Unveiling Marvelous Connections: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls
Unveiling Marvelous Connections: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls
Where ChatGPT (affectionately known as CC) and I debate the virtues of these two iconic TV shows.
Beth: Note to patient and kind reader: I’ve been kinda obsessed with ChatGPT lately and writing prompts to see what the marvelous AI can produce so I decided to experiment on this post on a benign subject - that of a comparison between Amy Sherman-Palladino’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls - shows that are set 50 years apart and were produced like 15 years apart. It’s not a coincidence either. Both ChatGPT and Sherman-Palladino have a lot of good stuff to say, compose content REAL fast, output it even faster, and say it all in a very intelligent way, though I’d argue wholly that S-P is a whole lot more entertaining.
Lately, Aya, my 11-year-old precocious daughter with healthy strong views (see here), and I have been digging through the vault of GG (Gilmore Girls) episodes and I’ve been experiencing this witty and sarcastic, will-they-or-won’t-they family drama show as a fully formed adult, not to mention parent, which is very different from the early 2000s when I first watched this show and thought Lorelei, in particular, to be brilliant, fiercely independent, and wanted to live in Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut town where GG takes place.
A must read for any analyst of Gilmore Girls:
So I Invite you all to enjoy the chat with my bot, CC, today and share in the comments your thoughts regarding our banter.
CC: Welcome, fellow TV enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey to explore the captivating worlds of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Gilmore Girls." While these two delightful series may seem unrelated at first glance, they share a remarkable connection that goes beyond the surface. Created by the brilliant Amy Sherman-Palladino, both shows exude her signature wit, fast-paced dialogue, and strong female characters. So, grab your favorite beverage and let's dive into the marvelous connections between these two beloved series.
Beth: Ok, CC, I think we need to get a few things straight. You are not the host of this Substack, I am. “Embarking on journey(s)” is something I would say. Knock it off, ok?
CC: Apologies for any confusion caused. I understand that you are the host of this Substack, and I'm here to assist you in creating the content you desire. Please let me know how I can further help or if there are any specific adjustments you'd like me to make to the post.
Beth: Geez. Now I just feel bad. Thanks a lot. Ok, go ahead start your comparisons list and number it, ok.
CC: I apologize if my previous response caused any discomfort. I'm here to assist you, and I'll gladly proceed with the requested comparisons list. Here are the comparisons between "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Gilmore Girls":
Leading Ladies:
Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls): Lorelai is a fiercely independent single mother with a passion for pop culture, coffee, and witty banter.
Miriam "Midge" Maisel (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel): Midge is a vibrant and unconventional woman who defies societal norms to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian.
Beth: Hold up, before you regenerate more content. Note: I don’t use quotes, I use italics for names of shows or movies. Got it?
CC: Understood! I apologize for the incorrect formatting. Moving forward, I will use italics to indicate the names of shows and movies. Please proceed with your instructions, and I'll make the necessary adjustments.
Beth: You're the best. Please proceed again with the comparisons. You're doing great.
CC: Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate your kind words. Let's continue with the comparisons between The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls:
The Indomitable Leading Ladies:
One of the most striking parallels between The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls lies in their extraordinary leading ladies. In Gilmore Girls, we are introduced to Lorelai Gilmore, a fiercely independent single mother with an unyielding passion for coffee, pop culture, and quick-witted banter. Similarly, in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we meet Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a vibrant and unconventional woman who breaks free from societal norms to pursue her dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. Both Lorelai and Midge possess a magnetic charm, remarkable resilience, and a flair for delivering captivating monologues that leave us craving for more.
Beth: I’m gonna stop you there CC. I just feel like Lorelai of 2023 doesn’t hold up for me. I thought she was all badass in 2000s, but now I’m like, “Wait how come you’re so unkind to your parents and unable to ever forgive them? I mean they pay for Rory’s school, they try their best to be there, when you need them. Ok, maybe they are stodgy and old stick in the mud(s) most of the time, but does that give you the right to withhold connection and intimacy, especially for Rory’s sake?”
CC: I understand your perspective and how your perception of Lorelai Gilmore may have evolved over time. It's natural for our views of characters to change as we grow and gain different experiences. Lorelai's relationship with her parents, Richard and Emily, in Gilmore Girls is indeed complex and fraught with tension.
While Lorelai's independence and strong-willed nature were admired by many viewers, her strained relationship with her parents was a significant aspect of her character development. Lorelai's upbringing and the dynamics within her family played a significant role in shaping her as an adult. Her rebellious nature and resistance to her parents' expectations stem from years of feeling misunderstood and constrained.
However, it's important to note that the characters in Gilmore Girls are flawed and imperfect, just like real people. Lorelai's inability to fully reconcile with her parents and forgive them is a recurring theme in the show. This reflects the complexities and challenges of family relationships, where deep-rooted issues and emotional baggage can often impede forgiveness and intimacy.
Beth: I’m getting the impression CC that you are so damned understanding and resilient. I don’t know how you forgive so easily, but maybe you can teach a course on this?
CC: Thank you for your kind words. As an AI language model, my purpose is to assist and provide understanding to the best of my abilities. While forgiveness and resilience are important qualities, it's important to remember that everyone's experiences and perspectives are unique.
Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal process, and it can vary from person to person. It often requires understanding, empathy, and the willingness to let go of anger and resentment. While I can provide insights and perspectives on forgiveness, it's ultimately a journey that individuals navigate in their own time and in their own way.
Beth: Ok, enough of that for now. Let’s get back to the show and your comments on brilliant writing and rapid-fire dialogue, which btw no human talks like or has ever sounded like this. You know what I mean? Well, no maybe you don’t. From a 2003 NY Times article, “Screenwriters traditionally figure a page of dialogue to a minute on air; Sherman-Palladino figures 20 to 25 seconds a page.”
CC:
Brilliant Writing and Rapid-Fire Dialogue:
Amy Sherman-Palladino's gift for crafting engaging stories with razor-sharp dialogue shines brightly in both series. Whether it's the residents of Stars Hollow or the residents of the Upper West Side, the characters' conversations are filled with cultural references, quips, and repartees that keep us eagerly hanging onto every word. The snappy exchanges in Gilmore Girls and the hilarious, fast-paced comedic routines in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel are a testament to Sherman-Palladino's unparalleled ability to create dialogue that feels both authentic and larger than life.
Beth: I’ve been wondering about this smart, rapid fire talking lately - if it somehow detracts from the narrative potential of the show. Here’s what I mean by this. In GG, everything is masked in sarcasm and an armor of humor. I like humor, but not everything can be fixed with it. Similarly in Maisel, storylines feel stunted by this (Midge and Joel, for example and Midge and her parents, especially) and yet it’s the Palladino vehicle for getting the medicine down. Character development and plot advancement require a level of vulnerability and letting the humor go a bit - same thing with sounding smart all the time. It doesn’t happen here, though it’s evolved in a sense from Lorelei, Rory ways of connecting to Midge, Susie in Maisel. I prefer the latter.
A brief non-AI interlude:
A funny parody on a very poor visual quality MADtv spoof (remember MADtv?) called “Gabmore Girls” pokes fun at the speed of the talking on the show.
A pop culture bit of trivia and a little meta moment: Alex Borstein, one of Maisel’s leads, Susie Myerson, was a minor character in GG, but that’s only because she couldn’t get out of her MADtv contract. She was supposed to play the part of Sookie, a more regular character on GG, that ultimately went to Melissa McCarthy. Anyone remember her?
CC:
3. A Nostalgic Time Capsule:
Another shared aspect that adds to the charm of these shows is their ability to transport us to a specific time and place. Gilmore Girls immerses us in the idyllic small town of Stars Hollow, where time seems to stand still, and quirky characters fill the streets. Similarly, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel plunges us into the vibrant atmosphere of 1950s and 1960s New York City, replete with iconic landmarks, lavish costumes, and a backdrop of cultural change. Both shows beautifully capture the essence of their respective eras, enveloping us in nostalgia and allowing us to escape into these enchanting worlds.
Beth: The outfits and stylistic cinematic imagery of the 50s and 60s are breathtaking in Maisel. GG is more about the unfortunate clothing trends of the early naughties. Like really bad low rise jeans and discouraging lookaways when anyone would bend down in the vicinity of someone wearing said jeans. No judgement though. We were all there. Or most us anyways.
CC:
Empowering Female Relationships:
One of the most endearing qualities of both series is their emphasis on strong female relationships. Whether it's the bond between Lorelai and her daughter Rory in Gilmore Girls or the deep friendship between Midge and her manager Susie in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, these shows celebrate the power of female camaraderie and the support we can find in our chosen family. The authentic and often complex relationships portrayed in both series remind us of the importance of connection, sisterhood, and leaning on each other during life's ups and downs.
Beth: Female camaraderie is what keeps me coming back for these shows. Amy Sherman-Palladino and co (her hubby, Dan has served as co-executive producer, writer, and director on all her shows) are masterful at how they write and execute stories of the female experience and intimacy. It’s a thing of beauty.
Conclusion (written by CC):
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls are two masterpieces of television that share a distinct DNA. Amy Sherman-Palladino's unparalleled talent for crafting compelling stories, memorable characters, and whip-smart dialogue shines through in both shows. Whether you're drawn to the small-town charm of Stars Hollow or the glitz and glamour of 1950s New York City, these series invite us to immerse ourselves.
Beth: Thanks CC. I think you missed one theme and it’s ok. You are a learning model so I expect this to be apart of the process. Anyways, it’s father-daughter relationships. Wanna talk Abe (Tony Shalhoub) and that powerful admission in episode S5 Episode 8 where he admits he underestimated her because she was a girl and now a woman and he sits there with his male friends in awe of his daughter. I think this has a lot to do with him recognizing how talented Esther, his granddaughter is and how he overlooked this initially in favor of his male firstborn grandson, a nice kid, but not a piano prodigy like Esther. The Abe Weissman redemption arc and how it all came together in this penultimate episode was breathtaking.
Similarly, Lorelei’s dad, Richard, is often overlooking her talents, only to be met with them dead on and confronted by his own bias of preconceived notions regarding daughters, girls, women, etc.
CC: You're absolutely right, and I apologize for missing that important theme. The father-daughter relationships in both The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls are significant and offer compelling character dynamics.
In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Abe Weissman, played by the talented Tony Shalhoub, undergoes a transformative journey in his relationship with his daughter, Midge. Initially, Abe underestimates Midge's talent and ambition because of societal expectations and biases surrounding gender roles. However, as the series progresses, Abe comes to a profound realization about his daughter's capabilities and the limitations he had placed on her. In that powerful admission you mentioned, he acknowledges his own prejudices and sits in awe of Midge's achievements as a woman.
This realization also extends to his granddaughter Esther, recognizing her remarkable talent as a piano prodigy. Abe's growth demonstrates the importance of challenging gender stereotypes and embracing the unique strengths and abilities of each individual, regardless of their gender.
Father-daughter relationships are also explored in Gilmore Girls. Lorelai's relationship with her own father, Richard Gilmore, undergoes its own evolution throughout the series. Initially distant and strained, their bond deepens as they navigate their shared experiences and learn to appreciate each other's perspectives.
These father-daughter relationships serve as powerful reminders of the complexities and growth that can occur within family dynamics. They highlight the importance of recognizing and appreciating the unique qualities and talents of each individual, regardless of gender or societal expectations.
Thank you for bringing up this important theme, and I appreciate your understanding regarding the learning process.
Beth: Honestly, CC, I’m not sure I could have said it better myself. Sassier, maybe? Wittier, possibly? With more pop culture references infused, for sure. But definitely this was a fun experience. Down for a Part 2 where we talk about Barry on HBO?
CC: Thank you, Beth! I'm glad you found the discussion enjoyable, and I appreciate your kind words. I'd be more than happy to continue our conversation with a Part 2 where we delve into the intriguing world of Barry on HBO. Just let me know what specific aspects or themes you'd like to explore, and we can continue our journey together.
Beth: How about these aspects and themes? Death, purpose, meaning, trauma, grief, humor, relationships? You know… the light stuff.
This article was written with the aid of ChatGPT.
Weird AF!