Mad Men: The Mountain King
March 25th, 2009
Season 2, Episode 12
Synopsis
Betty locks Sally in a closet after catching her smoking. She talks back, saying Don left because Betty is mean and stupid. Meanwhile, Don gets off a bus in San Pedro, California.
Peggy, Ken, and Sal brainstorm ideas for the Popsicle company, recalling childhood memories of breaking them apart to share. After the meeting, Pete learns that Trudy has made an appointment with an adoption agency.
Bertram meets with Alice, his sister and fellow board member, about a possible sale of Sterling Cooper.
Flashback to Don visiting Anna, the original Don Draper’s wife. Don (then Dick Whitman) breaks the news that her husband died in Korea. In present day California, Don opens the door of a house to find Anna, teaching piano to a young boy.
Pete and Trudy argue over the idea of adopting a child. Meanwhile, Joan and Greg make love. He apologizes for not knowing what she wants.
Don relaxes on the porch of Anna’s house, and confesses that by being a passive observer instead of an active participant – has ruined his life.
Roger tells Bertram he supports the merger, and Jane makes him happy. Bertram calls for a board meeting.
Tom Vogel, Pete’s father in law, informs Pete that he’ll pull Clearasil if Trudy doesn’t get her way.
Flashback to Don and Anna celebrating Christmas. He wants to marry (Betty), and asks for “Mrs. Draper” to give him a divorce. Anna agrees.
The Popsicle company representatives are impressed with Peggy’s presentation, despite Don’s absence, and some religious undertones.
Over the phone, Sarah Beth reveals to Betty that she had an affair with Arthur from the stables. Betty chastises her for crossing the line. Sara Beth reminds her that Betty set them up, and Betty says there’s a difference between wanting and having.
A repairman lectures Peggy on proper use of the gigantic copy machine sitting near her desk. Annoyed, she asks Roger if she can have Freddy’s old office. Roger agrees.
Joan and Greg sneak into Don’s office for a drink, where he forces himself upon her. He’s under the mistaken impression that this is “what she wants.”
At the board meeting a majority of Bertram, Alice, and Roger approve the sale of the Sterling Cooper. Roger casually mentions that the absent Don stands to make half a million.
Still in California, Don chats with some grease monkeys fiddling with hot rod engines.
Joan congratulates Peggy on her new office. Paul returns from Mississippi, calling it the adventure of a lifetime. The office boys are shocked to learn of Peggy’s new quarters.
Betty gives Sally some riding boots, and confesses to not knowing where Don is or when he’ll return.
As Don fixes a chair, Anna reads tarot cards. Don notes the copy of Meditations in an Emergency he sent her. Anna says he’s unhappy because he believes he’s alone.
Pete informs Peggy that he lost the Clearasil account, and Don essentially vanished in California.
Back in California, Don visits to the beach, wading into the ocean with waves crashing around him.
Thoughts
Popsicles were invented in 1905.
Then And Now
- Questionable parenting: Not sure how many parents still think it’s acceptable to close their kids up in a closet as punishment.
- Swearing: Pete blurts out “Hell’s bells.”
Advertising
Religious imagery in advertising
Developments
When Greg essentially rapes Joan on Don’s office floor, there must be some additional meaning regarding what she “wants.” When he says “pretend I’m your boss,” is it a reference to her now-dead affair with Roger, or could Joan possibly have an interest in Don? Then we have Betty admonishing her friend Sara Beth for crossing the line between “wanting and having.”
The episode also features some occasionally confusing jumps between the past and present, showing how Dick Whitman secured Don Draper’s and managed the situation of his wife. It turns out they became friends and Dick promised to pay Anna, likely for continued use of the name. We also learn that Anna was the recipient of the book of poetry from the season’s first episode.
It seems their relationship was platonic, as Anna doesn’t become angry or jealous when Don mentions marriage to Betty. But it’s a safe bet if Betty ever found out about Anna, Dick Whitman, or the original Don Draper, she would see it as a huge betrayal.
Peggy’s subtle appropriation of religious imagery for the Popsicle campaign seems to be a dig at the recent pressure by Father Gil and her family to reconnect with the church.
The biggest question at this point, is whether Don will return to his family in New York. He confesses to thinking his life has been ruined, and Betty would be better off without him. He is also intrigued by the pleasant, sunny atmosphere in California. The Golden State also has connotations of escaping one’s past, making a fresh start, and opportunity. I wouldn’t blame Don if he stayed in San Pedro.
Next Episode: Meditations In An Emergency
Previous Episode: The Jet Set
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Posted In: Mad Men
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Mad Men: Shut The Door. Have A Seat. Mad Men: The Grown Ups Mad Men: Season 3 Finale Prep
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