What I’m Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season Premiere)

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 3, Episode 1 “Strike Up the Band!” (B+)

Looking back at last year, I realized that I watched the season premiere right away, one episode per week, and then cut off before finishing and came back to the last two episodes much later, in August. This year, I’m determined to screen all eight hours by the end of the year, or at the very worst early into 2020 if necessary. This opener was incredibly strong as usual, putting us right back into things as they are and examining some of the new opportunities and obstacles facing our protagonists. I loved the banter about being late between Midge and Susie that ultimately resulted in Susie claiming to the soldier that Midge wasn’t late and then mixing up the military time stated when it was finally referenced. Midge actually did great on her set aside from forgetting to introduce the main act, and she even did well with the dancing before Susie finally broke the news to her about Sophie that is evidently going to be a major problem for their working relationship. I have to say, I enjoyed Jane Lynch, who won an Emmy for this role for season two, more than I ever have before on this show when she stopped by Susie’s apartment and got on the phone to tell her new manager to get with it. It was also a great showcase for another recently-crowned Emmy winner, Luke Kirby, as Lenny Bruce, who got to interact with transformed activist Abe when they got sent to jail. Rose continues to be a great character, and I hope we see a lot more of her. Joel’s new investment is turning out to be much more complicated than he originally thought, but I have a feeling he’ll make it work. I can’t wait for more!