The "Testi-Roastial" brings a mix of jubilant and sombre tidings. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's fifth season opener dives into the spotlight of a character often relegated to the shadows. Esther Maisel, a PhD candidate at MIT, finds her therapist's office a refuge from her mother Midge's incessant demands. Amidst a pivotal scientific revelation, her therapist recognizes her moment of brilliance, yet Miriam Maisel's reaction would undoubtedly differ. "My mother would never believe this!" Esther exclaims in frustration.
Back in 1961 New York, Midge lies bedridden, battling hypothermia and frostbitten toes. Susie, curious about her friend's sudden absence, arrives to lend support. Once Midge regains consciousness, she concedes her folly in refusing opening gigs. Alas, Susie has already relinquished the Tony Bennett act as per Midge's request. Midge falters in self-assurance, but profusely apologizes to Susie for not heeding her advice sooner. "I swear," she declares, "I shall never again fail to trust the person most dear to my heart."
Susie senses Midge's desperation. She believes she has six months to orchestrate a breakthrough or abandon her dream — and Mike Carr shall be her pivot. Susie barges onto The Gordon Ford Show's set, where Mike handles bookings, but he refuses to engage.
Undeterred, Susie tracks Mike down at a Christmas tree lot, only to have her plan backfire. Distressed by her persistence, Mike vows to hinder Susie and Midge's prospects.
Before the Thanksgiving feast, Rose is bewildered by a delivery of wilted flowers, dismissing it as a mistake. Over dinner, Shirley and Moishe reveal their divorce plans, shortly before Joel announces his impending marriage to Mei, now expecting their child. However, Mei greets Joel at his apartment with the news that she has terminated the pregnancy. She intends to pursue medicine in Chicago and cannot do so with the ties of Joel, his children, and a newborn.
Joel, devastated by the breakup, indulges in drunken stupors at his own bar. His behavior becomes inappropriate, insulting his band, and delivering a subpar stand-up set. He confronts the gambling ring downstairs but ends up battered.
Susie secures a two-week gig for the magician Alfie, and Midge offers to escort him to the airport. Alfie confesses to Midge that another manager is luring him away from Susie. But Midge assures him that he'll never find a more resilient advocate than Susie.
After dropping off Alfie, Midge encounters her parents at the airport. They had intended to fly to Palm Beach and wanted Midge to bring the children to see them off, but she refused. They are displeased that she would now visit the airport for Susie's sake and not theirs. But it's a moot point now, as their flight reservations have inexplicably vanished.
Rose realizes something sinister is afoot. She suspects her rival matchmaker Benedetta is orchestrating the dead flowers and canceled reservation as a threat for encroaching on her turf.
Midge chances upon Lenny Bruce, who is actually headed somewhere. With dwindling legal venues, Lenny is bound for Los Angeles. Midge fights back tears as they bid farewell, and she vows not to squander her chances.
However, she almost does with a stand-up gig where Gordon Ford himself is in attendance. But Midge regains her footing and even captures Gordon's attention. Susie seizes the moment and approaches Gordon after the show, pleading for him to offer Midge a job. Regrettably, he's not looking for comics but would hire her as the show's first female writer.
Midge is reluctant, but Susie convinces her that this could be her big break. Through writing, she could impress Gordon and eventually land a spot on his show. Reminded of the sign urging her to "Go Forward" during the blizzard, Midge agrees. "I'm in," she tells Susie. Gordon Ford has a new writer starting on Monday — and Mike Carr is not too thrilled.
