Mad Men is a unique breed of television. It’s the kind of experience that is wholly immersive, and which practically begs to be absorbed from every angle. It had been two months since I’d watched an episode so I was worried it would take me a while to get back into the groove of things. I’m glad to say this episode was a particularly strong hour that has me suitably pumped for the rest of the season (which I hear is fantastic).
First off, Roger & Jane’s LSD trip was quite the bizarre little storyline. However, amidst all the quirkiness was a heartbreaking statement on the dissolution of a marriage between two people that never really had much in common to begin with. I actually really like Jane as a character and always wanted her to be a bigger part of the show. Plus, Peyton List is gorgeous to boot. Here’s hoping she manages to stick around for a while although that’s doubtful at this point.
In other news, Peggy gave a stranger a hand-job in a movie theatre but the real meat of the episode was Megan and Don’s destructive relationship. I actually found Megan embarrassing Don in the coffee-shop utterly hilarious but of course it turned dark and their chase in the end was suitably creepy. In addition, I absolutely adored the final shot of them walking into the office again with smiles on their faces and a perfectly calculated facade. Things are going to get explosive from here on out and I for one can not wait.
Nad Rating
B+
They're back!
I adored both these episodes, especially the three-story narrative of Far Away Places. Agreed with what you wrote about Megan's parents. Didn't think Glen coming back was awkward or anything, but it does turn out really great in the coming weeks.
I just think this show is spectacular. It's the only show that I watch more than once within a week of it airing, and the amount of subtleties and metaphors that you only spot second time around are consistently surprising. Gah. Flawless.