1. We commence the episode several weeks after ringing in 1968 with the revelation that Don's sleeping with his downstairs neighbor (and friend's) wife, Slyvia Rosen (Linda Cardellini). Even as the radio blurts out alarming messages about a tumultuous point in American history, the Vietnam War, our favorite ad man is only concerned with indulging in a quick morning delight with his new mistress. After laying in bed for a while, Slyvia inquires Don's thoughts about their affair, and receives a "This didn't happen, just in here," from Don with a discrete point to his cranium. "Mad Men" has constantly surprised us with moments of disbelief, yet we as viewers truly understand that Don is simply hungry for more, yet again. At the end of last season, Don returned from what Bert Cooper had deemed a "love leave" and was finally back to wooing clients, after having a gut check from how SCDP landed the Jaguar account. For Don, everything's a mirage, yet his misdeeds come back to haunt him. It's a recurring theme of the episode, as we glimpse into his life as a child in a whorehouse. It's alarming, yet just another layer to one of television's most morally complex, yet beloved characters.
2. Don's not the only person troubled by the past, as the profane Herb Renet from Jaguar makes a visit to the agency, landing right in the woman who prostituted herself for the account's office. Upon complementing Joan's outfit, he asserts, "I know there's part of you that's glad to see me." Luckily, after receiving a rebuttal joke regarding his corpulent figure, Herb retires to Pete Campbell's office for their meeting. Next, Joan arrives in Don's office to summon him, but grabs a glass of alcohol and proceeds to stare out of the window, in deep thought. Don doesn't question her, but pauses after comprehending her distress. Even though there's no further dialogue, we all know Herb's arrival marks the reminder of the partners' omission of Don's opinion and Joan's monumental decision in "The Other Woman." Indeed, rash past decisions do haunt our Madison Avenue's everyday thoughts.
3. For Megan, her recent miscarriage burdens her, as she struggles to even communicate the misfortune to Don. She's disgusted, since not feeling the time was right for a child nor understanding Don's attitude about the matter, she originally wanted an abortion. Once Don learns of Megan's heartache, he consoles her, stating, "You have to know I want what you want." Does anyone ever know what Don wants? That's the true question. The sum of all his experiences isn't enough. As he affirmed during his plea to Dow Chemical in season 5, "What is happiness? it's a moment before you need more happiness." He's sympathetic towards Megan, but his comfort guilts him. He's just returned from another sexual escapade with Sylvia, just to hear the worrisome news.
4. Essentially, the affairs of both Don and Pete in the episode don't trouble the viewer. We're used to it after sixty-six episodes. Pete's adopted Don's attitude of the past, while Don's spiraling more than ever. After Megan is too sick (with guilt) to attend dinner and Doctor Rosen leaves to tend to a patient, Sylvia gives Don the cold shoulder before ordering their entrees. Yet, the persuasive, charming Draper we all know resurfaces, as he mutters, "Is this what's bothering you? that everything worked out so perfectly?" Immediately, their conversation is juxtaposed with images of Don ripping off her dress and pleasuring Sylvia again. Every so often, "Mad Men's" characters spiral out of control. This time, it's difficult to tell if this conversation is foreshadowing anything for Don; we'll just have to wait and see.
5. After Trudy discovers Pete's affair with Brenda, she demands a divorce. Pete decides to spend the evening in the office, and as Bob Benson (James Wolk) sweet talks Pete about his love for advertising, Pete states, "It's all about what it looks like isn't it?" Indeed, this perceived notion of content has been prevalent across the series. As we leave the characters until next week (with another promo that shows us literally nothing), no one is happy, but instead, deep in doubt.
