Synopsis

Don takes the kids to California, which inspires an impulsive decision.

The Good

• Don explaining to Sally the signature “Dick and Anna”. Opens the door to future honesty between father and kids.
• Don chooses between Megan and Faye. While initially jarring, it made sense character-wise (more about this below).
• Joan kept Roger’s child, passing it off as Greg’s.
• Liked Peggy’s nylon pitch and bonding with Joan.

The Bad

• No return of the background investigation, or that social unrest plot thread hinted at with Peggy’s counter-culture friends.
• No clear salvation for SCDP.

Conclusion

Far more time spent on the Don / Faye / Megan triangle than other plot threads, but it definitely fit into the early statements of “Who is Don Draper?” and “follow your heart vs. what is expected of us.” But this statement applies to the show itself — we didn’t get the expected Don-saves-the-company thing; instead it followed a rarely-seen, romantic heart — actually reminiscent of The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, the movie Don and Lane skipped in favor of Godzilla. That Jacques Demy film features a soldier going off to war, leaving a pregnant lover behind, unaware that she’s carrying his child (Joan!), plus it’s French; I bet Megan saw it.

The clues to Don’s decision were scattered across the season. A frustrated father, unable to deal with Sally’s misbehavior. He slept with his secretary, and was attracted to Anna’s niece, saying “you’re so young.” Don appears at his son’s birthday party. Don impressed by Megan scoring Beatles tickets for Sally. Faye predicting Don would be married “within a year.” Faye can’t handle Sally, who runs into Megan’s arms instead. Sally asks Don if he’ll marry Faye; his assured response: “no.”

But it seemed decided at the diner when Sally spilled the milkshake, Don reflexively ready to fly off the handle, and Megan confidently and adeptly defused the situation, saying “It’s just a milkshake.” He realizes, she’s someone who can help me be a better father. And as a result, he’ll be stronger at work. The balance between home and work was another underlying theme;  Don’s off his game with his home life a mess; Pete’s been kicking ass because of Trudy’s domestic stability.

Plus, Megan had a decent answer to the season’s thesis question “Who is Don Draper?” Her answer: “Someone who is always trying to be better.”

Don’s choice played with everyone’s expectations. I saw the independent, brainy Faye — who didn’t reject Don’s secret past and offered some solutions — as a smarter match — but this opinion is inevitably filtered through today’s values, while we must remember; these characters live in the sixties. Faye was too independent, smart, and capable — plus she was bad with the kids. A man of Don’s age can’t ignore the stereotypical wifely duty of being a solid mother. It’s a bit of a joke, as Don lives up to the cynical expectations of that time; a lonely businessman marrying his secretary; Joan rolls her eyes, Roger smiles in agreement, even Betty guesses who he fell for. It happened all the time.

With a slightly off finale, Season 4 feels like an inversion of season 3. Instead of muddled episodes with a slate-cleaning conclusion, this season contained a series of strong episodes with the romantic undercurrent of Don’s unhappiness brewing just under the surface, only bursting forth at the very end. Don was equally impulsive in both finales, but here he shored up the home front instead of the business side

But there’s a bit of hesitancy, as I feel like I was paying attention to the wrong story all season — the action-packed Japanese movie while glossing over the subtitled French import.

After being dumped, Faye slams Don, “You only like the beginnings of things!” Perhaps this too will prove accurate, and Don and Megan wind up like Sonny and Cher. But Faye’s words may come to define my opinion of this show once it ends — boy, those first two seasons were great.

Next Episode: ???
Previous Episode: Blowing Smoke

Synopsis

As SCDP implodes, Don runs into an old friend.

The Good

• Midge’s predicament (from the first season, and even first episode) seems to present an example to Don, he was on a similar downward slide.
• Liked Don’s letter, which defines his values, and hopefully distracts clients from the palpable desperation at the firm. Unfortunately, its effect may not come in time to save the company.
• Was taken in by the fake Bobby Kennedy phone call, as Sterling Cooper worked on the Nixon campaign.
• Don covers Pete’s share of collateral; likely thanks for his keeping Don’s government background check under wraps. Still think Pete is capable of doing something smarmy, though.
• The company’s collapse still seems entirely possible, as clients are still staying away, Cooper quits, and half the staff is sacked. The layoff scenes reach to today’s headlines, what with the ongoing recession; otherwise, see SCDP as a scrappy tech startup hitting a wall.

The Bad

• Uninterested in one-note Betty and Sally’s plight. Expecting something bad to happen to Sally with Bobby as instigator; just get it over with already.
• No resolution to Don’s investigation, nor a choice between Faye and Don’s secretary, Megan.
• No Kinsey, and Trudy isn’t getting as much screen time as I had initially hoped.

Conclusion

While feeling a bit fragmented, this episode made more sense on further thought; Don’s desperate pitches to save his firm could be paralleled with Midge feeding her heroin addiction. Midge sells abstract paintings for cash; Don sells ads. But Midge’s pitch skills are terrible — the pathetic yearning in a junkie’s eye, so off-putting as a viewer, is what clients see in Don begging for their business as they bet he won’t last six months. So Don redefines what he and SCDP are about, as an artist who explains the passion behind their art might have a better chance at selling a piece or two.

A good episode, but after two awesome ones, expectations are now piled onto the season finale. Like the remaining SCDP employees hoping Don works some magic, I hope the season finale delivers.

Next Episode: Tomorrowland
Previous Episode: The Chinese Wall

SCDP loses their biggest client.

The Good

• The loss of Lucky Strike was revealed sooner than I expected, driving many plot developments; Roger’s cowardly pretending seemed totally in character — as he’s always been selfish to a fault — and pushed him closer to Joan, whom I don’t believe really took care of that problem. Pete, worrying about Trudy and his unborn daughter, finds an opportunity to jump ship, taking numerous clients plus the knowledge of Don’s true identity. Lastly, reeling from the business problems and perhaps believing Faye may not return, Don makes yet another mistake with his secretary, Meaghan. This could easily turn Faye sour, which again, could prove complicated with her knowledge of Don’s secret past.
• Nice contrast between the chaos of business life and relative comfort of home.
• Peggy was distracted from the business chaos by a new relationship (literally getting into bed with the counter-culture) which led to some funny moments — now in the absence of Miss Blankenship and Joey we can turn to Stan “I learned it from a Yogi” Rizzo for comic relief.
• Ray Wise as Ken’s future father in law.

The Bad

• I guess Kinsey isn’t showing up this season.

Conclusion

Amazing episode. Just when Don seems to have gotten his head together, business stress results in a bad decision, which might cause him to lose Faye. I doubt Don’s ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat and save the business, and have a bad feeling the background investigation will return. Don’s futile struggles to keep clients from knowing about the Lucky Strike might parallel attempts to keep his past under wraps. Don is finding change difficult to implement, despite his honest desire to “not be that man.” And big changes on both fronts will certainly escalate as we approach the season finale, just two episodes away.

Next Episode: Blowing Smoke
Previous Episode: Hands And Knees

Synopsis

Don’s identity comes under scrutiny via a government background check, Joan and Roger deal with the repercussions of their fling, and Lane receives a surprise visit.

The Good

• A government background check puts the spotlight on Don’s secret past. Been waiting for these uncomfortable moments ever since, well, the first episode. Don’s worry leads to a full-on panic attack, and he must touch base with those who know his real identity: Betty and Pete (I suppose Cooper isn’t much of a worry). Betty fearfully protects Don despite the G-men’s questions having double meanings. Loved Pete’s amusingly conflicted reaction; guarded wonderment if he should protect Don or use his knowledge to his advantage to take over the agency. He’s understandably resentful, as protecting Don means losing the contract he signed years ago when Don vanished in California. Pete’s definitely grown in confidence this season, although jury’s still out whether that’s a good thing.
• With Anna gone, Don opens up to Faye — in order to truly put the past behind him, he needs to be more open with the truth.
• Roger and Joan: First, Lee Garner Jr. of Lucky Strike, SCDP’s biggest account, tells Roger they’re through, putting SCDP’s financials in jeopardy. Roger pleads with Lee to keep this secret for a month. Roger and Joan’s situation is truly sad, since earlier in the season, Joan wanted a child, and Roger is less than glad to hear the news. It’s unclear whether she really did “take care of it.”
• Because of all the bad news, the crappiest partner’s meeting ever was rather darkly funny — although Roger didn’t own up with his fair share, and Pete and Don weren’t really up front with the real reasons for losing the military contract.
• Closes with an instrumental version the Beatles’ Do You Want To Know A Secret. They’re still seen as a kid’s band at this time.

The Bad

• Lane’s predicament seemed rather suddenly introduced.
• Really hope this isn’t the end of the government probing; seemed tied up a bit too neatly at episode’s end. More vomiting, please.

Conclusion

Repercussions of wrongs and secrets from past episodes and seasons are finally arriving, and the new firm could be torn apart. Might Pete use Don’s troubles to his advantage? What happens when Roger reveals the loss of Lucky Strike? Will Don spend season five in jail — giving him plenty of time to write his book? Only a few more episodes this season.

Next Episode: Chinese Wall
Previous Episode: The Beautiful Girls

Synopsis

Sally unexpectedly visits Don at the office, and Peggys’ new friend Abe shares some controversial opinions.

The Good

• Don finally lands Faye.
• The Miss Blankenship situation was surprising (although a few steps below mowing a leg). Loved the uncomfortable faces of Ken, Don, and Faye during damage control.
• Peggy largely brushes off Abe’s “discourse” but remembers Fillmore Auto’s discriminatory hiring policies, which she brings up in a meeting. Don defuses things by saying their job is to get men to like the client’s products, not dictate hiring policy.
• Roger on the phone trying to sell his memoirs — have a feeling Don’s will prove the much better writer.
• Roger hooks up with Joan; her husband has left for Vietnam and Roger is — well, Roger. The robbery had racial overtones that I have a feeling will return later this season — perhaps in the form of some client that causes Roger to fly off the handle again.

The Bad

• Faye pleading that she failed at handling Sally felt off and tacked-on; Faye moved from being a smart, no-nonsense consultant to something uncharacteristically weaker in one episode.
• Initially felt sorry for Sally, but expected something a bit more shocking than falling on the ground. She once got drunk at the office and surely there were some of those Mountain Dew cocktails lying around. Although, all she really wanted was a hug and someone saying things would be okay.

Conclusion

Overall this episode didn’t totally work for me; Faye’s transition from co-worker to girlfriend seemed sudden, preferred the earlier women-focused episode Maidenform, and I wish Peggy’s civil rights and corporate power stuff led to something greater. I hope the latter (among a few other things) proves to be groundwork for a later episode that tackles those issues head on.

Next Episode: Hands and Knees
Previous Episode: The Summer Man

Synopsis

Don begins to heal while Peggy and Joan deal with Joey’s insubordination.

The Good

• After hitting bottom, Don’s on the mend, exercising, drinking less, and writing down his thoughts. Loved how his drink-avoidance was communicated during a meeting with close-ups on drinks being poured and a dolly zoom. Nice to hear Don’s “bucket list.” Don’s writing might be inspired by reading (Meditations In An Emergency) or learning of Roger’s literary aspirations.
• Satisfaction — Don’s the guy in the white shirt; the target of Jagger’s gripes. The music is in direct contrast with Don’s clean-cut, sharp but increasingly dated style. Later, a much younger, fitter swimmer passes him by.
• Joey and Joan’s office confrontations escalate until Peggy takes charge; she does an admirable job. The ultimate conclusion is Joan confronting her in the elevator; which to modern eyes is rather shocking, but it’s time-appropriate. Recall how Joan was passed by Peggy on the corporate ladder a while back.
• Joey’s amusing opinion of Harry; guess he hasn’t met Sal.

The Bad

• Heavy sigh for Betty and Henry — not much sympathy for her predicament. Maybe she’ll keep drinking so we can see some Valley Of The Dolls drug addiction in a future episode.

Conclusion

As the series continues further toward women’s liberation, it’s clear Peggy is best positioned to benefit — with her ambition and moral sense, she’ll be up to the challenge. I can easily see her name on some business card as a partner in the future — no Duck required. It’s fascinating how certain characters obviously take the wrong side of future fights, without really realizing it. Roger did so with Honda, Joey did so here, but so does Joan.

Meanwhile, as ever, Don is on the edge. He now has the will and desire to move ahead (he throws away the boxes of old possessions), but his age and dark past could just as easily drag him back down. Faye’s early words about the conflict between “what we want vs. what’s expected of us” returns — Don really wants to be at the birthday party, but he knows Betty and Henry don’t expect him to (is it too appropriate that he’s carrying a stuffed elephant as the proverbial “elephant in the room”?). Through listening to his heart, Don begins to heal.

Next Episode: The Beautiful Girls
Previous Episode: The Suitcase

Synopsis

Don and Peggy work after hours on a Samsonite ad.

The Good

• Past and present pressures pile on Peggy simultaneously: her birthday, choosing work over family, and Trudy’s pregnancy.
• The return of Duck, I briefly forgot that Duck slept with Peggy and intended to woo her away from the firm. His drunken surprise late-night office visit to leave a present of sorts was simultaneously disturbing and funny.
• Don’s emotional California phone call; his tears momentarily revealing Dick Whitman and mourning the loss of the only person who truly knew and accepted him. Loved the cut, revealing that Peggy — with that trademark stare — witnessed the whole thing.
• Don’s excessive drinking, divorce, and Anna’s impending death come to a head and Don finally hits a cathartic bottom, throwing up in a bathroom. Yet the episode ends on an upbeat note (leaving the office door open), indicating Don may finally be ready to heal and more forward.
• Glad Peggy loses that lame fiance.

The Bad

• N/A.

Conclusion

A big part of Mad Men is Don and Peggy’s relationship, not only through work but what secrets they hold for each other, locked away as if within a private suitcases. While Don’s kept the knowledge of Peggy’s child for quite some time, I wonder if Don will ever tell Peggy about his hidden past, and how she’ll react.

Awesome episode, especially in terms of cathartic release built up over several episodes and even across seasons.

Next Episode: The Summer Man
Previous Episode: Waldorf Stories

Synopsis

An advertising award = more drunk Don.

The Good

• Flashbacks to Roger meeting and eventually hiring Don, lending some insight into how Roger views him — still elements of that initially hungry, bright-eyed-but-clueless fur salesman. Meanwhile, in the present day, Don struggles with hiring a similarly wet-behind-the-ears job applicant.
• Peggy, locked in a hotel room, smugly ones-up an idiosyncratic, sexist art director. She also admirably prods Don out of drunken isolation.
• Don’s drinking swings dangerously close to embarrassment. A chaotic presentation starts things off humorously, but things get more serious, upon waking in bed with a hotel maid who calls him “Dick” — there’s a flash of shock on Don’s face as to what might have been revealed. Loved Don’s soul-searching moment in the hotel bathroom followed by hitting bottom in his dark apartment.
• The possibility of Lane hiring Ken predictably annoys Pete to no end. Lane has to talk Pete down, describing Ken’s portfolio of clients. A partner means doing what’s right for the firm. Still, Pete feels he must put Ken in his place before being brought aboard.
• Funny: foreshadowing appearance by an inebriated Duck Phillips, and Miss Blankenship’s wig adjustment.
• Don’s failed sales pitch to Faye - still hasn’t landed her as a client.

The Bad

• N/A.

Conclusion

Don’s hangover effects worsen; starting with a strange presentation, moving through random women and neglected children, and concluding with a questionable hire. But there’s an amusing twist in how Don, currently clutching a coveted advertising award, was hired in a similar manner by a drunken Roger.

The process of rising from a clueless kid to the winner of an advertising award, seems equally due to random events, serendipity, and copious amounts of alcohol than talent or conscious choices. This is neither good or bad — it’s just Life. Not the cereal, I might add.

Next Episode: The Suitcase
Previous Episode: The Chrysanthemum And The Sword

Synopsis

Don and Pete woo a Japanese company while Sally misbehaves.

The Good

• Don’s replacement secretary Miss Blankenship is Allison’s near-opposite — old, barely competent, and quite unintentionally funny. Don’t think she’ll see the interior of Don’s cave-like apartment anytime soon.
• Various reactions to the prospect of doing business with the Japanese. Roger’s blatant racial prejudice brings out his rarely seen, serious side. He’s still pissed about the war, and wonders if forgiveness is a better quality than loyalty. Don fiddles with cultural awareness through a dinner at Benihana’s and hits a bottle of sake. But Pete is the most progressive, seeing a business opportunity, as he once saw opportunity in advertising to minorities. The small Japanese company is the presently ginormous Honda.
• Competition in the form of another agency, leading to the episode’s core excitement: Don devising a way to woo the client without a big budget. His fast and rule bending recalls the last season finale. Loved Peggy circling the empty studio on a moped.
• Sally’s parallel thread — she’s caught doing something very bad which eventually requires a doctor visit, recalling Betty’s therapy.

The Bad

• N/A.

Conclusion

The nuclear family of the fifties is falling apart, a very appropriate subject to explore what with so many broken families in the seventies. Sally is clearly misbehaving as a result of Don and Betty’s divorce; both parents are too preoccupied with their own lives to pay Sally much attention. While Betty is more obviously inept (resorting to slaps), Don isn’t much better, drinking and leaving the kids with a neighbor, and worrying what Betty will think of him rather than what’s bothering his daughter.

The book The Chrysanthemum and the Sword at its most basic proposes Japanese culture as based on shame while American culture as based on guilt. Don reveals the competing agency as shameless, exposing their disregard for the rules of the competition, thereby impressing the Honda representatives.

But both shame and guilt require an awareness that something (racism, crappy parenting) is wrong — a few of our favorite characters fall in this category. And the cultural awakening continues.

Next Episode: Waldorf Stories
Previous Episode: The Rejected

Synopsis

Don faces repercussions from a fling with his secretary, while Peggy makes a new friend, and Pete must deliver bad news to a client.

The Good

• No more Clearasil, and Trudy is pregnant, two threads from previous seasons (Trudy wanted a baby). Initially, Pete handles things in a typically selfish manner, but eventually comes out on top. Glad to see Trudy again.
• Loved seeing Pete get built up over his old rivalry with Ken. Amusing insight into what happened at the old place. Ken throws in some barbs about Don being an old guy pouring the last drink and taking all the credit.
• Harry mentions ogling a girl in a “striped Jean Seberg shirt” — Breathless.
• The mirrored focus group — loved seeing Don grow uncomfortable (fidgeting in his chair, smoking a cigarette) with the prospect of Allison confessing their fling. Loved Peggy’s quick reaction of understanding and irritated anger after Allison spills the beans. Meanwhile, Freddy tosses out some funny, yet deeply sexist observations — women buying anything that will help them get married. And lastly — only women who see Allison rushing out of Don’s office, plus the classic image of Peggy peeping over the office wall.
• Loved seeing the gradual beginnings of the late sixties (name drop, Warhol) through Peggy’s descent into the hipster enclaves. Progression from the first season’s beatniks noted. And of course Peggy would smoke — we already know she inhaled.

The Bad

• Trudy, Ken, check — where’s Kinsey?

Conclusion

Who’s rejected? In the opening scene, the office women are ignored. Don rejects Allison. The artists reject advertising. Pete married Trudy, not Peggy. And the dark undercurrent: Peggy rejected their child.

We see various women in subordinate roles — a secretary with no means to fight sexual harassment, lightly insulted in a focus group, pregnant, being told by a boss that their work sucks. In direct contrast is Peggy’s friend, opening a door to a freer, more liberated future, full of chaos, freedom, art over advertising.

There was no better time to reject the past for a vastly different future than the latter half of the sixties. We’re seeing the reasons why change had to occur and I’m eagerly looking forward to see how these characters adapt to the coming social upheavals — some will embrace change, while others swept away. Peggy stands to benefit — she won’t have to tolerate old-fashioned, male attitudes like Don, Freddy, and Pete to continue her career rise.

And when this wave hits — Don could go either way. I could see him forging ahead to the future, grabbing those dog tags, but his bleak past could just as easily drag him down. His conflict was so perfectly captured when typing a confessional apology to Allison — a new thing for Don; to admit a mistake — but stopped. He wants to change, but something inside — fear, shame — holds him back.

Next Episode: The Chrysanthemum And The Sword
Previous Episode: The Good News

Synopsis

New Year’s. Don visits Anna in California, and after returning to New York, hits the town with Lane to welcome 1965.

The Good

• In California, Don Draper drops the ad man facade and temporarily becomes Dick Whitman, becoming more emotionally open and unguarded. Don admits to Anna that once Betty learned his real identity, he knew she never wanted to see him again. Don is only able to confess such feelings to Anna.
• California references with surf music, and sit-ins upstate at Berkeley.
• One great scene where Don sits on a sofa while time passes around him — first time that camera technique was used in the series that I can remember. Also loved the tantalizingly uncertain moment, where Don would either leave quietly, or give Anna some bad news. He did the right thing.
• Back in New York, Joan wants to start a family, but cuts her finger while preparing dinner for her husband, Greg, who is about to go to Vietnam. Feel this will end badly.
• Don and Lane’s entertainingly loose drunken spree, although I wish they had seen The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Before Lane did the thing with the steak, Don asks him if returning to London is what he wants, or what people expect him to do — Faye’s words.

The Bad

N/A.

Conclusion

Aimless after his divorce, Don is gradually self-destructing, taking to drink and women, and now he faces the loss of Anna — the only person who truly accepts him as Dick Whitman. He’s asked to keep her illness a secret, and while bottling up difficult secrets inside is something he’s good at, this talent also threatens to do him in.

On returning to New York, Don tries to obliterate this bad news with distractions. Lane is going through a hard time and Don takes him out for movies, dinner, and women. Greg sews up Joan’s cut finger. But without Anna, and secrets he is unwilling to share, nobody is there to comfort Don.

Overall this episode made me grateful for Don’s complexity. After three seasons, I’m still unsure who he is (episode one) or what he wants (episode two), but his unpredictability makes for great moments where he hugs Anna for possibly the last time, and I don’t know how he’ll react — he could go either way.

But Don still has a chance to pull out of this rut and redefine himself, as he did in Korea and at the end of season three. As the sixties march forward, huge social change is coming in the years ahead — a perfect time for redefinition. Whether Don can still grab those dog tags is a huge reason why I’m watching this show.

Next Episode: The Rejected
Previous Episode: Christmas Comes But Once A Year

Synopsis

Christmas eve, 1964: The firm throws a Christmas party, Glenn Bishop calls Sally on the phone, and post-divorce Don continues his search for female companionship.

The Good

• Return of several old faces: Glenn, the creepy kid, calls Sally late at night, and moves on to more deviant behavior. Newly-sober but still old-fashioned Freddy returns with an account, mentioning Tallulah Bankhead and Doris Day. Lee Garner Jr.,who got Sal fired, attends the company Christmas party, as does Trudy (yay) and Harry’s wife.
• Don mentions buying some Beatles 45s as presents — in 1964 the Beatles are seen as a teenager band.
• Even more modern decor in the Roger’s office, op art on the wall.
• Despite the humor of the “Swedish way of love,” Peggy’s fiancé sucks; hope she drops him soon.
• Don Draper meets the actress from Brick.
• I suppose the Polaroid was 1964’s iPod.
• At the Christmas party, Roger, Harry, and Pete all bring their wives (recalling Roger’s engagement party), but this time, Don is noticeably alone.

The Bad

• N/A.

Conclusion

It’s Christmas. Kids and adults alike want things. Glenn wants to talk to Sally. Peggy’s fiance wants to consummate their relationship. Lee Garner Jr. wants entertainment at the company holiday party. Don wants someone to sleep with, but also someone to take care of him. He hits on a nurse and then his secretary, Alison (with the show since the first season), who buys presents for his kids and brings him his lost keys. And adults with money have more means to get what they want.

Then there’s Don’s secretary — sexual harassment aside, Roger set a precedent by marrying his secretary, Jane. Alison couldn’t be called naive for wanting something more.

The researcher has the holiday all figured out: it’s what we want vs. what’s expected of us. Peggy is expected to be married (underlined by Freddy’s inappropriate conversation) but it’s clear she doesn’t truly want that particular guy. As a firm partner, Don is expected to be married with kids, now he’s not. But if Don is so reluctant to open up about what he truly wants — his inner conflict — how can anyone give him what he needs? He superficially had everything he was expected to have with Betty, and it didn’t work out.

Next Episode: The Good News
Previous Episode: Public Relations

Synopsis

Thanksgiving, 1964. Who is Donald Draper? A man redefining himself after a recent divorce, trying to get his “scrappy upstart” ad agency off the ground. But Don’s reluctance to discuss his past leads to an unflattering Ad Age interview.

The Good

• The smaller agency should help the show in two ways: 1) return focus one of the best aspects of season one: advertising, more specifically, clueless clients and Don whipping out brash ideas. 2) the staff has been whittled down to its strongest characters: Don, Roger, Sterling, Joan, Peggy, Pete, and Harry. Really glad Joan is back in the office, after wandering aimlessly during season 3.
• In the final moments, Don finds a way to open up in an interview without delving into his secret past — discuss the recent past, more specifically the last episode of season three and presumably, the gap between seasons. Brilliant.
• New: Peggy’s assistant and a goofy boyfriend (fiancé).
• Modern furniture, particularly in Roger’s office.
• Don’s blind date courtesy of Roger, Bethany (looks a little like Betty) mentions the civil rights struggles and world being a dark place, and wonders if this is what it takes to change things. This only 1964; things will get a lot darker.

The Bad

• No Sal, Kinsey, or Ken at the new firm. I’m okay with losing Ken, but Sal and Kinsey were personal favorites — hope they appear in future episodes.
• Nice to see Betty, but really don’t want to get to know Henry Francis’ family.

Thoughts

The first line “Who is Donald Draper?” felt like a restating of a thesis — after three seasons we still haven’t gotten a definitive answer (which is something I love about the show). Don’s past as Dick Whitman has been stingily revealed in tiny dribs and drabs through flashbacks and precious few unguarded moments. He’s carefully cultivated a public persona through his job, which contrasts greatly with his current living conditions — the clean-lined, bright Sterling Cooper Draper Price offices and his dark, cave-like apartment. Don’s advertising prowess — presenting a carefully crafted image the public will like while diverting from the truth — extends to his entire persona. The tricky thing is this smaller firm and his higher position means more public scrutiny, and possibly future competitors searching for the real Don Draper.

Meanwhile, Betty and the children look destined to become part of the past Don hides and is ashamed of. Don wants to sell their old house — get rid of the past and move ahead. That forward-moving advice is echoed in his pitch to Jantzen sportswear. This theme of reinvention could parallel the other subject I hope Mad Men eventually addresses: why the social upheaval of the 60s had to happen, who was able to move ahead, and who remained mired in the past and were left behind. Don is tantalizingly caught between the future and past; fertile ground for an entire season of drama.

Next Episode: Christmas Comes But Once A Year
Previous Episode: Shut The Door. Have A Seat.

Synopsis

Conrad Hilton informs Don he’s moving his business elsewhere — McKann Erickson is buying Putnam, Powell, and Lowe, and therefore Sterling Cooper. Draper calls McKann Erickson a “sausage factory,” and accuses Hilton of toying with him.

After recalling how his father Archie, quit a farmer’s co-op, Don asks Bertram about buying company back. Bertram says it’s risky, but Don says he wants to work, and build something. They approach Roger, who manages the lucrative Lucky Strike account. Roger resists, until Don admits he was wrong and bad with relationships.

Betty tells Don that she wants a divorce. He suggests she see a doctor and accuses her of breaking up the family.

Roger, Bertram, and Don approach Lane about purchasing the company. Lane says it won’t happen and apologizes for the situation. Later, Lane asks his boss about his future role at McKann, and gets a business-like, vague reply.

A divorce lawyer briefs Betty and Henry on New York’s strict grounds for divorce, but says Nevada has looser laws — he recommends spending six weeks in Reno to establish residency. Henry tells Betty she won’t need any money from Don.

While watching Sally sleep, Don recalls his father’s death, kicked in the head by a horse after an argument with Abigal over money.

Don realizes Lane has the ability to fire anyone, and asks that he, Bertram, and Roger be let go. Cooper suggests Lane be partner at the new firm as financial manager. Lane calculates they’ll need more accounts, and must lock them up quickly before word spreads. Roger commemorates the day that four men shot their own legs off.

Don asks Peggy to join the new agency. She resists, saying he expects her to follow him around like a nervous poodle, and walks out of his office.

Roger and Pete approach Pete at his apartment. He says he has his own plans. Don commends Pete for recognizing new markets. Pete lists 8 million dollars worth of accounts. Don asks him to line them up over the weekend.

At the bar, Don tells Roger about his divorce, and Roger mentions Henry Francis. Don had no idea another man was involved.

That night, a drunk Don drags Betty out of bed, demanding to know who Henry is. He accuses her of building a life raft, and calls her a spoiled whore. She says she’s going to Reno and orders him out of the house.

On Saturday, Roger, Bertram, Lane, and Pete meet at Sterling Cooper to take materials for the new company. Harry joins them as head of media. Unfamiliar with office organization and what materials they need to pilfer from Sterling Cooper, Roger calls someone who can help.

Betty and Don tell the kids about the divorce. Sally and Bobby don’t take the news well, and Betty holds back tears as Don hugs his son.

Don visits Peggy at her apartment. He admits to taking her for granted, because he sees her as an extension of himself. He says something bad has happened to people, and the way they saw themselves is gone. Peggy understands what this is like, and this is valuable. “What if I say no?” she asks. He says he will spend the rest of his life trying to hire her.

After Don and Peggy arrive at Sterling Cooper, Joan arrives with a list of everything they need to take. They take everything they need for the new business.

On Monday, Don’s secretary finds his office ransacked. Lane is fired. Joan has set up a hotel room as the new office. She takes a phone call as Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce. Meanwhile, at the old office, Ken and Paul piece together what just transpired. Trudy arrives at the new “office” with sandwiches and a cake, saying, “isn’t this exciting?”

Don calls Betty and says he isn’t going to fight the divorce. Later, Betty, Gene, and Henry fly to Reno, while Don arrives at his new apartment.

Then And Now

• Client information is contained in old-school folders, file cabinets, and Rolodexes — no easily copyable computer files.

Thoughts

A tally sheet of my season finale predictions:

• Failed marriage: right.
• Connie Hilton rejects Don: right.
• Return of Miss Farrell: wrong.
• Return of the fainting couch: wrong.
• Pete and Peggy move to another firm: not exactly.

My mistake: I didn’t foresee Don’s resilience; his desire or capability for re-invention. Before the season finale, I felt he might remain stuck in the past and become increasingly marginalized — unless he underwent some transformation to get with the changing times. Don definitively chose the latter. Whether inspired by Hilton’s dismissal, JFK, or memories of his father’s death, Don acted with surprising speed and determination — in just one episode, he devised something new out of the ashes of the old, something that gave him (and others) hope, despite the surrounding chaos.

I underestimated Don Draper.

Don is now prepped for the latter half of the sixties, embracing change while shedding the caustic illusion of a happy nuclear family. He admitted to being bad at relationships and recognized he couldn’t continue alone. He lost Betty, but reconciled with Peggy, Pete, and Roger. All positive, character-building stuff.

And Don’s sudden change makes sense — he did it once before as Dick, when he grabbed the now-iconic dog tags from the dying, original Don Draper. In a sense, the new company (Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce) was created by stealing “dog tags” (employees, clients) from the festering corpse of the old firm. The audacity is that Don convinced several co-workers to join him in this brazen theft, spinning it as only he could, as a very-good-thing; a transformation, for all involved.

Like Betty, I viewed Dick’s identity theft as a very-bad-thing — something Don would eventually have to atone for — and he did, with the collapse of his marriage. But that dog tag grab is now painted in a new light — as an opportunistic, hopeful seizing of a brighter future. He wasn’t going back to that old life then, and isn’t now.

I now anticipate a streamlined, leaner agency, composed of strong, talented personalities. Who needs a bevy of secretaries when you’ve got Joan? Or Paul, Smitty, and Ken when just Peggy will suffice? It’s like a brash start-up emerging from the depths of corporate calcification. Like Don, the show is rejuvenated — or should I say “Rejuvenatored.”

There are questions: what of Sal, Paul, Ken, Miss Farrell, and Duck? Will episodes bounce between McCann Erickson, the new outfit, and Betty’s marriage? What year for season 4? Will bachelor-Don return to serial womanizing?

Who knows, but thanks to a solid, energetic season finale that could have been a show closer, I’m guaranteed to tune in, turn on — and find out.

Next Episode: Public Relations
Previous Episode: The Grown Ups

Synopsis

The office heat is broken and Pete complains of being cold. Lane calls Pete into his office, where he tells Pete that Ken will be promoted to senior VP instead. Meanwhile, Peggy and her roommate gossip about Duck en route to work.

With her wedding happening the next day, Margaret whines to her mother about Jane ruining everything. Mona calls Roger, saying his young wife isn’t welcome. Upon hearing the request, Jane throws her own tantrum, and locks herself in the bathroom.

Trudy finds Pete at home, eating out of a baking dish. He says he was fired and intends to call Duck.

The next day at the office, Peggy and Paul are working when she gets a call from Duck. She tells Paul she has to go to the printer and runs off. Pete tells Harry how Ken got the promotion, saying he has no future. Harry suggests marketing.

Don angrily reminds Lane that they still have yet to find a replacement for Sal. Meanwhile, Duck is watching television when the broadcast is interrupted to report President John F. Kennedy has been shot. Duck unplugs the television just as Peggy arrives.

The office invades Harry’s office to watch the Kennedy shooting. Betty watches the announcement of Kennedy’s death just as Carla walks in. Sally sees the grownups crying and consoles her mother.

After Duck and Peggy are through, Duck plugs in the television to see Walter Cronkite confirming the reports of the President’s death.

Don goes home to find his family still watching the television, and Betty still crying. He tells the kids that everyone will be sad for a while but things will be out okay.

The next morning, Don tells Betty to get ready for Margaret’s wedding, as Lee Harvey Oswald is named the prime suspect. Meanwhile, with Pete still despondent over the assassination, convinces Trudy to stay home.

Despite many cancellations and a missing cake, Margaret’s wedding goes on. Betty watches Henry arrive with a young brunette. Meanwhile, several of the guests watch television in the kitchen. Roger gives a speech complementing Mona and wishing the new couple well.

On the dance floor, Don kisses Betty which she reluctantly returns. He claims everything will be fine, as Betty continues watching Henry. The brunette is his daughter.

Betty walks out of the restroom to find both Henry and Don waiting in the lobby. She leaves with Don. Meanwhile, Roger deposits a drunk Jane (yes, again) on the bed — and calls Joan. He feels she’s the only one he can talk to about the assassination.

The next morning, Betty sees Lee Harvey Oswald shot on live television. She screams in shock, “what is going on?” Don can’t console her. Later, she goes for a drive alone and meets Henry. He wants to marry her, and they kiss in the car.

Still engrossed in the grim television news, Trudy says Pete doesn’t owe Sterling Cooper anything, and he should quit and take clients with him.

Betty returns home and tells Don she doesn’t love him any more. Don thinks she’s merely worked up over the assassination. He sits for a moment in the bedroom, alone. The next morning, Betty barely acknowledges Don as he leaves for work.

Don finds hardly anyone in the office except Peggy, working on the Aqua Net account. She invites him to watch Kennedy’s funeral in Cooper’s office, but he declines. Instead, he walks to his office alone and pours a drink.

Then And Now

• News arrives through black and white television, not cellphones, the Internet, or Twitter.
• Betty’s favorite movie is Singing In The Rain, which I watch whenever I want to lift a foul mood.

Thoughts

Thought the Kennedy assassination would be saved until the season finale, but it makes sense to have it happen here, and show the tragedy’s effect on the characters in finale, which is what’s really important anyhow. Everyone’s got to “grow up” after this event, particularly Mona and spoiled daughter Margaret. Roger grows weary of everyone’s immaturity which brings him closer to Joan.

Pete losing the accounts position will surely push him to act out petulantly — he won’t consider trying harder or that Ken was simply the better (nicer) man. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pete take up Duck’s offer. And please note: Pete knows Don isn’t who he says he is — valuable information to a competing firm.

Don and Betty are headed for a separation. Betty won’t even need to stand up for herself too far — she can merely fall into the arms of another man — Henry conveniently provides her with a way out.

And of course there’s Don. Great direction at episode’s end when Don leaves for work: He observes, from the shadows, his own family in the kitchen — on the outside looking in. Betty’s quiet isolation is made clear when Don enters the kitchen, and the camera pivots around Betty, with her ending up in close up on the left side of the screen, visually reinforcing that she doesn’t want anything to do with him.

And there was one shot of Don sitting alone in a dark bedroom, which recalled an earlier contemplation in the bathroom. But there’s no reflection (Don Draper / Dick Whitman) this time. It’s only Dick.

Don’s continued, helpless reaction to all of this crap raining down will be something to watch for during the season finale.

Next Episode: Shut The Door. Have A Seat.
Previous Episode: The Gypsy And The Hobo

Synopsis

Preparing to take the kids out of town, Betty asks Don for money. He doesn’t respond.

Bertram, Don, and Roger meet with Annabelle Mathis from Caldecott Farms, maker of dog food using horse meat. She’s an old flame of Roger’s, and they set a dinner date.

That evening, Miss Farrell and Don plan to go out of town together while Betty and the kids are away.

Joan preps a nervous Greg for a psychiatry job interview. He becomes more confident when he mentions his father’s nervous breakdown.

Joan calls Roger to ask for help in a job search. He says he likes being thought of by her.

Betty meets with her brother William and a lawyer about selling Grandpa Gene’s house, which is in her name. She asks the lawyer about divorce. He says if a husband is a good provider and there isn’t evidence of adultery — why bother.

Over dinner and drinks, Roger and Annabelle recall their fling, and the sad ending to Casablanca. After dinner she propositions him, but Roger turns her down.

After a terrible interview, Greg complains to Joan that she doesn’t understand what it’s like to want something your whole life and not get it. She hits the back of his head with a vase.

Annabelle watches several pet owners freak out after learning her dog food contains horse meat. Don and Roger suggest a new name. She storms out, telling Roger she’ll find another agency. He mentions she broke his heart all those years ago.

Don tells Suzanne to wait in his car while he gets his things. He walks into his house to find Betty and the kids home, earlier than planned. Betty orders him to open his desk drawer. Scared, he offers to explain.

Don gets a drink, fumbles with a cigarette, and explains how his real name is Dick Whitman. He took Don Draper’s identity during the Korean War. Anna was Don Draper’s wife, so he bought her a house and got divorced so he could marry Betty. Betty is more concerned with why he hid the truth for so long.

Betty asks him if he saw Anna while he was in California. She says he can’t trust him and doesn’t know who he is. He meekly replies, “Yes, you do.”

Don carries the box of old family photographs into the bedroom, and tries to open up to Betty. He says his mother was a prostitute, and his father Archie and wife Abigail raised him. Archie died when he was ten, and Abigail took up with Uncle Mac. All are dead, even his step brother Adam who committed suicide. Don sadly admits this was because he didn’t want Adam in his life. Betty silently takes this all in.

Roger makes some phone calls on Joan’s behalf.

Greg comes home with flowers, and tells Joan that he found the solution. He joined the army as a surgeon.

Forgotten, Miss Farrell gets out of the car and walks away. The next day, Betty and and kids act as if nothing happened. Don calls Miss Farrell from the office and says they can’t see each other anymore.

Betty and Don take the kids out for trick or treat. Francine’s husband Carlton recognizes Sally and Bobby’s costumes as a gypsy and a hobo. He asks Don, “who are you supposed be?”

Then And Now

• Greg signs up for the army without the knowledge that Vietnam is going to go on for quite a bit longer.
• Americans don’t like eating horse meat.
• “No fault divorce” didn’t begin until California in 1970.

Thoughts

Nice to see more of Joan and Roger. Roger’s reaction to his old flame and glee at Joan’s phone call hints at continued feelings for Joan. Meanwhile, Joan’s marriage to Greg continues to deteriorate.

Loved Betty and Don’s confrontation. She emerges from the shadows and is firm about learning the truth. Great acting by Jon Hamm as Don is stripped away, revealing a scared Dick Whitman, stumbling with a cigarette and speaking with a soft, nervous voice.

I don’t think his explanation completely satisfied Betty. His last confession on the bed may have been a calculated ploy for sympathy. Note he didn’t admit to his numerous affairs, which was Betty’s reason for searching through his things and trying to open the desk drawer in the first place. I think she’ll do more digging in the next two episodes, especially since the lawyer mentioned “proof of adultery” as necessary for divorce.

It didn’t strike me until now, but Don’s shoe box filled with old, black and white photos contrasts with his color, slide projected ones of his new life with Betty in The Wheel.

I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Suzanne; perhaps something terrible will befall her brother Danny, and she’ll rightly blame Don, underlining the damage of his continual lies. Perhaps too dramatically obvious, but so was the entire affair.

The episode’s last line was an uncharacteristically silly joke, but saved by a quick cut to the credits.

With only two episodes left, thoughts turn to a possible season finale: Betty finds out about any of Don’s affairs. She gets cash from selling Gene’s house, and serves Don with divorce papers. Don takes his cash hoard and runs away with Suzanne, leaving everyone hanging. Meanwhile, Sterling Cooper is bought by Duck’s firm — Peggy is mysteriously promoted as Don’s replacement. This is the season where all of Don’s lies catch up to him, and his reaction may be to run.

Next Episode: The Grown Ups
Previous Episode: The Color Blue

Synopsis

Don arrives home early for dinner, but soon departs to spend the night at Miss Farrell’s instead. While in bed, she mentions a student who wondered if everyone sees the same color blue.

The next day, Paul presents an idea for an Aqua Net television commercial, featuring a car passenger’s wind-blown hair-do. Don thinks it’s too complicated. Peggy suggests an abridged scenario which Don approves instead.

Lane delivers Don a bonus check, and reminds him about the the upcoming Sterling Cooper 40th anniversary party.

Paul confronts Peggy about her riffing on his ideas. Meanwhile, Lane’s wife Rebecca tells him how much she dislikes living in New York.

Don and Miss Farrell, in bed again, are interrupted by a knock on the door. It’s her younger brother, Danny, who suffers from epilepsy. Don makes a hasty exit.

While looking at an old company photograph, Roger recalls how he found Don working at a fur company.

Sally answers the phone, only to hear no-one on the other end. Don tells her to hang up, and Betty scolds her.

Paul and Peggy work late, seperately brainstorming ideas for Western Union. Peggy uses a tape recorder while Paul hits a liquor bottle. Later, Paul calls for Peggy across the office, but gets no response. He visits the break room for a snack, and chats with a custodian, when inspiration strikes. He happily disappears back into his office and polishes off the bottle.

The next morning, Miss Farrell surprises Don on his morning train. She says she doesn’t care about his marriage, as long as they can be together. She got a job for Danny at a veteran’s hospital.

Lois wakes Paul, who passed out on his office couch. He rummages through his papers to find his great idea, but sadly realizes he forgot to write it down.

The London office calls Lane, saying they will attend the party — and put Sterling Cooper up for sale.

Betty calls Henry to ask if he called the house the other night. He says no, and wonders why she needs such a pretense to contact him.

While doing laundry, Betty finds Don’s desk drawer key, which has fallen out of his bathrobe pocket. She opens Don’s desk drawer and finds his shoe box of old photographs, dog tags, a house deed, and divorce papers from Anna Draper. She sits down to catch her breath.

Don drops by Miss Farrell’s to find Danny still there, although his bags are packed. Don offers to drop him off at his new job. Meanwhile, Betty stays up waiting for Don, hoping to confront him.

During the drive, Danny says he doesn’t want this new job, and complains about being treated badly because his condition is misunderstood. Don pulls over and lets him out of the car. Don returns to Miss Farrell’s, claiming to have delivered Danny to the hospital as promised.

Betty gives up waiting and goes to bed.

The next morning, Don calls Betty from the office to remind her about the anniversary party. She claims to not feel well, but Don says she really need to be there.

Just before their meeting with Don, Paul tells Peggy about his lost idea. He recalls a Chinese proverb: “The faintest ink is better than the best memory.” At the meeting, Peggy mentions the proverb, and twists Paul’s forgotten idea situation into an appropriate tag line: “a telegram is forever.” Don tells them to keep working.

A limo arrives to pick up an elegantly-dressed but sour Betty. At the party, Roger rattles off a list of Don’s advertising awards, and Don walks to the head of the table to give his speech. Betty looks increasingly distracted.

Then And Now

• Aqua Net: a combination of water, carbon, chlorine, and fluorine that held hair in one place with tenacity. Too bad Betty couldn’t spray Don down with it to make him stay home.
• Epilepsy is better understood than it was in the 60s, but stigma remains.
• Western Union sent their last telegram in 2006.

Thoughts

Consistency: Of course Betty would peek in Don’s drawer after happening upon his key, since she tried earlier when she suspected infidelity. Don’s lifetime of deception means he has no problem lying on Danny’s behalf. He perhaps sees something of himself or Adam in Miss Farrell’s brother.

Don’s silly romance with Miss Farrell is hypocritical, since earlier he called Roger “foolish” for marrying the much younger Jane. There’s a generation gap — all of Don’s previous dalliances have been older women with awareness of the “rules” regarding a husband’s extramarital affairs — Bobbie Barrett went out of her way to hide everything from Jimmy. Miss Farrell seems unstable and not beneath ringing Betty up and confessing. Then there’s the wild card of Danny — if anything happens to him, Miss Farrell will surely blame Don. Yeah, this isn’t going to end well.

I don’t believe Don Draper is meant to be admired; more pitied and made an example of. His character represents the 50s and his superficial, dishonest way of thinking must be marginalized as the series moves deeper into the sixties. With the Kennedy assassination right around the corner, Don’s surely being set up to take the terrible fall depicted in the credits, before season’s end. I look forward to it.

Next Episode: The Gypsy And The Hobo
Previous Episode: Wee Small Hours

Synopsis

Betty, dreaming of being seduced on her fainting couch, is awakened by a ringing phone. It’s Connie Hilton wanting Don’s advice in the middle of the night. He plans to build a Hilton hotel on the moon.

While driving to work, Don sees Miss Farrell (Sally’s teacher) out for an early morning jog. He offers her a ride to her humble apartment over a garage. They listen to Martin Luther King Jr.‘s speech on the radio.

Betty writes a letter asking “Does anyone else read this?” and addresses it to Henry.

Don rejects Hilton campaign ideas from Peggy, Kurt, and Smitty. He orders them to come up with more ideas, saying he can’t do this alone.

Sal directs a Lucky Strike commercial while Lee Garner Jr., the client, offers suggestions.

After Betty picks up the kids from school, she receives a letter from Henry containing an address to write to.

In an editing room, Sal reviews the ad while Lee pours a drink. Inebriated, he comes onto Sal, and offers to lock the door. Sal turns him down, saying he’s married.

Betty writes a letter to Henry saying she has thoughts, wonders where he is and what he’s doing.

Lee calls Harry and asks for Sal to be removed from the project. After he hangs up, Harry tells Paul that Lee sounded really drunk and brushes off the request.

Late that evening, Conrad Hilton invites Don for a drink in his hotel room. Conrad waxes philosophical about how hard he works. He believes his hotels bring America to the world as a force of good, backed by God and generosity. Don takes notes. Conrad admires how Don worked hard for his success unlike his own sons.

The next day, Henry drops by to visit Betty. She is surprised. When Carla the maid arrives, he pretends to be evaluating the house for a potential fundraiser.

Lee sees Sal at the Lucky Strike ad screening and rushes out of the room. After Roger angrily demands to know why, Harry meekly admits Lee asked Sal to be removed from the project. Roger fires Sal on the spot.

Don asks Sal what happened between him and Lee. Sal says Lee was drunk and “cornered” him in the editing room. Don considers the $25 million Lucky Strike account too important, therefore Sal has to go.

That night, Betty tells Don about Henry’s fundraising plans, clumsily ensuring Carla overhears their conversation.

Don presents a compelling ad campaign to Conrad Hilton, using the word “Hilton” as a translation for home comforts. Connie likes the idea, but wonders where the “moon” is — he wanted it in the campaign. Don says he misunderstood.

At Betty’s fundraiser, some of the women worry about “Negroes” descending on the nation’s capitol. Henry sends a woman as a representative, much to Betty’s disappointment. She puts the donations in a box, drives to his office, and violently hurls the box at him. Henry says he wanted her to come to him. They kiss, but Betty feels uncomfortable in his dark office, changes her mind, and apologizes.

Roger reprimands Don for disappointing both Lee and Hilton, saying Don is in over his head.

Betty overhears Carla listening to Martin Luther King Jr. on the radio. Betty says maybe now isn’t the right time for Civil Rights.

Sal tells Kitty from a phone booth that he’s working late.

Late that night, Don leaves Betty, saying he has to meet with Hilton. Instead, he visits Miss Farrell. He says she’s been flirting with him for months, and he can’t stop thinking about her. They kiss and spend the night together.

Then And Now

• Martin Luther King Jr.‘s “I Have A Dream” speech was broadcast on August 28, 1963.
• The “career girls” murdered in their apartment are referred to as the “Wylie-Hoffert” case.
• The Marshall Plan was a foreign policy in Europe after World War II that focused on reconstruction with American values of capitalism and democracy modeled after the United States.
• The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Alabama killed four girls. It occurred on September 15 and was racially motivated.
• Without email or cell phones, Betty resorts to “snail mail” and silly games on the home’s single line to correspond with Henry.
• Breaking news disseminates over radio, newspaper, and television — no Internet, iPhones, or Twitter here.
• Sexual harrassment in the workplace; neither Lee, Sal, or Don seem to have heard of it.

Thoughts

Several characters reach for things and fail: Betty tries awkwardly to initiate an affair with Henry, Lee Garner Jr. woos Sal, and Conrad Hilton wants the moon in his ad campaign. But only Don — intrigued by Sally’s teacher Miss Farrell ever since that phallic maypole — succeeds.

Then there’s Don’s apathetic reaction to Sal’s predicament, where Don chooses profit over personal morals. Yet both men’s reaction is consistent with past behavior. Don bedded Bonnie Barrett and Rachel Menken, brazenly mixing business with pleasure. Meanwhile, Sal discreetly turned down business acquaintance Elliot. Perhaps Sal thought Don would be sympathetic based on his nonchalant reaction to the run-in with the bellhop. But Don considers the client too important and implies Sal should literally, have bent over backwards to satisfy the client.

For that choice and the bedding of Miss Farrell, Don’s behavior has become personally distasteful. I don’t think work pressure and disappointing a father figure are a valid excuse for the latter; both Sal and Betty held back because of “marriage.” I hope Don soon pays a hefty price.

Next Episode: The Color Blue
Previous Episode: Souvenir

Synopsis

Trudy is out of town, leaving Pete alone during a hot August weekend. While Betty makes calls regarding the water tank, Conrad Hilton’s office calls, asking Don to travel to Rome. Don invites Betty along.

Pete spends Saturday alone, watching television. While taking out the trash, he notices the young German au pair Gudrun, who works for the neighboring Lawrences, crying. She spilled wine on her boss’ dress. Pete offers to make things right.

Betty attends a local political meeting where the water tank issue will be decided. Henry requests the project be suspended pending further environmental tests. Francine glances at Betty approvingly. After the meeting, Henry walks Betty to her car and kisses her. At home, she tells Don about the political success, calling the study a “lie.”

Pete visits Bonwit Teller department store to return the soiled dress. He is surprised to find Joan working there as store manager. Pete claims the dress is Trudy’s, and asks Joan to keep this incident a secret. Joan replies “this never happened.”

Don and Betty arrive at a Hilton hotel in Rome. A bellhop compliments Betty on her Italian. Conrad Hilton calls, asking them to try out all the hotel services. As Don naps, Betty makes an appointment at a beauty salon.

Francine drops her son Ernie off at the Draper’s, to be babysat by the housekeeper, Carla.

That evening, Betty sits at an outdoor cafe in an uncharacteristically glamorous hairdo. Two Italian men make conversation and light her cigarette. Don, pretending not to know her, sits nearby and eventually joins her, much to the consternation of the two men, who leave. Conrad Hilton stops by and having met Betty for the first time, calls Don an “indecently lucky man.” After dinner, intoxicated by the romantic location, the Drapers return to their room and slide into bed together.

Back home, Bobby teases Sally after she kisses Ernie. Angered, she attacks her brother. Carla has to separate them.

Pete delivers a new dress to Gudrun, who thanks him profusely. He offers her a drink, but she claims to have a boyfriend. Pete returns to his apartment, alone. Later that evening, he returns, saying he wants something in return for doing a favor. He makes his way into her bedroom and kisses her.

The next morning, Betty tells Don to decline Conrad’s breakfast invitation so they can cuddle in bed a little longer. They return home late in the evening, and Carla tells them about Sally’s temper.

Neighbor Ed Lawrence, pays Pete a visit and asks him to leave Gudrun alone. He’s less concerned with Pete’s infidelity than losing a nanny who gets along with his wife, and actually suggests Pete find a different nanny in another building.

The next day, Betty asks Sally to apologize to Bobby. Don lights Betty’s cigarette, a reminder of what happened in Rome. Betty brushes the front of her outfit, noticeably less glamorous than the getup she had while abroad.

Back from her trip, Trudy kisses Pete, saying she missed him terribly, but he is unresponsive. She identifies his “guilty look” and storms out of the living room.

Betty looks at the fainting couch and then talks to Sally about kissing boys. She says the first kiss is special, and girls shouldn’t kiss boys, but instead let them kiss you.

Pete arrives home from work and sullenly sits at the dinner table while Trudy discusses her day. Pete takes her hand, but instead of admitting what transpired, asks her to not go away without him anymore. She agrees.

After a brief visit with Francine, Betty tells Don that she hates her life. Don gives her a souvenir bracelet charm from Italy. Betty accepts it resentfully, sarcastically saying it’s something she can look at whenever she tells anecdotes about the time they once went to Rome.

Then and Now

• After Pete puts the moves on the au pair, her boss merely asks him not bother her, not blaming him or admonishing cheating. Damn guys got all the breaks back then.
• Bonwit Teller; real department store; no longer exists.

Thoughts

Overall, wasn’t as into this episode as the previous two. While I liked the style of Betty and Don’s vacation, seeing them reconnect felt a bit off since previous episodes had them snippy and short with each other. But I suppose it could be chalked up to the warm romantic setting with touches of Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita.

Joan is on an opposite trajectory from Peggy; instead of advancing up the office ranks she’s now working retail. The key difference is her marriage, which hasn’t turned out as planned — she had expectations of being a stay at home doctor’s wife.

Yet this is the life Betty feels walled in by (I hate this life, place, and friends). Betty’s disappointment upon returning home is near immediate after dealing with Sally’s misbehavior, brushing her frumpy dress, and Francine insinuating something happening with Henry.

Some parallels between Henry the politician, who does a favor for Betty and fished for a kiss, and Pete, who did a favor for the German au pair and also expected a reward. And it’s the same for men lighting women’s cigarettes, expecting the chance to make conversation and beyond.

Henry also mentioned a political theory that when you have no power, a good tactic is to “delay things.” This could tie back to Don’s mention in the previous episode about “no contract means power.” Perhaps Don will find something to drag his heels on for three years.

In the previous episode, messages were communicated through implication, and Pete does exactly this with Trudy. He doesn’t explicitly admit his infidelity, but merely says he doesn’t want to be left alone in the future. Pete is unquestionably an immature slime ball; he may even blame Trudy for his infidelity — she shouldn’t have gone traveling without him.

But then one wonders what Don have done in Rome if Betty hadn’t joined him (recall his other business trip). And it’s possible if Betty had stayed behind, she would have done exactly what Pete did, except with a politician instead of an au pair. Both Betty and Pete demonstrate a nearly equivalent amount of sulky, spoiled immaturity.

Next Episode: Wee Small Hours
Previous Episode: Seven Twenty Three

Synopsis

Flash forward to Peggy waking in bed with an unidentified man, Betty resting on a “fainting couch” and Don lying on an unfamiliar hotel room floor, unconscious.

As Don leaves for work, Betty and an interior decorator ask his opinion on a new living room arrangement. He suggests moving one end table, and leaves.

In the elevator, Roger tells Don about the book Confessions of an Advertising Man. Don finds Conrad Hilton waiting at Sterling Cooper, wanting to give Don his business.

Betty and Francine meet with the Junior League, who want to stop installation of a water tank. Betty remembers meeting the politician Henry Francis at Roger’s party.

Pete asks Don if he can work on Hilton, and says American Aviation is ramping up due to Vietnam.

Still intent on poaching Peggy and Pete, Duck sends Peggy an expensive Hermes scarf. Pete admonishes her to return it.

Roger, Cooper, and Lane are pleased about Hilton, but bring up Don’s non-existent contract. They want him  sign on for three years, including a big raise. He promises to consider it over the weekend.

Betty meets with Henry at a bakery. They are friendly and cordial, although Henry admits he can’t do much about the water tank. As they leave, Betty complains of feeling dizzy, and he recommends she buy a fainting couch. She declines Henry’s offer to walk her to her car.

Don and other fathers help Sally’s teacher Miss Farrell cut cardboard boxes so the kids can watch an eclipse. Later, Don makes small talk with Miss Farrell, but she brushes him off, saying she is propositioned often.

On Monday, Peggy calls Duck asking to return the scarf. He tells her to bring it to her hotel suite. Roger is annoyed upon learning Don didn’t sign the contract. Peggy asks Don if she can work on Hilton. Angry, Don tells her to stop asking for things, saying she already has an office and job many men would die for. Meanwhile, Roger calls Betty and asks her to pressure Don.

Peggy visits Duck’s hotel room and reiterates a reluctance to change jobs. He offers her a drink and kisses her.

As soon as Don arrives home, Betty mentions the contract and wonders why he never mentioned it. Don says no contract gives him power. Betty asks if he has a problem with commitment. He storms out of the house.

Driving through the night while drinking, Don picks up a young pair of hitchhikers en route to Niagara falls in avoidance of the draft. They admit to being “high” and give Don some phenobarbital. They check into a motel. Don dances with the woman while the man opens up a beer. Under the effect of the drug, Don sees a vision of his father, Archie, who lectures Don about having soft hands, and how advertising is just growing “bullshit.” The young man hits Don, knocking him unconscious.

Don, his face bloodied, awakes to find his wallet empty and the couple gone. Peggy wakes up in a hotel bed next to Duck. The interior decorator is annoyed to see Betty has thrown off the living room arrangement with a huge piece of furniture.

At work, Bertram confronts Don, saying they nurtured him and it’s time for payback. He produces the contract and reminds Don that he “knows something.” Don signs, while mentioning he wants no further contact with Roger.

Don arrives home, and tells Betty he signed the contract as she rests on the fainting couch.

Then And Now

• Confessions of an Advertising Man: was written by David Ogilvy. Archie would call this a Farmer’s Almanac for growing bullshit.
• Hanging up a phone before another one on the same line is picked up cuts off the call. No cell phones. Lives were so tragically hard back then.
• Phenobarbitol is a barbiturate sedative created by Bayer in 1902.
• Drinking while driving, a Mad Men pastime.

Thoughts

Liked the flash forward and showing what came before, featuring three of the main characters: Peggy, Betty, and Don. All three experienced what will likely prove to be pivotal events.

Roger’s hokey party turns out to be quite important to both Drapers as Don met Conrad Hilton, and Betty met Harry, who with under the guise of politics, led to a meeting with some sexual innuendo. I think that piece of furniture — that totally threw off a perfectly planned living room — will see some use other than fainting.

Although I didn’t see Peggy sleeping with Duck coming, her behavior is consistent: she had a one-night stand earlier this season, and also slept with Pete in the show’s first episode.

Don’s lack of a contract comes back to haunt him in a big way. His reluctance to be tied to Sterling Cooper is skillfully twisted by Betty to imply a lack of commitment to her. And she’s right to doubt he’ll stick around, since he’s prone to vanishing in California.

Cooper uses his knowledge of Don’s true identity (Dick Whitman) — brushed off at the time — to trap Don. Perhaps Bertram shrewdly decided to save this knowledge until it could be of use, which is rather slick, as he usually acts aloof or clueless. He doesn’t explicitly threaten Don with exposure, but subtly reminds Don of his knowledge. The true meaning of both his and Betty’s conversations with Don is inferred, yet Don gets the messages loud and clear.

Then add in Don’s confrontation with the hitch-hiking kids. Literally beaten down, he realizes he isn’t the independent, street smart loner he was just a few years earlier. Miss Farrell mentions he looks just like all the other domesticated, suburbanite fathers — he has become one. Dick has become Don, and the fabricated lie is now a reality he can’t easily extricate from and escape.

Boxed into a corner, Don signs the contract on 7/23 (the episode’s title). He signs it as “Don Draper,” as if declaring the alias a reality, closing the door on “Dick Whitman.” Wonder what Anna would say about this.

Next Episode: Souvenir
Previous Episode: Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency

Synopsis

Sally has developed a fear of the dark and has trouble sleeping, so Don sets up a bedroom night light.

The next day at the office, Lane announces a sudden visit of two executives from the British parent company, Putnam, Powell, and Lowe. This will affect the July 3 holiday and a surprise going-away party for Joan. Bertram wonders if a promotion is in the works for Don. He asks Roger to reconcile with Don and sends them to the barber together. Meanwhile, Ken, having just landed their account, rides a green John Deere lawn mower into the office.

Bobby shows some interest in baby Gene while Sally cautiously watches from behind.

At the barber, Roger says he doesn’t like being judged. Don says they won’t need to talk about this again.

Hooker tells Joan the secretaries look rather plain. She sarcastically offers to hire prostitutes. He crudely tells her about her party, spoiling the surprise.

Over dinner of chicken salad, Ritz crackers, and Budweiser in a can, Don asks Betty if she wants to live in London.

Greg arrives home late and drunk, and tells Joan that he didn’t make Chief Resident — he isn’t a good enough surgeon. Joan may have quit her job prematurely.

The next day, Joan greets the British executives Guy MacKendrick, Ford, and Powell. Hooker shows them around the office. Olive mentions how handsome Guy is. They meet with Bertram, Roger, and Don, and then Lane, who is to be transferred to Bombay, India.

In a meeting, Guy presents a reorganization chart placing himself in charge along with Don and Bertram. Roger was accidentally omitted. No one is promoted except Harry.

Betty awkwardly gives Sally a Barbie and says it’s from baby Gene.

At an all-hands meeting, Guy leads a goodbye toast to Joan. She starts to cry, and cuts the cake. Don takes a phone call from Conrad Hilton, the owner of Hilton hotels (turns out he was the old fellow Don chatted with at Roger’s party). Don sneaks out to meet with him at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Roger complains to Bertram about being left off the chart. Bertram reminds Roger that the Brits are now in charge since they own the company.

Peggy calls Joan aside and weakly attempts to smooth things over between them. An inebriated Smitty and Lois then drive by on the riding lawn mower. Lois takes over, runs over Guy’s foot, and crashes through an office wall. Blood spatters on several employees. Joan wraps a tourniquet around Guy’s ankle as the other employees look on in horror.

Conrad welcomes Don and asks his opinion on a hotel ad campaign featuring a traveling mouse. Don thinks mice and hotels are a bad combination. He is then urgently called back to the office.

Smitty is reprimanded for letting Lois drive the mower as a janitor squeegees blood off a glass wall. Roger brushes the whole thing off.

At the hospital, the British executives praise Joan for her quick thinking, and see Guy’s career as over. Lane will stay and the reorganization is scrapped.

That evening, Don finds a Barbie doll tossed in the bushes. He brings the doll back inside and places it on Sally’s dresser. Sally wakes up, screams, and screams again when Betty brings baby Gene into the bedroom.

Don and Betty realize that Sally believes baby Gene is literally Grandpa Gene reincarnated, which is impossible because he’s dead.

Sally apologizes for waking the baby. Don explains that nobody knows who Gene is going to be, and this is a wonderful thing.

Then and Now

• Bertram makes a sarcastic reference to Martin and Lewis, the comedy combination of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
• John Deere: see a history of mower / weapons.
• Barber: I’ve been to a barber that still used one of those electric hand-massager things (Oster Stim-U-Lax). And yes, he used a straight razor, too. Don’t go there any more.
• Barbie. Barbie. Barbie.
• Conrad Hilton was a real figure, successful businessman and later philanthropist. Here’s a TIME magazine article that came out in 1963. He’s also the great-grandfather of the infamous Paris Hilton.
• Waldorf Astoria salad: Apples, celery, mayonnaise, walnuts, rasins.
• Dr. Pepper dates from 1885.
• Ritz crackers: I suppose at one time smashed Ritz was considered a legitimate cooking ingredient.

Thoughts

As the episode featuring Grandpa Gene’s death disarmed me with comedy followed by tragedy, this one toyed with my expectations of pacing — the season until now has unfolded rather languidly, so the whole foot-wrenching incident with its quick cuts and graphic violence was a big surprise. It seems an exclamation that although the show is set in the sixties, the subject matter isn’t going to be neutered. Mad Men has toyed with shock before (vomit, war flashbacks) but the foot-mowing certainly upped the ante. And it’s a bit grimly amusing how that particular scene begins with Smitty brushing off the draft for Vietnam.

But the grim occurrence had a definite dramatic purpose: underlining the screwed-up British management. They had a plan to completely change the office hierarchy (Don would have found a compelling rival in the charming “accounts man” Guy), but the threat was dissolved just as abruptly as it arrived. The end result: surely every Sterling Cooper employee is now questioning their role at Sterling Cooper — definitely welcome conflict. Everyone now has ample motivation to jump ship, and I hope some do.

Next Episode: Seven Twenty Three
Previous Episode: The Fog

Synopsis

Don and Betty meet with Sally’s teacher (Suzanne Farrell), because Sally got in a fight with another student and has been asking questions about the recent murder of a civil rights activist. She’s been acting out since the death of Grandpa Gene.

At the office, Lane Pryce nitpicks every business expense, while Don says the creative department needs the space to be “creative.” Meanwhile, Paul and Pete notice that African Americans are large buyers of Admiral television sets. Later, Duck Phillips — now employed at a competing agency — invites Pete to lunch.

Don arrives home to receive a phone call from Miss Farrell, who says her father died when she was young, and then admits to not knowing why she’s calling. After Don hangs up, Betty calls out “it’s time.”

Betty is wheeled away down a long hospital hallway while Don is directed to a waiting room. Betty mistakes a janitor for her father. In the waiting room, Don meets Dennis, a prison guard, nervously waiting for his wife to give birth. He offers Don a drink from a bottle of scotch. Later, Dennis says prisoners used to be young once, and all blame their parents for their criminal behavior.

Betty is given a sedative and goes under. She imagines walking down a suburban road, catching a silkworm in her hand.

While Don and Dennis share a cigarette, Dennis admits to being afraid. Don says our worst fears lie in anticipation. After hearing his baby has arrived, Dennis tells Don he will be a better man.

As Betty goes into labor, she imagines Grandpa Gene mopping up blood in the kitchen. Her mother holds a bloody cloth and tells her to be happy with what she has. Gene calls Betty a “housecat” that is very important, but has little to do. Betty awakes in a hospital bed, holding a baby boy and Don standing there. They name the boy Gene.

The next day, Don finds his office full of baby gifts, and Roger congratulates him over the phone.

Pete arrives at a restaurant to have lunch with Dick, and finds Peggy there also. Duck wants to steal both of them from Sterling Cooper. Pete walks out while Duck complements Peggy further, saying she should “strike while the iron is hot” — she a young “career gal” with no responsibilities.

That night, Don prepares hash and eggs and serves some to Sally, who had no idea her father could cook.

On the way back to Sterling Cooper, Pete has an awkward conversation with Hollis, the elevator operator, about televisions. Pete then advises the Admiral representatives to advertise directly to African-Americans. They are not pleased with this idea. Later, Pete is reprimanded by Bertram Cooper, Roger, and Lane.

Peggy nervously asks Don for a raise, to which Don says now isn’t a good time. Peggy looks at Don’s baby presents longingly, admitting she wants what he has.

Don and Betty arrive home with baby Gene, where Francine is waiting with the kids. Betty describes the entire experience as a “fog.”

Then and Now

• Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist, murdered in 1963.
• Husbands weren’t allowed in the delivery room. Instead they smoked cigarettes and drank scotch for hours on end.
• Admiral was an electronics appliance manufacturer.
• Ethnic advertising is an accepted strategy today.

Thoughts

Pretty neat direction when Betty is wheeled away: Don vanishes and an old janitor is mistaken for Grandpa Gene. During the dream sequence, a worm falls into Betty’s hands, which I’ll interpret as the newborn baby Betty must care for. A little David Lynch crept in with the bloody mop. Betty’s mother implies the civil rights activist was murdered because of “speaking up.”

After Gene is born, Don leans forward to kiss Betty, but a mirror frames her, alone. Don’t think for a moment a new baby will bring them closer together: signs all point to Don getting it on with Sally’s teacher. Yep, that’s why he was fondling the grass while watching Miss Farrell dance around that phallic maypole.

Duck returns: he’s working at another ad firm, and intends to poach both Pete and Peggy. I’d really love to see Pete and Peggy at another agency in direct competition with Sterling Cooper; it would pit new against old. Note the age of those who objected to Pete’s racial advertising idea.

Don squashes Peggy’s aspirations for a raise. She says Don has everything and so much of it, but the undercurrent of her envious glance over Don’s baby gifts is how she never got to experience the same, what with her secret child given up for adoption. Many Mad Men moments have other, implied meanings.

Next Episode: Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency
Previous Episode: The Arrangements

Synopsis

Grandpa Gene lets Sally drive: she handles the steering wheel while he presses the pedals. Meanwhile, Peggy tells her sister Anita of her intentions to move to Manhattan.

Pete introduces Horace — who wants to bring the South American sport jai alai to America — to the Sterling Cooper crowd. He believes it could suprass baseball with the right promotion. Skepticism sets in when he suggests television, print, and radio campaigns simultaneously for a million dollars. After the meeting, Don calls Horace and idiot and mentions Horace’s father knows Bertram Cooper.

Gene presents his will to Betty. She feels uncomfortable and asks him not to mention it again.

Don makes Sal the director of the Patio Cola commercial after the previous director abruptly quits. Meanwhile, Peggy places a roommate ad on the office bulletin board.

That evening, as Don observes from the living room, Gene hands Bobby a knife to open a box containing Gene’s old war memorabilia. One is a victory medal from World War I, and another is a helmet from a dead German soldier. He gives it to Bobby to wear. Don becomes uncomfortable and confiscates the helmet.

Kitty puts the moves on Sal, who is reluctant, claming work anxiety. He demonstrates what he’s working on: the opening scene to Bye Bye Birdie for the Patio commercial. Kitty is taken aback by Sal’s enthusiastic role-playing of Ann Margaret.

Don meets with Bertram, Lane, and Horace’s father (Horace Sr.). He is resigned that his son is spoiled and nothing can be done — if Sterling Cooper turns down the account, the money will be spent elsewhere.

The office boys draft Lois to call up Peggy in response to her ad. Lois claims to work in a tannery and has a disfigured face. Peggy moves from confusion to anger as the boys burst out laughing on the other end.

Gene and Sally eat ice cream straight out of the box. He says “you can really do something” with her life, and not to listen to her mother.

Don and Pete take Horace Jr. out to lunch, where he voices a wish to accomplish something just like his father. Don advises that he should spend his time on something other than jai alai. Horace pauses, and then laughs, saying if jai alai fails it will be Sterling Cooper’s fault.

Joan suggests Peggy rewrite her ad as more fun-loving and playful.

That evening, Don looks at an old photograph of his parents. The back says Archie and Abigail, 1928.

The next day, Horace has signed a contract, and several of the office boys play with jai alai equipment and laughing. Don accidentally chucks a ball into an ant farm.

Peggy meets Karen, a potential roomate. She seems rather particular, but agree to start looking at apartments together.

Gene forgot to pick Sally and Bobby from school, so Betty arrives instead. Meanwhile, Joan cleans up dead ants.

The Patio ad is screened for the client, and despite mimicking Bye Bye Birdie precisely, something is noticeably amiss. Roger says the girl just “isn’t Ann Margaret.” Nobody points the finger at Sal.

A policeman informs Betty that Gene passed out at the grocery store and is dead. Sally is heartbroken. Betty calls Don while he assures Sal will remain agency’s commercial director.

Peggy buys her mother a new television, but then mentions her plan to move to Manhattan. Her mother feels like she is being abandoned, calls the television a bribe, and lashes out, saying Peggy will be raped in the dangerous city.

Betty, Don, William, and his wife Judy reminisce on Gene’s passing in the kitchen while Sally sits alone in the dark. Sally overhears some chuckling and accuses the grownups of not realizing the finality of death. Betty scolds her and tells her to go watch television. Sally lies on the floor to see a Buddhist monk setting fire to himself in Vietnam on the television.

That evening Don puts Gene’s furniture away.

Then And Now

• Jai alai, a real South American sport, enjoyed a brief popularity in the sixties. It never became more popular than baseball.
• David Ogilvy was an advertising “wizard” who made waves starting in 1962.

Thoughts

Parent pass away and legacies — some intentional, others not — passed to the children. They can be squandered like Horace, while others seek something better, like Don, or Peggy.

Gene mentions she shielded Betty from all the danger in the world and calls her “Scarlet O’Hara” (spoiled). Betty still plays an adult but has the awareness of a child, something mentioned by her psychiatrist in the first season.

Gene’s handing down of his war stuff was out of line, but also because Don has some uncomfortable feelings about the Korean War. Unfortunately, nobody knows the details of all he went through then, and he certainly wouldn’t get into it with Gene.

Overall, this episode had a series of humorous situations (Gene letting Sally drive, Bobby wearing the war helmet, Sal prancing about, Peggy’s prank call, Joan cleaning up ants) but the light mood was shattered with Gene’s death. The contrast between levity and doom was quite wrenching, especially Sally curled up on the floor in a dark room with the adults in the kitchen behind her, a world apart.

The Bye Bye Birdie ad failed, and I’d explain it as the camera wasn’t “in love” with its subject, subtly tracking and following her as a voyeur or object of desire. Naturally, Sal is unable to direct in that manner. Even if the office isn’t sure, Kitty is surely catching on.

Next Episode: The Fog
Previous Episode: My Old Kentucky Home

Synopsis

After an interview of a “Ann Margaret type” actress to star in a television spot, Ken and Pete ask Paul, Smitty, and Peggy to develop new concepts for Bacardi rum — over the weekend.

Roger and Jane are hosting a country club party, and the office executives are invited. Jane drops by the office and mentions her driver, which comes across as rather snooty to Joan, her former boss.

That evening, grandpa Gene has Sally read from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. He mentions, “all hell is going to break loose.”

On Saturday, Paul, Smitty, and Peggy meet at the office and struggle with ideas. Smitty prods Paul to drum up some marijuana for inspiration.

As Betty and Don prepare for the party, Sally impulsively steals a five dollar bill from Grandpa Gene’s wallet while he’s in the bathroom. Meanwhile, Joan and her surgeon husband Greg are having his hospital co-workers over for dinner. Later, one of the guests oddly advises Joan to not get pregnant, and says Greg is lucky to have married her — no matter what happens.

Don and Betty arrive at the country club and are greeted by Pete and Trudy, and Harry and his wife Jennifer. Ken is solo.

Paul calls up Jeffrey, a Princeton colleague, who arrives with some rolled joints. As they light up, Olive, Peggy’s older secretary, warns her about entering the office. Peggy brushes her off, walks in, and asks to smoke some marijuana.

Roger sings My Old Kentucky Home while in black face. Bored, Don wanders off, and shares with an older guest memories of a demeaning childhood job parking cars. Meanwhile, Betty chats with an older man about her pregnancy.

Jeffrey mentions that Paul, despite his cultured and bohemian leanings, is actually from Jersey. Paul tries to kick him out, but then breaks into song — they were in a college singing group together. After the performance, Peggy admits to being very high.

After Gene and the maid search futilely for the missing money, Sally pretends to find the five dollar bill lying on the ground. As he takes it back, Gene seems aware of the truth.

At the country club party, Betty is caught in some uncomfortable discussion about divorce and quick marriage. Thankfully, Trudy and Pete impress on the dance floor.

While Paul lies on the office floor — muttering about the end of the world — Peggy focuses on work. As she leaves the office, Olive admonishes her for not thinking about her future.

At Joan’s dinner party, it’s revealed Greg made a mistake during surgery. To change the subject, Greg asks Joan to play the accordion and sing a French song, which she does seductively.

A very drunk Jane spills some food, and congratulates Don for getting back together with Betty. Betty runs away, and Don scolds Roger, saying everyone thinks he’s acting foolish for marrying someone so young.

That evening, instead of scolding Sally for the missing money, Gene asks her to continue reading. Meanwhile, Don and Betty embrace on the dark lawn.

Then And Now

• Patio Diet Cola was a Pepsi product that started in the sixties and became Diet Pepsi in 1964.
• Bacardi is a Cuban rum.
• Ann Margaret is from the musical Bye Bye Birdie. The actress does the “twist,” a dance craze inspired by a song from the late fifties.
• The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was written in the late 1700s by English historian Edward Gibbon.
• Roger’s blackface: funny then, not funny today. The song he sings is My Old Kentucky Home, written by Stephen Foster in 1853.
• The song Joan sings is C’est Magnifique, a fifties song by Cole Porter.
• “This is the way the world ends, not with a bang, but a whimper” is a line from the poem The Hollow Men by T.S. Eliot.

Thoughts

The episode featured marriages at different stages (Betty and Don, Roger and Jane, Greg and Joan), with a peculiarly Mad Men juxtaposition of the old and the new. The garden party had older, more traditional activities (needless to say, Roger’s blackface performance is today, severely offensive and at least, horribly dated), while the three youngest workers smoke pot at the office and ruminate on death (surely a reference to the Cuban missile crisis). Loved seeing reefer infiltrate the young Sterling Cooper ranks. It’s 1963; the times they are a changing. Peggy’s two lines “I want to smoke marijuana” and “I am so high” were classic.

A little more subtle was the interaction between the female characters, sizing each other up and evaluating their stage in respected marriage (or life, as Olive scolds Peggy). Jane’s mention of a driver is a hint to Joan that she “married up.” An older wife tells Joan to not get pregnant. Trudy expresses polite silence when greeting a noticeably pregnant Betty and Harry’s wife Jennifer discussing motherhood.

Then there’s Joan singing a French song on the accordion — the words have to do with a magnificent marriage, yet Joan is starting to realize, her marriage to Greg is anything but.

Meanwhile, Sally’s small lies test the boundaries of what she can get away with, and so far Don and Betty seem oblivious. Previous infractions were the sneaky drink in the office and was smoking a cigarette. And there will surely be further outlets for rebellion as the sixties continue on. In one scene, Gene asks Don, “How’s Babylon?” while Sally reads about the fall of the Roman Empire. I look forward to all hell breaking loose.

Next Episode: The Arrangements
Previous Episode: Love Among The Ruins

Synopsis

The office watches the opening of Bye Bye Birdie because the client: Patio, a diet soda — wants an “Ann Margaret type.” The men know exactly what this means, while Peggy is unsure.

Meanwhile, Pete and Paul meet with clients promoting the construction of a new Madison Square Garden. Paul doesn’t respect their plan to demolish Penn Station, and one representative named Edgar angrily calls Paul a “beatnik.”

Lane Pryce informs Don and Roger that they have lost Campbell’s Soup as a client. Don and Betty (in a foul mood) join Lane and his wife Rebecca for dinner. On the drive home, Betty says her father Gene has been abandoned by his companion Gloria. Gene is coming for a visit along with Betty’s brother William and his family.

Roger’s daughter Margaret is planning her wedding, and tells Roger his young, new (former secretary) wife Jane isn’t welcome.

Lane asks Don to have lunch with Edgar for damage control. While waiting, Roger complains about his wife Mona turning Margaret against him. After Edgar arrives, Don suggests promoting Madison Square Garden by saying change is inevitable. He recalls his trip to California where everything was new and the people were filled with hope. Edgar says he’ll hire their firm as long as the “communist, radical” Paul isn’t on the project.

After arriving with a paper bag containing sandwiches and slightly confused, Gene watches television with the kids while Betty, William, and his wife Judy discuss the possibility of putting him in a nursing home.

Alone in her apartment, Peggy sings “Bye Bye Birdie” to herself, in a mirror, as if to see whether she is “that type.”

The next day, Lane informs Don that the home office in London has killed the Madison Square Garden project. Don responds with disbelief, saying it could mean thirty years of business, and then anger that he wasted time winning them back.

Still working on the Patio diet soda campaign, Peggy wonders how exactly Ann Margaret represents weight loss. Don counters that this is about men wanting Ann Margaret, and women wanting to be desired like her. Peggy says that sounds phony. Don brushes Peggy off, saying advertising is about solving problems, not being an artist.

That evening, Betty tells Don of William’s plan to put Gene in a home. Don pulls William aside and says Gene will live with them while William provides financial support. He orders William to present the plan to Betty and Judy.

When Gene is told of the plan, he complains that “the animals are running the zoo.”

On her way home, Peggy visits a crowded bar and meets a young engineering student. They wind up back at his place where they have a one-night stand.

Late at night, Don and Betty are awoken by Gene, pouring booze down the drain in an odd panic.

The next day, Betty, Don, and Gene watch a school May Pole performance. Sally holds one of the ribbons. Don watches the teacher dance across the field, and reaches down with his hand to touch some blades of grass.

At work, Peggy and Don discuss the Pampers account.

Then And Now

• Bye Bye Birdie is a movie musical starring Ann Margaret and Dick Van Dyke. My favorite character is the Elvis-esque doppelganger Conrad Birdie played by Jesse Pearson.
• Patio Diet Cola was a Pepsi product that started in the sixties and became Diet Pepsi in 1964.
• The current Madison Square Garden was built in 1968.
• Rietta Wallenda was tightrope walker, member of the “Flying Wallendas” that fell to her death in 1963.
• Betty continues to smoke and drink while pregnant.
• Gene’s urge to dump liquor down the drain may have something to do with memories of Prohibition, during which liquor was illegal.

Thoughts

Betty and Don seem constantly at odds with each other this season, muttering and on edge with each other. I can’t put my finger on why Don decides to take Gene in, other than his underprivileged background (still a secret) which occasionally leads to compassion for the down-and-out who can’t help themselves.

Roger is pathetically clueless, and can’t understand why his family doesn’t like Jane. He doesn’t seem to value the opinion of the women in his life, and assumes that any daughter should merely love their father unconditionally. Note the wedding date on Margaret’s invitation is November 22, 1963 — the day after Kennedy’s assassination; yikes.

Peggy seemed to be reconciling her role at Sterling Cooper with her femininity, figuring out how a successful career woman should behave in order to feel comfortable in both worlds. She has a one night stand as if to prove that she can still be attractive to the opposite sex — that she hasn’t lost any sex appeal through her career success.

Amusing when she says Don is a “jerk.” Perhaps her fling is a secret jab back at Don, to prove there isn’t only one template for women to follow in order to be desired by men.

Further thought could be put into the word “ruins” in the episode’s title — Paul refers to Roman ruins, while Don later claims New York City is in decay. He also tells William to catch a train at Penn Station. Lastly, the may pole dance is a ritual of renewal for spring and summer, ushering in the new after the collapse of the old — of which “ruins” would be a part.

Or perhaps that may pole is just a gigantic phallic symbol and Don is prepping for a new fling.

Next Episode: My Old Kentucky Home
Previous Episode: Out Of Town

Synopsis

Don warms milk in the middle of the night, and recalls his troubled childhood as an abandoned child. Betty, still pregnant, is having trouble sleeping, so Don tells her story to help her fall asleep.

The next day at the office, Peggy finds Mr. Hooker, a British employee, flirting with a secretary — Sterling Cooper has suffered a British invasion. Bertram Cooper, a new British executive named Lane Pryce, Don, and Roger discuss a new client, London Fog, and then fire Bert, the head of accounts. This is only the latest in a long series of layoffs at Sterling Cooper.

After Bert storms through the office, angry, Lane promotes Peter to head of accounts, and asks him to keep it secret. Overjoyed, Pete calls Trudy to share the good news. Lane then calls Ken into his office — and promotes him to head of accounts as well. Pete and Ken ride the elevator together, keeping the news secret from the other.

Don and Sal are sent to meet with London Fog. On the airplane, a flirty stewardess reveals they’re staying in the same hotel, and sets up a date. Don makes up alternate identities of being accountants, then G-Men over dinner and drinks with another stewardess and a pilot.

Sal says goodnight, leaving Don and one of the stewardesses together in the elevator. Noticeably tipsy, they kiss in a hallway, where she says she’s engaged, and he reveals it’s his birthday. They sleep together.

Alone in his hotel room, Sal finds the air conditioning is broken. A bellhop comes to his room to fix it. Suddenly, they kiss, and end up on the bed. Before they can get down to business, a fire alarm goes off. As Don climbs down the fire escape with the stewardess, he sees Sal and the bellhop through the window, partially undressed.

Don and Sal meet with with London Fog representatives. Meanwhile, Pete is depressed to learn he is “co” head of accounts with Ken. Ken doesn’t care, but Pete is mopey and insulted that he was not chosen as the better man.

On the plane home, Sal worries that Don will mention what he saw. Instead, Don describes an ad idea for London Fog.

Joan sticks Mr. Hooker in an office to keep him from chatting up secretaries. Don returns to the office, where Roger informs him about Pete and Ken’s promotion. Meanwhile, Mr. Hooker complains to Lane that this American company is actually a “gynocracy.”

Once home, Betty tells Don he needs reading glasses, and they recall the day Sally was born.

Thoughts

The British firm laid off a third of Sterling Cooper, and the surviving employees are still adjusting. Duck Phillips is nowhere to be seen.

Really look forward to the brewing conflict between Ken and Pete. Both reacted to the pseudo-promotion as one would expect; Ken optimistic but seeming in over his head, while Pete was petulant and sulky, arrogantly thinking he is more obviously qualified. I see sabotage ahead.

Loved the scene with Sal and the bellhop. It was pretty comical to see the heat get a little too intense. If you look closely, a pen in Sal’s shirt pocket was spilling ink. It underlines Sal’s situation that his love life must be kept secret, since society isn’t on his side, and he is married. Wonder what Don will do with this knowledge.

Don’s initial flashback reveals more and underlines his rough upbringing, with his parents treating children as objects and at worst, a nuisance. One wonders if Don spends most of the day seeing such apparitions in everyday life — what does he see when he walks around the office?

Then and Now

• Smoking on airplanes. During Sal and Don’s return trip, someone’s coughing is heard.

Advertising

• London Fog got its start making waterproof clothes for the Navy, and is still going strong.
• Fleischman’s whiskey.
• TWA was acquired by American Airlines in 2001.
• That Japanese painting in Bertram’s office is called The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife.

Next Episode: Love Among The Ruins
Previous Episode: Meditations In An Emergency

Synopsis

A doctor tells Betty she’s pregnant, and she is disappointed, saying it’s not a good time. The doctor is reluctant to explore other options. After riding, Betty finds Don waiting for her, wanting to give their marriage another shot. She is surprised and standoffish.

Duck tells Pete about the still-secret merger and as the new head of Sterling Cooper, will promote Pete. Don will have to fall in line or move on.

Don watches President Kennedy’s television address about the Cuban missile crisis. Upon returning to the office, Roger tells Don about the merger.

Father Gill gives a sermon referring to the crisis and suggests everyone prepare to meet God. Peggy listens.

At a hair salon, Betty tells Francine she doesn’t want the baby. She mutters something about different doctors, but concludes the best thing to do is nothing.

Ken, Sal, Paul, and Harry struggle with a television, trying to get an update on the possible nuclear war. Lois adds to the tension, confirming rumors that Sterling Cooper has been sold, and there may be “redundancies.”

Betty drops the kids off at Don’s hotel while she goes shopping. She visits a bar where a man buys her a drink, leading to a one-night stand in a back office.

Father Gill tells Peggy that her guilt may condemn her to hell. She replies that God wouldn’t act in that way.

Fearing a Soviet attack, Trudy prepares to evacuate. Pete says he wants to die in Manhattan. At the office, Pete tells Don about the pending merger, and how Duck will become the head of Sterling Cooper.

Betty reads a letter where Don has written if they split up. he’ll be alone forever. The letter concludes with “I love you.”

At a merger meeting, the British executives put Duck in charge of the new company. His ideas for the future clash with Don’s right off the bat. Duck brings up the non-compete in his contract, to which Don replies he doesn’t have a contract. Frustrated, Duck angrily advises to let Don go.

Joan tells Don that Betty called, asking him to come home. Pete asks Peggy to have a drink with him. Spurred by the gravity of the missile crisis, he tells her she’s perfect and wants to be with her. She reveals that she was pregnant with his child and gave the baby away. He is shocked.

Don returns home to his idyllic life with Betty, Sally, and Bobby. Pete sits in his office with a rifle pointed at the ceiling. Peggy goes to sleep.

Don turns off the radio, still covering the ongoing crisis. Betty tells Don she is pregnant. He says nothing, but reaches for her hand across the kitchen table.

Thoughts

Almost too many to list, but I’ll try:

• Don returns from California, wanting his old life with Betty and the kids back. Betty is skeptical.
• Betty is pregnant.
• Betty decided to have sex with a random guy from a bar. This whole season, she had been dancing around the edges of an affair (the road side Samaritan, Jimmy Barrett, Arthur from the stables, the salesman…  a washing machine) — talk about built up tension! Perhaps she wanted to get a taste of what Don had enjoyed this whole time, but in any case, it was a liberating moment, and she now has a secret of her own.
• Duck thought he had finally gotten one up on Don, so the “working without a contract” bit was priceless.

The mind reels at possibilities for the third season. First off, the sale of Sterling Cooper leaves many of its employees in jeopardy. The company might look very different when we next see it.

Betty finally displays the full effects of Don’s wayward behavior. She’s now damaged and distrustful of her husband. But her sadness is due to her new circumstance and lack of options. Don has made a definite choice to return to his marriage, while Betty — although she did invite Don back — essentially has no other choice, because of her pregnancy. So while Don reaches for Betty’s hand, she is skeptical, sad, and standoffish, and as a result, the ending is achingly bittersweet. Unless she wants to become Helen Bishop, she’s stuck with Don.

Peggy, prodded on by Father Gill, finally tells Pete about their child, which has huge ramifications for both characters. Peggy’s last words are rather telling — not just about the baby she gave up for adoption, but about the entire loss of innocence as the fifties moved into the sixties. Based on her upward move on the Sterling Cooper ladder (she now has an office), she has chosen a career over motherhood. Like Betty, she has limited options and is making the best of the path she chose.

Hanging over everything was the threat of nuclear war via the Cuban missile crisis, a great dramatic device to spur action in such usually secretive characters.

Next Episode: Out Of Town
Previous Episode: The Mountain King

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

Synopsis

Jane wakes up in a hotel bed with Roger. She has written a love poem, and Roger asks her to marry him. With Don and Pete away, the office folks aren’t getting much done. Kurt invites Peggy to a Bob Dylan performance.

In sunny California, Don and Pete stand by a hotel pool, enjoying the weather and the eye candy. The airline has lost Don’s luggage. En route to the pool bar, Don passes someone that resembles Betty. He meets Willy, a Count, and Joy, a young woman.

Roger’s divorce lawyer says Mona intends to fight their divorce and make Roger pay. Duck asks Roger if he can make partner. Roger is reluctant, asking for more results.

Don and Pete attend a missile presentation, and the slides of exploding missiles seem to bother Don. Pete notes how much money the defense industry spends on media.

At the hotel, Joy invites Don on a drive to Palm Springs. Don decides go, abandoning Pete at a business meeting. Joy and Don arrive at a fancy house, to meet an odd group of people with no clear relationship to one another. Don passes out from the heat, but later recovers enough for dinner. The conversation is odd, as everyone has no profession and they play a word game. That night, Don and Joy sleep together.

Joan presents donuts at the office. Kurt, one of the younger employees, reminds Peggy about seeing Bob Dylan in the Village. Kurt announces he is homosexual, which is greeted by silence. After Kurt leaves, Ken says he isn’t sure about this. Smitty mockingly says there are others. Sal is noticeably silent.

The next morning, Don and Joy lie in bed, as she reads The Sound and the Fury. Willy pops in the bedroom to say hello. It turns out he is Joy’s father. Don is confused by the casual attitude toward sex.

Duck meets with two British ad agency representatives and prods them into purchasing Sterling Cooper, giving him a finder’s fee and control over the new subsidiary.

Kurt stops by Peggy’s apartment, and on a whim, cuts her hair in a more modern style.

At the pool, Joy tells Don that their entourage is soon leaving for the Bahamas, and invites Don to join them.

The next day, Pete returns from California, without a clue as to Don’s whereabouts. He vaguely notices Peggy’s new hairstyle. Ken says, “Kurt’s a homo.”

Duck tells Roger and Bertram about the British firm’s interest but spins the takeover as an opportunity.

Back in California, Don makes a phone call and sets up a meeting with an unidentified person. Meanwhile, his missing luggage is delivered to his doorstep in New York.

Thoughts

Style

Loretta Young was a famous actress. Bob Dylan played Carnegie Hall several times in the early sixties. Pete claims he saw Tony Curtis, a famous actor (most known for Some Like It Hot) in the hotel bathroom. Rita Hayworth was a sex-symbol actress who re-married five times. The MIRV is a missile that could deploy several warheads simultaneously. The Sound And The Fury is a William Faulkner novel that features several points of view in a stream of consciousness style. Tanqueray is a British gin.

Then And Now

• Sexual liberation: Willy’s casual attitude towards Joy’s bedding of Don is surprising even by today’s standards.
• Homosexuality: The knowledge that Kurt is gay is met with silent shock and disbelief by the office folks.

Developments

Kurt, one of the younger employees, is gay. Ken negative reaction is rather amusing since Sal is a closeted gay man with a suppressed interest in Ken.

The aeronautics presentation mentions the threat of nuclear annihilation, which bothers Don and foreshadows the tension of the Cuban missile crisis in the season finale.

When Don falls over, the camera move reminded me of a scene from Mean Streets.

The entourage of Joy’s friends are odd without a clear explanation — they might be nouveau riche avoiding taxes, or at worst, a cult. But their rootless quality seems to appeal to Don, and offers him the potential of a life without strings. A young boy and girl finally suggest this lifestyle is not the best idea.

Duck’s meeting with the British ad agency takes place in a dark restaurant, dimly lit with red lights, which is subtly evil, and sets a plan to take over Sterling Cooper which drives the last episodes of the season. The dimly lit restaurant contrasts with the bright California sunshine.

The last scene of Don sitting on a couch making a phone call is shot from behind, and resembles the opening credits silhouette. The differences: Don’s arm is pointing in the opposite direction, and he has no clothes (his clothes are on the opposite coast). This is Don Draper’s opposite, Dick Whitman — whom we’ll learn more about in the next episode.

Next Episode: The Mountain King
Previous Episode: The Inheritance

Synopsis

Pete and Paul are planning a trip to California to learn about potential, new clients in the aerospace industry. Don reminds them the trip is for business, not pleasure. That evening, Trudy tells Pete she wants to adopt a baby.

Betty calls Don saying her father, Gene, has had a stroke. Despite their separation, Don and Betty pay him a visit. They find him mentally confused.

At the office, Sheila learns about Paul’s trip, and mentions they were planning to visit Mississippi and help register the black vote.

Pete and his brother Bud look over their father’s papers and learn he squandered all the family money. They wonder how their mother will survive.

Betty complains to her brother William about their stepmother, who Betty isn’t fond of. Gene labels Don as unappreciative, mentioning Don’s lack of family as a reason for distrust.

Pete’s mother advises him against adopting a child, threatening to exclude him from any inheritance. Pete retorts that the family money no longer exists.

That evening, Betty sleeps in the bed while Don makes do with the floor. In the middle of the night, they have sex. The next morning, Don awakens on the floor to find Betty already gone. The rest of the visit goes awkwardly, and Betty confides in the family housekeeper. Betty and Don return home and she asks him to leave, saying last night they were “just pretending.”

The office throws a baby shower for Harry, featuring gag gifts like diapers, Clearasil, cigarettes, and Playboy magazines. Don learns he’ll travel to California with Pete instead of Paul. Now free, Paul calls Sheila to plan their Mississippi trip.

Pete confides in Peggy his maternal difficulties, believing everything is so easy for Peggy. She denies this is true.

Betty finds Glen Bishop hiding in the backyard playhouse. He has run away from home, thinking his mother doesn’t care about him. He wants to run away with Betty, saying he has money. He seems inspired by a comic book super hero. Betty calls his mother, Helen, who immediately arrives to take Glen home. As he leaves, he tells Betty he hates her.

On a bus to Mississippi, Paul proposes that advertising applies equally to all.

Helen blames Betty for Glen’s behavior. Betty believes Glen is just lonely. Helen admits she hasn’t been the best mother. Betty divulges Don has been staying in a hotel. Helen confides that divorce can be hard, because you are finally in complete control of your own life.

Don and Pete are aboard an airplane going to Los Angeles, California.

Thoughts

Style

Hitchcock’s Rope is mentioned when Paul and his brother joke about having no family money. Registering the black vote was part of the civil rights movement in the sixties.

Then and Now

• Interracial relationships: Some in the office look a bit surprised to see Paul with an African-American woman.
• Smoking: In the last scene, Don and others are smoking on an airplane, which has noticeably larger seats than today’s standards.
  

Developments

Hildy hugs Harry after the baby shower, which is awkward since they once slept together.

I wonder if Glen’s appearance symbolizes Don’s immaturity. Glen wants to run away, saying he has money, which Don tried to do with Midge — flashing that bonus check and offering a trip to Paris. He then tried to run away with Rachel Menken.

Then again, most of the men on the show are immature. Roger is doing something similar, leaving his wife for a much younger woman, and Pete doesn’t want to have kids.

The episode’s title refers to everything we inherit from our families, above and beyond the monetary. Betty struggles with her father’s illness, Harry with the prospect of being a new father, and Glen with his mother trying to make a new life for herself. At episode’s end, Helen says being in complete control of one’s own life is a burden. But in direct contrast is Don, who relishes complete freedom and control. He’s on a jet plane, leaving for that part of the country where so many will journey in the late sixties, searching for a break from the past.

Next Episode: The Jet Set
Previous Episode: Six Month Leave