#FIRSTLOOK: “THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL” SEASON FOUR PREVIEW

By George Kozera

Episode one of THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL Season Four opens with a shot of Midge in profile seductively-filmed in the shadows of a spotlight on stage, cigarette in hand caressing the microphone, as she riffs on the topic of “revenge”. For everyone awaiting the return of the multiple Emmy Award-winning THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, her brilliantly comedic monologue encapsulates our heroine’s take on how she dealt with the many situations that occurred in the multiple cliffhanger storylines on the final episode in Season Three. Rest assured…there will be NO spoilers in this Review; the joys of watching MRS. MAISEL are the many plot twists and how the lovable characters react and resolve seemingly insurmountable issues with panache, originality and (most importantly) spitfire humour.

We were thrilled to be able to screen the first two episodes of the new season, which can be savoured on Prime Video starting February 18, 2022 where two episodes will be released every Friday for four weeks (sorry, binge-watchers) and it left this correspondent salivating and counting down the days, especially as a delicious opportunity occurs at the end of episode two. What I would like to focus on here is why I think THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL is the best American Sitcom since “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”.

Many skilled Actresses, where Stand-up Comedy is not in their DNA, have failed to believably portray this exceptional talent onscreen. Rachel Brosnahan, in the title role, not only succinctly embodies perfect comedic timing when her character is on stage, she is enchanting to watch as she deals with what life throws at her. Her failed marriage, her eccentric parents, and her even more eccentric manager may fluster Midge, but never overwhelms nor defeats her…while wearing the most stunning wardrobe to be seen on TV since “Sex in the City” and bouquets of roses should be laid on the feet of the show’s Costume Designer Donna Zakowski. Playing Maisel’s manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein) is certinaly no second-stringer, and dominates every scene she’s in to perfection. As Midge’s parents (Abe & Rose Weissman) Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle respectively bring decades of their outstanding work in many situation comedies to outstanding fruition. Though his role as the ex-husband Joel may not be as flashy as the others, Michael Zegen brings style and authenticity and I am enjoying his character’s latest progression.

Amy Sherman-Palladino (the only person in Emmy history to win the Outstanding Writing and Directing awards in the same year) and her husband Danny Palladino write and direct every episode, keeping THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL consistent in tone and context. But their collective work as the show’s Music Supervisors brings the show to life with its use of obscure Broadway songs, traditional Adult Contemporary standards and Rock classics.

For those new to THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (or, like me, binge watch all the previous seasons in anticipation), you have time to devour this delicious show in its entirety before becoming obsessed with whatever lies in store.