Ok, sorry if this feels like a gratuitous post, but I can’t help myself…I’m glad it’s not 1965 after watching last night’s season finale of Mad Men. (By the way, I found out that according to a recent study, women apologize more than men. So, sorry about being sorry.)
Caution: Spoiler alert for those of you who haven’t watched your Tivos or DVRs. Don’t read this post until you do!
Basically, looking at the world through 1965 goggles reminds me how far we’ve come. People’s motivations continue to surprise me, even when it’s part of a TV show set in a time of contradiction and innuendo. Draper’s sudden proposal to his secretary (and she speaks French?? Where did that come from?) shows how he chooses “safe” over “real”. That is, his smart and successful girlfriend “got him”, and he rejected her along with who he really is in favor of someone who only sees the polished version. I thought he was on the verge of being true to himself. He was about to lose everything. He gave up drinking (for like an hour, then up to only 3 a work day), and started getting up early and exercising. He considered confronting his sketchy past. This was a Draper I could get behind. But this new guy, who just wants someone to look after his kids and see him as a great man and father? I felt betrayed.
At the end of season 4, Betty and Don are more alike than we suspected…they are both chasing that dream of living “the perfect life”, which in 1965 means ignore who you are in favor of what you want people to see. I’m not a fan of Betty. She takes life’s struggles out on the most vulnerable people—her own kids. She is a sad version of a mom and wife, but this is all she has, too.
Anyway, my favorite scene was between Peggy and Joan, who normally have little tolerance for one another. They discuss the cliche of a man marrying his secretary, and that the big news that the season has focused on…(scoring a big client to pull themselves out of the financial hole the company has fallen into)…has gone practically unnoticed. Peggy saved the company, but that’s second to the main partner getting hitched.
I’m glad it’s not 1965. And I’m glad I’m not someone’s secretary, hoping to get married. At least now, we have options. Although it would be cool to have a shot of whiskey while sitting at my desk, just because I’m at work.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
I am also glad I’m not in that position to look for someone, but drinking during work hours and just having a ball, come on serious.
I agree with you exactly!! That is the charm and at the same time the worst part about the show! That 1950s era before women’s empowerment when females were submissive and the lib movement hadn’t quite taken over! It’s such an idealic time on the outside, everything so neat and clean, strong middle class, nuclear families abounding, stay at home wives, but inner turbulence was always prevelant.