Review: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

I. Am. In. Love.

I have just discovered The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and it is freaking brilliant.

Luckily for me I am late to the party, as usual, so I can watch all three seasons without having to wait! I have just finished season one, and can't wait to get stuck into season two.
I actually came across it as it was being advertised on Amazon Prime (Yes, hello Amazon, your ads are working on me, congratulations), and it seemed to be getting a lot of hype around awards season, so I thought I'd check it out. I really didn't know much about it before watching, just the vague idea that a 50's housewife was trying to be a stand-up comedian. I'm really interested in stand-up comedy so that drew me in, but that's really such a small part of the show, which is rich with strong, unique characters. Come for the comedy, stay for the characters!

So first of all we have Miriam (Mrs. Maisel, if you will). Played wonderfully by Rachel Brosnahan, Miriam, Midge to her friends, is a hilarious, fast-talking vibrant woman, who finds herself in the middle of the world of stand-up comedy, as she also navigates her complicated family life.
After separating from her husband Joel, Midge has to set up a new life for herself and her two kids, while also dealing with her highly emotional, wealthy Jewish parents who are coming to terms with having a daughter who is *gasp* single.

So let's talk about the time period. I just love that this is set in 1958, I just don't see tv shows set in this era often (is it just me or are like 90% of tv shows set in the future? Ergh, give it a rest). For one thing, the premise wouldn't work if it were set in the present, there are so many conflicts in the story that only exist due to the sensibilities of that time. Secondly, it is just so magical. The costumes are so beautiful, and the locations are shot in such a romantic way. I don't know how accurate it all is, but I'm happy to vicariously experience this romanticised television version of the 50's. You can also expect, of course, the blatant sexism that was rife in that era; the women are expected to look perfect at all times, if your husband leaves you it must be because of something you've done, and other such delightful attitudes that faced women in the 50's.

But I digress, back to the characters! Alex Borstein plays Susie Myerson, Midge's manager and opposite in many ways. A running joke being that people think she's a man, Susie dresses in pants and a leather jacket, a stark contrast to Midge's designer dresses and immaculate outfits. Susie lives a simple life, with her job at the Gaslight Cafe (a comedy club which actually existed between 1958-1971, it's actually quite famous, if you haven't heard of it look it up), and her tiny apartment, which is roughly the size of Midge's foyer. Her tough persona and no-nonsense attitude make her the perfect match for Midge as someone to help her as she embarks on her new life, and will always tell her the truth, unlike most of the people in her life.

Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle brilliantly play Abe and Rose Weissman, Midge's parents, who mean well but are often more worried about their own interests than supporting Midge. As the season progresses, we meet more family and friends of Midge, and even the smallest characters have such unique personalities. I  just think they've done such a great job with creating interesting characters who have depth, it really adds an extra layer to the series.

Oh, and I have to add that this series was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who also created Gilmore Girls. So you can expect some of that trademark quick, witty dialogue.

So, the big question, will you enjoy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?
Well, if you have any interest in:

• Stand-up comedy
• 1950's fashion
• Unique, interesting characters
• Strong female stories
• Real people and locations in fictional shows

then there is a good chance that you will love this series. 

The first three seasons are on Amazon Prime now, so go check it out!