Mad Men: The Chysanthemum and The Sword

Whoa... so much to take in during this episode. An awkward post-divorce relationship. Parenting a pre-pubescent child. Faking a Honda motorcycle commercial. Overcoming World War II racism. Discussing personal problems in a stuffy office world. What does this episode not offer?

For starters, Sally. What a vulnerable and sad product of Don and Betty's divorce. She's resorted to pleasuring herself on a friend's couch while watching TV, prompting possibly the most awkward phone conversation between Don and Betty ever. Betty's consultation with the child psychiatrist (Dr. Edna, as she prefers to be known) leaves me wondering if Betty might delve back into the psychiatric world, as unsatisfying as she felt when she left it.

Sally also butchers her own hair, prompting Don to (unfairly) snap at the babysitter, his next-door neighbor, the unsuspecting Phoebe.

Roger, rather crude and in the background this season, gets an (unflattering) showcase this week, refusing to adhere to "Jap" clients in a campaign that threatens to showcase him as the office bigot. Strangely, it's Pete who backs Roger into a corner. Pete seems genuinely befuddled how Roger, though a veteran, could let such backward feelings drag down an ad deal. And Joan corners Roger in a very adult scene, purposely lacking in any sexual tension between the two former lovers.

Oh, and did I mention the faux Honda commercial? Any subplot involving Peggy riding a motorcycle around an empty sound stage gets a hilarious "thumbs up" in my book.

Tidbits:

-I'm loving Don's new secretary. "Your daughter's psychiatrist is on the phone!" she shouts. Priceless. "Mr. Peters and Mr. Pryce," she shouts into his intercom, as Pete and Lane emerge. Again, priceless.

-Don's confession to Dr. Miller in the break room is both desperate and honest. I was pleasantly relieved when she walked out during his invitation to dinner.

-Who is Dr. Lyle Evans?
-When will Ken re-emerge?

-What do you think - will Betty re-visit therapy?

-How long until Sally's friend Glenn reappears? He's sure to provide some interesting therapy fodder.

The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: A-