Mad Men Goes Out with the Threat of a Bang

I have to say that while I enjoyed the episode overall, there was something a little stagy and artificial about having everyone unburden themselves under the threat of nuclear annihilation. I guess we are supposed to believe that after taking a dip in the Pacific, Don really does want his wife back but the episode made it seem as if the world crisis was urging him along a bit - I want to be in the bosom of my family when the bomb hits kind of thing (although as he pointed out, the public couldn't really know what was going on). The same kind of motivation was working its mojo on Pete who confessed to Peggy that it was her that he really loved. That seems a bit out of left field to me considering that Pete seemed to be well over Peggy all season but it was a nice plot way to allow Peggy to confess the truth about the baby. That was a great scene for Elisabeth Moss - her intro was perfect ("I could have had you if I wanted you") and the way she tried to explain her reasons for doing what she did worked really well. Pete's reaction was also perfect - it'll be interesting to see how these two get along in Season 3.

I again have to point out that January Jones irks me no end. Her character just seems so cruel and naive that I can't feel any sympathy for her at all. Cheating with a mystery man (am I crazy or was that Chuck's Captain Awesome?) was entertaining but it just makes me like her less and less. I really believe that a more capable actress would have been able to humanize Betty more and make you feel sorry for her as the wrong spouse. As it is, I feel the urge to call social services every time she even looks at her children. We'll see how the pregnancy changes her but let's hope she finds a reason to perk up soon. All dour is no fun.

As for my other favorite part of the episode, it offends my sense of duty but I do love that Don with his three week absence still managed to get the $500,000, the girl and the best of Duck Phillips in the end. The way Duck spoke to Pete was just so smarmy that I nearly cheered when Don casually said "I have no contract." Go creative!

Finally, I have to point out Pete's most excellent point that if he has to die, he'd rather die in Manhattan. Pete, I couldn't agree more.

When does Season 3 start?