Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers galore for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. If you’re not caught up with Amazon’s comedic darling, I suggest you remedy that now. You won’t regret it.
Midge Maisel
Fast Facts:
Miriam “Midge” Maisel (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan) was born and raised in New York City, New York. She studied Russian literature in college, although in the 1950s a woman’s primary collegiate goal was to find a husband. Midge married Joel Maisel (Michael Zegen) and the pair had two children together. Initially, everything appeared to be rosy in Midge’s life – she had a husband, children and substantial income from Joel’s job.
However, Midge learned that Joel was having a torrid affair with his secretary. The couple separated. Midge drunkenly stumbled into a club and performed an improvised stand-up routine documenting her discovery of Joel’s affair. The crowd adored her…and thus, a comedic star was born. Midge decided to pursue a stand-up career with Susie Meyerson (Alex Borstein) as her manager. Midge’s career began to blossom in Season 2, along with her love life. She pursued a romantic relationship with Benjamin (Zachary Levi), which eventually led to the latter gaining approval from Midge’s father to propose marriage.
Later, in the Season 2 finale, Midge received an offer from singing star Shy Baldwin (Leroy McClain). He urged her to open for him on his six-month U.S. and European tour. Midge immediately accepted said offer. After succumbing to a bout of loneliness, Midge decided to spend the night with Joel – with someone who loved her.
The Real Deal:
Now, Midge is the real deal. She’s immensely intelligent with a sharp sense of humor. Midge is always doling out clever one-liners and making everyone laugh with her dry wit. Not to mention, she has a tender heart and a willingness to help those around her. Midge seldom refuses to aid a friend in need. She’s also a woman ahead of her time – we see her decry the patriarchy and a woman’s “place” in society. Midge is a modern-day feminist. It was unheard of for a woman in 1950s America to shrug off the housewife label in favor of stand-up comedy.
However, Midge gave traditional societal norms the middle finger and pursued her dreams. She is tenacious and resilient. She also doesn’t take sh*t from anyone. Which is hard to do when you’re surrounded by patriarchal sh*t giving at every turn.
Why She Matters:
Alright, why does she matter? Midge is a role model, for starters. Not just for young girls, but for the 30 year-old writing this article. Pursuing a creative career is tough stuff. Watching Midge rise and fall while remaining so stalwart is downright inspirational. It’s difficult to maintain a positive attitude when encumbered by rejection after rejection. Midge succeeded and failed in equal measure, but she never lost her ambitious spirit. She’s proof that if you hold on to that half-full glass, eventually you’ll see said glass filled to the brim.
So, be like Midge. Remain vigilant despite overwhelming odds. Never lose your sense of humor – life’s too short to live in constant tragedy. Always put those pesky patriarchal sh*t givers in their place. Oh, and go big when it comes to hats. The bigger the hat, the closer to God (Or is that hair?).
RELATED: Read all of our THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL content here!
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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