I just finished watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a comedy show set in the late 50s, and I loved it. It is funny witty and, even in the 50s atmosphere, quite relatable.
I learned of it because I read it had won several awards. I haven’t been following awards ceremonies for some time now, but I read this show deserved the ones it won so it piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try.
Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) is the perfect housewife, married to a good man, and mother of 2 who lives in a perfect apartment in the good side of New York. She had everything, but her life takes a bad turn and she is forced to try and survive in a world that has crumbled beneath her feet.
After a life changing surprise left her desolated, she takes to a cafe to vent about her feelings in the stage, where she discovers a talent for Stand-Up she didn’t know she had. And she wants to explore this new side in a world she knows nothing about with a new friend who does.
In this first season we meet “Midge” and we get to see how she’s led her life with the support of her parents, whose expectations for her often clashed with the spirit of a young but strong daughter.
We are introduced to her friends and family, and we get to understand how she has gotten to be the person she is now, and how her life is affected by the situations she encounters.
Spoilers Warning
Midge’s husband, Joel Maisel, dreams of becoming a Stand-Up comedian but his lack of talent doesn’t help him get anywhere. Which leaves him frustrated despite having a good office job.
His frustration causes Miriam’s perfect life, to the 50s standards, to be put to test when he suddenly leaves her after a bad night at the Cafe he performed at and says he is leaving her for his secretary.
This leaves her hurt, angry and confused, so after having a little too much to drink she takes to the same cafe she and Joel used to go to. She finds her way to the stage and begins to pour her anger and pain in an honest but hilarious way. She is heard by an employee, who recognizes her talent before Midge herself noticed it.
Spoilers Free
In the course of 8 episodes we can see how Midge’s strength and determination takes her to discover her own voice and explore a new world outside her own. All this makes for a well paced and engaging story of growth and overcoming challenges, presented in a humorous and entertaining way.
Full Time Nerd 