'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Season 3 Review: Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein's stellar performances lend color to this whistle-stop tour
Is Mrs. Miriam "Midge" Maisel still marvelous? Yes. But, is the show still a marvel to behold in its third season? Still yes. Blending comedy and period drama like fine wine, 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' steers its way towards the third chapter and makes it clear: What happens on tour stays on tour!
It's a dream-come-true moment for Midge and her partner Susie, who hit the road for the Shy Baldwin tour. With her eye-catching expressions, Rachel Brosnahan weaves a wand of expertise into her character. Alex Borstein brings the other side of the banter with her natural flair and finesse.
If season one was about flirting her way into a showbiz career from a well-to-do Upper West Side housewife, season two was all about breaking the glass ceiling. But in season three, the dazzling duo takes the high road and fly into clouds of success.
In a scene when Susie shuts her eyes and holds her breath, Midge tells her, "This is the first of millions of flights and tours. Look out of the window." Enchanted by the view, she says, "We're on top of the world!" Indeed. The comic and her confidant get set to scale high peaks.
Set in the 1960s, the show created by Amy Sherman-Palladino not only sprinkles humor into day-to-day life scenarios but makes bold statements on inequality, feminism, racism and marital woes with snarky satires.
Slowly, the two discover that life on tour is glamorous but grounding and it teaches them a lesson or two about the high life. There are shortcomings too in this dramedy, especially in its sluggish pace and dull side characters.
If you're anticipating for some closure after Midge and Joel's steamy kiss cliffhanger, it is staring you right in the eyes but not without some salt and pepper. The way the estranged pair make a mockery of their life will crack you up. In Joel's character, Michael Zegen does a decent job of a sorry-but-supportive ex-husband. Sophie Lennon too has a major role to play and Jane Lynch is two shades sassier in her cameo. The real catch, however, is Sterling K. Brown — who brings a spark so unforgettable, even in the countable scenes he had.
It is the magic of words that gives an edge to the new season and the credit goes to the husband-wife duo, Amy and Daniel Palladino, along with their spectacular team of writers. As is characteristic of the series, it brings back the same color, class and charm with magnificent cinematography and editing. But, if you're looking for only laughs and gags, it might not be the best buy because drama does take precedence in some parts of the series. As an entertainer, the Amazon Prime series does the job quite well and deserves at least three stars.