The Mrs. Maisel Appraisal: Episode 4

This episode felt a little slower than the last, with more focus on Susie and Midge’s lives rather than the comedy. Midge jumped into the dating scene herself, understandably failing to form a connection with a man who will not stop speaking Spanish (like when your friend comes back from a vacation abroad and is now suddenly fluent in that language). This sparked a conversation between Midge and Susie about Susie’s love life, or rather, lack thereof. Midge took it upon herself to go to Christopher St. in New York City’s Greenwich Village to try and subtly find a place where Susie may be able to “meet people like herself.” This storyline seems to reference fans’ theories about Susie’s sexuality, and I’m excited to see if it develops further in future episodes.

However, Midge’s family’s storyline, specifically Abe’s in particular, was especially unpleasant to watch this episode. The FBI investigated Abe and his old friend Asher (Jason Alexander) for a fire they started some thirty years prior, in their more rebellious college years. The inquisition was eventually dropped, but Abe found out along the way that Asher used to go out with Rose, which turned him into an insufferable and jealous person; he was not the Abe Weissman we know and love.

I also want to shout out one of my favorite parts of this show: the costume design. Midge, who doesn’t dare repeat an outfit, always has the best 1960s jackets, hats and hoop skirts (oh my!). And notably, this episode was filled with the gorgeous burlesque outfits the dancers were wearing at Midge’s new workplace. They’re full of tulle, feathers, pom poms, rhinestones and color, and they’re definitely the fashion highlight of the season so far.

Midge’s quip corner: (at the strip club) “Quick question… how many of your wives know you’re here?” (no hands) “I have some news for you: all of them do.”