Mad Men: Shoot

November 29th, 2008

Season 1, Episode 9

Mad Men: Shoot

Synopsis

Betty and the kids relax in the backyard as their neighbor releases pigeons from a cage. That evening at a theater, Jim Hobart, a rival ad agency agency executive, tries to recruit Don. He compares Betty to Grace Kelly and offers her a job modeling for Coca-Cola.

The next day, Betty tells Francine about the opportunity, and recounts how an Italian fashion designer once created outfits just for her.

At the office, Don receives a present from Jim. Over the phone, Jim promises work with high-profile clients.

Betty tells Dr. Wayne about her previous modeling career, and reveals conflicted feelings about her mother.

At the office, the men watch a clip of Jackie Kennedy while brainstorming ideas for the Nixon campaign. They are unsure about the prospect of a noticeably young first lady.

Betty tells Don she wants the modeling job. Don is skeptical, knowing it’s a bribe to get him to jump ship, but relents.

The next day at the office, Peggy tears her skirt. Joan lends her a sweater to cover it up.

Roger personally delivers to Don yet another gift from Jim, a set of golf clubs. Roger reminds Don about his recent bonus, and says big clients may not prove to be that glamorous. Don remains silent about his intentions.

The other office men gossip about Don possibly leaving and Peggy’s new role as a copywriter. Ken notices she’s gaining weight.

Betty sits in a row of models. Jim introduces her to his colleague Ronnie, who escorts her to an audition.

Pete and Harry hatch an idea to buy up ad time for Secor laxatives in battleground states, reducing air time for Kennedy ads.

Later that evening, Betty is told over the phone she got the job. She’s noticeably happy and seduces Don in the living room.

The next day Betty poses in a picnic scene while photographs are taken. Meanwhile, Robert and Sally watch the neighbor release his pigeons. Polly the dog chases and bites one. Angry, the neighbor threatens to shoot Polly. That night, Sally tells Don and Betty about the situation.

At the office, Roger and Bertram praise Pete and Harry for their “inspired” ad buy strategy. Hildy turns down Pete’s offer of a drink.

Don receives yet another gift, photographs from Betty’s photo shoot. Don marches into Roger’s office and requests a raise without a contract, and Roger gives in. Don says if he ever leaves Sterling Cooper, it won’t be for another ad agency.

Don calls Jim to say he’s not interested in the job offer. Meanwhile, Ronnie tells Betty – already at a photo shoot – that they no longer need her services.

Joan comments on Peggy’s appearance, encouraging her to dress more sharply. As Peggy walks by, Ken makes a crack about her large rear – and Pete punches him. As they wrestle on a desk, Don and Roger hardly notice as they leave the office.

Over dinner, Betty tells Don she doesn’t want to work. Don doesn’t have much to say. The next day, she picks up a BB gun and fires at the neighbor’s pigeons.

Thoughts

Style

Jim mentions two huge clients, the airline Pan Am, and Esso the gas company. Secor appears to be a fictional company.

Betty is compared several times to Grace Kelly, the actress who starred in several Hitchcock movies (To Catch A Thief, Rear Window) and married the Prince of Monaco. Later in the episode, the actress Audrey Hepburn is mentioned as a contrast. At the time of this episode (1960), she would be most known for Roman Holiday and Sabrina. Breakfast at Tiffany’s dates from 1961.

In her session with Dr. Wayne, Betty mentions the famous model Suzy Parker, who did some notable covers for Vogue magazine.

The song My Special Angel by Jimmy Duncan plays over the credits.

Then And Now

Sexual harassment: The office boys make disparaging comments about Peggy’s weight. Pete is a little too forward with his complements an Hildy’s beauty and the way she walks.
Office violence: A fist fight like the one that breaks out between Pete and Ken would be cause for instant firing today.

Developments

Peggy’s weight gain is something to watch over the next few episodes, and Don’s request for “no contract” is an important plot point in the season 2 finale.

Betty is the focus of this episode, as someone hoping for more, but essentially trapped in her situation. She doesn’t seem to comprehend her position as a pawn in the larger game of Don’s recruitment by a rival ad agency. What’s really sad is Don eventually emerges ahead, using the interest as leverage to get a raise, while Betty sinks back to her previous position as a bored housewife. So it’s hardly a wonder that she takes out her frustrations by shooting at the neighbor’s pigeons, that are let out of their cage on a regular basis, and get to spread their wings.

Next Episode: Long Weekend
Previous Episode: The Hobo Code

TV Shows: Mad Men

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