Did anyone look at the sneak peak video for next week?
I heard from an AMC insider (heh heh) that Matthew Weiner insists these scenes give nothing away. I enjoyed this one anyway, particularly since it deals with Don and Peggy's relationship. (Thoughts on their relationship in the comments under "Morality and Compassion".)
30 September 2008
29 September 2008
Episode 9: General Thoughts
One of mine:
--Is Betty's set up of her friend and Arthur meant to help her friend (be compassionate), or to sabotage her?
--Is Betty's set up of her friend and Arthur meant to help her friend (be compassionate), or to sabotage her?
Don: Foiled
I have been intrigued by the introduction of foils for Don in this show, particularly in the last few episodes. In episode 6, Duck and Don are paralleled when Duck leaves his dog on the street because he is reminding Duck of his conscience. At the end of the episode, Don tells Sally to leave him alone for the same reason. This parallel seems to be reminding us that Duck is a cautionary tale for Don -- divorced, on a downslide in his career.
When Freddy told Don he didn't know who he was if he didn't go into the office, it seemed another example of a character illustrating what Don's fate could (or will) be. So much of Don's created persona revolves around being an ad man, who is he if that is gone? Particularly now, as pieces of his life seemed to be stripped away.
When Freddy told Don he didn't know who he was if he didn't go into the office, it seemed another example of a character illustrating what Don's fate could (or will) be. So much of Don's created persona revolves around being an ad man, who is he if that is gone? Particularly now, as pieces of his life seemed to be stripped away.
"Six Month Leave": Morality and Compassion
In "Six Month Leave", two ideas seemed to dominate the episode: the characters' arbitrary sense of morality and their ability or inability to have compassion for others.
Opening the episode with the death of Marilyn Monroe immediately pointed to the issue of compassion. It came as no surprise to me that Don and Peggy's interaction over the event illustrated their ability to distance themselves from almost everything, stressed by Peggy's awareness that Marilyn Monroe's death could have had an impact on their Playtex account.
The firm's treatment of Freddy was an interesting study in both ideas. The idea that the firm would eliminate Freddy because of a flaw that he simply did not hide as well as the rest of the executives was appalling but unsurprising. Pete's ability to seize the moment as an opportunity for advancement was quite in keeping with his usual nastiness, but it was sad to see Duck continue to eliminate anyone or anything that reminds him of his own inability to control his drinking. That Roger and Don take Freddy out for a night of drinking after firing him for that very thing was so absurd that I had to laugh. I love that these characters have no idea that their behavior is so contradictory. I admit, too, that I liked Peggy better after this episode and her indignant belief that Freddy had been mistreated.
Don's notion of morality is so interesting to watch. He seems to use "It's personal" almost as a reflex. But if he believes that, why does he insist that Jane no longer work for him? Why not ignore it? I'm also trying to figure out why he felt so strongly about Freddy staying at the agency. His treatment of Peggy in the past seems to indicate a strong sense of loyalty and compassion, but I guess that is only a professional value? I wonder if his relief of being exiled from his house is only because he is not dealing with the problems of that relationship, or because he can stop trying to appear perfect when he leaves the office. The idea that he had a right to exact some revenge on Jimmy is terribly interesting considering he was sleeping with Bobbi.
Pete appears to have absolutely no conscience. I can't stand him, yet I can't look away. The way he treats his co-workers, Don, his wife... He epitomizes the selfish ideals held by so many at Sterling Cooper.
Opening the episode with the death of Marilyn Monroe immediately pointed to the issue of compassion. It came as no surprise to me that Don and Peggy's interaction over the event illustrated their ability to distance themselves from almost everything, stressed by Peggy's awareness that Marilyn Monroe's death could have had an impact on their Playtex account.
The firm's treatment of Freddy was an interesting study in both ideas. The idea that the firm would eliminate Freddy because of a flaw that he simply did not hide as well as the rest of the executives was appalling but unsurprising. Pete's ability to seize the moment as an opportunity for advancement was quite in keeping with his usual nastiness, but it was sad to see Duck continue to eliminate anyone or anything that reminds him of his own inability to control his drinking. That Roger and Don take Freddy out for a night of drinking after firing him for that very thing was so absurd that I had to laugh. I love that these characters have no idea that their behavior is so contradictory. I admit, too, that I liked Peggy better after this episode and her indignant belief that Freddy had been mistreated.
Don's notion of morality is so interesting to watch. He seems to use "It's personal" almost as a reflex. But if he believes that, why does he insist that Jane no longer work for him? Why not ignore it? I'm also trying to figure out why he felt so strongly about Freddy staying at the agency. His treatment of Peggy in the past seems to indicate a strong sense of loyalty and compassion, but I guess that is only a professional value? I wonder if his relief of being exiled from his house is only because he is not dealing with the problems of that relationship, or because he can stop trying to appear perfect when he leaves the office. The idea that he had a right to exact some revenge on Jimmy is terribly interesting considering he was sleeping with Bobbi.
Pete appears to have absolutely no conscience. I can't stand him, yet I can't look away. The way he treats his co-workers, Don, his wife... He epitomizes the selfish ideals held by so many at Sterling Cooper.
28 September 2008
Five to Go...
There are five episodes left this season, and I can't wait to see tonight's episode. After the unraveling began in the last episode, "A Night to Remember", I am much anticipating the next events! And maybe they will finally start going somewhere with this season's story line for Peggy.
Opening Day
This is a big day for two reasons:
1) The Mets are playing what may be their last game ever at Shea Stadium before they move to the much less romantically named Citi Field.
2) I am making my obsession with television, and specifically Mad Men, official by starting this blog.
There seems to be a growing number of people who are watching and obsessing over Mad Men and are interested in talking about it. So, on this day I invite you. Come! Embrace your obsession. Take a break from Facebook. Read, post, and comment at this blog. Don't get me wrong. I'll hang out here by myself to interpret, be mesmerized, and rant if no one joins me. But it would be more fun with company.
If you want to stop by to read, and comment, please do. If you are interested in adding posts to the blog, even better! (If you want to be able to post, send me an e-mail or add a comment to this post, and I will add you as an author so you can get started.)
Oh, and if you know others who would be interested in stopping by, pass this information along. Everyone is welcome.
1) The Mets are playing what may be their last game ever at Shea Stadium before they move to the much less romantically named Citi Field.
2) I am making my obsession with television, and specifically Mad Men, official by starting this blog.
There seems to be a growing number of people who are watching and obsessing over Mad Men and are interested in talking about it. So, on this day I invite you. Come! Embrace your obsession. Take a break from Facebook. Read, post, and comment at this blog. Don't get me wrong. I'll hang out here by myself to interpret, be mesmerized, and rant if no one joins me. But it would be more fun with company.
If you want to stop by to read, and comment, please do. If you are interested in adding posts to the blog, even better! (If you want to be able to post, send me an e-mail or add a comment to this post, and I will add you as an author so you can get started.)
Oh, and if you know others who would be interested in stopping by, pass this information along. Everyone is welcome.
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