Here's how I see it. This was a SHOCKer of an episode, to say the least. The story lines include Don visiting Megan, Betty getting into fights, and Ginsberg unloading the looney balloons from his pants. I'll start with the least stunning story. Betty continues to prove her claim of how her children hate her. She also begins arguing with Henry about political factors. Henry likes Betty as his beautiful wife who stands by her side and asks no questions, rather than an actual partner with a voice and opinion. This is how her character has always been portrayed: a beautiful, perfect housewife managed by her husband. However, Betty drops the line, "I can think for myself!". In the ever-changing climate of Mad Men-- hippies and computers-- women resiliency is a theme we see continuing to develop gradually over the series... Michael Ginsberg isn't a big fan of the computer, he's REALLY not a fan. The humming from the computer, that we've become so accustomed to, impedes his work. But they aren't just distracting noises to Ginsberg, apparently they're waves, or something else sinister, that have the power to change people's sexualities. Ginsberg, whose supposedly is still a virgin, lets loose sexually, which is a surprise, a good laugh, but ultimately something detrimental. It's interesting that Peggy is written to deal with Ginsberg's biggest episode. Her brash leadership lately has turned her somewhat villainous, but we're reminded that she's been with us since day one (or episode one), and when her and Don stand side-by-side in the beginning, swords tucked away, it's settling. Speaking of "day one" relationships, Harry Crane comes big in this episode. Him and Don link up in LA after Harry unknowingly crashes Megan's party for her acting class. What's Don doing in LA? His pregnant niece has called him for some help. She's one of the ones that call him "Dick". Don welcomes her with open arms even if it may be for money. He's purely happy and excited to see and take care of her; it's an odd, sentimental side of Don. Megan doesn't take a liking to this. Even though she is Don's niece, Megan feels threatened by the affection and closeness that the two share. "I know all of his secrets"... Perhaps better than any teary-eyed confession, Megan dancing with another man, then giving Don a crazy night of sex, shows her sad attempts to connect with Don in the way that only knowing him as Dick Whitman can bring. If there was any hope that the return of Don's niece might bring about this, it was hammered into the ground by a trademark Don Draper pitch. He's back, really back. And as much as Cutler and Lou, and Lou's cartoons, don't want him there, they're dealing with a creative genius that not only has unparalleled skill, but also the allegiance of most of the agency. Mostly a comeback episode for Don, but there is no telling where the next two episodes could go. I think Peggy's glare at the end isn't to be ignored. There's plenty left to see in LA with Pete and Ted. And the possibility of more LA expansion is given new air. 8/10.
Review of The Runaways
