The episode concludes with Joel crawling back to Midge, a shell of his former self, realizing his bruised ego had caused irreparable damage to their lives in a single night. His feeble attempt at a reunion, devoid of any sincerity, secures him the dubious title of 'Least Romantic Reconciliation Attempt Of The 20th Century.' Midge, unmoved, rejects him, and Joel storms off, a tantrum-throwing child in an adult's body, missing only those "little green pants" his elderly secretary often mentions. If one weren't paying close attention to the emotional turmoil, they might miss the glaring fact that Joel never uttered a genuine "I'm sorry" for abandoning his family and betraying his wife.
Abe stands frozen in terror, fearing his daughter's rejection of Joel might spell the end of his own security. But the core of "Left" underscores that Midge is destined to soar without the safety net of a man like Joel. Following her arrest in the previous episode, Midge sits in jail, still adorned in her red sweetheart neckline dress, now inspiring admiration among her temporary cellmates, who seek her advice on stain removal. Indeed, when it comes to domestic tips, Midge is a pro, even behind bars.
Once again, it's a comedy pal who springs Midge from jail. This time, it's Lenny Bruce, who offers her his jacket as they head to a post-precinct dinner at a diner. I foresee Lenny's married status complicating their inevitable romance. After all, Midge is now acutely aware of the pain of being a cheated wife.
For now, though, we can focus on the present, where Susie, fresh from a harrowing conversation with Rose, is astonished to learn that Midge already knows "the best comedian in the business," Lenny Bruce. It's only been a few minutes since Midge entered the comedy world, yet she's already on a first-name basis with the funniest man in New York. Abe has little to fear for his daughter, the mathematics professor's comedic protégé, but it's evident she won't be a novice for much longer.
Lenny invites Midge and a star-struck, stuttering Susie to his upcoming show at a jazz club. Later in the episode, we see Midge embracing the offer and the pair sharing cigarettes and a table after Lenny's set. The scene shifts to them hanging out behind the club with the band, indulging in a different kind of smoke. Yes, you heard that right. The Upper West Side princess, Midge Maisel, is smoking Mary Jane in Greenwich Village, amongst musicians, like a true beatnik. Her unconventional behavior and criminal record only add to her allure.
After two tokes from a "marijuana joint," Midge eagerly embarks on a stoned "activity." And what activity could it be? Another electrifying stand-up set, introducing the musicians. Despite her coat and purse, she delivers multiple hilarious sex jokes, riffs on the absurd number of items in her purse, and even touches upon menstruation. But her most profound commentary revolves around her doubts about being a mother. She laments the fact that mothering her two children isn't as natural as it should be. Given the setting of 1958, these questions are even more groundbreaking than they are today. Lenny is so taken aback that he almost transforms into Dr. Phil.
As we've witnessed, whenever Midge encounters harsh moral judgments from influential men, she unleashes a torrent of curses. Inevitably, these men often land her in jail. The sexist Judge Hackett (Joe Grifasi) is no exception, promptly arresting Midge for contempt of court. She's left with no choice but to implore Joel to hand over $200, without any explanations. Our beloved, albeit frequent, jailbird conveniently omits the fact that this substantial sum is essentially for her bail. Once the fine is settled, Midge returns to the courtroom, humbly apologizing to Judge Hackett, who relishes in his victory. Midge's public defeat in this power struggle is undoubtedly painful, but it allows her to reunite with her son Ethan (played by the Pascale twins, Matteo and Nunzio). Her cryptic call to Joel earlier is the catalyst that brings him to her apartment building at the end of the episode. It's fortunate that she declined Lenny's inquiry about whether he was "expected to make a pass" at her after their escapade at the jazz club, for Midge remains noncommittal in her response.
As Midge triumphs at the Vanguard with her incisive feminist comedy, Susie boldly strides into the exclusive Friars Club, a bastion of the comedy boys' club. Unfazed by the snooty management, the newly appointed manager bulldozes her way to a coveted seat at the table of a renowned manager, Harry Drake (David Paymer). Susie is eager to discover the best course of action for a talent as stellar as Midge. Something within her assures us that she won't stumble.
I told you, Midge doesn't require a stifling security blanket like Joel. In fact, the only thing Midge truly needs from Joel is his financial support, which will soon become obsolete as she inevitably ascends to the superstardom that Amy Sherman-Palladino destined for her. AS-P lauded Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) as a superstar in her field, yet AYITL revealed the younger Gilmore girl as a dismal journalist. At least, Midge's talent in comedy is undeniably apparent.
A significant segment of "Because You Left" revolves around Midge's courtroom escapade. Unaided by the Maisel-Weissman clan, Midge and Susie secure a lawyer and devise a winning defense strategy. The only time Midge turns to her estranged husband is when she challenges her judge's use of outdated phrases like "little lady" and "moral health" in a time when pressing issues like Jim Crow laws are plaguing the nation.
