Friday, April 19, 2013

What I’m Watching: Mad Men


Mad Men: Season 6, Episode 3 “The Collaborators” (B+)

It’s clear that this season is going to be just as powerful and resonant as those before it, and I love how it can focus on so much yet not even include several major elements of the show’s mythology, namely any Draper family member other than Don. The main character himself doesn’t have all that much to do in this episode, instead finding himself criticized by people in his professional and personal life for being the way he is. Megan confiding in Sylvia about her miscarriage was jarring, and it’s so intriguing to witness Don’s reaction to a completely unexpected development like that. Peggy crossed a major line in this hour, revealing too much of what was a conversation between friends, and I suspect that both Stan and Don won’t quickly forgive her for it. She’s turning into Don more and more each episode, though at least she seems to possess some regret for the consequences her actions have. Ken never does seem to have much luck with the clients about whom he gets so excited, and instead it’s the ubiquitous Bob who keeps coming out looking good. Joan coming to Don during Jaguar’s visit was both heartbreaking and moving, and it’s nice to see that their relationship remains strong. This episode’s scene-stealer was inarguably Allison Brie, who kicked Pete to the curb in a brutal and definitive way. It’s not as if the sniveling, sideburns-wearing ad man didn’t have it coming, so flagrantly cheating on his wife and acting all innocent when she showed up with a bloody nose at his door. I think we should be ready for a much more sullen, depressed Pete in the episodes to come.

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