes back and forth wondering if success is worth sacrificing her family and personal life.
In Season 2 we get to see more of Midge’s agent Susie Myerson, played by Alex Borstein, which is an absolute treat. Susie follows Midge to the resort posing as a worker, assimilating very quickly. She takes advantage of every opportunity to get Midge on the stage, culminating in Midge being offered to open for a famous singer on a six-month tour.
The end of Season 2 sets up a fascinating Season 3. Will Midge go on tour? Will she get back with her ex or continue her new relationship? Will Susie represent a new comedian? Will it still be funny? Filming is set to start soon, so The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will be back making us laugh in no time.