Ep 5. Midnight at the Concord

In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season 2 episode 5, titled "Midnight at the Concord," we follow the continued journey of Midge Maisel as she navigates the stand-up comedy world in the late 1950s. The episode begins with Midge heading to the Concord Hotel in the Catskills to perform a set for a largely Jewish audience. Accompanying her is her newly-reconciled husband Joel and her snarky manager Susie.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Midge is greeted with a dose of reality as she discovers that the glamorous world of stand-up comedy isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's forced to share a tiny room with Susie and the two butt heads over the lack of living space and Susie's controlling nature. Meanwhile, Joel is struggling to make amends with Midge after leaving her for another woman and is having a difficult time gaining her trust back.

As the weekend progresses, Midge faces several setbacks. Her set is interrupted several times by the hotel's strict curfew policy, and her jokes fall flat with the crowd. She also receives some unwelcome attention from a group of comedians who mock her style and make her feel inadequate.

Despite these challenges, Midge soldiers on and eventually finds her groove with the help of a fellow performer. She delivers a scathing roast of her ex-husband, wowing the audience with her quick wit and clever delivery. Meanwhile, Joel starts to redeem himself in Midge's eyes by helping her navigate the difficult social landscape of the hotel and providing her with much-needed emotional support.

Overall, "Midnight at the Concord" is a standout episode that explores the highs and lows of the stand-up comedy world and the relationships that shape Midge's life. It's a testament to the show's ability to blend humor, drama, and heart in equal measure, leaving viewers laughing, crying, and rooting for Midge all at once.