After my third go-round of this series, this episode ranks in the top 5 episodes of this glorious show, IMHO. The final season of Mad Men was suitably disturbing, uncomfortable and, yet, justified (face it, did you really want to see the writers tackle the '70's??). And while the writers sought varying degrees of closure in the episodes following this one, they could have ended it all with the final scene of S7; E6, ...in the Burger Chef..... the Family with which the entire series began. Let's face it, things didn't get any better toward the end. All of Season 7 encapsulates the rapid change occurring in the nation in the late 60's - early 70's.... The longing for "what was", as expressed by Peggy, to Don, was so palpable, with their dance as a fitting crescendo. This was a welcome salve to the paranoia of the Lou Avery character. Brilliant!
6 Reviews
One of the most brilliantly written episodes of a brilliant series!
grmphoto29 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Art worth dying for
Felonious-Punk31 July 2016
Allegedly, Charlie Parker died while watching a superb juggling act. That makes me think there was something special in that juggling act, something so beautiful that it could bring a person to heave with such excitement to induce a fatal heart-attack.
For viewers who have followed the series, this is the climax. First, when Joan makes her declaration for love, and then, when Don and Peggy's relationship was consummated, and finally, the revealing of the final strategy for the Burger Chef campaign, the episode peaked and answered all questions about these characters. The episode exploded with deftness and profound meaning. Will I watch the next episode? Of course, I'll be loading it after the end of the next sentence. But there is such satisfaction from this episode's writing, development, acting, music choice, and directing, that it could have ended here and I would not have complained.
For viewers who have followed the series, this is the climax. First, when Joan makes her declaration for love, and then, when Don and Peggy's relationship was consummated, and finally, the revealing of the final strategy for the Burger Chef campaign, the episode peaked and answered all questions about these characters. The episode exploded with deftness and profound meaning. Will I watch the next episode? Of course, I'll be loading it after the end of the next sentence. But there is such satisfaction from this episode's writing, development, acting, music choice, and directing, that it could have ended here and I would not have complained.
The Mad Family
camachbr019 May 2014
Here's how I see it. This is an episode about family, more-so, non-related families. Peggy counters burger chef, with some insight from Don. Pete's back for a visit, and he's brought along Bonnie. Look up in the sky: it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's the return of Bob Benson! I really missed Pete's antics and petulant outbursts though. We see Pete and Bonnie are taking a "vacation" to New York. They're good together, in lust, a sexually experimental couple, but the news that Pete is going to visit his daughter and run into his not-yet ex wife unsettles her. Pete treats Bonnie like most divorced executives might treat their gorgeous, sexy rebounds. He shows her off at the office then abandons her in their motel while he carries out his personal agendas. These are working Burger Chef, and making his "yearly" visit to his daughter and wife. "You're not part of THIS family". Pete's got a boatload of family issues and it's just going to be better once the divorce if final. As I said last week, Don's return has been assisted by faithful members of the agency; up to now it's been Roger and Harry. This week Pete gets Don inside the Burger Chef meeting then insists he give the presentation. It will seem like Don will get credit for everything because he's going to be the "authoritative" speaker in the presentation, while Peggy is going to be the "emotional" one. Peggy is not happy with this, as she was under the assumption that Burger Chef, was her show, her shot, her call, and her account. But it's doubtful to think Lou and Pete, maybe even Ted, really wanted to give her full control. Otherwise they wouldn't be giving suggestions with carefully placed "ands" and "buts". Would they? It's still an unwelcoming time for women as authoritative figures. Don smacks himself a high five after Peggy tells him that the idea for him to present was hers. Peggy's trying to get any sort of credit here. Then, Peggy goes a little "Mad Women". She begins smoking and drinking while working. Waking up in the middle of the night to toss files around. And While Don is at home trying to entertain Megan, perhaps get her back to New York, Peggy is assuming the role Don's been playing the past six seasons. A drunk dial here, is very funny. Don and Peggy's eventual confrontation climaxes into the season's best moment. (Ginsberg last week was nothing). Megan does visit Don in this episode, but it's getting more obvious that there is something in this relationship that isn't meant to work out. Whether they are just different "coast" people, or not meant to be, Don confesses he still feels "that he has no one". Bob Benson makes a return and it's a dramatic one. He tells Joan he wants to see her Sunday, then says he wants to see "everyone" meaning her mom and son. Sparks ignite between them. Bob has brought the Detroit people along, who we know have a very "outlandish" style of living. It's how Ken Cosgrove got his eye patch. Bob Benson isn't just back to smirk, show up at places where he's least expected, and be a "Mr.Nice Guy". A very different side to him is seen in this episode and his return comes marked with big changes and opportunities for SCP. Roger Sterling is on top of it. Cutler ticks him off again. Ultimately this episode is about the Mad Men "family", just a group of workers that sometimes wish the other wasn't there. Sounds like a real family to me. Everyone seems to have trouble getting their personal lives together. Pete and Trudy, forget it. Roger's family, forget it. Bob Benson- who knows about his secret life? Peggy's 30 & single. Joan's 40 & single (living with her mom). Don and Megan aren't compatible. They are all connected, however, by one thing, work, where their devotion unites them. And when the LA people are flying off to LA (yeah, get out!), the New York people sit around a dinner table, cozy, with those whom they belong to. Next week's the finale and there's just too much going on. I predict an unbearable cliffhanger. 9/10. Side note: I don't understand what "exclusive club" Pete was invited to. Maybe it's the Mad Men family, or Burger Chef? Weird choice of words for episode log line.
7.6 ***
edwagreen19 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This episode dealing with Peggy and Don attempting to find a solution to their advertisement at Burger Chef is a hoot to put it mildly. All other situations in the episode are to be considered superfluous at best.
Don attacks the main idea of it's family rather than the individual in making such a sales pitch. Peggy doesn't see it that way. Don also brings out that basically it's how the one making the pitch feels about it as compared to others. This is an extremely interesting viewpoint.
Only on television could Don and Peggy resolve their differences by that dance.
Anyone notice the excessive drinking that Don has been doing of late? Are the writers of this hit show trying to convey the idea that advertising executives take out their frustrations by hitting the bottle?
Don attacks the main idea of it's family rather than the individual in making such a sales pitch. Peggy doesn't see it that way. Don also brings out that basically it's how the one making the pitch feels about it as compared to others. This is an extremely interesting viewpoint.
Only on television could Don and Peggy resolve their differences by that dance.
Anyone notice the excessive drinking that Don has been doing of late? Are the writers of this hit show trying to convey the idea that advertising executives take out their frustrations by hitting the bottle?
Love the series, but
sawznhamrs-129 August 2022
I've never understood why Vincent Kartheiser was ever cast. It is completely incredulous that anyone would ever find him attractive, much less all the women who fawn over him. And I don't know if it was on purpose that he be so unlikeable or if it's just that I really do not like him! I have never liked him. Now that Bob guy who is supposed to be gay--he is really handsome and appealing in every way! I've never understood why Vincent Kartheiser was ever cast. It is completely incredulous that anyone would ever find him attractive, much less all the women who fawn over him. And I don't know if it was on purpose that he be so unlikeable or if it's just that I really do not like him! I have never liked him. Now that Bob guy who is supposed to be gay--he is really handsome and appealing in every way!
Retail techniques change a lot over time
jgcorrea24 October 2022
I find it rather incredulous that anyone should buy a particular product just because Mr. Or Ms Celebrity recommended it. In the 1960s I did work for 1 or 2 years in the advertising industry; at the time, the poorest idea in agencies' brainstorm rooms was the word 'testimonial'; anyone who suggested a campaign based on celebrities' testimonials might get summarily get the sack the next day, for lack of imagination and/or mummified spirit; today, as anyone who turns on a TV well knows, the standard protocol order is... GET A POPSTAR! Let's see, Adele, Neymar, Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Demi Lovato. Iggy Azalea, Lauren Jauregui , Madison Beer , Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Bebe Rexha , Dua Lipa. All of them fit the strategy. Just Pete Campbell (played by Vincent Kartheiser did not fit the strategy in this particular episode; why was Kartheiser ever cast?
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