Summary
The series falters slightly as the writers focus on two repetitive storylines, Midge’s failing career and the family’s home turmoil. Episode 7 is adeptly written, though, filled with the show’s usual humor and dramatic subtleties.
Poor Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) still can’t seem to catch a break, no matter how hard she tries.
In “A House Full of Extremely Lame Horses,” Susie (Alex Borstein) continues to push and promote the comedienne, yet nothing seems to go Midge’s way. While in flash-forward sequences, Midge faces financial ruin, all so that her mother can live out her dreams.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Episode 7 Recap
Starting in the sixties, Rose prepares for a matchmaking party. She’s back with her old business and desperate to win over new clients. Unfortunately, Rose doesn’t have a place to host this shindig. She considers Joel’s parent’s house but is unsure of the decor.
What caused the apartment to leak?
Back at Midge’s apartment, things only go from bad to worse. Rose and Abe are struggling to complete simple household tasks without Zelda. She begrudgingly stops by to offer her services once more. The apartment then springs a leak, flooding the floors below. The plumber finds the culprit. One of Ethan’s toys was stuffed down the drain. Rose now needs the apartment re-carpeting for the party, and Midge has to buy a whole new bathroom as well.
This morning chaos leads to Midge being late for work. She asks her father to take Ethan to school in her place. Abe is initially impressed with Ethan’s school but then shocked to discover that Ethan is failing academically.
READ: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Review
A flashback to 1954 explores this disaster further. Abe tells Joel that all the firstborn Weissman sons become geniuses at the age of 6. Joel is ordered to give his son no input or guidance until he turns six so the boy can flourish. Of course, Joel thinks the whole idea is absurd.
Who is Danny Stevens?
Back in 1961, Midge rushes to work. Today they have the celebrity Danny Stevens (Hank Azaria) on the show. Mike makes a little speech, announcing his new role as the show’s producer. He’s taking over from George, who Susie helped to oust from the production.
In the writer’s room, Danny introduces himself to Midge. He asks the writers for some improved jokes. Midge suggests that Danny talks about his own life and his parents as he is promoting his own autobiography.
The show goes perfectly. Danny kills it, discussing his book and cracking jokes with apparent ease. After the show, Danny thanks Midge for the advice. He wants her to work for him as a scriptwriter on a new sitcom. Gordon is furious that Danny is poaching his staff right before him. He argues with Danny and ends up being dragged out of the bar.
Back at home, Abe brings up Ethan’s poor test results. He’s furious that Ethan isn’t excelling academically. Joel defends his son while Janusz and Zelda argue. Janusz doesn’t want Zelda working for the Weissmans anymore. Abe talks about Joel ruining his bloodline, but Joel stands his ground.
That night, Susie gambles with Mike Carr and his work colleagues. Mike has managed to land Midge a spot on Jack Parr’s latest comedy showcase. This is a great chance for Midge to demonstrate her talents. Susie would much rather Midge star on the Gordon Ford Show, but Mike thinks that dream is dead.
Susie only really helped Mike get the producer role so he could go and book Midge on the show, but Gordon won’t allow Midge to perform either. Mike rules out Midge’s chances, although he offers her a different opportunity instead.
Why is Midge given a raise?
Next, Susie relays this information back to Midge. Because of Danny’s offer, Midge is given a raise at work, putting her on a par with the male writers. She doesn’t want to be a scriptwriter but informs Gordon that she’ll be attending the showcase unless Gordon books her first. Gordon ignores her, unwilling to change his rules, angered that Midge wants more from her career.
Midge’s set goes well, yet Jack Parr’s assistant refuses to book her, stating that he doesn’t get her act. They want Susie’s other client, James Howard, instead. Midge gallantly urges Susie to accept this offer, although Susie defends Midge’s corner admirably.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Episode 7 Ending Explained
Flash forwards focus on Rose’s matchmaking business in 1973. She’s filming a commercial with Midge’s support and financial backing. Unfortunately, the business is hemorrhaging money. Midge is advised to drop the business, but she can’t. This business means the world to Rose, and Midge wants to provide this outlet for her mother.
The episode ends back in the sixties. Midge returns home after yet another rejection. In the bathroom, she lets her anger out. Abe goes to comfort his daughter but hears the piano being played. He rushes over, hoping to see Ethan unveiling his hidden talents, yet it is, in fact, Esther who is the genius in the family.
What did you think of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Episode 7? Comment below.
I think Abe is a cruel, self-absorbed and egotistical parent figure. What a piece of s***.
This episode doesn’t even rate 2 stars. After last weeks 5 star episode, this was a HUGE letdown.
Boring is the word that comes to mind. Abe and Rose have been turned into basic idiots. Stop wasting screen time on them. With two eps left the focus should be in Midge, her break, and Suzie, and her involvement.
Why does the show end with Danny singing Nancy w the adorable face? Totally don’t get that
I think the heartfelt nature of the Danny Stephens scene at the end is hinting that Midge did end up leaving Gordon to work for Danny Stephens..
Did anyone else think that the set used in the closing b&w Danny Stephens Show scene was the exact set use on Make Room for Daddy?
Both my husband and I immediately thought it was the Danny Thomas set
Yes , I did. In fact Nancy was dressed in the style Teri on Make room for Daddy series. I got a kick out of seeing the set.
Perhaps Danny Thomas was known for giving women opportunities on his shows, and they were trying to give a nod to him for that. I think the reason Gordon Ford told Midge that Danny Stevens was hitting on her was because he didn’t want to admit that Stevens recognized her talent. The episode also included a nod to Phil Silvers, who wrote “Nancy with the Laughing Face,” which was sung by Hank Azaria’s character in the mock sitcom episode. And, contrary to comments here, Danny Thomas was actually known to be a bit of a womanizer.