Iconic Moments From 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Season One

Prior to the Season 2 premiere of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we compiled the most entertaining, empowering, and jaw-dropping moments from Season 1. You can catch Amazon’s mega-hit series when the second season drops on December 2. Mark your calendars, people, because there’s no way The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will hit a sophomore slump. Yes, it’s that good. 

From celebrating milestones, to overcoming failure, to coming into your own, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover for this beloved series. So, behold our favorite moments from Season 1 — and thank you and goodnight!

The Wedding Toast That Started It All

The pilot starts off on Midge and Joel’s wedding day, where Midge steals the show by giving her own wedding toast. She makes jokes about this very perfect day, her father’s budget restrictions, her life plans, and her love for Joel. Oh, and who can forget the shrimp egg rolls that keep the crowd in stitches? In addition to all this hoopla, this is an imperative moment in the series. This is the toast that births Midge’s comedy ambitions. It gives her the confidence to tell jokes and command a room and, boy, does she deliver.

Taking The Stage For The Very First Time

Midge’s first comedy set illustrates her stream-of-consciousness style and also lays the groundwork for her comedic journey with her new partner, Susie. Although Susie has to convince Midge to trust in her abilities as a stand-up comedian, we all agree with Susie’s assessment of Midge’s talents. She was born to do this. 

But how does this come to be? Well, after Joel implodes their marriage, Midge ⏤ who is clearly a bit deranged at this point ⏤ heads back to the Gaslight in her nightgown and unloads on the crowd. Things really double down when Midge is arrested while showing off her comedic chops. Hey, at least the crowd loves her!

Do You Love It?

The first interaction Midge has with comedian Lenny Bruce occurs after both of them end up in jail on the same night. Now that’s one hell of a meet cute, isn’t it? The two oddballs hit it off immediately and when Midge finally asks Lenny what he thinks of her pursuit of comedy, she blurts out: “But, do you love it?” The glint in Lenny’s eyes and hers, in response to his quiet encouragement, says it all. Midge really does love the unexpected course her life has taken but more than anything, she refuses to be defined by the personal tragedies she’s experienced. Instead, she takes flight and soars in the face of adversity.

Because You Left

The title of the third episode (“Because You Left”) points to a huge, emotional breakthrough for Midge. When Joel shows up at her doorstep one night, Midge confronts him about destroying their marriage. Joel claims that leaving her was a mistake and he now wants to give their relationship another try. In a defining moment of clarity, Midge stands her ground and refuses Joel’s offer because he threw it all away when he initially left.

The Birth Of Tula Rain

In episode four, while prepping for her comedy set with Susie, Midge decides she needs a stage name. Hence, Tula Rain. To be honest, it sounds like a boho stripper’s name, right? The other crazy names that are thrown into the mix include: Lottie McAllister which oddly seems like an Irish stripper’s name and Anya Morgenstern which is reminiscent of a kind, old cleaning lady. After a brief and anonymous stint as Mrs. X, Midge finds her footing during the Season 1 finale. She finally reclaims authority of the name Mrs. Maisel and also receives a round of applause at the conclusion of her set.

I Don’t Want To Bomb Again

Midge learns an important lesson about rejection when Susie pushes her to get up on stage, where both of Midge’s unprepared and borrowed acts don’t pan out. While Midge admittedly doesn’t like rejection (who does?), the act of failing shakes her. It is also an important lesson we should always remember: It doesn’t matter if you fail, as long as you get back up. Of course, this is precisely what Midge does.

“Anyone With Pockets, Grab A Roll!”

To celebrate Abe’s new job with… wait for it… Bell Labs, the Weissman clan heads to a fancy dinner where they spot Joel with the very alliterative-but-dimwitted Penny Pan. While debating whether to leave the restaurant or ignore the duo, the family is spotted by Joel and Penny. The Weissmans bolt for the door, but not before Abe delivers this humorous line: “Anyone with pockets, grab a roll.” No other TV dad has offered better advice than this. Hell, I can’t even count the amount of restaurant breads I’ve stashed for a nosh later.

Let’s not forget the look of sadness on Joel’s face as he touches Midge’s hand and realizes her wedding ring is no longer there. Poor fella. It almost makes you feel bad for the poor schmuck… Okay, moment’s over.

Why Do Women Have To Pretend To Be Something They’re Not?

During Midge’s showcase at the Gaslight, she takes down the great Sophie Lenin (Oh hi, Jane Lynch) and blurts out an empowering, feminist rant that’ll make you jump up in applause. With her integrity in tact, Midge ruminates on how women have to pretend to be stupid, helpless, or even hungry, instead of reveling in their strength and self-sufficiency. Such societal expectations are regressive and burdensome to uphold, and our heroine is having none of it. You tell ’em, Midge. 

The Look Of Success

In the Season 1 finale, Midge pulls out all the stops for a shining, stand-up moment ⏤ both with her set and her killer fashion sense. In this moment, she brings the house down as an independent, fierce comedienne. The look on Joel’s face is priceless when he discovers that Midge is a talented, true star who doesn’t need him. In fact, Joel is so impressed that he even beats up the rude man who is heckling Midge during her set. Talk about a turn of events! Then, after all the trials and tribulations we’ve witnessed, Midge stand with authority and states: “I’m Mrs. Maisel, thank you and good night!” What a way to end the first season.

Now, if you need me, I’ll be impatiently waiting for the second season to drop on Amazon. Tits up!

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