What I’m Watching: Mad Men

Mad Men: Season 6, Episode 7 “Man with a Plan” (A-)

I had suspected that those from what was once known as Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce would be resistant to Don presenting them so bluntly with a merger, but things were actually much more systematic in a fantastic way. Some levels worked together quite well while others didn’t, and one of the highlights was Roger so cheerfully firing Burt Petersen for the second time. Ted opting to start the meeting without Don there was a terrific start to their working relationship, Don getting Ted drunk was a great second act, and leaving Pete behind when he left to deal with his ailing mother was a certifiable act of teamwork that attests to the fact that, different methodologies aside, they are quite the duo. Don’s home life in this hour was hypnotic, and at times I felt like I was watching an episode of “Girls” with Don taking on the role of Adam, who felt it necessary to debase the woman he was currently with despite her lack of interest in playing along. That Sylvia was bored with not being allowed to do anything rather than horrified is telling, and seeing Don shift from controlling to begging was startling. Megan is so far removed from his attention at this point that I see that relationship going down the drain soon. I’m glad that Bob got something worthwhile to do and earned himself the right to keep his job, thanks to a very subtle and effective good word from Joan. Incorporating the second Kennedy’s assassination into the final moments was a strong way to end, and this show really does know how to showcase its history.