Not as tightly wound as last week, but still a solid one. Don did more smiling in this episode than all the previous combined. And it looked weird on him! Some people actually look better not smiling, I suppose. Anywho, I loved the flashback with Roger Sterling sporting slightly darker gray hair. Don's bold persistence in landing his job paralleled with the little squirt wood-pile relation of Roger's was an interesting twist.
Don's brewing (pun intended) alcohol consumption leading to work foul ups and a lost weekend add to his complex character. I was most intrigued when the waitress bimbo he cluelessly woke up next to, called him by his real name, Dick. In his stupor he must have given her that name. Suggests that one can never completely deny one's true identity, background, etc. He cannot shake that he's a Dick. (laughs here)
I am totally drawn in to Peggy's evolving character. As she goes deeper and deeper into male career territory, it makes this blog writer feel new appreciation for those women who broke through those boundaries, not without a LOT of irritation, anguish, frustration...
Two strange coincidences from this episode: In a phone conversation with a friend just hours before the show, I happened to reference Peyton Place (completely out of left field). Later, the show alluded to it! Wacko.
Daughter spent last weekend in the Hamptons (!) and met a man who had been creative director for BBDO, one of Madison Avenue's top 4 agencies during Mad Men era. A couple of days ago, I watched Face in the Crowd, the classic break-out film for Andy Griffin and Patricia Neal (will post later), and in it, BBDO is mentioned. In this episode of Mad Men, as in some previous ones, BBDO is again referenced.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Don the smiler...good observation, Valerie. Yes, he does better brooding and being serious.
ReplyDeleteThe flashback: I agree that the portrait of the persistent Don was excellent, particularly as it contrasts to the young kid trying to push into the agency.
Don's use of his real name was also effective...as well as his drunken stupors. Indeed, as a drunk, he IS a dick!
I am a supporter of Peggy too. Loves how she throws it back at the men...on occasion. Yet, I found the nude to nude scene just too unreal, and not quite in line with her character.
Your coincidences: they happen all the time in life. We need to watch for them and record them in our minds....there always seems to be an important connection.
I felt a bit more critical of this week's episode than you...did not feel the writers were as focused as usual.