Well, let's just say it: This was Peggy's espisode. And being a longstanding Peggy fan, I loved it. John Slattery directed a near pitch-perfect hour (give or take commercials) and Elisabeth Moss knocked it out of the park. So what made it stand apart from the other episodes this season? In my opinion, it was the subtle comedy laced throughout the episode. The pan-up hero shot of Don as he explains to Lee Garner, Jr. that they can no longer use that kind of advertising trick in their Lucky Strike ads; Peggy peeking over the window ledge in her office to see the aftermath of Don and Allison's encounter; Peggy trying on Faye Miller's wedding ring much to Don's amusement.
But first things first, Allison and Don...well it's over, kids. Could you blame Allison for hurling the paperweight? I think pretty much everyone watching the show right now wants to throw something at Don, albeit for different reasons. Snap out of it, Draper! I'm counting down the episodes until the end of this depression-medicine commercial Don is currently mooning around in. And what do you think of the note to Allison that he started? Will Don ever be able to be open and honest about his feelings? (I'm cringing while writing that, but you know what I mean.) Is the appearance of Faye Miller a step in that direction, or a sign that the times may change, but Don innately does not.
And speaking of Faye/Fay, why don't I like her? I really want to, but she just seems so conniving. With her snarky observations about the secretary pool, her quick change outfits (hadn't they all seen what she was wearing previously?), taking off her wedding rings. Shesh. This girl is about as transparent as Bernie Madoff and I think Don understands that. Perhaps because he knows all to well the duplicity of psychiatrists, having previously hired one to spy on his wife.
And, good (I guess) news! Pete and Trudy are officially procreating. Good for them, after all you haven't done this before Pete, have you? How much did you love that line from Trudy? It made me thing that maybe she knows more than she lets on. The blackmailing of the father-in-law was classic Campbell. Did I mention I really don't like him? And, we knew it was coming, Ken Cosgrove. Is it me or has engagement softened him?
What were your thoughts on the Peggy/Pete stare down? I liked it, style wise, but I kind of think it is more of the same with their relationship. We love each other though we can never be together. This is not a loss, Pegs.
I'm way more excited about the beatnik kid Peggy plays Seven Minutes in Heaven with during the police raid. Then there is the lesbian situation. I have read a couple of takes on this, most surmising that Peggy will find her place among these misfits. I think what these interactions really show us is that Peggy will never be a part of either world. She'll never be a member of the Old Boy's Club because she's a woman and she'll never be part of the hippie enclave because she's too corporate. Peggy always seems to be trying to fit in somewhere and she never quite makes it, which is part of the reason I think everyone roots for her. We love that she tries. What's ahead for Ms. Olson? I don't know, but I hope it's a happy, Campbell-free existence.
Until next week...
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