Bringing a TV show in for a series finale landing is a tricky proposition. On one hand, the series has to deliver what has always endeared the show to it's fans. On the other hand, the series has to deliver some real changes to the status quo.
For the series finale, you need more of the same but different.
The series finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel sticks the landing.
More of the same: once more, Miriam "Midge" Maisel has an opportunity for her big break as a stand up comedian. Gordon Ford has relented to let Miriam appear on his show despite his previous objections.
More of the same: fuckery occurs that threatens Miriam's big break. There's always some fuckery that gets in the way of her big breaks. In this case, Gordon has made a last second change to only have Miriam on in a lame "meet the writers" segment instead of letting Miriam do her act. Gordon's a dick. Shoulda seen it coming.
But different: Miriam steals the show.
Literally.
When Miriam informs her manager Suzie Myerson of her intention do something reckless to get her shot, Suzie harkens back to the events of the first episode of the first season: “You started your career by standing on a stage that no one told you to get up on, saying a bunch of shit that no one wanted you to say."
Right in the middle of Gordon's lame ass segment, Miriam stands up, takes the mike and does a 4 minute set that KILLS!!!
Although pissed off that Miriam usurped his show, even he is doubled over laughing as Miriam brings her 4 minute bit in for a landing.
After 5 seasons of working night clubs, strip clubs, private parties and whatever straws she could clutch, the marvelous Mrs. Maisel finally gets her nationally televised break before all of America!
In order to set in motion the events to get Miriam to that point in time on that stage in front of Gordon Ford's cameras, Susie Myerson had to do something she didn't want to do because she knew it would break her heart.
Susie had to talk to Hedy, Gordon's wife and Susie's ex-girlfriend.
The aftermath of that encounter sends Susie on a bender which leaves her drunk and passed out on a park bench. A cop on the beat tries to get Susie to get up and move on.
The sequence ends with Susie resisting arrest from 3 cops.
In a reversal of fortune from season 1, it's Miriam who bails Susie out of jail. Then we have a scene with Miriam and Susie at their favorite deli/diner where Susie is uncharacteristically open about how much Hedy had hurt her and Miriam only now realizing how much she asked of Susie to ask Hedy to convince Gordon to let Miriam be on the show.
Miriam asks if Suzie has ever been in love since Hedy. Suzie rants and curses as is her want and does not answer this question. Well, not out loud.
Suzie's point of view shot is Miriam, perfectly centered in the frame, the background almost out of focus. That shot says more than words could ever convey.
Susie loves Miriam. Romantically, sexually, maybe it matters , maybe it doesn't. However it's defined or how much it defies definition, Susie loves this woman.
This is not a major revelation for anyone watching this series for 5 seasons but that scene really underscores the depth of Susie's feelings for Miriam, even if unspoken.
After the mishap in their relationship revealed in the mid 1980's flash forward, Miriam and Susie are tight as the episode ends with one last flash forward, this one to 2005.
Although separated by half a world, Miriam and Susie are on the phone with each other watching Jeopardy together, making fun of the questions, riffing on tangents and making each other laugh.
The sequence fades to black with the two of them laughing and thus we reach the end of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
I'm sorry to see it go but it ended well.
Well, that is that for this week's Tuesday TV Touchbase.
Next week, we look a couple of comedy specials, one starring Alex Borstein of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and another featuring John Mulaney.
Until next time, remember to be good to one another and try to keep it down in there, would ya? I'm trying to watch TV over here.
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