SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses major plot points of season one.
The trailer for season two of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has dropped, giving viewers a glimpse at one of the most hotly anticipated second seasons of television ever. The Amazon Prime series made a splash upon its release last year, and 2018 has seen it sweep nearly every major award show, including Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy and Best Actress at the Golden Globes, as well as Emmy awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, and for Rachel Brosnahan as Lead Actress and Alex Borstein as Supporting Actress.
The series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a Jewish housewife in 1958 New York City, who finds her world turned upside down when her husband leaves her. Midge discovers a passion for standup comedy and starts hitting the open mic scene (under a stage name), guided by her manager and friend, Susie (Alex Borstein).
The first season explored Midge’s new life as a single mother, as she gets a job in a department store and moonlights as a comedian. Much of the first season focused on her figuring out her future: Would she reconcile with her estranged husband Joel? Would she actually pursue standup as a career? The season ended with her delivering a killer set at the Gaslight Cafe under her real name and introducing herself for the very first time onstage as Mrs. Maisel.
The trailer for season two opens with Midge saying, “One year ago, my old life ended, and my new life began,” as we see shots of her performing. She struggles with telling her family and friends the truth about her new career, as well as finding a place for herself as a woman in comedy (which is sadly still a struggle in 2018).
“I want to be big, the biggest thing out there,” she says. It’s exciting to see this ambitious new side of her, especially after season one had her waffling over whether or not she wanted to seriously pursue comedy. Her voice feels just as fresh and radical in 2018 as it does to her peers in 1958. “Comedy is fueled by disappointment and humiliation,” she remarks. “Now who the hell does that describe more than women?”
There is so much to enjoy in this brilliant series: It’s warm and wickedly funny, with a ridiculously talented ensemble of actors. The production values are lush, with gorgeous costumes, production design, and a color palette that captures Midge’s optimism and enthusiasm. It’s the rare show that will make you feel better about the world. Seriously, if you’re not watching this show, what are you doing with your life?
Season two of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel premieres on Amazon on December 5th.
(via Deadline, image: Amazon Studios)
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