Now, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!
I loved this episode. So much going on here and not all about drippy Don (never thought I'd call him that).
The focus group of women I found both poignant and hilarious. While we had that brief historical Age of Aquarius with women shunning bras, make-up and shaving, our culture is really right back to what is probably primordial to females: the search for a mate and self-esteem through beauty. Like it or not.
The Pete Campbell chicken shit to chicken salad was brilliant. Loved how, with enough time, he thought like a winner, not a whiner. I am beginning to actually like the twerp.
Scene with Allison the secretary showed Don as many men would be. Truly clueless, yet capable of enlightenment. I loathe bosses who say, "Write your own recommendation and I'll sign it." I've gone through that, as have my kids, and it (to repeat a phrase) is a chicken-shit cop-out. And yet, the scene with him trying to write an apology gave viewers a peek into his humanity.
I continue to enjoy the show's sprinkling of our history and culture undergoing change. New rules for tobacco advertising, Underground artists breaking boundaries. Slightly more open lesbianism. There were also hints about NYC during this era. "Afraid of the subway?" "...how dirty the city is." Mayor Giuliani has been rightfully credited with cleaning up NYC, both literally and behaviorally in recent years (9-11 was also an influence). But these mid-60s were a time when the city was beginning to feel the woes of its size.
New/old secretary is hilarious and much needed comic relief. Frankly, I hope she stays.
The (almost) final scene of eye contact between Peggy and Pete almost brought me to tears. Their painful secret of having had their own love child together, and subtle tenderness in their expressions toward each other moved me. I felt Peggy's pain in seeing the contrast of her life to Trudy's.
Lastly, the ending scene of the old couple in the hall intrigued me. That is a true gesture of film as art. Not sure how I should interpret it, however. What do YOU think, reader?
You've pointed out some great stuff, esteemed colleague. I agree with everything you've highlighted. Let me add a word or two to your thoughts, if I may:
ReplyDeleteFocus group: Oh my, how wonderful that was! Yes indeed, the search for a mate and self-esteem through looks says it all. The way the women interacted touched me: very superficially, 60's-ish. All giggles and little substance. Again, perceived self-image as cute and mindless to be most attractive to the world at large.
Pete the jerk: True, he is getting less obnoxious. Is this good? I miss the ass I disliked so much.
Don and Allison: A lousy deal for her. Typical power play by man in charge. The recommendation copout is disgusting, I agree.
Changing mores: Absolutely! I liked the new interest in the plot in grass, lesbianism, and more. Oblique reference to Malcolm X could have used more elaboration.
New secretary: She might just be what Don needs!
Pete and Peggy glance: I agree, very powerful. Looks like romance may still be in the air.
Couple at end: "Let's take it inside." This line summed up the theme of not airing dirty laundry in public.
Question for you: Did you catch the reference in the beginning to the Jean Seberg T-Shirt? If not, I'll enlighten!
My grade? A- Much closer to the old MM we love.