WIG REVIEW: THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
You guys, I finished watching this and yes, it is marvelous! But as a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, I would expect nothing less from the Sherman-Palladinos. And Mrs. Maisel is much like Gilmore Girls in that they both have alliterative titles and are about fast-talking, smart, funny, pretty, impulsive, and usually self-destructive women. The differences are that Mrs. Maisel is set in 1958 and therefore doesn’t include as many pop-cultural references per second (though it does include many phrases that no one uttered in 1958 - I’m almost ready for someone to say “turnt” in one of these episodes….get it together Amy S-P!) and Mrs. Maisel (Midge if you’re nasty) has the opposite of a close relationship with her kids (to the point where I might actually want to call child services?). BUT WHAT ABOUT THE WIGS? Let’s discuss.
As Midge Maisel, Rachel Brosnahan is pretty marvelous (with a title like this, I guess marvelous is the adjective to always use?) and very pretty and pretty funny. Her wig, however, is total nonsense. Despite every scene of this 50s explosion of a show looking like it cost ALL THE MONEY, as usual, the wig budget seems to be bupkis.
In some shots, this monstrosity is hidden under a hat or headband which covers the main issue of the subpar texture and seamwork.
But for the most part, the flaws are right out in the open, just as any flawed Sherman-Palladino heroine would have it?
Seriously, though, it’s bad, and as the season progresses, it gets worse and worse. The texture is so dried out and the part is just downright awful.
I think the only time Midge’s hair looks ok is when she’s been out in the rain on a bender (same?)
It should be mentioned that Midge’s mom also has a wig and it’s not as bad but it’s also not great. Tony Shalhoub as Midge’s dad is REALLY GREAT THOUGH. Also Kevin Pollack plays Midge’s father-in-law and I’m just really glad he’s getting work even though he has to suffer through a flashback wig sequence that I couldn’t find a picture of but that is probably for the best since as usual men’s wigs are always the worst.
Speaking of the worst, Midge’s husband/soon-to-be-ex-husband (?) Joel is absolutely the worst. I didn’t include a picture of him on this blog (instead please enjoy another pic of the wonderful Tony Shalhoub) because I hate him so much. Even more than I hated Lorelei Gilmore’s ex (AND THAT IS A LOT). At one point, someone calls him Sal Mineo (SICK BURN) and I truly hope that in Season 2 he goes the way of Sal Mineo - aka I hope he’s stabbed to death in a dark alleyway and then 40 years later his name is used as a comic punchline. Too harsh? Nope, this character is the pits.
However, Alex Borstein as Susie, Midge’s manager is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL AND DESERVING ALL THE AWARDS. Not only does she deliver the Sal Mineo sick burn but about 1000 sick burns per episode. I’m also a sucker for any narrative involving two women from opposite walks of life becoming friends and realizing their own potential through said friendship. AMEN SISTERS. STILL, LOOK AT THAT EFFING AWFUL WIG ON MIDGE.
In conclusion, do yourself a favor and watch this show because it’s really charming and wonderful despite its flaws (MUCH LIKE ANY AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO HEROINE), however one of its major flaws is the wigs. Throw some more $$ at the wig budget next season, Amazon! Lord knows I throw enough $$ on random orders of crap every week for you to afford it! Put it on my tab!
