The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Episode 4, “Susan,” sets up compelling character stories with some misguided social commentary. While Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) continues to live that writer’s life, there are deeper issues coming to light. There’s a feeling throughout this episode that this is a turning point in this story. The charm is starting to crack, and there’s also a sense that everything is coming to an explosive point. 

Suzie (Alex Borstein) has been over her head for quite some time. While her involvement with two mob enforcers has been played for laughs up until now. This has taken out a lot of the gravity from the situation. Unfortunately, the bill always comes due. It makes sense that this is the moment for Suzie to be confronted with the consequences of her business practices. Realistically, mob involvement never ends well. Clearly, someone is about to pay for everything. 

This episode also proves that Tessie (Emily Bergl) is a criminally underused character. Sure, she can carry a lot of the comedy on her own. However, this episode proves that she also has a star quality that’s been hidden. It’s a shame that she has mostly been used as a punchline. Not only can she provide a lot of insight into her sister Susie, but she has a lot to offer on her own. She would be a character worth exploring further. 

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 5 Episode 4, “Susan,” introduces Hedy (Nina Arianda) as an intriguing part of Suzie’s backstory. After 4 seasons of speculation, we may finally now have confirmation of a core element of Suzie’s character. The way Suzie has lived her life up until now seems incredibly authentic. The reality is, while LGBTQ+ people have always existed, they have also experienced (and continue to experience) such horrific discrimination that made living as their authentic selves nearly impossible throughout history. It’s a heartbreaking reality that the show seems almost ready to address. 

Midge herself seems to be facing yet another crisis of confidence. It is still annoying that she sees writing as so beneath her talents. There is such a missed opportunity here to demonstrate the misogyny that was baked into writers’ rooms of this era that has translated to the present day. However, it does make sense that she would be questioning her sense of self after being subjected to playing a literal garbage person. This kind of mid-career existential crisis is so brilliantly illustrated by this terrible mob play with a terrible message about privatized garbage collection. 

Midge herself seems to be facing yet another crisis of confidence. It is still annoying that she sees writing as so beneath her talents. There is such a missed opportunity here to demonstrate the misogyny that was baked into writers’ rooms of this era that has translated to the present day. However, it does make sense that she would be questioning her sense of self after being subjected to playing a literal garbage person. This kind of mid-career existential crisis is so brilliantly illustrated by this terrible mob play with a terrible message about privatized garbage collection.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is finally giving some characters their dues, even if it might be too little too late. There’s also the sense that Suzie’s management is being put to the ultimate test. This season seems intent on wrapping up loose ends while preparing to send these characters off in a satisfying way. This feels like a critical moment for everyone, and choices need to be made sooner rather than later. 

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel streams Fridays on Prime Video.