Like at least one other reviewer I was (initially) underwhelmed by this episode, but by the end realised that in fact it's one of the best. The transition of Pete, as a character we are learning to loathe to one that draws on our sympathy; the unlikely chemistry between Lane and Joan; the emerging strength of Don's wife Megan (which reaches new heights in the next episode), and of course Pete's comeuppance. Like all good episodes the threads come together and become more meaningful by the end. This episode is a triumph for Weiner and Pierson (writers) and Slattery (director) who I've always admired in front of the camera and who now proves himself (again) behind it.
Yes, Pete and Trudy's dinner party scene seems a little slow and somehow empty. But it turns out that this was important as this episode is largely about Pete's unhappiness and his feelings of emptiness and inadequacy. He is desperately trying to be upbeat only to be upstaged by Don (...before he is ultimately knocked down by Lane!).
The old rivalry between Pete and Ken Cosgrove is also subtly reprised in the closing scene where the creativity of Ken's 'Beethoven 9' story contrasts sharply with Pete's emptiness. I've always liked the closing music in Mad Men, and this one - with it's almost overpowering irony (Ode to Joy) - is one of the best.
Great stuff!
Yes, Pete and Trudy's dinner party scene seems a little slow and somehow empty. But it turns out that this was important as this episode is largely about Pete's unhappiness and his feelings of emptiness and inadequacy. He is desperately trying to be upbeat only to be upstaged by Don (...before he is ultimately knocked down by Lane!).
The old rivalry between Pete and Ken Cosgrove is also subtly reprised in the closing scene where the creativity of Ken's 'Beethoven 9' story contrasts sharply with Pete's emptiness. I've always liked the closing music in Mad Men, and this one - with it's almost overpowering irony (Ode to Joy) - is one of the best.
Great stuff!