S03.E05: It's Comedy or Cabbage

[Pallas]

Midge runs into an old friend in Miami. Abe grows frustrated with his friends while Rose reaches her breaking point with Shirley.

 

[Juneau Gal]

I adore the Lenny Bruce character, but it’s sometimes difficult to watch knowing how he ended. 
This season the show runners seem to be enamored with musical pieces, that go on too damn long in my opinion. The one in the Miami After Dark was too, too much. 

[CinAZ]

I kinda wish the Lenny Bruce character was someone different.. we know how his story ends.... he and Midge have so much chemistry. I was kind of hoping she would walk into his room. Smart move of her not to do that.

The parent drama is wearing thin. I tune out when they are on.

why haven’t they replaced Sophie? It’s pretty clear that she isn’t leading lady material, at least that we have seen. Maybe she has an understudy that will take over.

[Jessica Yes]

The chemistry between Lenny  and Miriam, wowza! She didn't go into his room and that's probably for the best. Can't say I would've done the same. I can't be the only one who finds his character incredibly alluring. He's sexy with a dash of melancholy. Perfect for a one-night stand.

[HollyG]

26 minutes ago, CinAZ said:

I kinda wish the Lenny Bruce character was someone different.. we know how his story ends.... he and Midge have so much chemistry. I was kind of hoping she would walk into his room. Smart move of her not to do that.

I agree on all counts. I love these characters together and I wish Kirby's character was not Lenny Bruce so that they could be together... at least for a bit. But as we know what happens to him, it's smart of her not to get more involved. I can't remember if they've revealed his drug addiction yet or if Mrs. Maisel knew about it, although I always thought it was an open secret. 

[Juneau Gal]

2 hours ago, CinAZ said:

I kinda wish the Lenny Bruce character was someone different.. we know how his story ends.... he and Midge have so much chemistry. I was kind of hoping she would walk into his room. Smart move of her not to do that.

Plus, Lenny Bruce was a real person. I hate it when fictional shows bring in a factual character and then screw with the facts. It’s great to leave Miriam and Lenny as kindred spirits/friends/colleagues. 

[shapeshifter]

Unlike all the rest of the posters (I think?) upthread, I have no problem with the "Lenny Bruce character" being the Lenny Bruce character. 
*swoon*  *sigh*
In the 2020s the smoking reads as foreshadowing of death (which they share) and then his last line slayed me: ". . . before I'm dead."
I did shed a tear.

ETA: At least since Abe and Lenny spent a night together in jail, if Lenny dies in-show, Midge can cry on her Dad’s shoulder.

--

On 12/6/2019 at 5:32 PM, Juneau Gal said:

This season the show runners seem to be enamored with musical pieces, that go on too damn long in my opinion. The one in the Miami After Dark was too, too much. 

You mean the "Loco Amore" (Crazy Love)? Almost too long, but it was necessary foreplay, IMO

--

I loved the swimming scene, but the Jane Lynch stuff is lacking. Like they didn't care enough about it to make it good --maybe because it was like it was an entire other show  --which I suppose is what they're going for (that Susie will dump Lennon), but do we, the audience, have to suffer too?

--

The outfits.
I loved the opening scene dress with the flowing cape thingy. 

  
And I swear I remember the pool-side print fabric, or at least something else produced at the same time and place by the same manufacturer.

I thought they ventured into costume porn levels of wardrobe when they not only had her change again to meet up with Lenny Bruce, but they actually put it into the script. Almost a bit of 4th wall damage, I suppose.

--

One more thing: When Ethan was vaguely "playing with the little boy across the street" I got a little panic attack because that kind of situation with the little girl across the street never ended well for me. I'm glad they only hinted at it, and I should appreciate that they acknowledged the existence of that kind of lack of supervision, but, well, I'm glad it's over. Show, don't you ever do that to me again!

Edited December 8, 2019 by shapeshifter

[kittykat]

I loved the local amore scene.  Such a beautiful build up to All. The. Staring!

This episode needs a Emmy for production design.  Every shot was just beautiful.

[thesupremediva1]

For me this was a truly perfect piece of episodic television. I will rewatch the last 5 minutes forever.

[Old Man Neil]

Wonder why they didn't use the original instead of the cover by The Mamas and Papas. 

[retrograde]

For those who, like me, had no idea about the source material for that Cuban club scene: enjoy.

[tennisgurl]

I love Lenny Bruce and he and Midge have such amazing chemistry, but seeing stuff like this...it really hurts, knowing how things will end for him. Especially that "Before I`m dead" "Its a date" exchange, oh that hit me right in the gut, especially knowing that Lenny doesent have a whole lot of time left. 

They have wonderful chemistry, but I dont blame Midge for not going into his room. Sex would possibly make their friendship complicated, but man that spark was really sparkling. Plus, given Lenny was a real person who didnt fall in love with a female comic named Midge, it would seem weird to deviate so much from his actual story, as much as I would love to see Lenny getting a happy ending. 

Loved the whole Miami After Dark bit, it was so dripping with ambiance and period details, 50s/early 60s television is so fascinating to me. People were still really trying to figure out what exactly TV was and what people could do with it.

[shapeshifter]

13 hours ago, retrograde said:

For those who, like me, had no idea about the source material for that Cuban club scene: enjoy.

Totally believably Crazy for Love!! And surprisingly better done than the version here with modern technology at their disposal. 
 

[Razzberry]

Loved this episode.  Rachel Brosnahan explains why Midge and Lenny don't jump into bed  and I couldn't agree more!

Edited December 10, 2019 by Razzberry

[ShadowFacts]

Normally I'm a huge proponent of showing male/female friendship in shows, there's not enough of it.  In this case, I'm glad it's staying a friendship, but that is not the way this episode was heading and it therefore felt false to me.  That much run up, the super sensual performance at the club and then their dancing, the gazing, it was only going one place, then it didn't.  I'm happy with the end result but not how they got there. 

[TV Diva Queen]

Is the International Inn really a place that I can go to like now?  

I loved this episode so much, everything was perfect to me.  

[Razzberry]

5 hours ago, ShadowFacts said:

Normally I'm a huge proponent of showing male/female friendship in shows, there's not enough of it.  In this case, I'm glad it's staying a friendship, but that is not the way this episode was heading and it therefore felt false to me.  That much run up, the super sensual performance at the club and then their dancing, the gazing, it was only going one place, then it didn't.  I'm happy with the end result but not how they got there. 

You're right.  They started off as friends, but it was clearly developing into romance and the sexual tension was off the charts.

He's like "WTF just happened?"

Edited December 10, 2019 by Razzberry

[mytmo]

Yes very swanky the whole Miami After Dark/Playboy After Dark scene.  I honestly do not know much about Lennie Bruce and specifically did not Google him so I'm somewhat surprised at where his story goes.  That last scene of him staring off was chilling.

[SailorGirl]

7 hours ago, ShadowFacts said:

Normally I'm a huge proponent of showing male/female friendship in shows, there's not enough of it.  In this case, I'm glad it's staying a friendship, but that is not the way this episode was heading and it therefore felt false to me.  That much run up, the super sensual performance at the club and then their dancing, the gazing, it was only going one place, then it didn't.  I'm happy with the end result but not how they got there. 

I disagree -- I've been in a situation more than once where there was crazy chemistry -- and Midge and Lenny dancing was definitely some chemistry going on! -- with a friend and we walked close to the line of it crossing over -- spending time together in ways that most people would assume was a date, going to dinner, holding hands while we were walking -- but decided that, while taking it further would be fun, the friendship was more important. Even though the words weren't said exactly like that, it worked for me -- sometimes as much as you want the booty, you have to make the smarter choice, and that's what Midge did. 

Edited December 10, 2019 by SailorGirl

[ShadowFacts]

49 minutes ago, SailorGirl said:

I disagree -- I've been in a situation more than once where there was crazy chemistry -- and Midge and Lenny dancing was definitely some chemistry going on! -- with a friend and we walked close to the line of it crossing over -- spending time together in ways that most people would assume was a date, going to dinner, holding hands while we were walking -- but decided that, while taking it further would be fun, the friendship was more important. Even though the words weren't said exactly like that, it worked for me -- sometimes as much as you want the booty, you have to make the smarter choice, and that's what Midge did. 

We actually agree -- I said I'm happy with the end result. I just don't think the way the evening was presented was the way to get to that point. In fact, wasn't Midge drinking (she usually is)? Which interferes with judgment, makes the good decision harder. That evening was not realistic to me, even though I'm happy it didn't derail their friendship. (Yet. There's still time, they'll still cross paths, there's still attraction.)

[Snewtsie]

On 12/9/2019 at 12:54 PM, tennisgurl said:

I love Lenny Bruce and he and Midge have such amazing chemistry, but seeing stuff like this...it really hurts, knowing how things will end for him. Especially that "Before I`m dead" "Its a date" exchange, oh that hit me right in the gut, especially knowing that Lenny doesent have a whole lot of time left. 

That foreshadowing gutted me, too, and made me tremendously sad.  However, based on the time period, he still has 6 years remaining- so hopefully his death will not be covered until a future season.

[shapeshifter]

10 hours ago, Snewtsie said:

That foreshadowing gutted me, too, and made me tremendously sad.  However, based on the time period, he still has 6 years remaining- so hopefully his death will not be covered until a future season.

IDK. I think maybe including his death could be a sobering event for Midge that would cause her to take on his mantle and forego comedy that attacks individuals and instead she will take on bigger issues and oppressive institutions. 

Edited December 12, 2019 by shapeshifter

[mytmo]

So I had to Google Lenny Bruce's death.  Wow morphine.  Had a wife, daughter.  What a waste!

They did a good job casting him.  

[shapeshifter]

WRT all this talk about Lenny and Midge staying friends: "Just friends" don't dance like that. 
Just sayin'.

And WRT all the talk about Lenny being a real person so this or that can or cannot happen with Midge: Midge is a fictional person, so, in my book, anything goes.

[ShadowFacts]

7 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

IDK. I think maybe including his death could be a sobering event for Midge that would cause her to take on his mantle and forego comedy that attacks individuals and instead she will take on bigger issues and oppressive institutions. 

I would like to see her do that even before he dies, if they even go that far into the future. She could evolve both as a comic and a person. I thought they were going to have Abe become radicalized in some kind of way, but he's heading in a conventional direction.

42 minutes ago, shapeshifter said:

WRT all this talk about Lenny and Midge staying friends: "Just friends" don't dance like that. 
Just sayin'.

Exactly. And the sexual attraction probably won't just extinguish itself.

[Raja]

On 12/10/2019 at 1:20 PM, SailorGirl said:

I disagree -- I've been in a situation more than once where there was crazy chemistry -- and Midge and Lenny dancing was definitely some chemistry going on! -- with a friend and we walked close to the line of it crossing over -- spending time together in ways that most people would assume was a date, going to dinner, holding hands while we were walking -- but decided that, while taking it further would be fun, the friendship was more important. Even though the words weren't said exactly like that, it worked for me -- sometimes as much as you want the booty, you have to make the smarter choice, and that's what Midge did. 

And that it came after faux Carol Kaye gave Mrs Maisel advice about sex on the road  I thought there was the possibility that she just might go there with Lenny Bruce.

Edited December 13, 2019 by Raja

[shapeshifter]

18 minutes ago, Raja said:

And that it came after faux Carol Kaye gave Mrs Maisel advice about sex on the road sex on the road I thought there was the possibility that she just might go there with Lenny Bruce.

Heh, and I assumed that, based upon that advice, when Midge left Lenny at his hotel room door, that she had taken a quick peek inside and seen a messy room. 

[HouseofBeck]

They’ve still got a few years out of the Lenny Bruce character, though I guess they’re not going to pursue any romance regardless. That look of his at the end! So much more there than not getting involved with Midge.

Even knowing it’s better this way for Midge’s character development, that was a delectably sensual scene that I wouldn’t have minded continuing. And that song—I already loved “Crazy Love,” and this just blew me away. YouTube is only serving up what seems to be the sole recording from the source movie. This ep’s version seemed to have more oomph, unless it was just that it was wrapped up with the mood and decor. Completely unexpected and amazing. We watched/listened twice.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I'm torn because on the one hand, Midge is single (well, technically she's married to Joel again but whatever) and I'm all for a single woman hooking up with someone just for the hell of it. But on the other hand, I totally understand wanting to keep their relationship as friends. You never know what will happen after you cross that line and if it's someone who you already have a good relationship/friendship with, it might not be worth losing the current status for what will probably be a fling.

You can't help who you're attracted to, but you can choose not to act on it. It's clear that Midge considered it but then she made a conscious decision not to do it which I respect.

How is Sophie so clueless about acting if she is a Yale drama grad? And who decides to make their Broadway debut and harangue their manager into making it happen without reading the entire play first?

The only reason I'm tolerating that storyline at all is because I love Cary Elwes.

[DianeDobbler]

On 12/12/2019 at 9:29 AM, mytmo said:

So I had to Google Lenny Bruce's death.  Wow morphine.  Had a wife, daughter.  What a waste!

They did a good job casting him.  

He and his one and only wife Honey Harlow married in 1953 and divorced in 1957.  On Mrs. Maisel, we meet Honey when she's late bailing out Lenny because she went to the jail on Varick Street first. So Mrs. Maisel extended the marriage as the show starts after 1957. Honey Bruce Friedman (she remarried in the 1980s) did an excellent job advocating for Bruce after his death, including getting his indecency convictions stricken from the records in NY. They had a daughter, Kitty, born in 1955.

[Cherry Cola]

On 12/7/2019 at 8:03 PM, Jessica Yes said:

The chemistry between Lenny  and Miriam, wowza! She didn't go into his room and that's probably for the best. Can't say I would've done the same. I can't be the only one who finds his character incredibly alluring. He's sexy with a dash of melancholy. Perfect for a one-night stand.

I was so happy when Lenny walked into the bar. The chemistry between the two is amazing. I was rapt with attention watching them, wondering if they were going to go there. Also, the actor is incredibly handsome. 

[lavenderblue]

I don't require romantic storylines in every show. However, this is the kind of show that has, obviously, some interest in presenting them, and a very big problem it confronts me with is that Midge's chemistry is undeniably strongest with a guy they cast to play a doomed real person, while the relationship that never goes away is with the actor she's least compatible with on-screen. (While I love Zach Levi, I also didn't really think they clicked that well.) As a Gilmore Girls vet, at least Lauren Graham/Lorelai had chemistry with her major leading men whatever the faults or merits of those relationships in-story, but RB isn't having quite the same luck.*

I get why the show wanted this framing to start the story, but I so wish "Lenny" had been presented as a sort of composite/homage character (with a different name, of course), who could be used to address real Lenny's censorship issues but without the "merging history with fiction" issues or the real man's baggage, which is way darker than this show's territory anyway.

*I did think she and Rufus Sewell clicked last season; maybe she works best with a certain dark type who strongly contrasts with her pep.

[shapeshifter]

On 12/15/2019 at 12:10 AM, kbott925 said:

I've been binge watching. This episode was amazing

After I watched this episode I thought: So that’s why they sent the reviewers the first 5 episodes. 
 

-

8 hours ago, lavenderblue said:

…Midge's chemistry is undeniably strongest with a guy they cast to play a doomed real person, while the relationship that never goes away is with the actor she's least compatible with on-screen. (While I love Zach Levi, I also didn't really think they clicked that well.)
 

…I did think she and Rufus Sewell clicked last season; maybe she works best with a certain dark type who strongly contrasts with her pep.

Good observation. I wonder some sort of Bonnie and Clyde or other epic romance would be like with Rachel Brosnahan and Luke Kirby. 

[MoreCoffeePlease]

Quote

The outfits.
I loved the opening scene dress with the flowing cape thingy. 

The clothes are AMAZING!  (excuse the yelling)  If I can figure out how to start a topic just to declare our love for particular dresses and outfits, I just may do that.

[kwnyc]

Quote

why haven’t they replaced Sophie? It’s pretty clear that she isn’t leading lady material, at least that we have seen. Maybe she has an understudy that will take over.

Because Sophie is the reason they are producing the show. Susie showed her manager skills when she broke down Sophie's audiences to the producers. They said: get us another star, and we'll do it. And that is sometimes how shows are produced. 

They are taking a chance that no matter how awful Sophie is, her fans will show up and they will be able to make back their investment. (Which wouldn't have been all that big for a 3-character, 1-set show.)

And Sophie hasn't played a part other than her comic persona in many years. She's RUSTY.

Midge gave Susie excellent advice about Sophie. Sophie is scared SHITLESS at what she's gotten herself into, and she's lashing out in every direction. A director who understood that could get a performance out of her.

(I'm a theater person, and this subplot is heartbreaking and hysterical. I love that Sophie brings Dawes to rehearsal. I know the actor, and he would NOT give me any spoilers before the season began!)

[lucindabelle]

Sophie is rusty but if she went to Yale she should know to read the play and memorize her lines. That’s just silly. 
I too have a background in theater and there’s just no way anybody who studied drama would think she should have the set in rehearsal.

im currently a journalist though and have found all the alternative newspaper stuff hysterical.

of course Midge has to change her dress. That’s her work clothes. She wears that dress every night onstage. 

Her chemsistry with Lenny is outstanding though it was strange to hear him suddenly SOUND like Lenny bruce in the TV show- the actor has not been playing him that way.

i understood her decision but I hope they rethink it. At some point it stops making sense. At least there should be a kiss!

on the other hand- he did not make a pass at her either.

i actually never though Lorelei has chemistry with first husband (name?) is the “crazy kid” angle of midge and Joel just works the same way.

interesrinflt in Judaism they can never remarry. You’re not allow to remarry your ex (my guess is to stop people from divorcing to save money on taxes or whatever and then remarrying).

but neither family would mind.

OMG Joel’s family are the worst.
 

[mmecorday]

Quote

OMG Joel’s family are the worst.

Agreed. But I think Shirley Maisel is so funny. I was laughing out loud when she was yelling for Ethan. "I've got chicken! I've got peanut butter! I've got peanut butter and jelly!"

[TexasGal]

4 hours ago, mmecorday said:

Agreed. But I think Shirley Maisel is so funny. I was laughing out loud when she was yelling for Ethan. "I've got chicken! I've got peanut butter! I've got peanut butter and jelly!"

Then stopped to argue with Rose, but started the litany up again as soon as Ethan and his friend appeared.  "I've got soup!"

[Dminches]

I really like this show but the filler story lines are horrible.  Midge's parents and in-laws are so annoying to watch and listen.  The Sophie Lenon part may be worse.  Too bad they can't just fill the hour with Midge, Susie and the supporting people in their stories.

When they showed the set of Miami After Dark I turned to my wife and said "it looks like Playboy After Dark."  The host was a fake Hugh Hefner.

 

[Macnyc]

9 hours ago, Dminches said:

I really like this show but the filler story lines are horrible.  Midge's parents and in-laws are so annoying to watch and listen.  The Sophie Lenon part may be worse.  Too bad they can't just fill the hour with Midge, Susie and the supporting people in their stories.

When they showed the set of Miami After Dark I turned to my wife and said "it looks like Playboy After Dark."  The host was a fake Hugh Hefner.

 

This is exactly the weakness of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and what keeps it from achieving the heights of something like Mad Men. All the ancillary MM characters were so interesting and well written. Every new episode added to their depth and complexity.

In contrast, the secondary characters on Mrs. Maisel are inconsistent and cartoony. You have someone like Susie, who went to such care to figure out what to ask for in Midge’s contract, even assembling a humorous “brain trust” in the deli to suss out details about the weird ask, and then she doesn’t even sign the contract? She thought it was so important in one episode and inconsequential in another?

That’s sitcom level writing. 

[ombre]

Oh, golly.  I assume this is the turning point in this season - the chips are on the table, now it's a question of whether people can really play the hand they've been dealt.  Welllll... if we're being honest, have dealt themselves - these are all adults who have now gotten what they want and have to see how they like it.  The constant use of Lenny Bruce as the reminder of Midge's version of How It Could All Go Terribly Wrong is incredibly effective.  They get to dress it up in laughs and massive heaping servings of unresolved sexual tension, but he just can't escape his fate and we don't know if Midge can either. 

The Weissmans are already living through their personal Worst Thing That Could Happen, they just refuse to see it.  (Midge's line about how her mom had heard about her divorce she just hasn't *heard* it yet was so very on the nose!)  

Suzie's in the same place with Sophie - she set up this crazy scheme and it all came together!  And in so doing she may well have just ruined her career!  (Although...  she's rising to the challenge beautifully.)  And Joel, too, is getting everything that he wants and it looks like it may be his ruination. 

None of them seem to be acting with particular hubris (welllll, maybe the Weissmans... but they're stuck in this bizarre competition with one another and their daughter, bless their hearts), but ya can't help but wonder if it nevertheless is outstripping their moirai.

I suspect all this means that it's time to insert a parents-in-Miami hijinks ep to further ignore all the issues and let them really marinate.  And they can't possibly be bringing Liza Weil in *just* to be smart and grounded (and jaded af), can they?

 

I'd been putting off watching this season - I heard it was kinda meh - and am pleasantly surprised by it.  Building tension by laying out an issue and then having the characters ignore it until they effing explode is one of ASP's real talents, and she's got it going particularly well this time around.  I like how the show is playing out its core question - can anyone really have it all? - across a variety of characters.  This was a place where GG kinda fell flat (so centered on Lorelei and Rory, intermittently letting the grand/parents or Luke be human/everyone else was a prop).  Bunheads (which, ohhhh... I loved and still miss, so help me) managed to expand that circle of humans.  This is doing it even more.  Lovely.

[aradia22]

The guy Suzy told "those shoes need a shine, kid," was cute. Very... Ned Nickerson. I'm never sure if I'm supposed to take note of things or not. Like, Suzy seems to be making okay money now and she was also doing well at gambling in Vegas. But did Angie ever give back that paycheck? Should I be worried that Suzy is throwing money around like this?

I'm curious how set design works on this show. Do they scope out locations that are kind of stuck in the past? How much expense do they go to bringing in wallpaper or chandeliers if the things that are there read as too modern?

Miriam's first outfit this episode was A LOT. Very Carrie Bradshaw. That hat. And I know the dress was one print but it looked like clashing prints. 

Does Suzy actually have a law degree???

Rose's all red outfit was MARVELOUS. 

I love What's My Line. I only watch the celeb parts though. Was that What's My Line that they were betting on?

Miriam's coral poolside outfit was perfect. She really did look like a Barbie.

Is that Michael Arden?

It's clear that Sophie is being critical because of her own insecurities. I'm not sure it's a manager's job to coddle her but this is what Suzy does for Midge.

Abe talking to these idiot children is getting SO OLD. They need to cut this plot. I am starting to hate those three actors. Abe needs something he can be passionate about that isn't just going to have him spinning his wheels. He needs to cut them loose and see how they fare with no money to publish their misspelled, grammatically incorrect newspaper.

I'm sorry, is this a geriatric production of Miss Julie? Sorry, that was mean. But these actors are way too old for their parts. This is like actors in their 40's and 50's doing Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet. I know it happens but it looks very silly. 

It IS Michael Arden. I love that they got a director to play a director.

"This could be more entertaining than the play." I love Cary Elwes.

Midge's talk with Paris (I refuse to remember her character's name) had a weird energy. I feel like the show is trying to give her a female friend that isn't Suzy... but that came across like something from Glow. 

It was corny but Shirley yelling in the middle of the street made me laugh. I get the show wanting to use Joel's parents. Those actors are fun.

I enjoyed the parade of women walking down the stairs. Though I don't get some of the direction in this show. Why shoot that from so far away? How I am supposed to get a good look at the clothes? Also, Midge didn't wear a green dress. 

"Almost Like Being in Love" was one of Shy's better musical numbers. To be honest, the actor doesn't always sound that great.

Ooh, that pink and black dress was adorable. There were some fun bits in that scene but overall it was insane. Was that supposed to be public access? Who would let them film a show live like that?

That was an insane scene transition. Why would the singer just be wandering around the restaurant like that? And that microphone had a cord!!!

The actors have a lot of chemistry but it'll feel weird if this show was leading up to her having a romance with Lenny Bruce.

How were we supposed to read that scene? Was she going to sleep with him until she saw the inside of the hotel room? Also, when in the 60's do we think this is? Lenny Bruce can't die until we hear about JFK's assassination so I assume he's going to make it to season 4 at least. 

[aradia22]

Quote

I loved the swimming scene, but the Jane Lynch stuff is lacking. Like they didn't care enough about it to make it good --maybe because it was like it was an entire other show  --which I suppose is what they're going for (that Susie will dump Lennon), but do we, the audience, have to suffer too?

I hope the Suzy will get Sophie to snap out of it and take the play seriously. I think it's more important to show that Suzy can manage someone other than Midge than to have her dump Sophie as a client. 

Quote

How is Sophie so clueless about acting if she is a Yale drama grad? And who decides to make their Broadway debut and harangue their manager into making it happen without reading the entire play first?

I think Sophie's bad acting can be excused by her being a long way away from her real acting days in college and her insecurity. It's easier to blame other people than work on herself right now. She's feeling vulnerable what with the director constantly picking on her but she doesn't know how to act vulnerable and admit that so she can get better. I did think the part about her not recognizing the third actress was stupid. From the old manager, we know that Sophie has been obsessed with this play. She clearly read it. It was pointless to throw that in for an unnecessary joke. 

Quote

I don't require romantic storylines in every show. However, this is the kind of show that has, obviously, some interest in presenting them, and a very big problem it confronts me with is that Midge's chemistry is undeniably strongest with a guy they cast to play a doomed real person, while the relationship that never goes away is with the actor she's least compatible with on-screen. 

This is an excellent point. Sometimes writing is hampered by the chemistry between actors. Of course, you hope the actors will be good enough to overcome that. 

[Ilovepie]

On 1/28/2020 at 2:34 AM, aradia22 said:

Abe talking to these idiot children is getting SO OLD.

Yes a thousand times! In fact, the whole plot of them living with the Maisels has gone too long. It’s ridiculous! Why the hell have they just not gone back to Rose’s crappy Paris apartment where they were happy? The only reason they left was because the semester was starting for Abe at Columbia, which is not an issue now. Or maybe Rose should crawl back to her family, get her trust fund back and they can get a smaller apartment in Manhattan. I don’t care which way this goes, but I am really ready for the odd couples to split!

I loved all of Midge’s clothes this episode and her dramatic walk down the stairway to nowhere. I wonder if such a thing existed??? Either way, she is the best dressed lady on my tv since Betty Draper departed from it, and I am here for it!

 I am glad Midge didn’t hook up with Lenny. I think she knew she would regret it. He is really her comedy touchstone. I don’t think she wanted him to be her “one night stand”, especially after her conversation with Not-Paris. They are wonderful together though. Their exchange on that tv show was everything. “She’s either my wife or my sister.” Which one is it?” “Depends on which state we’re in.” 😂😂😂

[Kirkydee]

I'm surprised that only 1or 2 posters mentioned Susie casually dropping her law degree.  That needs to he explored. Along with her piano playing, she reminds me of Wendy from 'Mom'  A character who every now and then drops hints that there's more to her than meets the eye.

I must be in the great minority that i love the Jane Lynch Sophie Lennon character. Her over the top snob persona kills me.  Yelling at Susie telling her the last time she came that far was to tell Desi Arnaz he gave her the clap!!

And speaking of that, if people on here are worried that Midge shouldn't hook up with Lenny because that would do a disservice to the actual Lenny- What about the real Desi stepping out on Lucy to see Minnie Pearl/Sophie

[chessiegal]

1 hour ago, Kirkydee said:

What about the real Desi stepping out on Lucy to see Minnie Pearl/Sophie

Desi was a well known womanizer, or at least that was the word on the street.

[Kirkydee]

5 hours ago, chessiegal said:

Desi was a well known womanizer, or at least that was the word on the street.

That's what I figured, but the earlier vibe I got from this board was Lenny wasnt exactly Mr Faithful either (although at this time in 1960 Lenny is divorced)

[MerBearHou]

7 hours ago, Kirkydee said:

 

I must be in the great minority that i love the Jane Lynch Sophie Lennon character. Her over the top snob persona kills me. 

Count me in too.  Jane is killing me.  I’ve adored Jane Lynch for years (since early Christopher Guest) and seeing her mega-snooty (opposite of hick-Sophie) character is so fun to see.  It is indeed a big adjustment hearing Jane speak so low, slow, Uber-snobby — I think that’s why her character seems flat to others.  But for me, I get a kick out of her performance every time.  The jello, the dogs, the “do we really know”, the library with minimal books, etc etc — I mean, just so much to enjoy.  

[Dobian]

I liked the whole Playboy After Dark send-up with the Heffner-like host.  When Midge turned down Lenny's hotel room invite, and he said "maybe sometime before I'm dead," it was so ominous and chilling, especially how they faded to black on him.

[DanaMB]

(Late to the show here.)

I didn’t know Lenny Bruce was a real person until I read these forums. Totally out of the loop. I then went down the YouTube rabbit hole and saw some of the original with Hugh Heffner so I was excited that I recognized what they were doing.

And now knowing the real life ending, that last scene killed me.