. . . represented by Peggy's former beau's and Ginsberg's increasingly out-there hysteria and anger, lashing out at any authority figures in front of them (even those trying to help them).

I completely agree re: the two corporate "meetings" setting the tone for this episode. Also, great catch re:  Carnation / Carnage, their aversion to competing with "Life," and their mushroom clouds hidden by ice cream cones.  It's a perfect analogy in some ways to the corporate war machine that was backing the Vietnam…

"Flattery Will Get You Everywhere"

I also note that pool here — and the people around it — are part of a clever idea in Mad Men that often goes unnoticed.

A tale of two cities explores the conflict and upheaval of the late 60s.  The theme of water appears throughout.  As the characters watch the Democratic National Convention turn from farce to tragedy, they each battle to stay afloat.

Ted present a question:  is he "better" than people like Don because he appears to care about others' feelings?  Ted has adopted a kinder, gentler, more inclusive-seeming approach to authority.  He offers a chair to the lady.  He seeks the input of the creatives who work for him.  Does he actually care more about the…

To me, this episode is aptly titled:  “the better half.”  Everyone has at least one.  Which is the “better” half?  Each character struggles with duality, both in others and themselves.  Each make choices—between truth and lies; between past and present; between the ones that want you and the one you are with.  And all…

What do you want for Christmas?

the score was . . . good.

That's true about his children, but Don is a product of both his time period and his upbringing.  The time period in which he was raised was not exactly full of Cosby-like father figures.  And he has never once been in (or perhaps, even seen) a situation in which a man expressed his love for his children in a tender…

Don is an adult with serious issues.  Issues that stem from a lifetime of physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse.  He was born into a situation in which he had no birth mother, no one to take her place, no loving father, no education, and no money.  From the minute he was born, he was a symbol of shame,…

To me, this episode was about rejection. Don never had a mother, nor anyone who treated him like one.  We see now that when a woman finally treated Don with maternal kindness, she promptly raped him, and, then, later, betrayed him, leading his step-mother to shame, humiliate and savagely beat him in front of other…

I think this "B" is really too low.  I saw this movie last night, and it's an incredible piece of film-making.

Well said, well said.

WRONG

You are fucking crazy.  To me, she is the best thing about the movie.  I find her to be utterly captivating and beautiful.

There are two theme in this episode.  The first issurvival.  As usual, Pete acts as the prophet, speaking the truth, while no one listens.  The merger has created chaos at the company, and everyone's position is in danger and in flux.  All of the major characters take steps to ensure their survival, or lament their…

But will there be any "pussy echo" jokes in this movie?  That is the question.

Great ep.

yes, that was bad-ass.  but was that Ben??