While most recaps focus on the entire aspect of a show, this one’s going to be a little bit different.  As this is a feminist blog deconstructing images and portrayals of women in pop culture, why spend an entire post rambling on about the men of Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price.  Instead, these recaps will focus on the women of Mad Men – the main ladies: Peggy, Joan, and Betty, and any new additions or guest stars – hence the title “Mad Women.”

Peggy (and Joyce)
This was the second big episode for Peggy this season.  After the departure of Kinsey, I was wondering if the progressive social side of the 60’s would just be tossed by the wayside, so I’m glad they brought that aspect back.  I’m curious where her friendship with Joyce is headed; I feel like Joyce is interested in her.  The “he doesn’t own your vagina” “No, but he’s renting it” exchange was great.  She also confronted the “real art” vs. mass media attitudes that started to show up during the time (and that still exist today.)  I can’t decide if I like Joyce or not, but I think she’ll be a good friend for Peggy to have, if only because I think we’ll see Peggy explore the social progressive movements of the time in very direct ways.  I like seeing Peggy waver back and forth between being progressive, and being conservative to meet the expectations of the time.  I wonder if she’ll find feminism via Joyce?  I think that would make for great storyline.

We saw Peggy playing with Dr. Miller’s engagement ring (further confirming her “I want to get married” statement from the last episode) and I loved her reaction when she saw Don looking at her.  She had another another great exchange with Don’s secretary, and while her “You should get over it” line seemed pretty harsh at the time, I later realized she likely felt frustrated that while she spent time as Don’s secretary, and moved up, this young woman ended up sleeping with her boss, and being mad that he didn’t care.

Peggy’s awkwardness at finding out about Trudy’s pregnancy is exactly what I would’ve expected from her.  She showed herself to be incredibly gracious and mature, in congratulating Pete.  (Despite the fact that Pete is a little weasel, I feel like they should totally be together.)  I found the final shot when she’s leaving the office, and they look over at each other to be really sad – I feel like Pete really likes her (loves her maybe?) but that’s something I don’t ever see happening on the show.  I felt like it was a great contrast as well – Peggy walking out of the office for lunch with all the young, hip, casual people, while Pete stood in a suit, talking to a bunch of old white men in suits.

Oh, and her peeking over the window into Don’s office was one of the funniest moments I’ve ever seen on the series.