Ep 1. Simone

In the season 2 premiere of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, titled Simone, Midge is still riding high on her successful first stand-up performance at the Gaslight Cafe. However, she quickly learns that being a comedian isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Despite her initial confidence, her material falls flat and she struggles to connect with the audience.

Meanwhile, Midge's personal life is just as complicated. Her parents are constantly fighting and her relationship with her estranged husband Joel remains tense. She also has a new love interest, a doctor named Benjamin, but she is hesitant to jump into a new relationship after her divorce.

As Midge navigates her new life as a stand-up comedian, she meets a new friend named Simone, who inspires her to branch out and perform in new venues. Simone is a famous African-American singer who is touring the country and introduces Midge to the world of uptown New York. Together they explore the city, hopping from one glamorous party to the next.

However, Midge's newfound friendship with Simone isn't without its challenges. Her parents are wary of her new friend and Midge must navigate the racial tensions of the era. Despite this, Midge and Simone bond over their shared struggles as women in male-dominated industries and support each other through their personal and professional challenges.

Overall, Simone sets the stage for season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, introducing new characters and exploring complex themes of race, gender, and identity in the 1950s. Midge's journey is far from over, and viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns as she continues to chase her dreams and navigate the complexities of her personal life.