Ok, I think next week (INSH'ALLAH) I will be back to actually getting these things posted on Monday.
There was a lot that went on in the last episode of Mad Men, but one thing particularly struck me, and it was personal, and it was this: Oh god, I think I know a LOT of people like Don Draper.
And by that I mean, self-sabotagers.
So, here's Don. He is FINALLY having a seemingly adult relationship! It is nice! And instead of hiding everything, he tells this lady things! And allows himself to be vulnerable with her! And treats her with respect! It's been a pleasure to watch, because mostly it is uncomfortable watching rampant misogyny and assrocket behavior all the time from the main character who is really hard not to cheer for.
So, all is going well, and then there is that final scene where he is eye-balling his lovely temporary secretary, and we think: well, here we go again.
I have met a shocking number of adults who seem to be making smart, healthy choices until they need to fuck everything up. And I think that has to do with both comfort with themselves and their ability to be vulnerable. Ever had a really intense interaction with someone where xe really opened up, but then afterwards had to take a step back and put up some walls because xe felt too exposed and freaked out? I wonder if Don will do the same thing - he's never stayed with women he's been honest and open with. It's hard for him to be vulnerable. And though he can do it for short periods, he usually steps back and then self-sabotages to get a comfortable distance between himself and anyone who really knows him. I wondered, when he told his secret to Faye, if that would be the beginning of the end of their relationship. We'll see, but for too many people I know, they would immediately be looking for ways out of such exposure to another person. And his secretary may be the perfect way to sabotage a wonderfully grown-up relationship.
Other thoughts:
- I missed Peggy, the end.
- Did Joan really go through with the abortion? We never saw it. I wasn't sure.
- WHOA with Lane's dad beating him. I also was really uncomfortable watching Lane with his black, much younger girlfriend - uhhhh, creepy, and it seemed like his way of saying "fuck you" to his former life.
- SCDP is facing disaster. There is a sense of impending doom for the agency. What explosive things do you think the writers will throw at us, with 3 episodes left?
- Pete's not wrong, necessarily, about things, but I really want someone to punch him in the face. He's such an egocentric DICK about everything all the time, although for all his whinging, he's still incredibly loyal to Don.
- I've been holding my breath, waiting for Roger to have another heart attack. Now he's gobbling heart pills. Seems I can't exhale anytime soon.
On Lane's lady-friend: Dude, right?! He clearly sees himself as some sort of progressive, countercultural dude because he sleeps with a black woman, but gah. Their relationship makes me so uncomfortable. He doesn't ever seem to acknowledge the power dynamics that cannot be escaped there (and frankly, I'm not sure he'd actually like to escape them). And using a black woman to piss off his dad and say "fuck you" to his old life? Totally not cool.
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