Mad Men

[Neurochick]

May 18, 2015 14:14:40 GMT -4 prisma said:

Starting your own business is *HARD.* And starting a business, as a woman in that era, had to have been even harder. Peggy is still really young. I could see her getting a few more years under her belt before wanting to go out on her own. Joan had been a partner at their old firm, but Peggy was not a creative director yet. I don't blame her for her decision at all. I don't think it was the right time yet.

As for the rom-com ending, I'm happy. There's no reason why she can't have a career and a relationship. Now she has someone who knows what she's up against and can give her emotional support. I don't see that as a sell out. And looking back over pics from old episodes, I think long haired hippie Stan is much hotter than the traditional sixties Stan we first met.

I really agree with that. Why can't Peggy have a career and a relationship? Why do some people see having relationships as being all sappy and boring? As I said, this episode didn't feel like an ending really. Everybody just goes along with their lives.

[chonies]

May 18, 2015 14:14:40 GMT -4 prisma said:

Starting your own business is *HARD.* And starting a business, as a woman in that era, had to have been even harder. Peggy is still really young. I could see her getting a few more years under her belt before wanting to go out on her own. Joan had been a partner at their old firm, but Peggy was not a creative director yet. I don't blame her for her decision at all. I don't think it was the right time yet.

As for the rom-com ending, I'm happy. There's no reason why she can't have a career and a relationship. Now she has someone who knows what she's up against and can give her emotional support. I don't see that as a sell out. And looking back over pics from old episodes, I think long haired hippie Stan is much hotter than the traditional sixties Stan we first met.

The idea of timing was stated by Joan when she was talking to Roger, too. And I think Peggy would like a RomCom ending. She went to the movies to clear out the cobwebs, and she got her start on the basket of kisses line, no?

And that aside, I dislike "romcom" as a go-to insult.

[Deleted]

May 18, 2015 13:48:30 GMT -4 chonies said:

May 18, 2015 13:25:50 GMT -4 Neurochick said:

I wish someone would rationally explain to me the Megan hate, because I could never see it.

To recap: people who don't like her didn't like her because of overexposure and had no interesting stories. At best, she was a zeitgeist/cipher who introduced her fabulous mother. At worst, she was in too many episodes, she wouldn't go away so we couldn't miss her, and people perceived that an over-investment in the non-starter of her story took away from potentially interesting characters. Obviously, this is a matter of opinion, and an apt time to drop a de gustibus non est disputandum tag.

Thank you, that actually makes sense to me as another who never really got all the hate for Megan. I don't necessarily agree but I understand the logic.

I agree with Neurochick, I think the episode just showed everyone going on with their lives without wrapping everything up neatly. Yes some of them looked happy at the end but who knows if they'll stay that way. Pete could very well fuck things up with Trudy in Wichita, Don could keep on repeating the same cycle of doing well then having a crisis and going on walkabout then coming back, Roger and Marie could implode, Joan's business could crash and burn, and so on and so forth.

I liked that it was shown that Roger actually has a relationship with Kevin, he was shown bringing him back to Joan's apartment after apparently spending the day with him. Roger seems like he's come to peace with everything and will hopefully be more settled.

Peggy & Stan: yes it was kind of corny but it was also very sweet. Stan really gets Peggy and obviously digs her, he wasn't scared off by her admission a couple weeks ago. And he understands her job and is fully supportive of her ambitions.

And something I haven't noticed anyone else mention yet: Eugene spoke! Two whole lines! I was shocked. I would have liked to see more with Bobby, he never really had much to do over the course of the series.

[prisma]

OMG! The actor who plays Stan (Jay Ferguson) is the cousin of Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas in real life. Random!

[chonies]

You're welcome! I know character preference isn't always rational--isn't there a poster here who detests Megan/JP because of her teeth? I think that's a bit much.

I also liked the happy, anticipatory tone for this episode.

[kostgard]

I think it is silly to say that Peggy turned down Joan because of Stan, even in part.

Peggy was uncertain of the whole thing, which is why she didn't accept Joan's offer on the spot. As Stan pointed out, she was only attracted to the idea of being in charge and seeing her name on the door. But it would have taken her away from advertising, and like Don, Peggy loves advertising. She would have been in charge, but she wouldn't love the work. Peggy would rather toil at McCann doing what she loves than being on top in an industry that doesn't do it for her. The fact that Stan declared his love and rubs her shoulders while she works is just gravy.

I did think the declaration was a bit rom-com, but I've been hoping for a happy ending for Peggy. And I loved that she kept saying "What?" in response to Stan pouring his heart out. So I was okay with it.

[enzaemily]

I think long haired hippie Stan is much hotter than the traditional sixties Stan we first met.

Yes! I can't believe how much hotter he is. I rewatched the scene today and I was jealous of Peggy! I want Stan!

[chitowngirl]

When Don had his "aha" moment for the Coke commercial, I immediately thought of Melanie Griffith's character in Working Girl, "You never know where the next big idea will come from".

[william joel]

May 18, 2015 9:32:24 GMT -4 chonies said:

I also think that Betty getting cancer is not the worst thing that could happen to the character

The worst thing that happened to Betty was the time her demented father confuses her with her mother and suggests they go upstairs

That moment was a nightmare.

Betty's best moment: Venice!

[Ladybug]

Peggy was the embodiment of all working women’s struggles. She shouldn’t need a man to make her feel whole. She’s a female crusader.

This is such a worn out cliche. I think we've gotten to the point when we can accept that women can be awesome at their jobs and still WANT a romantic relationship. It doesn't mean she NEEDS a man to feel whole. She is a confident women who wants a partner. Stan thinks she's awesome and accepts everything about her. Shut up, Daily Beast.

Also, Peggy knows her value in the advertising world. She consulted the headhunter and he advised her to stay at McCann for her own future benefit. Pete told her she's on her way to becoming an advertising legend. And she's not getting walked over by the McCann management. Peggy will be fine.