#tmmm season 5

[charcubed]

Love Is The Opening Door –

A Midge/Susie fic

Pensacola – 1969 With no actual thoughts involved and no plan to do it, Midge leans forward and kisses her. Susie jerks back like she’s been shot. “What the FUCK?” she yells, scrambling off the bed.

---

New York City – 1990 For the first time in five years, Midge just spoke to her. Not about her; to her. It was more than an olive branch. It was the whole fucking tree. And Susie’s holding a piece of paper that proves she gets to talk to her again.

Rated T • 6,688 words

On AO3 here.

The parts of Midge and Susie's love story that exist in the margins, mentioned in canon but not shown on screen.

[penniedreadfuls]

The Problem of Lenny

Some thoughts about what could, or should, happen with Luke Kirby's Lenny Bruce in season 5 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Cw: for discussion of drug use and suicide

Okay, I'm probably writing this half as an apology for not having updated "All Things are Temporary" in a while. (My other writerly obligations have hard deadlines D:). And the other half is because I was peeping in on the TMMM reddit and there's some guy saying he works on the show as a sound editor, and is giving out spoilers. Ones that say "Lenny dies, eventually" (as do we all) and that a Once Upon a Time in Hollywood like ending doesn't happen.

I take those "spoilers" with a grain of salt. But here are my personal thoughts both as a fan of the show and a writer.

Show Lenny is a fictional character and should be treated as such. TMMM has never been biographical towards him. Several parts of his life have been changed to fit the show. That's fine and dandy.

We all know he was only supposed to appear in the first episode, but that Luke Kirby charm is powerful. All of his previous interactions with characters have fit within plausible deniability. But that changes once he sleeps with Midge. I think that crosses a line when using a real person as a character in a show. (As much as I loved it)

The real Lenny Bruce died of a morphine overdose in August 1966. It doesn't get discussed much here, but there is the very strong likelihood that it was a suicide. The circumstances around his death, how he was found, what happened afterwards, are incredibly sad and tragic. (If you want to know, you can read it on his wikipedia. I will warn you, it's very upsetting.)

I can't imagine The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel putting that in the show, and doing it well. TMMM is a cotton candy world. There has not been anything truly dark in it. I was not impressed with the narrative of Midge's victimhood in regards to Shy. (I didn't like her apology)

TMMM is not Mad Men, historical happenings either do not intrude much or are played for laughs (Jackie Kennedy). But if the show got further into the 60s, that would get harder to ignore. And like the above realities of Lenny Bruce's death, they would not fit into the TMMM world. I also cannot see Mei getting an abortion.

ex. The Cuban Missile Crisis, 16th Street Baptist Church Bombings. Characters would and should comment on these. So it's probably a good thing the show ends in 1961. A lot happened from 61-66, and the show has so many plotlines, I think a big time skip would mess them up. I got away with the huge time jump in "All Things are Temporary" because of Lenny's internal thoughts and I cheated and had Midge give an interview.

I digress. I fear if ASP and the powers that be have fictional Lenny die as he did in life, that they would change it to make its more "palatable" for the show. An idea that I find immensely disrespectful, since it probably was a suicide. Midge would certainly come to know the details of Lenny's death and her reaction would be heartbreaking (I know Rachel Broshanan would knock it out of the park however).

So what do I think should happen? It comes down to three options. Spare, Ambiguous, or Dies. I've already outlined my thoughts on the last one.

Lenny is one of the most popular characters in the show, sparing him would be giving him what he was denied in real life. As long as the real Kitty Bruce approves?

I personally think that the show should keep it ambiguous. It will be better for all of us fic writers :D Most of all, I just want the ending to be well written. I never watched Gilmore Girls, but I've heard that I should be concerned.

What do you all think?

One last thought. I really believe that ASP intended for Midge and Joel to end up back together during the first two seasons, and then realized the idea is not a popular one. (Are people writing MidgeJoel fic? I don't think so!) Hence we get Mei and Miami.

TL;DR: TMMM should either spare Lenny or go all out in depicting the realities of his death. To lessen it is disrespectful.

[dearvoidgoodnight]

Tess: Don’t break this promise. Since Skint died, I’m feeling very vulnerable.

Susie: Wait, Skint died?

Tess: Yes.

Susie: Your husband, my brother-in-law.

Tess: Yeah, last week.

Susie: And you didn’t think to tell me?

Tess: It was natural causes, so there was nothing to tell. 

[absurdiststances]

And if she’s got what it takes, she’ll bounce back.

[wonderlandleighleigh]

"Pssst."

Rory whirls around, away from Logan, only to come face to face with Midge Maisel.

"Midge!?"

The dock had been empty just a moment ago, but now there's Midge, and Lenny, along with a few other people she doesn't quite recognize, except-

"Is that Shy Baldwin?!"

Logan turns around, then, looking a little caught out. "Uh...Mrs. Maisel. Hello."

"That's Mrs. Schneider to you," Midge corrects him.

"I was promised more booze and a cut throat card game on a boat," a shorter woman complain. "That hasn't happened yet, and my patience is wearing fucking thin."

The other man with them, who is neither Shy or Lenny, chuckles and hands her a flask.

"Bless you, Reggie," Lenny says. "Susie gets for cranky very easily."

"Fuck you, Bruce."

"My point stands."

"What are you two doing here?" Midge asks Rory.

"Logan's sister was having a party and we...and I..." the younger woman looks around, a little lost. "I..."

Midge nods in understanding and takes her hand. "You come with us, honey. We'll fix you a nice cocktail and you can get some air out on the water." She looks at Logan. "She'll catch up with you later."

Logan opens his mouth to argue, but Susie beats him to it.

"You heard Miriam. Get lost, you little shit."

"We will return her safe and sound," Lenny promises. "If not to you, then to her mother."

Logan looks to Rory, lips pressed into N unhappy frown. "Ace?"

She takes a breath. "It's okay. I'll call you later."

Shy waves him off as he hops onto the yacht that Logan had intended for them to steal. "All aboard the Natural Harmony."

Rory waves to Logan as she lets herself be pulled into the yacht.

*****

"So," Reggie says as he puffs on a cigar, looking at his cards. "Your boyfriend's father, who gave you an internship at one of his papers, told you you were not good enough to be a journalist."

Rory nods uncomfortably, looking away. "Yes."

"Mitchum Huntzberger, who expects his son to follow in his footsteps, including marrying a gold-digging trophy wife instead of finding a woman of substance," Lenny grumbles.

Rory frowns at him.

"Men like Mitchum do not value worldly women," Lenny goes on. "And he certainly doesn't want one for a daughter-in-law."

"Also your mother is poor," Susie adds.

"What?" Rory snaps. "No, she's-"

"By his standards she is," Susie interrupts her. "I've visited Stars Hollow. I've seen your house. In Huntzberger's world, your mother is dirt fucking poor, even if by reality's standards, she does fine."

"The point is," Shy cuts in as he parks the yacht not too far from the dock, but far enough to get some of that wonderful sea air Midge had promised. "That this man's motivations for trying to crush your self confidence have very, very little to do with your abilities, and have everything to do with the fact that he doesn't like that you are dating his son."

"Listen to Shy," Lenny says. "And if you're not willing to listen to Shy, listen to the man who has been proofreading your work for a decade." He grins at her kindly. "There is always room for improvement. Always. No one is perfect. But your work is solid. You've worked hard for that solidity. One old, coke-adled fuckwit's opinion should not be a factor in your decision-making process."

"Coke-adled?'" Rory asks, confused.

"Never you mind, my darling," Lenny assures her.

"I am making sidecars," Shy announces. "Who wants one?"

"Rory does," Midge announces, wrapping an arm around her and hugging her gently. "And so do I."

"Is there whiskey?" Susie asks.

"There is always whiskey," Shy promises.

Rory bites her lip before getting to her feet and carefully walking over to Shy. "Mr. Baldwin?"

"Yes?" He asks without looking up from his bar tending. "Did you want something different? I could make you an old fashioned, or-"

"Logan- my biyfriend...he and I were...I'm sorry. I...I just felt so out of control and I felt like I needed to do something crazy and out of control to feel in control again and today was just so awful and I...we...we were planning on stealing your yacht. I'm really sorry."

Shy looks up at her and chuckles softly. "Oh, I know." He pours a sidecar into a coup glass and hands it off to her. "Isn't this so much better?"

Rory smiles gratefully and nods as she takes the drink.

"Do you want my opinion?" Shy asks as he pours another, and hands it off to Midge.

Rory takes a sip of her drink. "Yes, I do."

"People are always going to say and do and think what they want," he says as he opens an expensive bottle of whiskey. "No matter what you say and do and think. The only way to get what you want in this world is to believe and invest in yourself, and ignore all the bullshit."

"Here, here," Midge crows.

"Besides," Reggie comments as he wins a hand. "What's one stuffy white dude's opinion, steeped in ulterior motives, against Lenny Fucking Bruce telling you how good you are?"

The group laughs at that, including Rory.

"You know what you need?" Midge says.

"What?" Rory frowns.

"A fucking break," the older woman answers. "Tomorrow. You and me. Spa day. Nails, hair, facials, fancy lunch. You'll feel like a new woman."

Rory beams. "That sounds amazing. I mean...it really sounds great. I just..." she looks around at the water, her face crumbling a little. "I can't remember the last time I had a break."

Susie watches, eyes wide in concern. "Gimme your phone."

"What-"

"Phone," Susie repeats, holding out a hand.

Rory hands it over.

"Midge, who am I adding to the fuck off tomorrow text message?" Susie asks.

"The mother, the grandparents, Logan the boyfriend, Paris and Lane the best friends," Midge rattles off.

Susie nods and gets to work.

"I don't know how you work that shit so fast," Shy marvels. "I can't text for crap."

"That's because you're the talent," Reggie reminds him. "Us managers, we had to figure it out and fast."

"Good evening - Rory will be out of reach all day tomorrow. She'll be having a spa day with Mrs. Maisel. Unless someone has died you can kindly fuck off until Sunday.

Sincerely,

The scheduling department of Susie Myerson and Associates."

"You can't send that!" Rory cries.

"Oops, finger slipped," Susie responds, having already sent it.

"Susie!" Rory huffs. "Now all of them are going to be worried and start-"

The texts flood in after that, and the cell phone rings. Midge snatches it and answers.

"Lorelai, she's fine," Midge says automatically. "Tell everyone she's fine and she just needs a break. Because she needs a break. No, now isn't a good time, but Lenny and I have her, and we'll bring her home in a couple of hours. I'll pick her up for our spa day early tomorrow. Okay? ...okay. bye, sweetie."

Midge hangs up and hands the phone back to Rory. "They can all wait."

Rory nods, tempted to look at the texts from Logan and Paris, but winds up looking at Lane's response instead.

"Omg have so much fun. Can't wait to hear all about it! Talk to you Sunday!!!"

She smiles.

*****

She gets home and her mother is waiting for her.

"I'm worried," Lorelai tells her. "That text had me really, really worried."

Rory nods and sits next to her on the couch. "Yeah. I uh...I know. I just...i think the pressure is really getting to me. Like really, really getting to me."

"So, spa day?" Lorelai inquires.

"Spa day," Rory confirms. "No Logan. No school stuff. Just...spa day."

"You wanna fill me in on whats going on?" Lorelai presses. "You're home in one piece, dropped off by people i trust, I promise I won't be mad."

Rory takes a breath. "I almost stole a yacht tonight. Because...because I feel like I'm losing my mind. But it was Shy Baldwin's yacht, and we ran into him and Midge and Lenny and Susie and Reggie before we could, and...they chased Logan away, and...and...Mom, I think I'm just...breaking. I'm breaking."

"Oh, hon," Lorelai says sympathetically. "I'm so glad you didn't steal a yacht. But also, if you're losing it, let's...let's plan something fun for the summer. Let's get outta here. Get you away from all the stress. We can hit the beach or go to the city. We can do our rollercoaster tour early. We don't have to wait for graduation. Whatever you need."

Rory sniffles and nods, resting her head on her mother's shoulder. "Thanks."

"Thanks for telling me."

Rory nods and wipes her eyes.

[aflawedfashion]

Midge & Susie | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 5x09

[lovepollution]

“It’s five seasons of television, so hopefully, the relationship has evolved. I do think he loves her. I mean, I don’t even think he loves her. He loves her, duh.”

Luke Kirby on Lenny's feelings for Midge [x]

[incipientdreamer]

Godd that final scene when Midge looks at Susie at the end and Susie has her hand on her heart...just perfection

[theresawritesstuff]

prompt: midge takes lenny for chinese food sometime between 1961-1965

May 1961

"You know when you said someday I'd be the one paying for the Chinese food, I didn't expect it would be when we were celebrating me."

Lenny smirked at her from across the table. "We're celebrating your success. Seemed like as good a time as any."

Midge smiled softly in return, admiring the pink flower she'd tucked into his lapel on their walk over.

She'd found him in the 30 Rock lobby shortly after the show, arguing with a security guard about letting him in to drop off a bouquet in her dressing room, even though he wasn't on the list. 

Pink and green. Just like always.

She learned that he was back in town for a friend's wedding. That Dinah had serendipitously called the bar they were having said friend's bachelor party in to tell the bartender about her set and they'd overheard, promptly deciding to move the party to the studio after a quick stop at a flower stand.

They got caught shortly thereafter trying to sneak in while the cameras were still rolling. The slow runners were a fun bunch but they lived up to their name.

Had her parents not asked her to walk them out after the show (they'd gotten lost on their way in with all the excitement), she would have never known he was there in person and not just in spirit via the little fortune tucked inside her dress, next to her heart.

It was good to see him. To know he'd really been there for her big break, even if he had to watch on a little monitor in the lobby. He was there. And it felt…right.

In the same way the past several months without running into him had felt wrong.

She'd been keeping herself so busy, trying not to miss him. Trying to keep her promise not to blow it.

She'd thought she had for a while. With her career and with him. 

But tonight seemed to be full of second chances, if she was brave enough to take them.

The check was placed on the table with a pair of fortune cookies on the tray.

"I'll take that," she teased, plucking the cookie from his hand as he began to break his open.

Lenny opened his mouth in amused protest but she held up a finger.

"My turn to pay, my turn to read," she insisted.

He propped his elbows on the table, covering a smile with his hands, nodding for her to continue.

She stared down at the slip of paper in her hands, and as she scanned the text, she realized she needed to be brave at least one more time before the night was over. 

Say what she should have said months ago…

"Your chance at love is waiting right in front of you. All you have to do is let yourself accept it."

She glanced up briefly, gauging his reaction.

"If you do," she continued, "you may finally know yourself as you are seen through the eyes of love…Someone not to be worshiped as a comedy messiah, but treasured as a friend, delighted in as a lover, and respected as an individual with the utmost decency of character, despite what any of the court documents or tabloids may say."

"Midge…"

"They will see you as someone never to be pitied or something to fix because they've never once considered you to be broken. Just someone worthy of support. Of care. Of mutual adoration, sometimes including the occasional show corset."

Lenny smirked behind his hands, staying silent.

"This love is not without it's fuck ups but it is genuine," she promised, keeping her eyes on the slip in front of her. "And it's yours for the taking."

He exhaled thoughtfully as she folded her hands on the table.

"It says all that, hm?" he murmured finally.

Midge nodded. "I've gotten very good at reading fine print since we were here last. Gotta practice for all those contracts they want you to sign when you're famous."

Lenny shook his head, sliding the fortune over to his side of the table.

"Your lucky numbers are 46, 24, 11, 6, and 5." 

"Well…" Midge shrugged, pulling out the fortune she'd tucked into her dress and laying it beside its twin.  "I've heard it's all in how you read it."

He stared down at the papers quietly.

"You kept it?" he wondered.

"I did."

He nodded, glancing towards the window, letting the simple admission speak for the more complicated things they'd left unsaid until now.

"What are the odds it starts snowing?" he asked absently.

Midge smiled. "I dunno… I kind of like our chances though."

"Yeah?"

He turned back to her, hesitant but hopeful.

"I'm having a good night. Call me optimistic," she replied.

He smiled softly, his hand tentatively finding hers on the tabletop.

"As long as we're calling…"

"I think we could figure it out."

They made a point to revisit that booth regularly. First whenever they both found each other in New York, then on a monthly basis when he moved back to the east coast.

Until finally they decided to rent out the entire restaurant on the twenty fourth of November in 1965, where they celebrated their wedding reception with forty six of their dearest friends and family.

[atlasshrugd]

I think the flash forwards are a way to distract people/misdirect them. For them to show the negative outcome of Midge’s success story so early in the show sets it up to be subverted/overcome by the end of the show. Otherwise, what are people sticking around for? There obviously has to be more to the story, the ending can’t be spoiled at the beginning. I bet the writers have something up their sleeve when it comes to the flash forwards.

[charcubed]

someday, ages after the show’s been finished, I’m going to roll up with a post compiling a bunch of screenshots of moments where Midge Maisel was subtextually queer. and I’ve just accepted that by the time I ever get around to it no one is going to care (especially since very few people would’ve cared in the first place) but that’s okay. I think the world needs it anyway. eventually. just so it’ll exist somewhere.

[im-on-your-side-always]

[dearvoidgoodnight]

“I’m not the one who’s supposed to teach her about snow. That one’s squarely on you.”

-Susie Myerson

[absurdiststances]

“I’m veering toward cliché, but that feeling that you get when somebody’s present and available, that you don’t really have to do much to conjure anything…being in a room breathing with someone can be a very tender thing and can really stir up so many different degrees of weather within you.”

- Luke Kirby on working with Rachel Brosnahan, interview by Savannah Walsh for Vanity Fair [x]

[wonderlandleighleigh]

"It's a good joke!"

"I'm not saying it's a bad joke. I'm saying we can't use it because it insults the guest star."

"Please, he'll think it's funny."

Gordon whirls around on her. "And you know what Lenny Bruce thinks is funny."

Midge shrugs. "There were a couple of choice dick jokes he liked when he peeked at my notebook at the bar one afternoon."

"Yeah I bet he peeked something, alright."

"Hey."

Lenny can hear them before he catches sight of them, and Midge had mentioned how she's treated at this place over the phone.

Piece of meat indeed.

"What's the commotion?" He asks.

Gordon waves him off. "Don't worry about it, Lenny. Just my girl writer having an issue. But she always does."

Lenny smirks wryly. "The only thing I've known Midge to be fussy about is her hair. What's up?"

"I wrote a joke about you for the opening monologue," Midge interjects before Gordon can. "He thinks you'll be insulted."

Lenny shrugs. "Let's hear it."

Gordon puts up his hands, realizing too late that he's lost control of the situation. "Lenny-"

"Lenny Bruce is on the show tonight, and while we're grateful for the California weather he's brought with him, we're hoping he left the LAPD at home," Midge recites.

Lenny smirks behind his hand. "But we've got New York's finest on standby just in case," he adds.

Midge beams. "There's a trail of donuts leading to Lenny's dressing room to make sure they don't confuse him with every other white guy in a suit wandering around the studio."

Lenny gives that short, loud laugh that Midge loves so much, and Gordon pinches the bridge of his nose.

Lenny pats Gordon on the shoulder. "Use the joke. I've got thick skin, you can check with my moil."

"We can't use that, it's too Jewish," Midge teases.

"So is my nose, but you're still having me on the show," Lenny volleys back.

Midge tries hard not to laugh at that.

Gordon looks from one to the other. "Okay. Clearly I'm a third wheel here."

"If you wanted a date, all you had to do was ask," Lenny teases. "You're not my normal type, but you do have a nice tush. I'd make an exception."

Gordon closes his eyes. "Mike!"

As he stomps off, Lenny turns to Midge. "Drinks after the show?"

"You're on."

[aflawedfashion]

Midge Maisel | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 5x08