In the eighth episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's fifth season, Midge and Joel embark on a journey through their shared past—both its joys and sorrows—as they await the start of a parent-teacher conference. The teacher, however, has her own concerns, particularly with Abe, who has made multiple visits to the school, pestering about Esther's potential enrollment. Even at home, Abe tests Esther's wits relentlessly.
Meanwhile, Dinah orchestrates an apology from Susie to James, scolding her for suggesting it wasn't his turn to shine on the Jack Paar show. She then persuades Susie to book James for the program, emphasizing that just because Midge hasn't broken through doesn't mean James hasn't earned his moment.
Midge attends a college reunion with her former comrades. At their old meeting spot, they stumble upon bottles filled with messages from their youthful selves, inscribed with sentiments like "Love like your life depends on it." Midge's bottle, however, contains a solitary word: "Don't!" She struggles to decipher its meaning, but her friends reassure her that, at the least, she hasn't "didn't" miss out on life. Despite her recent adventures, Midge remains uncertain if that's what her younger self intended.
At work, Gordon announces that Princess Margaret will grace their show, thanks to Hedy's behind-the-scenes maneuvering. It's Midge's time to take center stage, as she's well-versed in the princess and the royal family. The show turns out to be a resounding success.
Afterward, Hedy introduces herself to Midge, congratulating her on her contribution. Midge attempts to share the credit with the men, but Hedy cuts her off with that same word: "Don't." Don't let others take the spotlight. Hedy then broaches the subject of Susie, revealing that they were once roommates.
This revelation prompts Midge to confront Susie about her knowledge of Hedy Ford and why she hadn't pulled strings to get Midge on The Gordon Ford Show. Susie offers excuses, but Midge is unyielding. If Susie isn't doing everything in her power to further Midge's career, she's not doing enough. This isn't just a fleeting chapter in Midge's life, as her college friends suggested; it's a serious pursuit, and Susie must treat it as such.
At dinner with Gabe and his friends, Abe is consumed with self-reflection, sharing his disillusionment with the world. The others assume he's referring to how the world is changing too rapidly for men of their generation, but Abe's fear is that the world has always been this way, and men simply failed to see it. Their blindness has caused harm.
For instance, Abe believes he's done wrong by both his children. Everything he'd thought about gender roles has proven incorrect. He never took Miriam's aspirations as seriously as he did his son's. He gave her little attention, yet she possesses a fearlessness and strength neither he nor his son possesses.
"What could she have become if I'd nurtured her instead of ignoring her? Ignored who she truly is?" he ponders. "My daughter is exceptional, and I don't think I've ever told her that."
Susie, too, recognizes Midge's remarkable talent. She's made a misstep with James, and she can't hinder Midge in the same manner. It's this realization that spurs her to approach Hedy, cutting straight to the chase and asking her to intervene with Gordon and secure Midge a spot on the show. Hedy queries if Susie harbors feelings for Midge, to which she offers no response. She then promises to speak to her husband but makes no guarantees.
The next morning, Hedy makes the request to Gordon, much to his annoyance. He owes her, so he's obligated to comply. But before Gordon can relay the news to Midge, she receives an urgent call and rushes off.
