Mad Men 'Six Month Leave' - Episode 9

Is he dead?
What made this week's 'Six Month Leave' so gripping is how Freddie managed to elicit empathy from Don. No mean feat but the 'There but for the grace of God go I' realisation hit Sterling's Golden boy right between the eyes.

Some people just hide in plain sight
Draper, aided by Jon Hamm's Golden Globe winning performance, gives off impression that he doesn't want to be this man he has become, he seems uncomfortable in his own clothes. Hamm has risked Don being unliked to bring Maddicts and his character on a journey worth taking and watching. I for one can't wait to see where he's bringing us next.

What's Wrong Red?
The writers have timed Don's wake-up call and avoidance of his party girls to coincide with the death of the number one party girl, Marilyn Monroe. The loss of life is always tragic but especially young life and modern generations have shared in the mourning of the former actress. However it is fascinating to see this celluloid reaction amongst the staff at Sterling Cooper. In particular Joan's tears were surprising but not when we realise that she is 'Mad Men's' Marilyn. Sexy, alluring and bright, its only naturally she is mourning her role model.

Back to the Future
We've mentioned before the numerous traits that make 'Mad Men' such compulsive viewing – such as the production value, politics and PC (or more correctly unPC) nature of the characters. However another important hook is the sociological revolution waiting around the corner. We know the outcome, the reality that is modern America and the western world but it’s the journey that is so fascinating. The human development, as seen through 'Mad Men's' characters, as much as society's – that's the real appeal of Weiner's series. Some people believe it's about the 50's more than the 60's but I think it’s more about the journey from the world of 50's values into the liberal world of the 60's and beyond, the future. What do you think?

Dining on the drama of other people's lives
The worst thing about the situation that Betty and Don have found themselves in is that Don won't come clean. His righteous act is driving Betty insane, literally. Carla was right when she said to splash a bit of water on her face and get outside. Perhaps her helping to cheer up Sarah-Beth with Mr Case is a sign that she's a changed woman – realising that for now, a male solution to a female problem might be the way forward. Unfortunately.
Taragh Loughrey-Grant

'Mad Men' is on RTÉ One, late night Mondays.