6 reasons why Marvelous Mrs. Maisel isn’t your average comedic drama

Breaking stereotypes, this Rachel Brosnahan-starrer has become an audience’s favourite that feels like a breath of fresh air amongst numerous other average dram-coms,

Rachel Brosnahan in and as Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

With a bunch of awards including Emmys and Globe nominations, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a show that has won the heart of millions of audiences with its ingenious plot and a women-centric storyline. However, Rachel Brosnahan is definitely the cherry on the cake, that makes the series as special as it is.

Today on Rachel Brosnahan’s birthday, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why this show ought to be binged right now, and what imparts it such a distinctive flavour.

A loving housewife whose entire life revolved around her husband, soon finds out that her partner was cheating on her, and resolves to utilise her natural flair for comedy, to become a stand-up comedian. This is situational comedy at its prime, with its unique plot and refreshing story that is raw, relatable and empowering at the same time. From realising how being independent and earning her own money is crucial to filling up even the most intense scenes with humour elements, from heart-warming moments to a powerful story resting on a comedian who is much more than just a performance – the series unfurls into a lively watch.

Instead of handling things from a dramatic point of view, the show takes relatability into account. Overprotective yet loving parents, infidel husband who still cares for his children, a woman gradually coming to terms that she needs to stand on her own two feet, supportive friends, and a 1950s’ divorce – all the all aspects have been dealt realistically making Marvelous Mrs. Maisel quite marvelous indeed.

Mrs. Midge Maisel accidentally stumbles upon her hidden talent for humour and decides to pursue it, after finding out her ‘perfect’ husband was sleeping with his secretary. However, 1950s was not an era where women were allowed to have jobs, but were expected to bear children and look after their homes. Navigating in a world mostly known to men revealing the realities of sexism, the pressure to get married, that pretty people can’t be comedians, and that the content of your jokes can get you arrested – Midge is not a person who gets it all on the first day. From realising you can’t wear heels for a full-time day job to bettering her jokes with each passing season, the show features the bias and discrimination female comics had to face and the stereotypes of the comic industry.

Midge Maisel strikes an unlikely friendship with Susie Myerson and together they explore the life beyond the boundaries of a household, in a career mostly dominated by men. Myerson is the stark opposite of hers, as she has thrown the proposed code of conduct for women outside the window before the term feminism was even popularised. Cursing throughout, wearing men’s clothing, and taking the show-business industry head on with no help, Susie is a short, fast-talking women who values her smarts over everything else. She recognises Midge’s talent at the first sight and becomes the Yin to Maisel’s Yang.

In spite of portraying the regressive attitude of the era appropriately, the show is not all about it, as it manages to strike a balance with the laughing riot it induces. An overall package, it conveys the struggles and reality of women in 1950, but keeps it light-hearted as well, to suit the entertainment buds of the audience.

Winning Emmys for their performances, Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein are a treat to the eyes and ears. Playing Mrs. Midge Maisel is Rachel Brosnahan whose spot-on dialogue delivery, comic timing, and raw expressions are flawless, accompanied by the sarcastic and timed responses of Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson, leaving us in splits. Not acting as just fillers, Michael Zegen, Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle have their unique flavours adding vibrancy to the plot, with their individual eccentricities.

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