OMG, the elevator shaft, yes. I love the gun on the mantel stuff this show does. I didn't *think* that the show would do that, but I didn't *know* and that was worrisome. I mean, they ran over someone with the lawnmower, and I didn't see that coming.

I do miss Sal.

And I also think we somehow glossed over what I thought would be the changing importance of television. I thought we were going to see the weighting of importance between print and other media, and the specific people involved in those roles. We kinda are seeing it in art vs. photography. But still, I thought way back we were being set up for that shift in dynamics and it still hasn't happened.

The thing about Pete is that it's absolutely in character, I feel, and also it's fascinating that he's so competent (at being a ruthless asshole furthering his goals in the company) while he's so miserable. It's a bit of a race to the bottom, really; I'm not sure who's going to hit the point of suicide first.

are we sure it will be suicide? maybe murder? or accidental?

We're not sure of anything. But the foreshadowing of death has been pretty heavy, and lots of the referencing has been suicide related.

I just watched the episode on iTunes. Did I hallucinate that the scene where Don visited Joan happened twice? or was one from his POV and the second from hers?

I'm very confused about that.

The scene with Don and Peggy...I have to give it up to the actors, that really was painful.

The 2nd time was from her point of view (I think in memory) where we realized that Don only visited her AFTER she slept with the creep. (Because she had the emerald) .

Don is pretty much a day late and a dollar short throughout this episode.

[Edited because I hit post too soon.]

1) Don just realized now what Hec pointed out weeks ago - if Megan actually gets parts there will be long separations, and long hours when she is in NY.

2) Did he really not realize the conversation did not stop when he left the room? Apparently.

3)Don really did not realize Peggy had grown to the point that she could live without his mentoring and would leave rather than continue to be disrespected and taken for granted.

4) And he really did not get that with the deadline, if wanted to talk Joan out of sleeping with the creep that he needed to move fast? Mind you I think the chance for some power and security meant that Joan would have done it anyway. Hmm in fairness I think he did not realize soon enough that the deal was in progress - see 2) He honestly did not get (at least emotionally that a conversation could continue when he left the room.

Ok, that makes sense now; were there other screwing with the timeline scenes? The episode had a strange feel to it. Also, was anyone but me creeped out by Megan's audition?

It seemed pretty creepy to me, too.

the worst thing about it? it wasn't even the 2nd or 3rd worst thing in the episode!

I guess it just got lost in the chauvanism!

It was nice to see Freddy again, though.

I just watched. Jesus Christ on a pogostick.

I think Megan's audition was supposed to give you the creeps. "Turn around, sweetheart." It was all about women's body as commodity, tying together with Joan's storyline.

Joan's FACE in that moment when the dress was being unzipped...! I have so many feels. Mostly wanting to throw up. But mixed with other complicated stuff. There was coercion, but she chose this as well, yet there was the fact that she was put in the position to choose this in the first place, and felt compelled to go through with it. Then she stepped in the conference room the next day as a partner, but everyone in that room knew that what she had done to become one, and ACCCK. *flails*

That last scene between Peggy and Don nearly made me cry. Their scenes together have always been my favourite. For all of Don's callousness, Peggy has always been the one he trusted the most, and they've seen each other at their worst and have long recognized in each other something of a kindred spirit. I was really fucking proud of Peggy for making that incredibly emotional decision that she knew was right for her, and sticking with it with great dignity. Though I might have wibbled a bit when Don held onto her hand with his lips with a certain despairing desperation. (YOU SHOULD HAVE TREATED HER BETTER, DON, YOU ASS.) She had such a wistful look on her face as she exited, but then, that smile on her face! Oh, Peggy. I love you the best. (Man, I sure hope they find a way to keep Elizabeth Moss on the show next season. I don't know if I want to keep watching this show without her in it.)