At the end of the show, I was not really sure whether to do a re-cap or simply say what I thought. The latter won out, and so you will now be treated to my scattered thoughts. The very first line in the show is a question: "Who is Don Draper"? I think this aptly sums up the show. Who is this man that we have been watching for years? We know that he is a father, a functional alcoholic, a lecher, works in advertising and is a sexist. None of these qualities are in the least bit endearing and yet, "Mad Men" is a hit; people are watching.
From the very beginning, Don, Roger and Pete's treatment of Jack Hammond, the disabled veteran who wrote a story on Don for Advertising Age, reminded the viewer that in the "Mad Men" world, only able bodied, White, heterosexual men of class privilege matter. Pete thanked him for his service in Korea but Don, and Roger complained about his disabled body. They felt that they weren't being respected because the Advertising Age sent a reporter who is disabled. I know that we are talking about 1964, but I think that it is worth mentioning that we have not moved far from the disableism displayed by those two.
This episode is basically about Don adapting to his new life as a single man. We can see that the absence of Betty and the kids really has not changed anything for him. He has a new maid, who basically fulfills his requirement that women service him. When he wants sex her hires a hooker. What is interesting in this scene is that he encourages her to smack him several times across the face. This is the first time we have seen Don enjoy some sort of kink, though I believe that this more about his desire to be punished, because he is aware of his wrong doings, than it has with being a real sexual turn on.
The comic relief in last nights episode was provided by two women that Peggy hired to stage a mock fight over a ham. Of course, this re-affirmed the idea that it is the woman's job to ensure that the holidays are perfect for her family, but as a person who has personally hip checked a woman for a turkey, I do get it. Sexist or not, it happens. I will say that I thought it was brilliant that these same women managed to blackmail Peggy for more money to maintain their silence. The unfortunate fallout of the situation, was that Peggy was forced to turn to Don for aid, who decided that this was the perfect opportunity to berate her. The man that she brought with her attempted to come to her defense, I suppose this is "Mad Men's" was pretending that chivalry existed. When Don asked him who he was, he claimed to be Peggy's fiance.
Thanksgiving of course turned out to be a horror for Betty and the children when Sally announced that she did not like the food. Proving that once again she does not deserve the mother of the year award, Betty shoved some food into her mouth, which caused the child to choke and spit it out. Peggy was embarrassed by this and took her from the room. I don't know why this woman had kids, because it seems that what she really wants are performing puppets. Later that evening when Sally tried to call Don for comfort, she took the phone away from her and sent her to bed. Betty seems to have this rage at her daughter and I cannot figure out where it comes from. She doesn't even seem to like the child, let alone love her. In part, this could be because she has been forced into playing the role domestic goddess, and therefore resents her children, but I certainly would love to see this explored further. When Don informs Betty that she either has to move or start paying rent, she falls back on not being able to find the right place for the kids. Suddenly, her concern is about uprooting them. Of course this is short lived, because as soon as Don leaves, Betty tells Henry, "Haven't the kids been through enough already? There's nothing out there and he doesn't decide." So, is this really about the kids or continuing to punish Don?
Though Henry's mother did resort to slut shaming in her conversation with him, when she said, "I have raised children before, they are terrified of her, that was an apt description of Betty's relationship with her children. "Well I know what you see in her," she said. " And you could have gotten it without marrying. She's a silly woman, honestly Henry I don't see how you can stand living in that man's dirt". I find that quite ironic, because Don's poor background has always been a source of shame for Betty. It seems that to the outside world, Betty may not be as good as she thinks she is.
By the end of the episode, we see that Don has taken charge again when he kicks potential clients out of his office, after they decline his ad pitch, saying that it is too suggestive and they are a family company. We see him sitting down for an interview with a reporter from the Wall Street journal and this time, he is bold and proudly listing his achievements. Whatever storm Don has been through with his separation from Betty, we are now certain that he is back to the lecherous bad boy we know and sort of love.
From the season opener, I think it is fair to say that this season will offer more of the same and it is sort of a let down considering the hinted at changes that last years season finale left us with. Betty will continue to be a terrible mother and a bitter woman. Peg will continue to worship Don, Pete will continue to be smarmy and Don -- well I guess he will still be Don.
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