"Mad Men," Season 4, Episode 9 Television Review

"Mad Men," Season 4, Episode 9

Television Review

By our guest blogger, Gita Gupte

It seems this week that Don and Faye have gotten themselves into a relationship – well, as close to a relationship as Don can handle – monogamy without acknowledging the status of boyfriend/girlfriend. The show opens with the two taking a romp in the sack with a level of comfort that comes from knowing someone more than a couple of nights.

The relationship is tested when Sally Draper makes an unexpected appearance at Don’s office, after having snuck away from her doctor’s appointment to hitchhike on the MetroNorth. When no one else can take care of her, least of all Don, Faye is tasked with being her babysitter and impromptu shrink. When she doesn’t do the best job at this, she becomes concerned that Don is testing her, but it turns out neither one is really meant for parenting. When Sally expresses a desire to stay with Don full-time, he doesn’t even entertain the idea.

Meanwhile, the mild flirtation between ex-lovers Roger and Joan, heated up this week. After Roger finds out that Joan’s husband has been ordered to Vietnam after basic training, he offers her a shoulder to cry on. When the two get mugged on their way home from a friendly dinner, the sparks fly and they make love in an alleyway. When Roger apologizes in the morning with an “I’m sorry,” Joan says, “I’m not. But I’m married and so are you.” I am pretty sure these two are going to be back at it soon. It was very clear from the earlier seasons that they genuinely care for each other.

Peggy spends the episode exploring political issues, as she is setup with her writer friend from a few episodes back. Though we expect the two singles to hit it off with firecrackers in tow, they actually end up getting into an argument about how her client is racist. As always, Peggy doesn’t admit she’s wrong right away, but finds a way to advocate for good later on – she tries to get her advertisement for her client to be to the tune of an African American artist.

Oh yeah, and Mrs. Blankenship literally drops dead at her desk. This was a bizarre turn of events that was meant to be both comic relief, as well as a poignant view into a person’s life – showing that you need more than just a job.