Wednesday, May 8, 2013

What I’m Watching: Mad Men


Mad Men: Season 6, Episode 6 “For Immediate Release” (B+)

It’s impossible to know where this show is going to go, and, six seasons in, that’s a fantastic thing. This is easily the most gutsy, improvised move Don has pulled since writing the letter demonizing smoking. Seeing him in the bar with Ted was marvelous enough, and the notion of them merging is even more mind-boggling. The look on Peggy’s face when she saw Don sitting on Ted’s couch announcing that they got Chevy was magnificent, and I’m sure it’s going to be awkward for them to work together again. Roger proved his salt by using his new girlfriend to get access to some of the biggest potential clients, and it’s good timing considering the film was potentially going to be sold, and, thanks in no small part to Don’s pride, they lost Jaguar. Marie was entertaining and cruel during their dinner, but it was Don who really took Herb down, much to the chagrin of his fellow partners. Joan in particular was, for once, furious with Don for being so selfish, and it’s going to tear the firm apart now that Don has made such an impulsive, life-altering decision. Pete running into his father-in-law at the brothel and losing his account was not a positive development for him, and Trudy not believing him doesn’t help matters at all. I’m glad this show can rely on its guest stars like Julia Ormond, who delivered a tour de force performance highlighted by her hanging up on Roger and her encouraging her daughter to dress to torment her husband.

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