Loved Season One, Enjoyed Parts of Season Two

Sorry to all the folks out there who remain smitten with Mrs. Maisel.

Actually, I remain quite fond of the eponymous character (Rachel Brosnahan) and the ideas that inform the series, but the show isn’t quite as fresh, inspiring, and surprising for me as during its inaugural season.

The premise of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel remains relevant, the production design is appealing, the cast is strong, and there are moments in the second season that are terrific — notably some of the scenes in the Catskills and especially Miriam “Midge” Maisel’s scenes with Benjamin (Zachary Levi).

After a frosty meeting, the sparks start to fly between Midge and Benjamin, and their conversations and forays into the art world are reminders of how sharp the dialogue is throughout most of the first season.

Midge starts to come into her own professionally during the second season, which is welcome, but storylines involving her parents, brother, and sister-in-law fall a little flat.

It is interesting, however, to watch Midge’s estranged husband Joel (Michael Zegen) try to find his way personally and professionally after his jealously of Midge’s talent drives him into the arms of a less threatening woman.

Silly man.

The gender politics of the series are dissected smartly by Midge on stage based on what is happening in her life, and the show is at its best when viewers are reminded that girdles of the past are not so different from Spanx of the present. Some problems seem entrenched, as we are reminded daily by the headlines if not conversations with our friends and acquaintances.

(I confess that I had to look up the word Spanx for spelling because I know they exist and understand the concept but refuse to torture myself.) 

Despite my quibbles, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is worth watching.

I’m pulling for Midge.

Maybe she’ll give up the girdle in the third season along with other constraints…it’s probably a little early for her to burn a bra…