Mad Men Recap: Episode Seven

Photo via AMC.

Sunday's episode marked a brawl between Muhammed Ali (pre-Islam) and Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965. I think the best part about it being "fight night" was the opportunity for Trudy Campbell to throw out some great one-liners: "My father loves bloodsport." and "I want a rare steak and I want to see those two men pound each other!" And what about the bathroom showdown with Peggy and Trudy? So completely loaded. "You're witty," says Trudy after Peggy compares the fetus Campbell's kicking to being knocked around by Pete. "I always assumed you would be, but it turns out it's true." Followed by "Happy Birthday. You know, 26 is still very young." This chick is smarter than she looks, kids, and she's kind of mean. In fact, there was a lot of bathroom scene time in this one. Thoughts on that?

But more than a fight or bathroom showdown, this episode was about baggage. Aptly titled "The Suitcase." Roger's baggage with Don is still on parade as he tried unsuccessfully to lure Don to fight night instead of focusing on the Samsonite campaign. Peggy's baggage with Don came to the front when she actually confronted him about the Glo-Coat ad, which by the way sounds like it was more Don's idea than anything honestly. I'm on Team Don on this one. And we also found out that Peggy's mom has beef with Don regarding Peggy's pregnancy. Then there is Duck's baggage with Don.

And what of Duck Phillips lame attempt to woo Peggy to a new firm as the creative director/wish her a Happy Birthday? First, let me just say those flowers were awful even (hopefully) by 1965 standards. Pink carnations and baby's breath? Turns out they were just as thoughtless as the gesture. The whole charade is over before it begins once Peggy hears those telltale ice cubes clinking.

Thankfully, Peggy's birthday also signals the end of her relationship with Mark, he of the psychopathic haircut. Don's birthday philosophy cracks me up, "You're twenty-something years old, it's time to get over birthdays." It also made me wonder if he knows when his birthday actually is. It's possible Dick Whitman never knew, but does he celebrate Don Draper's? If not, maybe that explains his blase over birthdays.

And then there is the Don and Peggy flirtation/emotional bond. I'm not sure what's going on there. Maybe Peggy is trying to make all of the rumors true to boost her own self esteem. Maybe Don is breaking all of his rules now. Or maybe it's because of his distress over Anna Draper's death. I kind of think it never will work between them even as a fling because they know that it would change their relationship forever and no matter how many cocktails they know that is still a bad idea. But I still find it interesting that they share so much with each other. For Don, Peggy is the one person who knows much of anything about his past.

Until next week....