The fifth season of Mad Men continued this week and Betty’s descent into misery continued. This episode found her dieting and attending weight watcher meetings, talking about those “skinny people” like they were something in a magazine. I know Betty hasn’t been a very sympathetic character lately and I’ve wondered before if her recent struggles have been an attempt to endear her to the audience, but there is a big difference between sympathy and pity. I’m not sure how sympathetic people are toward the character right now, especially with the way she treats Sally.
Another week, another pile of material for Sally’s inevitable future therapist. She didn’t walk in on any disturbing fellatio this week, but with Betty using the poor girl to get under Don’s skin, I think this was just as damaging for Sally. Betty is certainly not in a good place, but with all considerations on the table I still thought her dropping of truth bombs on her daughter was over the line and completely uncalled for. I suppose I shouldn’t really be surprised. Betty has always been a selfish person and for her to completely neglect how things might affect Sally is not out of character for her. It was nice to see Sally turn it right back on her.
I have to say it’s strange being this deep into the season and not having some sort of affair from Don (and I’m not counting his fever dream). In fact, more and more Don seems to be mellowing out. Perhaps all the honesty is good for his soul, but he was even a bit gentle with Sally when the issues about who Anna was came up. Their conversation about her, however brief, was kind of sweet. It was also nice to see him heed Megan’s advice and avoid engaging Betty when she was trying to manipulate things. That all backfired on Betty without his stooping to her level.
Meanwhile, things continue to be interesting at the offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. The “every man for himself” theme has been in the forefront all season, particularly when it comes to Pete and Roger. I can see it starting to build in the creative department as well. Ginsberg seems to be causing some trouble. He didn’t take to kindly to Don shelving his idea for Sno Ball, even if Don’s idea did win the business. He also seems to be taking a lot of the shine off Peggy. Is Don’s opinion of Peggy going to lessen now that she was stuck on Heinz, where she ultimately failed, while Ginsberg has picked up the slack? With the little altercation between Don and Michael in the elevator, I’m thinking that he’s going to shoot himself in the foot before really upstaging Peggy. Thank goodness, because Peggy’s successful rise has been one of the best stories on the show. I would hate to see it damaged.
While Don has stayed faithful this season, Pete continues to think about his affair with Beth. I had pretty much figured that her little visit to the office was a figment of his imagination. He is totally hung up on her, and I don’t think the feeling is returned — at least not 100 percent. I’m certain we haven’t seen the last of Beth, though. I’m still counting on things ending ugly for the Campbells, which is a bit of a shame. There were times when Trudy and Pete were great together. Who can forget their Charleston back at Roger’s party in season three? Classic stuff.
While Pete was continuing to think about his mistress, Roger couldn’t stop thinking about the wife he is trying to divorce. He and Jane got back together for a client meeting and I believe that Roger had a little bit of nostalgia for his second wife. Of course, I think most of it was brought on by the fact that a younger man was sniffing around Jane, but nonetheless it was there. It will be interesting to see if Roger gets second thoughts because it sure looks like Jane is done with him. Can you blame her?
Can it really be a coincidence that two days after Dark Shadows opens in theaters we get a reference to the original show on Mad Men? I can’t imagine it is, but I did enjoy Megan’s reaction to the script from the show, and “Dark Shadows” made for a good episode title as well.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on May 13, 2012 @ 23:28 EST5EDT
