Ep 4. The Disappointment of the Dionne Quintuplets

Miriam "Midge" Maisel is a housewife turned stand-up comedian, navigating the challenges of being a woman in the 1950s comedy scene. In season 1, episode 4, "The Disappointment of the Dionne Quintuplets," Midge continues to pursue her comedy career despite the disapproval of her family and the challenges of being a working mother.

The episode begins with Midge performing at a comedy club, where she has finally achieved her dream of getting paid for a performance. However, her excitement is short-lived as she is confronted by her estranged husband Joel, who tells her that he wants to reconcile. Midge is torn between her love for Joel and her newfound independence as a comedian.

Meanwhile, Midge's parents are struggling with their own challenges. Midge's father, Abe, is a professor who feels unfulfilled in his job and is considering quitting to pursue his passion for mathematics. Midge's mother, Rose, is also feeling unfulfilled in her role as a housewife and is jealous of Midge's success.

As the family deals with their own issues, they are forced to confront a national scandal involving the Dionne quintuplets, five identical sisters who were taken from their parents at birth and put on display as a tourist attraction. The family is disappointed by the exploitation of the quintuplets and the lack of compassion from the public.

As Midge juggles her personal and professional life, she learns the importance of staying true to herself and not compromising her dreams for the sake of others. The episode ends with Midge performing at another comedy club, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated comedy scene.

Overall, "The Disappointment of the Dionne Quintuplets" is a poignant and hilarious episode that explores the challenges of pursuing one's dreams in a dysfunctional family and a society that undervalues women. The show's sharp writing and charming performances make it a must-watch for fans of comedy and period dramas.