On My Christmas List...

This book by Mad Men's costume designer, Joy Bryant, to both assuage my weekly MM withdrawls and give me insight on how to look like this...

Photo via Access Hollywood.



Mad Men Recap: Episode Thirteen

Photo via AMC

Sacrebleu! A proposal! Who saw that coming? Not I, my friends, not I. Mad Men's Season Four ending took me entirely by surprise. Well, not entirely, I did correctly predict Joan's impending visit from the stork (congrats?), but that's about it. This one was a doozy!

First, to the office, which I must say was vastly overlooked. I found that interesting considering we are led to believe SCDP is in the midst of a breakdown. C'mon writers, are you just going to set us up like that and leave it? Apparently so. Ken doesn't sell out his connections for the American Cancer Society account for fear of jeopardizing his marriage. Meanwhile, Peggy (with the help of Joyce) secures the Topaz nylon account. But it is small. Will it buoy SCDP until 1966?

In Ossining, we see one last glimpse of Glen. Sure, Betty was a little hasty in firing Carla just for letting him in, but I would have been freaked out if Glen made a solo bedroom visit to my daughter. Betty, as usual, took it a mite too far, severing all ties with the beloved housekeeper. I liked Henry's comment about the termination. When Betty says she wants a fresh start, he retorts: "there is no fresh start, lives carry on." Mad Men so often seems to be about fresh starts, tearing out the old sheets and starting from scratch. But can you ever really do so? I found Henry's words to be very interesting with regard to Don. He's always looking for that fresh start, but while searching, he tends to leave burned bridges and emotional carnage in his wake. This episode was no exception.

With Carla out of the picture, Megan steps in to herd the little Drapers around the Magic Kingdom. She is, of course, excellent at this. "You're Maria von Trapp." says Don. Of course she is! Throughout the season we have seen this girl be nothing but sweetness and light. You find yourself, as a viewer, liking her in spite of not knowing who she is at all. Is she an ambitious copywriter as she once said? Or does she just want a husband? Or is she just a nice person? Or is she a little bit of all those things? It seems Don doesn't care to find out. To him, she is at once the caring mother Don never had and the beguiling new woman he is more and more curious to know. And, is Don Draper a bit superstitious? He mentions that so many things had to happen for her to be on the trip. And it's true. Glen's visit=Carla's firing=Megan's hiring=Proposal? Or was it the mere appearance of the "family" ring that sparked feelings of the romantic sort? Whatever the reason, they both have a lot to learn about each other.

I found it interesting that before Don leaves New York, Faye tells him to be more open about his past. I have speculated before that Don doesn't think of Faye as a real romantic interest, but just a shrink he sometimes squires about town. This episode to me, more than anything prior, proves that point. Faye tells him what to do and then he does it. Case in point, when they visit Anna's house and see "Dick + Anna '64" painted on the wall. In a feeble attempt at truth telling, Don tells the kiddos it is his nickname. Faye's correction from earlier in the season is also true, Don will be married again. And if I know DD like I think I do, he won't waste time with the planning process and it will indeed be within the year. Is this an example of influence or is she just a really good psychiatrist and maybe not so good at picking boyfriends?

And lastly, Joan. Papa don't preach, she's keeping her baby. I'm no doctor, but wouldn't a well-educated fellow such as Greg do the math and realize it's not his little bundle of joy? Or, will the baby's silver hair and quick wit give him away?

Until next season....

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Mad Men Recap: Episode Twelve

Photo via AMC.

With only two episodes to go in the fourth season, last night's episode took us back to Ossining as predicted. I was comforted that there was no vandalism, lanyard making or knife welding from Glen. He's still creepy (even drinking a Coke in a football uniform, which is hard to pull off) but I don't think he means our little Sally harm. Unless you consider the sharing of mouth germs to be harmful. I can't say I was thrilled with the Glen relationship, but it is nice to see Sally able to talk to someone besides her therapist--a parallel to Betty's brief relationship with Glen back in season two. And, I never noticed what the lady on the Land O Lakes butter box was doing. That is trippy!

Betty, on the other hand, was perhaps at her most stagnate and childish this episode. Refusing to seek further therapy even as she tries to maintain her weekly sessions with Sally's psychiatrist. You know what would be really interesting? Seeing Betty change, like, at all. Writers, help me out here.

Back at the office, SCDP is circling the drain. They can't get new clients to sign. Even Heinz! The partners are made to pony up funds to keep the firm afloat. So Don concocts a plan to save SCDP. In true Don style though, he doesn't ask anyone else's opinion and instead submits his own for The New York Times, railing against big tobacco. Sure, it's a good idea to a modern audience, but in 1965 I would have taken the stance of the other partners. What about you all, do you think this will work?

Meanwhile, Midge is back. And she's addicted to heroin. Major yuck. I felt bad for her, but what are you going to do? Don doesn't seem like the drag-you-to-rehab type. His idea of getting over something involves an excessive amount of swimming not a 28-day process.

And, it seems Dr. Miller knows about Megan. Or at least suspects that Don's pouty secretary has more on her mind than memos. Who knows what she has on her mind though, really? Every time I think Megan is deep, she says something like, "By the way, I loved the letter. I love that you stand for something."

Then there was the "Bobby Kennedy" phone call courtesy of Ted Chaough. I definitely fell for it although I couldn't stop thinking "This is the worst Boston accent I've ever heard" as he rattled on.

So, what is coming? Will SCDP really go under? Will Joan reveal she is still in a family way? Will Trudy say more amazing lines such as "You'll lose your state room on the Titanic?!"

Until next week....

Mad Men Recap: Episodes Ten and Eleven

Photo via AMC.

In true MM style, Episode Ten brought some major bombshells: Pregnancy! Scandal! Lies! A caning! Of course it was all done with a subtle touch so nothing felt too soapy. How do you follow it up? Make the roof cave in on our dear SCDP in Episode Eleven.

We viewers knew it was coming, but we learned on Sunday night that American Tobacco has found greener pastures at BBDO. Did anyone else notice Alex Mack (Larisa Oleynik) as Cynthia Baxter, Ken Cosgrove's fiancee? Did I just dork out a little? Anyway, Ken learns that SCDP's biggest client is moving on. Of course, our resident silver fox already knew this weeks ago and didn't tell anyone. I'm a big Roger fan, but he's really getting on my nerves lately. Aside from the faux call to Lee Garner, Jr. and the faux trip to Raleigh, NC, the Joan brush off last week was just too much for me to bear. I heart Joanie and was really hoping for a serious reunion, not a hasty trip to the OB/Gyn. I still think she's with child, but I expect we will have to wait until next season to know for sure.

But back to the crisis at hand. It was paralleled with the birth of Baby Girl Campbell and Pete figured prominently in this issue when the detestable Ted comes bearing a Tiffany blue box containing a baby rattle. Pete accepts the gift, but not the position Ted dangles at him. Why? I honestly think the one moral bone these people have in their bodies contains their loyalty to SCDP if nothing else. Even Pete, the most morally ambiguous character on the show, isn't swayed by a cushier job...yet.

As for Peggy, let's hope the higher ups at Playtex thought her lipstick on the teeth was charming and not gross. I really liked that she was a bit more laid back then she has been in prior episodes and laughed off the joke. Maybe taking a cue from Joan? I also think we've really seen Peggy really come into her own throughout this season. As she said to Don before the Playtex pitch: "I'm not worried." I'm not either. I think she is able to be calm during the SCDP potential breakdown because she has nothing to lose. The old boys club does. And what of her budding relationship with beatnik? I still don't like him and all of his mock turtlenecks. Sorry, dude.

Then, of course, how could we ignore the Megan and Don hookup. So bizarre, in my opinion. My thought is this is another example of this new "willing-one-night-stand girl" that Don has previously not encountered in polite society. The only problem is, she's not just going to disappear after the night is done. Oh, Megan, if only your mother had spent less time splashing her face with water and more time explaining men like Don to you. Or, a scarier thought, maybe her motherly advice was to seduce her boss. Ew. I kind of doubt Faye will just brush this daliance under the rug like she did with Korea. The interesting thing with both Faye and Megan is that these women are something like mavericks, the very first to tread the changing waters of corporate America and its newly formed (or forming) gender roles. I think more than anything these two characters are just an honest portrayal of how people who are first at something tend to make mistakes in hindsight  (i.e. Telling Heinz about a great ad guy).

Some random thoughts/lingering questions:

-What's in a name? "Chinese Wall" was the title of Episode Eleven, any insight on that?

-Anyone else notice the Skotch cooler in the back of Joyce's car? Seems a little to preppy for this brood. Maybe it was mom and dad's?

-Jane Sterling, how I've missed your wardrobe and immaculately groomed eyebrows. Come back!

-Are we off to Ossining next week for some creepy time with Glen? I feel our time may be up on that one.

Until next week...

Mad Men Recap: Episodes Eight and Nine

Last night's episode was titled "The Beautiful Girls" and it was definitely one for the ladies. It was hands down my favorite episode of the season thus far. First, let's talk clothing, 1965 was a good year for clothes and every piece last night was a knock-out: Betty's blue floral dress, Megan's yellow sheath, Peggy's green frock. All amazing. I even kind of liked Joyce's turquoise necklace.

More to the point of the episode was the theme of women and the confusing position women of the first wave of mid-20th century feminism were in. As Joyce says, women are pots, men are soup. "But what if I want to be soup?" What if, indeed. I found this especially interesting with regard to Faye Miller. So, she and Don are now dating regularly enough for Don to give her a key. I would say in 1965 that was a pretty big deal. Their relationship has progressed to a more modern and (I dare say) loving relationship than any Don has ever had in the past. And yet, Don still doesn't quite know what to make of Faye. He asks her to baby-sit his kid, make him a drink. He's not quite as modern and forward thinking as a younger person of the time. Faye for her part is confused about exactly what role to play in their relationship too, but she does put her foot down at the end and talks it out with Don like an adult. A very different move than the women he's been with in the past. How impressed were you to see his reaction? I think he's ready and able to love someone as modern, smart and savvy as Faye, but he's just got to take baby steps to get there.

And what of Ms. Blankenship? I found the scenes pertaining to her death to be so oddly comical. Pete trying to move her (question: why ask for the moving services of the scrawniest male at SCDP?); Megan removing the inkblotter, Megan putting her pocketbook on her body on the gurney. R.I.P. Ms. Blankenship.

Then there is Sally. I feel so bad for her and I really wanted something great to come out of her interactions with Faye Miller, but alas it is not to be. What fresh horror do you think Betty will come up with back in Ossining for the runaway?

Some stray observations/questions/musings:

-Why didn't Roger stand up to the mugger? Maybe this wasn't his first rodeo and he had done so before with negative consequences?

-I felt a bit of symbolism with Joan's wedding band, the minute it was gone she falls into Roger's arms.

-Sally Draper reading Nancy Drew

-Ugh. Why are all of the men in Peggy's life such nerdos? I can't get behind the weirdo beatnik dude, even if I do like his pairing of a leather jacket with a white shirt and skinny tie.

As for last week, I truly loved it. No, I don't want to see Don voicing over every episode, but I think it was time for it. Also:

- Satisfaction during the opening credits rocked my world.

-Did no one else notice Harry Crane had a framed photo of Jed Clampitt from The Beverly Hillbillies in his office?

-I think Faye Miller is Jewish, not Italian

Until next week...

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....

Mad Men Recap: Episodes Five and Six

Well, it's been an eventful two episodes. In both, we see the steady decline of the once boisterous Roger Sterling. I found this really interesting. It has seemed in the past that despite it all (heart attack, divorce, annoying shrew of a wife) Roger is able to be lighthearted and carefree. These last two episodes have seen the tide turn. He is frighteningly morose and even desperate. In the first, SCDP is working with the Japanese owners of Honda. Roger's hatred of the Japanese supposedly stems back to WWII, but I have to wonder if Pete wasn't right that perhaps Roger is concerned that having another big client would take away from Lucky Strike, which happens to be the only thing Roger has any hand in at the moment. In the second, we see him desperately ask Don to say the Clio award was somehow in part due to Roger's mentoring. I want the old, fun Roger back!

I really enjoyed the flashback in Episode Six. I've often wondered how Don became Don. I get how he physically made the switch, but how did he emotionally wrap his mind around becoming another person? In the flashback we see it was not an overnight success. Don Draper the fur salesmen is completely different from the Don we know today. He is still Dick Whitman in so many ways with the goofy grin and the earnestness oozing out of his ears. An interesting point mentioned in The Slate was that Roger's biggest claim to fame in his career is hiring Don Draper. We see what actually happened in the flashback and it appears the real story is that Don hired himself with the aid of a few martinis and a little white lie.

Aside from Roger, another thing that seems to be suffering of late is the Draper charm. Maybe it's due to the fact that he's on the cusp of some serious Duck Phillips-style alcoholism. The waitress who calls him "Dick" was interesting. It makes me think that the reason why Don was so jubilant about winning the Clio may be because as Faye Miller pointed out "that commercial is about someone's childhood." Perhaps it really is Dick Whitman's childhood and Don's happiness is due to the fact that he genuinely produced something from that life. And speaking of Faye Miller, perhaps she won't be seduced by Don so easily. She was able to resist this gem of a pick-up line: "You smell good." Sheesh.

Until next week...

Photo via AMC.

Mad Men Recap: Episode Four

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...

Mad Men Recap: Episode Three

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...

Mad Men Recap: Episode Two

Wow! Mad Men's most compelling storylines frequently revolve around parties. Maybe it's the glamour of the '60s or the copious amounts of booze involved, but at the the end of a party episode I feel a little dizzy and in need of an Alka Seltzer or two a la Roger Sterling. Last night featured one of the most raucous fetes in recent memory. As usual, there is a lot simmering under the surface, but now more than ever I think there are some major shifts and changes afoot, mainly due to the fact that SCDP is the catalyst. Let's keep the office parties coming.

So, great things: Joan Holloway! How much do I love this character? She's so incredible. I love how she turned the office party into a "bacchanal" in no time flat. The orange game, the conga line, it was so Joan and so perfect. Flirty, fun and yet seemingly totally under control. Her hot pink outfit was awesome, and am I mistaken or did she also wear that on the first episode? And the red dress "with the bow that makes you look like a present" per Roger. Can they please get together and get rid of Jane and her questionable decorating persuasions?

How great were the subtle showdowns on this episode. I especially loved the Roger and Lee Jr. showdown over the Santa suit and the tension between Frank and Pete.

And speaking of Pete...Peggy, Peggy, Peggy. What are we going to do with you? This "boyfriend" is ridiculous at best. So naive and the haircut? Can we get rid of him and his Swedish hook-up info quickly please.

Another person I would like to see offed is the uber-creepy Glen. What's going on there? The lanyard/dangerous string cutter, the ransacking of the "Francis" residence (did anyone else get completely thrown off when Carla answered the phone that way?). Creep city. So completely bothered by him. Even more so than I was when Betty seemed to be jonesing for him.

And finally, Don. We knew it was coming. Matt Weiner is trying to make me hate him. His tryst with his secretary was completely terrible. Her face in the last scene was so heartbreaking. I don't love this Don, but in an effort to understand where he's coming from...I think lately Don feels like he has lost his mojo a little bit. The ladies aren't falling head over heels for the wounded divorce as they were for the dashing married man (odd, isn't it?). Between Bethenny the Barbizon resident, Faye the shrink and Pheobe the flirty--yet not easily swayed--nurse it seems Don just can't win. I'm not exactly taking his side, what he did was awful, but I guess that's how you can rationalize it.

Weiner, throw me a bone here. Until next week....

Mad Men Recap: Episode One

Back from a weekend of bliss at J & J's beautiful wedding. Everything was perfect, the bride was as cool as a cucumber and we had a blast dancing into the wee hours of the night. What more could you ask for? Way more on the wedding to come in the next few days.

Did anyone watch Mad Men last night? Season Four premiered on AMC last eve and it was everything I hoped for.

Some stray observations:

-As always, I love Don Draper. Even more so this season than in the last season opener, but knowing Matt Weiner he will probably do something to change that sentiment right around the third episode.

-Joan's clothes are getting even better. I can't wait to see what's ahead. That navy dress with the ruffled pleats? Beyond.

-Don and Roger's banter may be the best thing about the entire show. As usual, I love Roger's un-PC comments about everything from feminism to the handicapped. It's so ridiculously over-the-top (and unheard of today) and he never seems too mean or serious so you can actually laugh about it.

-I'm really into Peggy's new hair cut. Ditching the pony and those awful bangs was a great move for her.

-Speaking of Peggy, who are all these lads following her around? Methinks none of them will stick and she might just find her way back into the arms of the contemptible Pete.

-Betty Draper is so lame I can barely watch her any more. Girlfriend needs an attitude adjustment. And what about that old shoe of a boyfriend? Is he just the creepiest or what?

I'm looking forward to the season ahead!

And for more Mad Men insight...

This great article from my mom on Elisabeth Moss and her thoughts on the season.

This article on what fashion trends from the '60s should be brought back. I'm so in agreement about pearl chokers, broaches and the chip-and-dip.

And speaking of shopping, here's an item about Janie Bryant, Mad Men's fashion designer creating her own line for QVC. Fire up the Master Card ladies.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Miss January

I'm getting so excited for the new season of Mad Men...even if it is still months away. To tide me us all over, please enjoy this oldish photo of January Jones. I love Betty, even though she's a frosty you-know-what. She's got mad '50s housewife style. I also love this gown on January--not sure of the designer I'm afraid. It's modern, but the color and her hair and red lipstick remind me of classic Betty.

Also, have you heard, there are Mad Men Barbies?! I may have to break down and buy one...all four!