MAD about Mad Men

25 12 "The Mountain King" Alan Taylor Matthew Weiner & Robin Veith October 19, 2008 1.40[2]
Don renews his acquaintance with his old friend Anna, the widow of the man whose identity Don stole years before. Pete's family problems affect Sterling Cooper's account with Clearasil. Joan introduces her fiancé Greg to the employees of Sterling Cooper, but while inside Don's office, Greg forces her to the floor and rapes her. Plans are finalized to bring about Sterling Cooper's merger with Putnam, Powell & Lowe.

Season 2 episode 12

Jesus season two my brain cant think back that far

I'm pretty impressed at how the show manages to portray the changing times each season, while weaving in character arcs that reflect such shifts (this season included).

For example, we're starting to see a response to years of unfair gender roles. Although Peggy is definitely the firm's pioneering female, the last episode's conclusion really stamped Joan as the ribbon cutter. While Betty left Dom earlier, she did so knowing her position was secure with her current husband (and Dom would still provide a support system for their kids). Joan kicking her husband out, while raising a newborn, is a pretty significant moment within the show's generational subtext.

And how about Peggy's awkward purse moment? That scene was brilliant.

* Thank goodness Dom was only dreaming... I was close to seeing a shark swim out of nowhere.

I'm pretty impressed at how the show manages to portray the changing times each season, while weaving in character arcs that reflect such shifts (this season included).

For example, we're starting to see a response to years of unfair gender roles. Although Peggy is definitely the firm's pioneering female, the last episode's conclusion really stamped Joan as the ribbon cutter. While Betty left Dom earlier, she did so knowing her position was secure with her current husband (and Dom would still provide a support system for their kids). Joan kicking her husband out, while raising a newborn, is a pretty significant moment within the show's generational subtext.

And how about Peggy's awkward purse moment? That scene was brilliant.

* Thank goodness Dom was only dreaming... I was close to seeing a shark swim out of nowhere.

Keen observation re: Joan

I definitely agree about the purse moment.

I'm concurrently watching season 1 on NetFlix, amazing to sort of watch how Pete and Don's characters outside the office have switched

I thought the purse thing was over blown. Honestly my wife takes her purse to the bedroom every night. I don't think anyone would have been offend in real life if that had happen.

I thought the purse thing was over blown. Honestly my wife takes her purse to the bedroom every night. I don't think anyone would have been offend in real life if that had happen.

I agree about that, especially considering she had already mentioned that she had "a lot more money today," or something along those lines. I don't know that it necessarily even was a race thing, but I know that's how resonated.

I mean, I leave my wallet on a table near my car keys 90% of the time, but if I have people coming over, regardless of how well I know them, I'm not going to leave it sitting there, it'll either go into my pocket or into my bed room.

I'm pretty impressed at how the show manages to portray the changing times each season, while weaving in character arcs that reflect such shifts (this season included).

For example, we're starting to see a response to years of unfair gender roles. Although Peggy is definitely the firm's pioneering female, the last episode's conclusion really stamped Joan as the ribbon cutter. While Betty left Dom earlier, she did so knowing her position was secure with her current husband (and Dom would still provide a support system for their kids). Joan kicking her husband out, while raising a newborn, is a pretty significant moment within the show's generational subtext.

And how about Peggy's awkward purse moment? That scene was brilliant.

* Thank goodness Dom was only dreaming... I was close to seeing a shark swim out of nowhere.

My early season prediction: Joan reveals baby is actually Roger's. Roger dumps current wife for Joan. (or vice versa - but I think Joan confronts Roger first).

I agree about that, especially considering she had already mentioned that she had "a lot more money today," or something along those lines. I don't know that it necessarily even was a race thing, but I know that's how resonated.

I mean, I leave my wallet on a table near my car keys 90% of the time, but if I have people coming over, regardless of how well I know them, I'm not going to leave it sitting there, it'll either go into my pocket or into my bed room.


I know it was like I am going to bed let me gather up my stuff. The show made it seem like Rosa Parks was trying to move to the front of the bus.

If a trust/race issue was what they were trying to create they should have made it something a little more extreme; like Peggy asking her to sleep on the floor becasue she didn't want the sofa to get dirty; that be insulting enough to make the girl leave.

They are trying to make us beleive that the black girl was so offended by the purse incident that she was willing to leave a safe place to sleep for the night and go out in a strange neighborhood in NYC during a race riot. Pleaseeeeee....

Let me add that Mad Men has been doing a good job with setting the tone/style on certain social changes depending on the decade they are in during a season. It is quiet obvious they are trying to portray the racial indifference in the early 70's this season. So far they have failed because they are using 2012 PC to create it. During that era of time it be nothing for a Roger or someone like that to drop the N word in causal conversation.

Not to beat the purse issue to death but do you really think a young black lady growing up in the early 70's would have been that offended by what Peggy did? I am sure she had seen and been treated much worst.

Let me add that Mad Men has been doing a good job with setting the tone/style on certain social changes depending on the decade they are in during a season. It is quiet obvious they are trying to portray the racial indifference in the early 70's this season. So far they have failed because they are using 2012 PC to create it. During that era of time it be nothing for a Roger or someone like that to drop the N word in causal conversation.

Not to beat the purse issue to death but do you really think a young black lady growing up in the early 70's would have been that offended by what Peggy did? I am sure she had seen and been treated much worst.

I don't think she was totally offended... I honestly thought the letter was sincere, albeit a bit more than coincidental in its placement. I felt the awkwardness wasn't so much of "Oh my goodness, you think I am going to steal your money" as much as it serves as an indicator of Peggy's progressiveness.

Throughout its run, Peggy has been the singular female force within the firms' creative department(s). During the episode (especially in the drinking scene), she does her best to relate- "I was once in your position, etc" and "We've got to stick together." The purse scene isn't about how unrealistic Peggy's reaction was, especially considering the money issue. The moment reminds us that the "best" of people aren't as "politically correct" as they espouse.

The scene wasn't suppose to elicit discussion about whether Peggy is a bad person for looking at her purse- she obviously isn't (she lets a relative stranger stay with her for the evening, confides in her, etc). On a micro level, the scene adds a layer to her character- one that leaves room for growth. Thematically, it's consistent with the show's nuances, where people live/think/behave in a constant gray area.

Now if Peggy had actually taken the purse, the scene would have lost its power. Her taking the bottles, following a few seconds of awkwardness, is a perfect moment to cut. While many viewers feel the scene was forced, that's not the point- the morning after is important. She feels shame while reading the letter because her momentary lapse stood contrary to what she'd been representing the entire show.

If viewers ever thought this show had a political slant, I think the writing speaks otherwise... In this particular case, they showed how a seemingly liberated woman fell short of her own standards. An episode or two ago, uber-liberal Harry tells Dawn (paraphrasing), "I get all of you secretaries confused around here." That must have made everyone cringe.

My early season prediction: Joan reveals baby is actually Roger's. Roger dumps current wife for Joan. (or vice versa - but I think Joan confronts Roger first).

Hmmm, I could totally see this happening.