Like the show itself, there is so much to love about the storyform for the first season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I thought the focus on inappropriate behavior (Non-accurate) and the Influence Character’s Solution of Determination (“She’s great…”) was enough, but looking over the entire storyform so much of it rings true–and explains why the show is so massively awesome.
The key to my excitement is this: while I did pick Storypoints like the Main Character Concern of Preconscious (everytime she opens her mouth people lose their mind!) and the Overall Story Concern of Doing (the stand-up comedy circuit in Downtown NY), Dramatica–a theory of story based on the psychology of the human mind–picked the following Storypoints–
–on its own!
- Main Character Unique Ability of Confidence(the storypoint responsible for bringing Success to the story).
- Relationship Story Catalyst of Ability (or Talent) the catalyst for conflict within the marriage (she’s way better than him at comedy)
- The Main Character Critical Flaw of Knowledge–as a housewife in the 1950s she doesn’t have a clue as to how the “real” world works (or know what she can or can’t say…that’s actually probably a better indicator)
- The Influence Character Unique Ability of Security (Joel does bring home the bacon) and his Critical Flaw of Wisdom (stupid move to leave her in the first place)
- The Relationship Story Problem of Effect (how she kills at her wedding, sneaks in professional dancers to “affect” all the guests, and of course–her effect on Audiences everywhere)
- The Relationship Story Inhibitor of Value (how much Joel devalues her contribution).
And the list goes on and on.
The reason why you binge watch this entire show in a day or two is because of the clarity and the seamless tapestry of these Storypoints. Every bit of this story balances out. The entire narrative functions on all cylinders. I’ve never seen an entire season of television so confidently and expertly tell a meaningful and cohesive argument.
A true masterpiece of storytelling.
