Ep 8. A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo

In the eighth episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's third season, titled "A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo," Midge takes the stage at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. The venue is famous for launching the careers of African American performers, but Midge is there as part of a benefit show for the USO.

Midge is nervous before the show, intimidated by the Apollo's history and the rowdy crowd. But she finds her footing once she takes the stage, delivering a strong set that includes jokes about her upbringing in a Jewish family. The audience responds positively to her material, and Midge feels buoyed by their laughter and applause.

After the show, Midge is approached by Shy Baldwin, the musician headlining the benefit. Baldwin tells her he enjoyed her set and notes that she's performed at the Apollo before, at an amateur night several years prior. Midge is surprised that he remembered her, and their conversation ends with Baldwin inviting her to join him on his upcoming tour.

Midge is thrilled about the tour offer but unsure how to bring it up to her manager, Susie. She eventually tells Susie about it, and Susie is initially supportive. However, when Susie learns that the tour conflicts with Midge's stand-up gigs, she becomes upset and tells Midge that she needs to choose between the tour and her existing commitments.

Meanwhile, Joel is struggling with his own career aspirations. He's been trying to start a nightclub, but investors keep turning him down. Joel eventually gets a break when he runs into Mei Lin, a wealthy Asian woman who is looking for a business venture to invest in. Joel pitches his idea to her, and she agrees to provide the seed funding for his nightclub.

Back at the USO tour, Midge is faced with a difficult decision. She's torn between the opportunity to tour with Shy Baldwin, which could launch her career to new heights, and her loyalty to Susie and her stand-up gigs. Midge eventually makes her decision, and it has major ramifications for her future.

The episode ends with Midge and Susie on a train back to New York City, each lost in their own thoughts. The camera pans out on the train as it travels through the nighttime countryside, leaving the audience to wonder what Midge's next move will be.