What I’m Watching: Mad Men

Mad Men: Season 6, Episode 10 “A Tale of Two Cities” (B+)

This was yet another episode full of hallucinations, but there was much more to it, as the new firm that might actually have a name that doesn’t contain seven monikers in it was showcased in extremely intriguing chunks. This episode was a fabulous showcase for Harry Hamlin as Jim Cutler, someone who has played a minor role in episodes before this and now had the opportunity to take center stage. His argument with Ginsberg was one of the episode’s best moments, and I’m glad that he chose to promote Bob rather than fire him. Ted is also proving to be a strong proponent of integrating the two firms, which of course worked against Peggy when she tried to help Joan run with her idea. This episode served as a reminder of how seedy and irritating Pete can be, and Peggy backing Joan up was impressive, especially after she articulated just how unsupported she felt by Joan when she previously worked at the firm. Keeping only Sterling and Cooper’s names in the firm’s names was an interesting suggestion, and I loved Cooper’s response to Roger congratulating him. Don came awfully close to losing it out in California, and that final shot of Pete sitting down and smoking framed this episode in a hypnotic, drug-induced lens. While Don didn’t do much but get drunk and then nearly die in a pool, Roger showed that he still has what it takes by insulting his prospective client and remaining relevant and interesting, if not quite enough to gain their business.