It’s safe to assume that a character on a billboard who appears at the end of a TV season will play a significant role moving ahead. We were far too preoccupied crying over Lenny Bruce, though, to hyper-focus on the significance of Reid Scott (“The Afterparty,” “Venom”) as Gordon Ford. This is in defence of all the numerous “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” fans who failed to read the tea leaves. The fictional talk show host who will play a significant role in the fifth and final season of the show must now take centre stage as we must tear our eyes away from our favourite pair of troubled comedians. According to Deadline, Scott has recently been promoted to series regular.
Scott has already made four appearances on “Maisel,” so if he seems unfamiliar, it’s mainly because he typically appears considerably smaller and surrounded by static on television. Ford was frequently spotted in the Maisel household, on the TV screen, speaking with the successful comedians whose jobs Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) continues to aspire to. 1960s television sets weren’t quite as high definition as we’re used to. In particular, we observed him discussing his approaching Carnegie Hall concert with Lenny Bruce (Luke Kirby). He also has an important conversation with Jane Lynch’s Sophie Lennon, which helped her career get back on track. By the end of the fourth season, Midge wanted to take over the coveted late-night slot herself, but she found it more challenging than she had anticipated to get Ford’s attention. But given that he’s expected to make a big comeback, could Midge be headed for late-night stardom?
Late night TV is here to stay
The plan to get Midge on late-night TV initially seemed unattainable, largely due to her own poor judgement. Due to Midge’s ludicrous requirement that she not be an opening act, Susie tried unsuccessfully to get her on “The Gordon Ford Show.” Susie was forced to decline Ford’s booker Mike Carr (played by Brosnahan’s husband Jason Ralph) after declining a gig with Tony Bennett at The Copa that would have allowed Ford’s bookers to see her. But if Scott is coming back, maybe Midge’s days of disobeying her manager’s instructions are at an end. Or is that asking too much?
She might at least now be heading in the right direction. The scene was prepared for Midge’s endgame where Season 4 left off. She strolled outside into the icy streets of New York to look up at a sign for the Gordon Ford Show after Lenny gave a stern but inspiring speech, appearing ready to get herself back on track. A few episodes of Ford’s show or even just one interview could be all that Midge needs to become the superstar we all know she can be. Additionally, she is certain that her parents watch the programme, so perhaps Rose will eventually discover her daughter’s talents and come around. At the very least, she won’t be distracted by strippers or drink. But most crucially, this portends a major development for Midge (assuming she gets out of her own way). If Scott sticks around, Gordon Ford might decide to shine the motormouth comedian, and maybe one performance will turn into more.
