It's a relief to know that despite all the mental instability in his life, Don Draper still manages to at least look put together. Even in a top-down convertible going down a California highway.
So, Sunday night's episode brought us back to California to visit the wife of the man whose identity Don stole, Anna. I may be in the minority, but I am an Anna fan. Sure she's a little crazy (UFO sightings, really?), but she supports Don despite everything, and you have to kind of love her for that. Plus, she's one of the first true hippies we've seen in the series--Midge of season one notwithstanding--and in a way she is a harbinger of the late '60s. She's also the anti-Betty and as she's been such a shrew lately, I'm kind of glad to be rid of the B for one episode at least. What do you think about Don not telling Anna she has cancer? Wrong? Compassionate? I can't decide. Part of me thinks it's unfair for someone not to know.
And then there is Joan. Is anyone else crossing their fingers in the hopes that she doesn't become a single mother when her lecherous husband is no doubt killed in combat in Vietnam? I really want good things for Joanie... a Joanie and Roger romance for starters would be nice. Speaking of, did anyone else think the red roses were from Roger at first? What a great scene that was! Joan's cool exterior seems to be showing a few cracks this season, which I find slightly unnerving (and which is I'm sure Matt Weiner's point) and also very interesting. Then, just like that, Joan's mask comes back on with the dismissal of the bumbling secretary.
The cracks in otherwise stalwart characters seems to be a recurring theme this season and the poster child for losing it has to be Lane Price. I really didn't like the crazy guys night Don concocted. I get that maybe he was just trying to include Lane in the old Sterling Cooper shenanigans that he always felt left out of, but a hooker? Really? And the steak "belt buckle" was just frightening. Lane, do yourself a favor and stay away from the cool kids.
Oh, and I have to mention the movies! Umbrellas of Cherbourg is absolutely one of my favorite movies of the '60s. Catherine Deneuve is amazing and it's so stylish. Has a trench coat ever been worn better?
Another option was Send Me No Flowers. I kind of think Don hates Doris Day though, so we knew that was out. Anyway, it was cool to hear the listing of what was playing in 1964.
Welcome to 1965.
Until next week...
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