The Unfiltered Ramblings of a DVR Addict

Mad Men Season 3, Episode 7:  Seven Twenty Three

After last week’s episode, which was super good, I was a bit worried about how they were going to follow it up.  I was a bit disappointed this week.  The three central characters of the episode were Don, Betty and Peggy.  The episode was laid out in flashbacks- the opening scenes has Don face down on the floor with a busted face, Betty  on her back on a sofa and Peggy in bed with a man.

Don is struggling with this decision to sign an exclusive contract with Hilton and Sterling Cooper.  The firm is excited about the opportunity to work on the NYC Hilton Hotels, but Don doesn’t want to be tied down.  I know that Don has issues, but this is the first time we have really seen him flustered.  I liked the line, “I look forward to sharing my dreams with you,” spoken by Connie to Don.  Don really wants the account; handshake business isn’t going to work.  Roger even calls Betty at home to see if she can influence Don to sign it-three years and sign-on bonus.  I was glad to see Betty supporting Don, but my opinion changed when she carried on like a harpy demanding why he hasn’t signed. 

Betty is on the board with her local Junior League chapter.  They are concerned about a water tower affecting a local reservoir.  Betty instantly offers her contact with the governor’s office, Henry Francis.  Remember he was the man who wanted to feel Betty’s pregnant belly at the Derby party.  I am not sure what I think about him.  He isn’t as skivvy as Pete, but there is something odd there.  The ladies encourage her to call him.  When she calls him, they make plans to meet and visit the reservoir.

Is Betty really interested in Henry or just the attention it brings her? She meets him and tries to be proper, but there is a certain something there.  She is apprehensive that someone will see her.  After they share dessert at the local bakery, he tells her he has to go to Albany, no time to check out the reservoir.  Betty the coquette claims to be a bit dizzy when they come out of the restaurant in the middle of the eclipse.  Henry suggests that she needs a Victorian fainting couch.  Later we see Betty on it; she has it in her recently remodeled parlor.  It doesn’t fit the room, but does Betty really fit in anywhere either?

Peggy and Pete are being pursued by Duck-he sends her a Hermes scarf.  Pete tries to warn her, return the gift.  Peggy comes off really conflicted….career growth or loyalty to Don.  Peggy calls Duck and tells him to leave her alone and she wants to return the scarf.  He suggests that she meets him, but she refuses.  After unsuccessfully trying to inquire about the Hilton account from Don, Peggy is scolded for asking about it.  Don lays into her….she should be lucky since she was his secretary.  He advises her to get better and stop asking for things.  That was the catalyst for Peggy visiting Duck.  Yucky Ducky!  When she returns the scarf, Duck invites her in for a drink.  He wants her for the Hermes account, female perspective, but he also wants her in his bed.  Now that Peggy has spent the night with Duck, what‘s next?  Does he truly like her or just using her?  Say it isn’t so Peg!

Don, Sally and Bobby are with Ms. Farrell and their classmates and their parents creating a sun scope to view the eclipse.  Don chats up with Ms. Farrell, but blocks his moves.  She thinks he’s just another philandering dad.  Don calls her on it, “Do you want me to leave you alone?”  It is a matter of time before Don and her hook up. 

Betty tells Don about Roger’s call, this sends him reeling and back to his old ways- drinking and driving.  Don pulls over to pick up a hitchhiking couple on the way to Niagara Falls or the closest motel.   They are running off to get married, but they are not really in love.  This is an attempt to avoid the draft.  Don takes some pills the kids have and they all end up in a motel room.  Don is so wasted.  He sees his Dad in a rocking chair.  His Dad calls him a bum and accuses him of not wanting to be tied down.  In the next bed, the kids make out, but are perplexed that Don hasn’t passed out.  They gave him to Phenobarbitals, the young man hits Don in the head and he slumps down.  The next morning a note from them says thanks for the help and they left his car.  Lessons learned:  don’t pick up hitchhikers!

Mr. Cooper meets with Don.  He states that he knows something about Don, besides who is really signing this contract, anyway.  I am eager to learn how Don came to be at Sterling Cooper.  How is Don going to work there without any contact with Sterling?

Interesting thoughts:

• What is seven twenty three?
• Confessions of an Ad Man
• Pete wanting in on the Hilton account…shouldn’t he be bringing in the accounts?
• Betty being told, “It’s not adorable to pretend you are not adorable.”
• Peggy states, “The world against Don.”  Does she really believe that?
• Betty went to Bryn Mawr

Did anyone see Jon Hamm and January Jones on Oprah last month?  It was a bit cheesy!