Sunday, April 1, 2012

Mad Men Episode 3 (Season 5): Tea Leaves


Why Mad Men Episodes #3 (Season 5) Worked:
  •  Betty's health crisis.  Didn't see that coming.  But it was a clever way to provide cover for actress January Jone's real-life pregnancy.
  • The cool modern furniture in Don and Megan's apartment.
  • Henry smoking dope backstage at rock concert and then getting the munchies.
  • Henry finally gets a good line.  "(George) Romney's a clown and I don't want him (John Lindsay) standing next to him."  Hmmmmm...was there a 2012 message in that sentence?
  • Henry showing his nasty side. Don calls to ask about Betty's health and Henry doesn't tell Betty when she asks who called.
  • Pete's office speech after the company landed Mohawk that dissed Roger.  Finally we got a wee bit of office politics in this episode.
Why Mad Men Episode #3 (Season 5) Didn't Work:
  • Betty's tea with her friend after learning she might have a cancerous tumor.  Poorly acted.
  • Backstage at the Stones concert.  Poorly staged and very poorly cast.  Didn't ring true at all.  
  • Peggy's interview with the Jewish copywriter.  Completely over the top. 
Overall Grade for Mad Men Episode #3 (Season 5):
  • C.  I said it last year and I'll say it again this year:  when the show focuses on Betty, it bogs down.   "Mad Men" is at its best when the show is anchored in the office and not enough happened in the office in this episode.   

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