'Mad Men' Minutes: Where's My Redemption from Boring?

kay, this episode focuses a bit more on Peggy, which I like, because there’s no more interesting and unpredictable character on this show.

Yeah, yeah, Don’s got the murky past, but if you pay attention closely enough, you’ll realize he’s very subtly handing you all the answers, which I’ll detail in a minute.

But first – has anyone else noticed that Joan Holloway seems to have given herself a bit of an (unnecessary) upgrade up front? Holy cow, her boobs are like watermelons. Is this doctor boyfriend that she mentioned in the first episode a plastic surgeon? I have to wonder.

Back to Don. It’s Sunday morning, and Don wants some action. Things are kinda hot…and then the kids come in, all, “Mommy! Mommy!” So we then see a shot of gin being poured by Sally for Don. Because spoiled mood = all-day bender. Don and Betty get wasted.

It’s in this episode that we’re finally a little more privy to the kids’ lifestyles – and they are NOT wholesome. As the episode progresses, you’ll hear Sally’s inappropriate sex talk and see Bobby act out and straight-up lie about stuff. It’s weird territory, people. I hope you came prepared with a Tom Collins or two for yourself.

Bobby is particularly in need of discipline in this episode, and Don, despite Betty’s persistent requests for spankings (not for herself, of course, but that would have been INFINITELY more interesting and much less predictable) is apprehensive. Early on, I bet that Don was beaten often by his own father, and naturally, that ends up being true. See what I mean about handing out the clues? The guy’s not an open book, but the best pages are definitely already dog-eared for you.

But! Peggy (or, rather, her crazy, way-too-religious family) saves the day again. There’s a hot new priest hanging out at the church, and it makes things a little more interesting for Peggy, who’s not really into the whole Catholic scene, seeing as how she just had a married man’s baby and all. Catholics sort of frown upon (read: shun) women who “seduce” married men. So you can see why she’s not really all that into it until the hot guy comes around (that harlot!).

The hot priest asks Peggy for presentation help for Palm Sunday. Meanwhile, Duck is arranging to pitch American Airlines, schmoozing a client at a bar and ordering up a call girl named Vicky for him, who immediately poses as his wife when Roger Sterling walks in. Later, Pete fills Roger in on the fact that Vicky’s not just his girl, but EVERYONE’S girl, so Roger immediately makes a date with her for himself. Although, he’s not ashamed to hit on any of the guys’ wives, either – remember last season when he got too close for comfort with Betty? Mm-hmm. So Vicky comes over, and Roger tells her, “I have to tell you, I’m not in great health,” to which she replies, “Don’t worry, no one ever dies doing this.” And I so hoped he would, so that SOMETHING INTERESTING WOULD HAPPEN. He’s fine. They go out to dinner and that’s that. Bo-ring.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Barrett pops by to see her favorite reason to commit adultery. That’s Don, in case you missed last week’s recap, or can’t keep all your Mad Men adulterers straight. There are many; I know. But this time, it’s business first: she’s got a great idea for a Candid Camera-type show for Jimmy to host, but he’s gotta get out of the Utz contract to do it. Don suggests talking up the opportunity to the Schillings, explaining that the show would make Jimmy more popular, and, in turn, boost sales of Utz Chips. Done! Oh, Don, you shrewd motherfucker. Earn that extra-marital nookie!

It’s Palm Sunday, and Bobby has burned himself on the griddle, which means a fun family trip to the ER! Except that Don just got a call from Duck, and the American pitch is scheduled for Good Friday, so they have six days to pull it together, and he’s gotta go in now. Betty makes him take Sally with, much to Joan’s chagrin, as she’ll not only be typing, answering calls and making copies, but babysitting and fielding questions about her enormous boobage too. What a great way to spend a Sunday.

Fast forward to Good Friday. It’s time for the American pitch. Everyone’s dressed to the nines. Everything’s ready, and then Duck walks in, head hung in shame. American fired that guy they were schmoozing, so, uh, there’ll be a pitch, but it’ll be kinda pointless, guys. Don is pissed that they resigned Mohawk, because now they’re out that money in addition to not gaining this new client. Roger tries to argue that “old business is just old business,” but Don gives him this WTF side eye, and I’m inclined to side with him. I like my funds secure and my money un-funny, thanks. So during the commercial I was guzzling booze and muttering “Duck Sucks” under my breath. I was the only one who thought it was funny. But that’s okay.

Back in Brooklyn, everyone loves the new priest, Father Gill. And Gill takes a shine to Peggy, which is just too much for Peggy’s sister. And, as good a person as she believes herself to be, she connives with the best of ‘em – by going to “confession” where she vents her frustration with Peggy’s bad choices to Father Gill. See, these are the times where I’m glad I just have a brother. That way, when Easter Sunday rolls around, a hot priest doesn’t hand me an Easter egg “for the little one” and leave me standing there all embarrassed and shit. Which is exactly what happened to Peggy – in front of the whole neighborhood.

End credits. Color me angry, and kind of bored. Although I AM excited to see what Peggy will do to her sister next week – poisoned scrambled eggs, anyone?

Miz J, who works in advertising, has tons of opinions and a big mouth to broadcast them across the globe; however, the Internet saves her the trouble of yelling. Check out her blog at Miz J.

Posted August 18, 2008