In the season five premiere of , fans were met with a surprising twist: Mei Lin, portrayed by Stephanie Hsu, is written out of the show. Mei, who had become a fan favorite, was last seen in the season four finale engaged to Joel Maisel, played by Michael Zegen. The departure of such a beloved character left many wondering what led to this abrupt exit.
Rachel Brosnahan and Michael Zegen addressed the situation in an interview, shedding light on Hsu's exit.
According to Zegen, the primary reason for Mei's departure was scheduling conflicts. Hsu’s rising star was evident in her role in the Oscar-winning film , her part in Marvel’s , and the upcoming comedy . With such high-profile projects demanding her attention, it was inevitable that would have to write Mei out earlier than planned.
Despite the necessity of this change, Zegen expressed his admiration for Hsu, stating, "She was amazing, and I certainly missed working with her.” Brosnahan echoed this sentiment, noting, “We miss her so much.
” Their heartfelt comments underline the impact Hsu had on the show and its cast.
Fans of Mei Lin were left with a bittersweet goodbye. In the new season, Mei chooses to leave New York to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor in Chicago, a decision that takes precedence over her relationship with Joel. This plot twist reflects a deep and realistic choice, showing Mei prioritizing her career aspirations over personal relationships.
The decision to write Mei out wasn’t without its complications. Brosnahan revealed that the show often surprises its actors with character exits, noting, “We never really know though. We so often get surprised by how characters exit the show.” This unpredictability keeps the narrative fresh but can leave fans longing for more.
Hsu’s portrayal of Mei Lin was significant in representing a strong, funny, bilingual Chinese American woman in a time and place where such representation was rare. In a candid piece for
, Hsu had expressed initial fears about potential racial stereotypes in the role but ultimately found playing Mei to be one of her greatest joys.
Though Mei's journey on ends sooner than many hoped, her character’s departure adds depth to the show’s exploration of personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. The first three episodes of the new season are now available on Prime Video, continuing the adventures of Midge Maisel and her colorful world.
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