Although the season started off somewhat tapered, "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" continues it rise to where Mad Men should be, engaging and seductive.
Betty & Sally
Yes, Betty is a terrible mother. However, I also feel that the episode does several things right with the character this episode. For one, the episode reaches out to the difficult task of raising a child who is growing older. I am no expert, but let's face it, being a mother is not any easier in the 21st century and even when you do your best, there are setbacks. Also, by cutting Sally's hair to match Betty's, it's clear that both characters are suffering on different levels. Unlike previous episodes, this episode made me see the similarity between Betty and Sally, not their differences.
Secondly, with Henry's help, Betty seeks help with Sally. Although we don't get to see Sally's reaction to most of this, we do see that Betty's response to therapy has improved. Of course, it's no coincidence that Betty opens up more to a child psychologist than one who deals with other adults. This setup gives both Sally and Betty a chance to grow, so I hope this continues.
Roger & Pete
The theme of age is an old (no pun intended) one for Roger. We get to see him from a different era, and the show continues to do what it does so well, telling a period story that reaches out to modern viewers. Roger rarely connects with me, but this episode gave the character a new layer that makes him more sympathetic.
And just as Sterling is feeling his age, Pete juxtaposes that with his growth as a man. He is, in every sense of the word, a man in his prime. Seeing a competent and responsible Pete is doing wonders for his character.
Don
I admit, Don has been surprising me this past few episodes. With the imminent death of his only lifeboat, I expected him to self-destruct. And yet, despite his shortcomings, he is handling things in a relatively steady fashion. And then there's the addition of Faye, whose presence might just bring the rest of them up to the new decade. Having Faye in the office gives Don someone who might just be able to peel his ineptitude away.
Overall, "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" is another solid episode for Mad Men. One of the show's biggest obstacles is the characters' feeling of being stuck in the mud, but I see signs of possible progression in the future. For someone who is fond of progress, I am hopeful to see how the season plays out.
Rating: 9/10
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