Mad Men 'The Gold Violin' – Episode 7

The Only Way is Up
The opening frame of this week's 'Mad Men' was a clear reminder of those post-war, booming economic times. Times that are in complete contrast to the current recessionary ones we're living in. One look at that spanking new car was enough of a reminder of the luxurious, exciting TV that lay ahead. Don ogled the 1962 Coupe deVille the way most women eye him up. Personally I'd choose a Jaguar E or X-type over promiscuous Don anyday but given the lack of Draper's expense account, I'll shelf that dream for now. Still he had to begin somewhere too and it was a pretty shocking to see the ad man styled as a dodgy salesman.

The Bad Old Days
Another quick flash back to Draper's past and as we predicted last season, it was only a matter of time before he was approached by someone looking for the alias he stole or 'borrowed'. I wonder was that the love interest of the real Draper? No doubt we'll know more next week.

Smudgy Squares or Modern Art
What did you think of Mark Rothko's painting? Modern art at its best or "Smudgy Squares"? I know he's as mad as a March hare but Cooper is bright and brilliant TV. He's certainly the wise owl of the show. If Don wasn't as scared to look in the mirror, he'd learn a lot more from the man.

The New Girl
Its a welcome surprise to see unpredictable Jane giving the lads plenty of food for thought and they're all loving it. She's a perfect match for Salvatore's humour: "Who are you?!" he asked the devilish minx. Although Joan is more than a match for any gal who gets too big for her kitten heels still Jane won the battle thanks to Roger. It'll be interesting to see who wins the war!

The Gold Violin
Salvatore inviting Kenneth Cosgrove to talk about his 'Gold Violin' (sorry couldn't resist) was a daring move. Then again, his camp personality is clear to modern audiences but easy to hide from his blinkered 60's peers. Still Kitty noticed, how could she not – she's living with the man. Although its clear he's wasting his time, Ken has made it pretty clear which side of the fence he's on, as Jane knows only too well.

Grin and Barrett
He might be a rude pig but Jimmy Barrett is not as dumb as he looks. Just when it looked as if Don dating Bobbi was about to be followed by his wife dating her husband – the clown rips off his mask to reveal the wolf underneath. Betty of course is the real victim of the whole ugly crude situation…well her and the Cadillac.

Environmentally Unfriendly
Aside from the obvious changes with regards to views on race, religion, politics and economy, 'Mad Men's' true success is highlighting all the small but hugely significant changes. Such as the stop-the-traffic moment when Don littered the great outdoors with his empty beer can. The second I took a sharp in-breath, I was reminded of the show's genius. Cannot wait to see what action Betty is going to take next week, I've a feeling this is one night she's not going to sweep under their already bulging carpet.

Taragh Loughrey-Grant

P.s. Anyone notice Don unbuttoning his jacket twice during the briefing on the new generation focus group? A rare 'Mad Men' slip.