What I’m Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 3, Episode 3 “Panty Pose” (B+)

This episode had such a spectacular rhythm to it so typical of this show, and it’s great to see it headed to new places, demonstrating that there’s a tremendous amount of originality left. Things are wildly out of control at the Weissman home, and it seems like Abe and Rose should stop for a second to consider what life would look like if Zelda wasn’t the one who was concerned about the size of the kitchen. They’re both going to go crazy with Moishe and Shirley, though at least it should prove entertaining. I like that Noah grew a Tolstoyesque beard because Astrid had a dream about him dying, and their brief appearances were perfectly calibrated for an episode that had a different focus, on Midge’s latest travel experience. Sophie giving Susie a stern talking-to about making sure that she was the priority seemed to register, but it only really led to Susie asking legitimate questions that Sophie took as jokes because she really should have known the answers. Reggie continued to demonstrate his ability to manage both his client and those who work with him, getting Midge a drink, Susie something to make sure she wouldn’t throw up, and pretending to look into the size of beds in their hotel room before bluntly expressing that it was below his paygrade. After Midge didn’t do great in front of an uncooperative audience, she came out of her shell with the club gig Susie signed her up for, and it was great to see Reggie present his incredible talent too when Shy made him come up on stage. I certainly didn’t expect the episode to end with Midge making a brisket for everyone, but there’s no show quite like this one. I’m intrigued by the introduction of Carole, played by Liza Weil from “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Gilmore Girls,” and I look forward to her future conversations with Midge.