The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
I do not have any witty title for this, but I think it's just exactly that - Marvelous! I can't help but marvel at "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's" final season, prompting me to embark on a delightful rewatch from Season 1.
The series beautifully weaves together nostalgic elements and constant throwbacks, making us connect with the characters on a deeper level.
One of the show's genius aspects is how it sends puzzle pieces from different timelines, leaving us in bewilderment at times. Like when we wonder why Joel was in prison, only to have a lightbulb moment later, understanding the reasons behind his actions. That last scene at the Gordon Ford show, "the regret in Joel's eyes" while watching his ex wife, showcased the complex emotions of his character, a mix of hurt and encouragement to use his pain for comedic material. We all know he deserves it, but well he really bounced back in the later parts of the series. I like his character development.
A recurring theme that resonates profoundly is the idea of "claiming it." Despite facing multiple obstacles, Midge seizes the microphone as an opportunity to succeed, inspiring both men and women alike. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" presents feminism in a multi-dimensional manner, expressing it from various perspectives, making it an inclusive and powerful portrayal.
The dinner scene with Abe and his friends left me wondering at first, like what the hell is this scene all about. But then it took a deep turn, revealing his baffled self about "how the world changed". Reminding us at that moment how his grand daughter turned out to be the genius he's been looking for. This also transition connected beautifully with his subsequent speech about Miriam's journey towards strength and empowerment. The impact of this scene remained potent even after rewatching the first season.
I wish I saw more of Lenny Bruce though... But I guess that's just a minor detail, or maybe it was part of the plan - make it more tragic. I just love them together!
< Image Credits: The Hollywood Reporter & IMDB >
I appreciate how this season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" avoided excessive drama, with fewer crying scenes and such. The sadness and tragedy are subtly woven into the dialogues. For example, the scene where Miriam requests everyone to provide whatever her mom needs, despite the bleeding business, gives a one-sentence hint that Abe is gone, and Rose's time in the world is coming to an end.
The show's standout performance comes from Susie, who has always been a fan favorite. The comedic brilliance she brings to the screen is a true delight, but it is her empathy-filled expression that truly shines. That scene with Lenny Bruce was something! Alex B. deserves all the awards and accolades she got from this show.
In summary, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is a masterful portrayal of characters, emotions, and societal growth across timelines. It showcases feminism in a nuanced and inclusive manner, leaving the viewers with a myriad of positive reflections. I can't wait to delve deeper into my rewatch and experience the magic of this series all over again.