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next_to_normalOMG how much did I love the season finale of Mad Men? Well, enough to write about it, when I rarely write about non-BtVS shows on my LJ. Any excuse for a rewatch, lol. Best episode of Mad Men ever. Here’s why:
Alan Sepinwall had it exactly right when he called this the best part of a caper film. As a huge fan of Ocean’s 11, Leverage, and the like, I am completely on board with the “gathering the team” vibe of this episode. It’s probably more action than Mad Men has seen all season, but it was so great to see all my favorite characters working together to pull off this heist. And the music was a fabulous touch – again, somewhat of a departure from the usual, but it just added to the whole caper feel.
Once we learned that Sterling Cooper was being sold, it seemed inevitable that something like this would happen, but I think everyone was assuming they’d just buy back the company and return to the status quo of season 1. I’m so happy they didn’t, both because this gives us a sense of moving forward instead of back, and because it opens up so many opportunities for stories next season. This is uncharted territory for all our characters (except perhaps Bert Cooper), and it really suits the pivotal point in history we’re at – the '60s as we know them are just beginning.
Don has to swallow several bitter pills to make it all happen, mending fences with Roger, giving Pete the approval he’s always sought, and finally acknowledging how much he needs Peggy. And Don may be a smooth talker, but I’m sure there was some truth in everything he said – especially to Peggy. My God, that scene! The way those two played it, the intensity of the emotions, Don’s “I will spend the rest of my life trying to hire you” – guh! That’s not two people making a business arrangement. That’s how you woo a lover. I’m not a Don/Peggy shipper by any means, and I don’t think this was meant to imply that in any way, but damn. It’s so clear that Peggy is the most important relationship in Don’s life.
Speaking of which, I can’t say I care much about the Draper marriage at this point – this divorce was a long time coming, and I won’t be sad if this is the last we see of Betty – but the effect it has on the children just breaks my heart. That scene in the living room was so painful to watch. (Though I did get a chuckle out of Bobby’s “Then why are we in the living room?” after being told they weren’t in trouble.) And I know it’s probably not fair to Betty, and it’s totally not the way to deal with kids, but I was really wishing Don would just say, “Your mother’s making me move out.” Because he’s right – she always plays the victim, and Don’s no saint, but neither is she, and Don’s leaving sends a message to the kids: to quote Veronica Mars, “The hero is the one that stays and the villain is the one that splits.” And in this case, that’s just not true. Especially since Betty promptly leaves the children alone with Carla to go off to Reno for six weeks. You mean Don couldn’t have lived in the house with them while Betty was gone? That’s just being bitchy, Betty. At least Sally’s bright enough to catch on.
This whole Henry Francis thing does not strike me as the wisest move for Betty. She’s just trading in one condescending husband for another, looking for someone who will take care of her every need and basically treat her like a child. Meanwhile, Henry seems to want Betty for just the same reasons Don did – she’s the trophy wife, the perfect porcelain doll who makes him look good by being on his arm. He loves her? He barely knows her. And he wants to keep her just as dependent on him as she was on Don, which makes me wonder what happens to her when he finds out Betty’s not all sweetness and light.
But, oh! I can’t get too bogged down in this storyline, because there’s so much promise and hope and laughter in the birth of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. All the little touches! The way everyone says “Again?” when they hear the news. How Trudy calls from the other room to make sure Pete doesn’t choke on the foot in his mouth. :) (They are such an adorable couple. Plus, I think I love Alison Brie even more now that I’ve seen her on Community.) The entire scene with Harry Crane – OMG I laughed so hard when Bert threatened to lock him in the store room. JOAN! Oh, Joanie, I’m so glad you’re back. Will your awesomeness never cease? Don kicking down the door to the (F)Art Department. Harry not being able to find the new office. Paul’s “Dammit!” when he realized he’d been left behind. Lane becoming a real American, having had his first revolution against his British overlords. :) Trudy showing up with lunch, and Don recognizing his true family. *happy sigh*
I will miss Ken, Paul, and the others at the soon-to-be-former Sterling Cooper if there’s no way to work them into the story (and I do think it would be somewhat contrived to have everyone we know from Sterling Cooper end up at the new firm – one of the things I liked about it was that there was a substantial enough group left behind that I cared about them feeling abandoned), but that’s change – some people catch the changing tide and some get left on the shore. And this era, if nothing else, is about change.
Big things are gonna happen. And I can’t wait. Is it Season 4 yet?
Favorite quotes (and, as usual, they're mostly Roger - he gets the BEST lines!):
“She’s obsessed. The most interest that girl’s ever had in a book depository.” – Roger
“Join or die? Jesus, Bert, [Don] was doing better.” – Roger
“Don’t act like a stranger. We’ve got tea!” – Roger
“You gonna read us your will? I want the Cadillac.” – Roger
“Nothing good ever came from seeking revenge.” – Lane
“Nonsense. We’ll make you a partner.” – Bert
“I’m not really sick.” – Pete
“I was gonna tell you. No, I wasn’t.” – Roger
“Why are you here?” – Harry
“Ummm, work?” – Pete
“Are you kidding?” – Harry
“Yes. Yes, we are. Happy birthday.” – Roger
“Peggy, can you get me some coffee?” – Roger
“No.” – Peggy
“You’re fired. You’re fired for costing this company millions of pounds. You’re fired for insubordination! You’re FIRED for LACK OF CHARACTER!” – St. John
“Very good. Happy Christmas!” – Lane
“What’s happened?” – Moneypenny
“You’re a sharp boy. You’ll figure it out.” – Lane
If you're not watching this show... why the heck not??
Alan Sepinwall had it exactly right when he called this the best part of a caper film. As a huge fan of Ocean’s 11, Leverage, and the like, I am completely on board with the “gathering the team” vibe of this episode. It’s probably more action than Mad Men has seen all season, but it was so great to see all my favorite characters working together to pull off this heist. And the music was a fabulous touch – again, somewhat of a departure from the usual, but it just added to the whole caper feel.
Once we learned that Sterling Cooper was being sold, it seemed inevitable that something like this would happen, but I think everyone was assuming they’d just buy back the company and return to the status quo of season 1. I’m so happy they didn’t, both because this gives us a sense of moving forward instead of back, and because it opens up so many opportunities for stories next season. This is uncharted territory for all our characters (except perhaps Bert Cooper), and it really suits the pivotal point in history we’re at – the '60s as we know them are just beginning.
Don has to swallow several bitter pills to make it all happen, mending fences with Roger, giving Pete the approval he’s always sought, and finally acknowledging how much he needs Peggy. And Don may be a smooth talker, but I’m sure there was some truth in everything he said – especially to Peggy. My God, that scene! The way those two played it, the intensity of the emotions, Don’s “I will spend the rest of my life trying to hire you” – guh! That’s not two people making a business arrangement. That’s how you woo a lover. I’m not a Don/Peggy shipper by any means, and I don’t think this was meant to imply that in any way, but damn. It’s so clear that Peggy is the most important relationship in Don’s life.
Speaking of which, I can’t say I care much about the Draper marriage at this point – this divorce was a long time coming, and I won’t be sad if this is the last we see of Betty – but the effect it has on the children just breaks my heart. That scene in the living room was so painful to watch. (Though I did get a chuckle out of Bobby’s “Then why are we in the living room?” after being told they weren’t in trouble.) And I know it’s probably not fair to Betty, and it’s totally not the way to deal with kids, but I was really wishing Don would just say, “Your mother’s making me move out.” Because he’s right – she always plays the victim, and Don’s no saint, but neither is she, and Don’s leaving sends a message to the kids: to quote Veronica Mars, “The hero is the one that stays and the villain is the one that splits.” And in this case, that’s just not true. Especially since Betty promptly leaves the children alone with Carla to go off to Reno for six weeks. You mean Don couldn’t have lived in the house with them while Betty was gone? That’s just being bitchy, Betty. At least Sally’s bright enough to catch on.
This whole Henry Francis thing does not strike me as the wisest move for Betty. She’s just trading in one condescending husband for another, looking for someone who will take care of her every need and basically treat her like a child. Meanwhile, Henry seems to want Betty for just the same reasons Don did – she’s the trophy wife, the perfect porcelain doll who makes him look good by being on his arm. He loves her? He barely knows her. And he wants to keep her just as dependent on him as she was on Don, which makes me wonder what happens to her when he finds out Betty’s not all sweetness and light.
But, oh! I can’t get too bogged down in this storyline, because there’s so much promise and hope and laughter in the birth of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. All the little touches! The way everyone says “Again?” when they hear the news. How Trudy calls from the other room to make sure Pete doesn’t choke on the foot in his mouth. :) (They are such an adorable couple. Plus, I think I love Alison Brie even more now that I’ve seen her on Community.) The entire scene with Harry Crane – OMG I laughed so hard when Bert threatened to lock him in the store room. JOAN! Oh, Joanie, I’m so glad you’re back. Will your awesomeness never cease? Don kicking down the door to the (F)Art Department. Harry not being able to find the new office. Paul’s “Dammit!” when he realized he’d been left behind. Lane becoming a real American, having had his first revolution against his British overlords. :) Trudy showing up with lunch, and Don recognizing his true family. *happy sigh*
I will miss Ken, Paul, and the others at the soon-to-be-former Sterling Cooper if there’s no way to work them into the story (and I do think it would be somewhat contrived to have everyone we know from Sterling Cooper end up at the new firm – one of the things I liked about it was that there was a substantial enough group left behind that I cared about them feeling abandoned), but that’s change – some people catch the changing tide and some get left on the shore. And this era, if nothing else, is about change.
Big things are gonna happen. And I can’t wait. Is it Season 4 yet?
Favorite quotes (and, as usual, they're mostly Roger - he gets the BEST lines!):
“She’s obsessed. The most interest that girl’s ever had in a book depository.” – Roger
“Join or die? Jesus, Bert, [Don] was doing better.” – Roger
“Don’t act like a stranger. We’ve got tea!” – Roger
“You gonna read us your will? I want the Cadillac.” – Roger
“Nothing good ever came from seeking revenge.” – Lane
“Nonsense. We’ll make you a partner.” – Bert
“I’m not really sick.” – Pete
“I was gonna tell you. No, I wasn’t.” – Roger
“Why are you here?” – Harry
“Ummm, work?” – Pete
“Are you kidding?” – Harry
“Yes. Yes, we are. Happy birthday.” – Roger
“Peggy, can you get me some coffee?” – Roger
“No.” – Peggy
“You’re fired. You’re fired for costing this company millions of pounds. You’re fired for insubordination! You’re FIRED for LACK OF CHARACTER!” – St. John
“Very good. Happy Christmas!” – Lane
“What’s happened?” – Moneypenny
“You’re a sharp boy. You’ll figure it out.” – Lane
If you're not watching this show... why the heck not??
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 03:25 am (UTC)I'll add to your quotes when he complains to Joan about not being able to read her handwriting. And when Bert Cooper yells at the movers, "Did you wash your hands?"
Great catch on Lane becoming a true American. I like that. And how hilarious was that scene when Don looks at Pete's hand and he goes, "I'm not really sick." Bwah!
Every scene in this episode was masterful. *LOVE*
*uses appropriate icon*
Roger so does get the best lines.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 03:31 am (UTC)I think I need some Mad Men icons.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 03:39 am (UTC)If you want, I spent a couple hours last week scouring for Mad Men icons and have them in albums here (http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg255/egustafs19/Mad%20Men/Icons/) in my Photobucket. Not that we necessarily like the same stuff, but I think I got a nice collection. Might be something that'll catch your eye. I have them saved by who made them (though if there's a snag, I can figure it out) too so no worries in who to give credit to.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 08:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 05:15 am (UTC)On the Draper marriage front: I have a lot of sympathy for Betty, but I hope she's a bit more circumspect about this new guy once the divorce is through. Have they actually had a conversation about themselves yet?
Pete's wife showing up with sandwiches and being all gung-ho about the new venture bodes well for their extremely shaky marriage. Pete's a dirt bag, but she's tied her wagon to him. I loved her calling him into the kitchen when Bert and Don were making their proposition.
I can't wait to see where the writers are going to take us next season!
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 08:25 pm (UTC)I don't see any evidence that this relationship with Henry is a great love affair. It's a marriage of convenience - she wants to be taken care of, she wants to be the princess, and she wants the prestige of a rich husband - a real one this time, someone from mainline wealth, not a penniless orphan who faked it until he made it.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 09:26 pm (UTC)Yes! Me too! I was worried I was the only one who didn't like her anymore.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 09:49 pm (UTC)If she'd asked for a divorce back in season 2, when she kicked him out, I'd have respected that. Or even if she'd made a sincere attempt at making the marriage work when she took him back. But instead, she decided to be vindictive, experimenting with her own affairs and just biding her time until a better prospect came along.
It feels like she's been using Don, pretending the marriage is okay because she doesn't want to give up the security of being taken care of. It may be the 1960s, but it's not like divorce was an unfathomable option - Helen Bishop is a prime example of that. But Betty would never deign to be a single mother - she couldn't stand to work at an unglamorous job to make a living, couldn't put up with the gossip or the social ramifications. And that makes it seem like it's not a matter of Betty staying with Don because she doesn't have other options (if that were the case, I'd feel bad for her). It's that she's too stuck-up to consider her options, until Henry Francis comes along and promises her the world.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 09:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 12:47 pm (UTC)Season 3 of Mad Men won't air in the UK until next year, but I can't wait. I've loved it since season 1. A terrific show.
no subject
Date: Nov. 11th, 2009 08:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: Nov. 17th, 2009 03:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Nov. 18th, 2009 04:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: Jan. 15th, 2010 09:37 am (UTC)