The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel recently concluded its five-season run, leaving fans with a sense of satisfaction and closure. The show, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, follows the journey of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife turned aspiring comedian in 1960s New York City. Throughout the series, Midge undergoes a remarkable transformation, ultimately becoming a successful comedian.
In the final season, the show takes a unique approach by incorporating flash-forwards, providing glimpses into Midge’s future. These flash-forwards feature aging makeup, showcasing Midge as a Joan Rivers-esque sensation with complex ties to her children. In the 1960s timeline, Midge lands a job at a talk show similar to one run by Johnny Carson, played by Gordon Ford. This job propels her career and defines her as a big star. However, it is her relationship with her friend and manager, Susie Myerson, that receives significant attention in the final episodes.
Co-executive producer Dhana Gilbert sheds light on the decision to use flash-forwards in the show’s final season. Amy and Dan had experimented with this narrative structure in a previous season but found that it didn’t work at the time. They realized that the final season was the perfect opportunity to revisit this storytelling device.
Bringing this vision to life required the expertise of prosthetic makeup artist Mike Marino. The aging makeup was carefully designed to accurately portray the characters’ appearance in different eras. While not all actors were thrilled to see their future selves, they embraced the challenge and contributed to the authenticity of the flash-forwards.
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Midge and Susie’s friendship has always been a central aspect of the show. From the beginning, Amy and Dan recognized that their bond was the most important relationship in the series. While they included obstacles along the way, they knew that the characters would ultimately remain close until the end.
The final scene of Susie and Midge watching Jeopardy! was decided early in the season’s development. It was kept a secret from the cast and crew until the last table read, creating a sense of excitement and surprise. This moment symbolizes the enduring connection between Midge and Susie, encapsulating their journey together.
Gordon Ford, a fictional talk show character, was introduced in season four as Midge’s ultimate obstacle. While Amy had envisioned Midge ending up on Johnny Carson’s couch, they decided to create a character similar to Carson, as he wasn’t yet the influential figure he would become in 1961.
Saying goodbye to the show and its characters was an emotional experience for the entire cast and crew. Many members of the production team had been with the show since its pilot, creating a tight-knit community. The final night of filming was filled with tears and a profound sense of closure.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has left an indelible mark on television history with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and beautiful period aesthetics. The show’s portrayal of a woman breaking societal norms in pursuit of her dreams has resonated with audiences and earned critical acclaim. As we bid farewell to Midge and her journey, we are left with a sense of inspiration and the reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
This article initially appeared in The Hollywood Reporter magazine’s August stand-alone issue. To receive the magazine, you can subscribe by visiting their website.
