Mad Men Midweek Fix: “The Good News”

During the fourth season of Mad Men Feministing writers will offer some of our thoughts on feminist moments, scenes, and themes in the new episodes in order to start a discussion about these topics in our community. This year we’ll help you get through the middle (ok more like end this week) of the week wait for the next episode. *WARNING: Lots of spoilers follow.

Joan’s abortions/The return of creepy OBGYN

Interesting that they chose the moment in the show when Joan is trying to get pregnant to reveal that her character has had two abortions. I wonder if these will come up again, or if they were just mentioned here as part of character background/development. -Lori

While I think the OBGYN was creepy it was interesting to see how they discussed the matter of the midwife and told her that she was most likely fine. I was surprised that she would share so much with her doctor and it just made me think of all the closed door conversations both good and bad that happened before women had access to abortion. Although his assessment was far from medically sound.  -Samhita

Don and his secretary, Allison.

I really thought Allison was typing her resignation in the last scene of last week’s episode! I so badly wanted her to resign to teach Don a lesson, but then again, he’s had plenty of women walk away from him after he treated them badly, and the lesson hasn’t stuck yet. Perhaps having her around as a constant reminder will learn him? – CA

I thought that was happening too, Chloe, for a few seconds there, but then I guessed it wasn’t happening when she looked out the window. I tend to doubt having her around will remind him; he’s too much of an asshole to learn any lessons. But wishful thinking… – VV

Joan and Lane.

Joan is so much tougher than she looks. That woman knows how to stand her ground. I want her to have her own show. – CA

This is precisely what we mean when we tell ourselves to JOAN UP! -Ann

I love that he said, “consider me the incorruptible exception,” to her charms and then sleeps with a sex worker later in the show. Seems like you are quite corruptible to the seductions of the ladies Laney!-Samhita

Don and the original Mrs. Draper.

This was really upsetting. Despite Don’s lack of respect for women, it seemed like Mrs. Draper is the closest to an equal in his eyes, it seems. And he had the opportunity to  show that by telling her the truth about her cancer, but didn’t. It also showed the sexist behavior that women are capable of taking part in too. Despite their feeling like it would be better to keep it from her, there’s no way they would do that to their brother/uncle. Or on second thought, this could also be an ableist issue.  – VV

It occurred to me that Anna Draper is the root of Don’s whole blond/brunette thing. He marries blonds (Betty), and he generally respects when they say no (his date in Episode 1, Anna’s niece). The brunettes in his life are mistresses and sex-workers and secretaries he takes advantage of. Perhaps this all goes back to Anna, a platinum blond whom he idealizes. -Ann

It was almost surprising to me that Don displayed so much emotion when he found out Anna was being lied to, since he is so comfortable with deception. It feels like he is building up to change and her death might prompt it. Or that is wishful thinking. I found a lot of the scenes between them to be very tender. -Samhita

Greg and Joan.

This scene was so fascinating to watch: iIt was all going along so nicely – Joan watching him in his element, remembering why she admires and loves him. And then he went and pulled the distraction trick that he said he usually only has to use on children. Pretty disheartening, especially after Joan’s accusation that Lane makes her feel like “a helpless little girl.” – CA

I know! And Joan was smart enough to question of medical ethics of him treating her, but he would rather cross that boundary and feel in power in some way, “If I can’t fix anything else, at least I can fix this.” – VV

The frailty of Greg’s ego in this scene is incredibly disturbing to me, especially when I see the same desire to take control of a situation by manipulation and force that was displayed in the rape scene.  -Lori

“So are you married or divorced?” “You go on those dates where you sit there and ask each other questions?” “But nobody knows what’s wrong with themselves. And everyone else can see it right away.”

This line rang true for me. I do not think I am the first to comment on this, but the writers this season have really stepped up.  -Lori.

Deep thoughts…-SM

Dick jokes.

How many dick jokes can you cram into one episode of Mad Men? – Jos

And we’re not talking about Dick Whitman…. -Ann

“The girl, how much was she?” “25 dollars.” “Fascinating.”

Lane + sex = just wrong. Sorry. -Samhita