The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (TV Series) A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo... (2019) User Reviews

Truely pain played well

[dmpyron · 10/10 · 8 January 2020]

We get to see a side of Susie we haven't seen before. It's clear she's thrown away Midge'd money along with hers but the emotional breakdown changes her character for the viewer dramatically.

Midge's downfall is clear from the minute Reggie says "talk about Shy". What viewer sees as the "don't open the door" Midge sees as a wrlcome mat. So the plot twist isn't a twist to anyone except Midge. The apparent f'up with the contract is the twist we don't expect.

Having actually seen Mams Mabely I can tell you that Wanda Sykes was great in that role.

Season Three Review

[southdavid · 9/10 · 4 May 2021]

We brought ourselves up to date with "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" with perhaps the funniest season that the show has done thus far. The wit of the dialogue is still there, but this time it's mixed with a screwball comedy aspect, emulating the films of the time period, that raises it even by another level.

Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) has lessons to learn as her career takes off opening for Shy Baldwin (LeRoy McClain) on his latest tour. Her manager, Susie (Alex Borstein) takes on Miriam's nemesis Sophie Lennon (Jane Lynch) as her new client and Sophie has a drastic career change in mind. Also looking for career changes are Joel (Michael Zegen) who tries to open a club in Chinatown and Abe (Tony Shalhoub) who gives up teaching, and his apartment, to return to his earlier bohemian instincts.

The brief review would be that the show maintains the quality that it established in the last season. Performances are still wonderful, it's still hilarious but the show finds new and interesting ways to go with it's plot. Sophie Lennon appears a lot more frequently, which is tremendous. Luke Kirby returns a few times as Lenny Bruce though the storyline means that Zachary Levi appears less often than in the second run. The plot highlight though is Abe and Rose moving in with Moishe and Shirley and the interactions that they all have.

It's not 100% without criticism. There are some inconsistencies I think with where Rose was in the previous season. Anyone with eyes could see what was going to happen when Miriam hits the stage at the Apollo in the final episode but I thought it would be more of a slip of the tongue, rather than how sustained her performance is (sorry that's vague, I'm trying to keep out of spoiler territory).

Overall though, brilliant. Can't wait for the next run.

Good season overall, but...

[julianmx93- · 8/10 · 8 December 2019]

I'm unsure if they knew where this show was going after a masterful season 2, but I think the main flaw for this solid season was that when it ends...there really was no justifiable reason for Midge to let Benjamin go to pursue her comedy career. The whole storyline with touring with Shy didn't feel necessary to the point where the entire show had to steer in that direction, until it doesn't, which was the best part. Storylines with Abe and Rose never felt fulfilled, and leaving the apartment was like killing a character off the show. Sharing the home with Moishe and Shirley felt like what any other generic comedy show would've done, it's too bad that such great characters were reduced to being dispensable. Alex Borstein was amazing as always, same with Jane Lynch and Luke Kirby. I still enjoy every scene Joel is in, and his new love interest was a delight to see. That being said, this was definitely a filler season, I'm excited to see what's to come in season 4. Hopefully they stay in New York the entire time, it just doesn't feel right when it's not.

Still wonderful, but some things are starting to annoy me.....

[GLArm · 8/10 · 10 December 2019]

This show is fabulous in so many ways: creating a captivating ambience wherever the story takes it: really well-shot, fabulous sets, great costumes, outstanding acting.

However, some of the plot lines are kind of unbelievable. The Weissmans moving in with the Maisels? Abe Weissman, who has been shown to be very OCD, okay with almost complete strangers messing up his home?

Also, if I was supposed to feel sympathy for Susie because she actually cried, I didn't. Not only does she gamble away her own money, but Midge's, too? To borrow one of her lines, "What are you, five?" And then, we're supposed to believe that the incredibly bright Midge is stupid enough to leave all of her money with Susie, who barely has enough money to keep a roof over her head - and who she has observed being really into gambling? Give me a break!

Also, I'm not thinking Mrs. Maisel is so wonderful. She breaks off her engagement with a really nice guy in a letter? Can't even do it in person! She thinks her precious children, who she can't spare much time for, absolutely have to be in an elite, private school, even though neither she nor Joel can afford it and she won't even be around to help provide transportation to and from? Then of course she doesn't even get that maybe it isn't the nicest thing to "out" the man who gave her the biggest break ever by asking her to open for him?

No, definitely not always a fan of the self-centered Mrs. M, but I will continue to watch what is a really well-done show (with a few failings in the plot lines.)

Smart girl, she should've seen it coming

[spirydonau · 9/10 · 21 December 2019]

You can call it rookie mistake, pressure was too much. still... Mrs. M. is one person I can see seeing this for the trap it was. but one loves to be loved, ain't they not? Good season ending anyways.

Season 3 just wasn't as funny, or as fun

[vwvoyager · 9/10 · 16 January 2020]

Not sure if new writers are on board, but this season hasn't been nearly as funny as the previous 2. Still a great show, love it, and am so glad Alex Borstein is winning well deserved awards. This season has been a string of stressful situations, where has the fun gone? One humorous thing I noticed about this season finale is that it's the 'hat episode', they're everywhere! Love the fashion!

Another Great Season comes to an end!

[awrobel · 9/10 · 6 May 2020]

Love this show. I can't wait for the next season. The Apollo segment was great and was just another great production piece that this show has gotten to be known for. Shy Baldwin is a great character in an ensemble that is near perfect. While I never find Mrs.Maisel routines particularly funny, she's a great character whose warmth pervades the entire show. Having watched all four seasons I'm always surprised by how innovative the creators continue to be. Simply brilliant on so many levels !

It is what you get from a true drama

[culascakan · 10/10 · 6 January 2020]

Some people assert that "is this what we get from it? Does not the title state that we are suppose to learn about Mrs. Maisel?". Well, what a person's life is but a story about what s/he encounters in his/her life? It is her life as theatretical, and as the genre "drama" is supposed to be.

Tragedia, as the early form of drama in "theatro", is a place where all the things life possesses happen in one large phase; the story of Midge is also her story in which every influence for her has given a particular and a realistic (on stage) identity, which is why we are here. Everything is proper in the pen of a 60s born writer, and the last episode truly is the one where one might call a "life" occurs. It is raw, it is funny, it is alive and it is saddening. Do be sorrowful, to cry when nothing happens, do feel the exciment in the hands of the idea of "hope" because nothing really does happen in our lives; and do realize one thing: if you want fulfillment, you better not watch "Fröken Julie" either. It is not there for no reason.

Lots of applauds for the producer, all the writers, and the wonderful cast. Well done. Can't wait for the next season!

Life Isn't So Simple

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 7 February 2020]

Once Susie gambles away both her and Midge's money, we see the roller coaster going down. As volatile as Susie is, it's amazing that Midge can trust her to take care of the financial part of her life. But she has Shy to continue to bankroll her from then on. But back in a previous episode, she is trusted with the knowledge that Shy is gay. And when she goes on stage unprepared, she takes Reggie's advice, telling jokes about Shy. Unfortunately, everything she talks about enhances an impression of his gayness. Midge now is a mess, having signed a mortgage on the old apartment with no significant income. And then the coup de grace. The scene at the airport.

Season 3 - Episode 8

[Reb-17 · 10/10 · 10 December 2019]

Good, old-fashioned belly laughs - three! Routines that remind you of Ethyl and Lucy, and issues that make you think.

Great show

[forbroncos · 10/10 · 8 April 2020]

Hilarious, addicting, and can't wait for more. First three seasons were excellent, ready to see where the next chapter goes.

The Writers had to ind a way to keep her in New York

[hayley96 · 6/10 · 2 February 2020]

There should have been a better way to keep Midge in New York. They dumbed her down just enough to get her kicked off the tour. The foreshadowing was as obvious as a sledgehammer. Eddie lays it all out for Susie at the barbershop - the manager protects the talent. Susie wasn't there and Midge screws up. And please for the love of God, don't write yourself into a hole like the one you made with the parents all living together. Ugh....The Odd Couple times two.

Season 3

[Sonique15 · 5/10 · 19 February 2020]

I loved season 1 and 2 and really, really wanted to like season 3. Of course the actors are still great and deserve all the awards in the world. Also the production, the costumes, the music, everything was great. Everything but plot and character development.

I didn't understand how or why did Rose let go of her inheritance, it was just so completely out of character. One minute she was complaining about not having enough money, and the next she let go of her family fortune to support a newfound feminist spirit. Just not very believable for me.

Perhaps I could buy Abe turning into an angry socialist all of a sudden, because it's the Sixties, right? But certainly not a theatre critic. I get that he was a very educated man, that he read a lot and knew many things, even about theatre, but he was a mathematician, and writing a good article doesn't make you a journalist or a critic.

I'm not sure about Susie either, she didn't strike me as the kind of person who could become a gambler, but her story was certainly better written, since she is not a supporting character like Abe and Rose.

Sophie Lennon's story was probably the only really funny one of the season. Both Jane Lynch and Cary Elwes were amazing. All of the other story-lines were trying too hard to be funny and mostly failed.

Lenny Bruce's short appearance was brilliant and melancholic as usual. The character is so charismatic and sweet at the same time. Episode 5 was my favourite of the season, the final part with Lenny and Midge was just perfect in every aspect.

I was a little bored by Joel and his interactions with Midge. I liked him much more with Mei.

The real let-down, though, was the last episode, with Midge's debut at the Apollo. It ruined the whole season for me. I will never understand how in the world could she be so thoughtful and kind with Shy on the boat, and also later, in keeping his secret with all of his entourage, and then so totally tactless and/or clueless on stage at the Apollo, in front of so many people, for god's sake. I'm not sure if Reggie was tricking her, because he was jealous of her friendship with Shy, or not, but I don't care. She is supposed to be a very smart young woman, with a bright mind, what the heck was she thinking? I don't even know if she thought it was ok with the audience that he was gay, that they really knew, after Shy begged her not to tell anything to anyone because no one could know, or if she truly thought she was just making innocent and funny jokes. And I don't know which one is worse, really. That's not the Midge we knew and loved.

amazing show

[dollfacecrafter · 10/10 · 13 December 2019]

This is an amazing show with amazing actors, i love it! yeah there is unbelievable stuff going on, but for the most part it is entertaining and so funny, i don't feel like Midge "outed" Shy, i don't get that. i guess the times back then were so different than today where no one cares what your sexuality is or isn't.

Did anyone else notice this!!

[firefightergtp · 7/10 · 5 May 2020]

Midge does the SAME WALK through the garment district to visit Moishe about getting her apartment back as Joel did in season 1 episode 2 to break the news to Moishe that they were breaking up!!

What's the connection!?! Same song by "Taint what you do"

What happened to the promise of this show?

[pgboger · 2/10 · 8 December 2019]

This show has always been fanciful (e.g. a comic has a perfect, hilarious new set every night without having to refine it--except in a handful of episodes) and often asks to be appreciated primarily for its tremendous production values and witty banter rather than its realism. But the first two seasons, even when there were some fanciful moments and filler episodes, always felt like they were building towards being ABOUT something. In Season 1, Midge had to make the transition from the dream of being a housewife to being a comic. In Season 2, Midge had to learn that success isn't guaranteed, is hard won, and was triply so for a woman in this era. She also had to realize that there are sacrifices to stardom for anyone, as portrayed in Luke Kirby's great final episode song as Lenny Bruce about being "All Alone."

But Season 3? Where was the struggle with the consequences? With the sacrifices of losing her relationship with Benjamin, or not being there for Imogene's shower, or with sometimes being the lonely artist as explained by Rufus Sewell in his great guest turn last season? Nowhere. There were no real stakes; no real consequences--for any character, except in episodes 6 and 8. And that is a problem for this show--to be great (or "marvelous"), even for a comedy, there have to be stakes.

And this season didn't want to have any; until it did in horrifyingly tone-deaf fashion in the finale. Which brings me to the other problem this season: Midge simply CANNOT be this naive and street-smart at the same time. The show makes her brilliant; until it chooses to makes her dumb. And she may be extremely sheltered in her world about money, race, class and a host of other social norms that we see her have to learn about in clumsy fashion. And we have seen her be heedless before about blowing apart Joel's life or her father's life or Sophie's life on stage without thinking through the consequences. But NO ONE in this era would be SO naive about what she does at the Apollo with respect to Shy. It is insulting to her as a character and to us as viewers to think anyone would be that naive and heedless in blowing apart someone's life in that way.

Too much performance scenes

[aida_1563 · 7/10 · 29 January 2020]

The story was great this season and I get it she's in the show business now and I did expect to see some performances besides Midge's but was it necessary to put full-length performances on every episode? I had to skip through most of them because they mostly felt like fillers and unimportant to the plot.

A disappointing end to a disappointing season

[spinosa5 · 3/10 · 12 December 2019]

The entire season felt flat, without a single laugh except for the last few episodes. And I am really getting tired of many of the characters. Their behavior is grating, arrogant, over the top, and they behave in unbelievable ways just to advance the story line. Would Rose really go to her family to get an increase in the trust fund, and then be so self-entitled that she throws it all away on a lark because she decides she's a feminist on the spot? The woman has lived a sheltered, naïve existence, and knows her life depends on that money, but now she takes a stand. And the wonderful Abe, just throws his career and the family home away on a whim. Miriam sails along, leaving carnage in her wake without a care for her children, parents, fiancé, Shy Baldwin or anyone else like she doesn't have a thought in the world except what feels good for her in the moment. These are not realistic people, more like cartoonish characters and I'm getting tired.

A letdown

[rsgwynn · 6/10 · 31 December 2019]

The show needs to give Miriam just enough success to hold the center for the other characters. Still, the main problem with season 3 was that her routines weren't very sharp; she seemed limited opening for Shy. Anyway, I cringed at her Apollo routine and say the fall coming. And I liked Suzie finally telling off Sophie. It's a little hard to guess what's coming next

Needs to get a clue

[fh_3 · 5/10 · 17 August 2020]

Beautiful episode and loved the environment at the Apollo. Gave it a low rating because Midge continues to be naive and not learn from her mistakes. She goes to far whenever she talks about someone not related to her. She should have known Shy has guardrails just like Sophie. She can't seem to understand all of the implied gay jokes she made. I know this is a girl-power show that pokes fun of the patriarchal of the 50s and 60s in a lite and humorous way. It is an awesome show. But, Midge lives up to the ditsy dame stereotype when she continues to get in her own way.

Filler Season

[alysiaess · 3/10 · 8 December 2019]

It's just so disappointing to wait an entire year for a new season and I feel like the whole time in season 3 I was waiting for the camera to go back to Midge.. the show is called "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" isn't it?! Ughh.. wasted potential. There was so much time spent on other performers.. too many times we had to watch Shy Baldwin singing , it's not a musical. It's about a housewife becoming a comedian.. I just can't believe how unfulfilling that season was.. literally NOTHING happened.

Oh no

[a_chu · 5/10 · 8 December 2019]

The last episode of S3 doesn't have to test our patience....

Bad continuity

[sanoteruo · 3/10 · 14 December 2019]

The bassist played left-handed through the hole season and decides to change her mind at the Apollo presentation.

White privileged girl "act"

[dasha_facebook · 1/10 · 26 May 2020]

This was by far my favorite show to watch. I binge watched the whole three seasons but the ending, was the worst midge was portrayed as a privileged white girl that doesn't understand what can and can't be said which is not correct as through out the seasons we can see how smart and witty she is therefor the ending and her act doesn't match the personality of her character. Was expecting a lot more from the producers it seems they wanted her to stay in New York to of course continue the plot but they didn't do it the right way.

Season Three Review

[ehsanajini · 1/10 · 8 February 2024]

The whole show tries to follow a basic rule of a show; something must happen every 5 to 15 minutes, like any other Hollywood movie and American T. V shows, but is it enough that we can give it a ten star? I want to invite all dear viewers and readers of this review to think about "Is it enough to watch something just visually attractive?". Everyone just love "midge". Everyone Just adore her so much that the most important turn of event is someone rejecting her. And the show just fritter the time by useless scenes and dialogues and some music and dance. Does it really have something have to be something like everyday life?