We are now moving deeper into Viet Nam days and the Rolling Stones. Very clever placing just their line aimed at advertisers "...tellin' me how white my shirts can be..."
This episode was interesting, but seemed disjointed between Joan and Don. Now, y'all know I am a big advocate of journaling, but frankly, watching Don do it creeped me out. I am a bit lost; is this self-induced, or part of some mandated therapy after his alcoholic crash? He just doesn't seem the type to take up the pen filled with emotional ink. Plus, I am not sure I like hearing so much Don voice-over. Better writing shows, it does not tell, and I more enjoy the subtle, intelligent revealing over, "and then I feel...blah, blah, blah."
Still, his pronouncement that we see people as we want them to be, not like they are, speaks volumes to his lack of authentic identity, the games the sexes play, and the advertising world at large. I want my toothpaste to be a chick-magnet, when it's really just a toothpaste.
Joan. Whew! On unhappy lady and it all comes out at work. She didn't even look as pretty in this episode. We have all known Joan. Being neither the lowly clerks, nor management, have power, but limited, make for a very lonely slot at work. She has no peers. We all need them. The workplace sexual harassment I almost can't watch (having been through my own version - as every woman probably has - it makes me see red!) Her observation in elevator with Peggy was stunningly brilliant. And painful.
Betty misses her bad boy (see post 9-5 for reasons why - haha).
I'll bet Ashley Montague would also have a field day with the alpha-males and metaphorical garage and boat scene. My (big) boat will now be in your garage!
Can somebody tell me why Don is not sleeping with Bethany?
Funniest lines: Don referring to his cataracted secretary as Ray Charles. After running into Don, Henry says seriously to Betty, "Well this is a small town." Huh? Manhattan?
Lastly, I hope Don swims again next week. ;-)
Great observations, Valerie. I'd like to respond paragraph by paragraph to your comments.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are now in '65. The Rolling Stones are present. The show has glossed over the Beatles...and other very important singers. But okay, the Stones will do. We must remember that historically '65 was not yet Viet Nam in full swing...so Joan's comments to the snotty kids are not quite right on. I was troubled by her words, which did not seem to fit her or history.
Oh, Valerie, how I agree with your notes on Don. He is NOT Mr. Introspective...which is why we have enjoyed him so much to this point. He is rather primal, acting on attraction, impulse, intuition. To put journaling in his mouth is like changing Joan into a non-sexual being...heaven forbid! Yes, stories show, not tell. Scenesshow, not tell. Bad writing...one of the biggest mistakes so far in the characterization of Don Draper.
Right, the games the sexes play is the focus of most of Don's actions. Let's remember that Don is first and foremost a game player, in his conquests both personal and professional.
Joan....right on. She is downright unpleasant...and not very appealing. I was taken aback at her snipe at Peggy in the elevator...had hoped that the pair would form an alliance...this would have turned the plot in a great direction. I too am sickened by the sexism in the workplace. But that is part of the message: While the 60's saw an awareness in racism, it was slow to recognize sexism. Just go back and watch the mid-60's interviews with the "left"... our heroes such as Bob Dylan often referred to women as "babes" and "chicks."
Betty misses her bad boy? Need some enlightenment on this comment.
Alpha-males: Yes indeed, so much of the show has to do with men trying to prove whose is bigger. We could have a field day with male symbolism.
Re Bethany: Don should be sleeping with her.... Is he suddenly Mr. Puritan? Very bizarre.
Humor: You found a funny line. I did not find much to laugh at this week.
Don swimming... Valerie, are you telling me you want to see our hero naked? Or is it Don's intellect that you find so attractive? (hahaha)
My only extra observation: As the writers try to "broaden" the characters to make them less unidimensional, let's not forget that depth of thought does not fit every protagonist.
Back to you, film buddy.