“I wanted to do a story about a woman who thought she’d scored… She’d gotten it all, and then, bam, it all falls apart. And in falling apart, she discovers an ambition and a need to speak, and a voice that she just frankly didn’t know was there.”
Amy Sherman-Palladino, co-creator and writer
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL has concluded. I am sad to see such a spectacular show be over. I must say Season Five was brilliantly written, giving its fans exactly what they needed to say goodbye to such hilarious, entertaining, and memorable characters.
There were many moments I could not stop laughing at their antics. I was grateful audiences were able to see into their futures and back. It was creative and compelling. They never lost track of who they were and always kept us laughing through our intermittent tears. Life happened to all of the ensembles. Good and bad stuff, just like in real life. They fought for what they believed was important. They stood by their families and friends. They helped each other. They knew each other. They grew and evolved, becoming better and stronger. It was awesome to watch.
The costumes were fabulous. New York never looked better. The hats were priceless, as were every black cocktail dress that Midge wore when she performed. I laughed at Susie’s boxers, pant choice, and caps as well. I always had a hankering for corned beef on rye when we visited the NY deli. I could almost taste the entire meal with them. My mouth is watering as I type these words. And I must mention Midge’s apartment that felt like home in every episode. It was the perfect 60’s stage dressing with attention to the most minute detail. I always wanted to live in one of the bedrooms.
Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein had impeccable timing. They just knew where and when to breathe, push, and hold back together in sync. It was a phenomenal acting class to witness. Their business partnership grew into a true, lifelong friendship that was the glue for the entire series. Their honest love for each other should be the bar for all marriages and relationships. Susie’s deep secrets from her past broke my heart. Her ride to power and fame was understated during the banquet award scene. Smart and clever writing. Midge and Susie’s fight was difficult to be a part of but necessary to propel the story forward. It proved there are always consequences for our actions. Midge was a master of comic pausing. She spoke at a fast clip, but when performing, Midge would allow time for the “ba ba boom” for telling a joke. (“Oh yeah, it’s Ethan and Esther.”) Bullseye.
The rest of the ensemble was also perfect. Kudos to Tony Shalhoub, Michael Zegen, Kevin Pollak, Marin Hinkle, Luke Kirby, and Carolyn Aaron. Their arguments, discoveries, and instincts gave the writers’ words the edge they needed and the ethnicity of a niche group. I saw and heard my aunts, uncles, and mom among this community of actors. They made us laugh and cry. They were the guard rails along Midge’s journey. Always remember a brisket will allow entrance into any closed doors, and never turn down Carnegie Hall.
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL ended at the ideal moment. “Tits up” became a mantra of going for it and doing your best. It meant taking a chance and still being yourself because, in the end, what do you have to lose? I also secretly believe the phrase is essential when entering any room or situation, knowing you are thrusting your “best” forward. Mrs. Maisel did this every week. I am forever inspired. Thank you for a glorious run. “Tits up.”
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL is available to stream on Prime Video.
