If you know me in person, you know I love comedy. Whether it is a sitcom or stand-up, I don’t think any of my friends have gone more than one conversation without me referencing Parks and Recreation or a John Mulaney Comedy Special. Because of this, you can imagine my excitement when last year Amazon Prime Video announced a new comedy called The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel created by the writer of Gilmore Girls Amy Sherman-Palladino.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an hour-long dramedy that follows the Upper West Side 1950’s housewife Midge Maisel. When her husband Joel leaves her for his assistant, Midge stumbles upon the world of stand-up comedy. In the oppressive man’s world of 1959, Midge and her new manager Susie embark to become a successful female comedian. Midge is smart, bold, and always knows a good comeback. This show has, not just amazing comedy writing and brilliantly designed 1950’s costumes, but it has a cast filled with stars. The lead of Midge Maisel is played by Rachel Brosnahan. Her family and friends include the likes of Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegin, Zachary Levi, and Kevin Pollack.
When I started watching the first season of the show last winter, I was so mesmerized by literally every aspect that I did not want it to end after the eighth episode finale. I ended up watching the first season two more times. Also at the beginning of December, Amazon released season two. I devoured those episodes just as quickly.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is one of those shows that I can’t get out of my head. Every interaction I have had recently has made me recall a moment from the show. But what I have come to notice is that the way I interact with my friends, teachers, and strangers has changed since watching the show.
For a little backstory, I have been known my entire life as the shyest person in every situation. (Think of me as the exact opposite of Midge Maisel.) As a young child, I would run into another room or simply stare at a blank face rather than having a conversation. As I grew older, I learned little tricks along the way that helped hide my innate struggle with public speaking. By the time college rolled around and I was able to reinvent myself, I set a goal that I would act more extraverted and say yes to more adventures instead of staying comfortably inside all day. Being in the middle of my sophomore year, I will sadly confess that I have not completely reached this goal….. Until very recently.
Because of my love for the character of Midge Maisel and her lifestyle, I have subconsciously begun to pick up little mannerisms of her character. When Midge is being belittled by a group of men, she stands up for herself. She discovers why they might be attacking her, then she cleverly retorts with a remark that not only shuts downs her skeptics but gives herself a moment of elegance and grace. Now, I am not saying that I am constantly put into situations that require a witty comeback, but if Midge is able to rise above her haters, then I should too!
Usually, when another person says a snide comment under their breath about me, I feel like shrinking. I feel like apologizing for whatever I might be doing wrong. But Midge has given me confidence. Standing up for yourself in those type of situations has no real negative repercussions. I might be returned with a glare or another spiteful comment. However, if The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has taught me anything, it is that the opinions of cynics do not matter. In the grand scheme of things, these haters will be a distant memory as I continue to grow as a human being, just as Midge brushes off those who distress over her tenacity to be a famous stand-up comic.
Another thing I have learned from Midge Maisel is how to throw myself into unfamiliar situations – and accepting the challenge with grace and confidence. Stand-up comedy is not the only new adventure our leading protagonist begins. She also gets her first job. She learns about the art dealing world. She ventures to Paris. Her confidence in the midst of new endeavors is the trademark of her character. Midge Maisel would not be “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” without her bold originality, wanting to conquer all of New York City.
As you can tell, I am infatuated with Midge’s personality, and I am determined to incorporate her boldness into my everyday life. However, unlike simply gliding above one’s haters, stepping out of one’s comfort zone takes a lot more effort and deliberate thinking than I thought.
Baby steps are key. I recently got a job at a restaurant where my boss requires us to have a full conversation with every customer that walks through the door. Not only that but just speaking to my new coworkers frightened me. On my first day, I thought, “What would Midge do?” On the first day of her new job, she held her head high, wore her best outfit, and exuded confidence – even if we all new as audience members that she was terrified. I attempted to follow. It is safe to say that I have done a decent job at copying Midge. So much so that my coworkers now believe I am a naturally bubbly and outgoing person. Fake it until you make it really works!
You might say this whole article is just one big advertisement for a TV show I think you should watch. But it is more than that. Amy Sherman-Palladino and the other writers created a female lead that I look up to. A woman similar to my age, with my interests, living in the same city. Television does not have that many characters that I relate to. I not only relate to Midge Maisel, but I am striving to be like her more and more every day.