Episode 3 of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel kicks off with Susie seated across a table, surrounded by a cadre of lawyers grilling her relentlessly about Sophie and her contractual obligations. Meanwhile, Abe and Rose's ongoing squabble over living arrangements is suddenly interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Noah and Astrid. As Astrid and Midge engage in a lively conversation about dreams and pregnancy amidst a feast of food, Joel enters with his parents in tow.
Susie rushes off to Sophie's abode, enduring a heated exchange with the doorman before tailing her client through the house. The journey culminates in a library, where Sophie sits with a group of men penning jokes for her. As they strategize for the future, Midge prepares for her tour, crafting a schedule for her loved ones to ensure a fair distribution of childcare duties during her absence.
Amidst a flurry of arguments and tensions, Midge walks through each room, bidding farewell for the last time, while Abe packs their belongings, signaling the imminent departure. Midge and Susie embark on their journey to Vegas, diving straight into the hustle and bustle of the city. Their excitement reaches a crescendo as Midge's name is splashed across billboards. However, her jubilation is momentarily dampened when she spots her incriminating picture as the main attraction for the show.
As Mei Lin and Joel sit close, fostering a budding connection over a shared meal, Midge takes the stage but is met with indifference from the majority of the audience, who remain engrossed in their meals, barely acknowledging her presence. It's a challenging performance, but Midge eventually wins over the crowd, only to cede the spotlight to Shy Baldwin.
Despite the initial setback, Susie persuades Midge to return to the stage, this time in the main room rather than the luxurious ballroom. Midge's second performance is a triumph, prompting Shy to join her on stage, accompanied by Reggie. The following morning, Midge engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lizzie, who promises to teach her the ins and outs of the industry before Shy's arrival. As the room erupts into a jubilant chorus of singing and dancing, the episode draws to a close, leaving Abe and Robe poised to embark on a new chapter, moving in with Moishe.
This episode was a delight, not only because it portrayed Midge's initial struggles on stage with remarkable authenticity, but also because it captured the essence of the comedy world's challenges. While there have been stressful moments throughout the series, this episode offered a particularly poignant glimpse into the rigors of the profession. The signature singing and dancing sequences were, as always, a welcome addition, and even though Vegas lacks the inherent charm of New York, the shift in setting still manages to deliver an exhilarating ride.
