I saw these fancy Mangalitsa pork chops at Cookbook, a gourmet food store in Echo Park near where Mark and I live. They were really expensive but I have been obsessed with only eating fancy meat lately so I went for it. It was a little difficult to find a recipe, this breed of pig has much more marbling than traditional American pork, I read that it should be cooked slower for longer. Anyway this recipe turned out great. You can find the original here. The meat was much more flavorful than the pork I am used to and the apple, onion, and sage was the perfect accompaniment. The apple was especially delicious after roasting in pork fat. There was some fat we trimmed off the edges of the chop after cooking that I put in the freezer, I'm dreaming of a future recipe where we render it and use it to flavor something...
1 Mangalitsa pork chop
1 small onion, diced
sage leaves
1 small apple peeled, cored, and sliced (I used fuji because I had it on hand)
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
2. Wash and pat dry chop thoroughly with paper towel. Lightly salt and pepper and let sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Add a small amount of oil to a small, heavy oven-proof skillet. Over medium-high heat, sear chop for about 30 seconds on each side to brown, then remove from skillet.
4. Turn heat down to medium and add 1 small sliced onion with several sage leaves cut or torn into smaller pieces. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally until browned lightly and beginning to soften. Add 1 small apple, peeled, cored and sliced. Cook for a few minutes to warm apple, then remove pan from burner to cool several minutes.
Add chop to pan and settle into onions and apple. Cover, and place in oven for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees (the USDA’s benchmark for safety).
5. Remove skillet from oven, remove chop to a plate, and place skillet back on burner on medium-high heat for a few minutes until juices are reduced, then serve with chop.
Showing posts with label Mad Men. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mad Men. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Artichoke and Red Pepper Salad
This recipe again comes from Ina Garten. I tweaked it a little because I didn't want to make as much. I made about the same amount of dressing but didn't use it all.
Ingredients:
2 red peppers
2 boxes of frozen artichokes (defrosted)
Extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper
1 shallot
dijon mustard
lemon juice
champagne vinegar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
capers
red onion
parsley
First to roast the red peppers, coat with olive oil and place on a sheet pan and roast at 500F for about 35 minutes. Be careful to line the pan with foil. When done, let the peppers cool, then peel and set aside
Lay the artichokes out an a sheet pan and roast at 375. Toss with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast about 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Separa
To make the dressing, chop the shallot and put in a food processor ( I cheated and gave it a few pulses in the food processor). Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon, 1 tablespoon vinegar and a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Pulse, then add the basil and while the processor is going, slowly add 1/2 cup olive oil.
Put the artichokes in a bowl and coat with dressing. Add 2 tablespoons of capers and half a chopped red onion. Cut up the red pepper and add. Roughly chop a handful of fresh parsley and add. Toss and serve.
Ingredients:
2 red peppers
2 boxes of frozen artichokes (defrosted)
Extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper
1 shallot
dijon mustard
lemon juice
champagne vinegar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
capers
red onion
parsley
First to roast the red peppers, coat with olive oil and place on a sheet pan and roast at 500F for about 35 minutes. Be careful to line the pan with foil. When done, let the peppers cool, then peel and set aside
Lay the artichokes out an a sheet pan and roast at 375. Toss with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast about 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Separa
To make the dressing, chop the shallot and put in a food processor ( I cheated and gave it a few pulses in the food processor). Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon, 1 tablespoon vinegar and a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Pulse, then add the basil and while the processor is going, slowly add 1/2 cup olive oil.
Put the artichokes in a bowl and coat with dressing. Add 2 tablespoons of capers and half a chopped red onion. Cut up the red pepper and add. Roughly chop a handful of fresh parsley and add. Toss and serve.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Baked Potato with Yogurt / Sour Cream Dressing
This was another Ina Garten recipe and it's really easy!
Ingredients:
2 Baking Potatoes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Sat
Pepper
Greek Yogurt
Sour Cream
Chopped Chives
Preheat the oven to 400F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and rub with the olive oil, then salt and pepper each side. Bake for an hour or until tender.
The sauce is just one part greek yogurt, one part sour cream, salted and peppered to taste and with a handful of the chives.
Crack open the potatoes and dollop the sauce on top.
Ingredients:
2 Baking Potatoes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Sat
Pepper
Greek Yogurt
Sour Cream
Chopped Chives
Preheat the oven to 400F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and rub with the olive oil, then salt and pepper each side. Bake for an hour or until tender.
The sauce is just one part greek yogurt, one part sour cream, salted and peppered to taste and with a handful of the chives.
Crack open the potatoes and dollop the sauce on top.
Meatloaf
Mark here...I got this recipe from Nigella Lawson and honestly it's the best meatloaf I've ever made/had. Key to it I think is using good ground meat and duck fat. I've tried other recipes involving different meats and none compared to this.
Ingredients:
2lbs ground beef ( I believe we used sirloin from our neighborhood butcher, McCall's)
duck fat (the original recipe calls for 5 tablespoons, I was quite liberal and eyeballed it)
4 eggs
4 onions
bacon
kosher salt
breadcrumbs (I used store bought)
Worcestershire sauce
Preheat the oven to 400F. Boil 3 eggs in water for 7 minutes. Peel and chop the onions and heat the duck fat in a large pan. Once heated add the onions and lightly brown, then remove from heat and let cool.
Separately add a tablespoon of worcestershire to the meat. Add the (cooled) onion mixture to the meat and add about a cup and a half of breadcrumbs (I eyeballed this as well as I was using store bought and did not want my meatloaf to get too dense). Finally, crack the last egg into this. Gently mix with hands, trying not to let the mixture get too dense.
Separate the meat in 2, and mold one part into the bottom of the meatloaf on a sheet pan or roasting tray. Peel the boiled eggs and nestle them in a row (on their sides) on the bottom meat portion. Then gently apply the top portion of meat over the eggs and mold the entire thing into a meatloaf. Be careful not to break the eggs as they may still have soft centers.
Wrap the whole meatloaf in bacon, trying to tuck the bacon so it won't curl up. Put it in the oven for an hour or until juices are clear, then slice and serve.
Ingredients:
2lbs ground beef ( I believe we used sirloin from our neighborhood butcher, McCall's)
duck fat (the original recipe calls for 5 tablespoons, I was quite liberal and eyeballed it)
4 eggs
4 onions
bacon
kosher salt
breadcrumbs (I used store bought)
Worcestershire sauce
Preheat the oven to 400F. Boil 3 eggs in water for 7 minutes. Peel and chop the onions and heat the duck fat in a large pan. Once heated add the onions and lightly brown, then remove from heat and let cool.
Separately add a tablespoon of worcestershire to the meat. Add the (cooled) onion mixture to the meat and add about a cup and a half of breadcrumbs (I eyeballed this as well as I was using store bought and did not want my meatloaf to get too dense). Finally, crack the last egg into this. Gently mix with hands, trying not to let the mixture get too dense.
Separate the meat in 2, and mold one part into the bottom of the meatloaf on a sheet pan or roasting tray. Peel the boiled eggs and nestle them in a row (on their sides) on the bottom meat portion. Then gently apply the top portion of meat over the eggs and mold the entire thing into a meatloaf. Be careful not to break the eggs as they may still have soft centers.
Wrap the whole meatloaf in bacon, trying to tuck the bacon so it won't curl up. Put it in the oven for an hour or until juices are clear, then slice and serve.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Sautéed Kale
Mark here... This recipe is a bit inspired by a recipe from the "2 Fat Ladies" The original recipe uses swiss chard and real anchovies...
Ingredients:
Butter
Kale
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Anchovy Paste
Lemon Juice
First, I used about half of a bunch of kale (and had leftovers), cut the thick stems out from the leafy parts. Chop both the stems and the leaves but keep them separate, they cook at different times.
I melted about 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add maybe 2 inches of anchovy paste and 3 garlic cloves (sliced). Cook another minute. Add the cut stems and about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Stir and cover. Turn the heat down slightly so the stems steam and don't burn. Check on them but it should take about 10 min., Once they are soft, add the leaves, some lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and stir. It should only take a couple minutes until the leaves wilt and cook, then its ready to serve.
Ingredients:
Butter
Kale
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Anchovy Paste
Lemon Juice
First, I used about half of a bunch of kale (and had leftovers), cut the thick stems out from the leafy parts. Chop both the stems and the leaves but keep them separate, they cook at different times.
I melted about 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add maybe 2 inches of anchovy paste and 3 garlic cloves (sliced). Cook another minute. Add the cut stems and about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Stir and cover. Turn the heat down slightly so the stems steam and don't burn. Check on them but it should take about 10 min., Once they are soft, add the leaves, some lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and stir. It should only take a couple minutes until the leaves wilt and cook, then its ready to serve.
Seafood Newberg
Mark here... I originally saw this recipe on an episode of Food Network's show Party Line with the Hearty Boys. After watching the Mad Men episode where Betty Draper orders it, I thought it would be appropriate. Laurel doesn't eat shellfish (though I think some day I may be able to get her to try scallops) so I tried to find a firmer fish to substitute. In this case I used Sea Bass and Halibut. I also made more than enough and was able to give leftovers to friends.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs of fish (Sea Bass and Halibut in this case)
Salt
10 Black Peppercorns
2 Bay Leaves
1 Large Shallot, chopped
4 tablespoons of flour
butter
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cayenne
2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
tomato paste
dry sherry
parsley
asparagus
salt
pepper
olive oil
white rice
First poach the fish in boiling water with about a teaspoon of salt, the bay leaves and the peppercorns, for about 2 minutes.
In a separate pan, heat the milk, cream and add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Do not let it boil, but bring to a simmer.
In a large sauce pan, sauté the shallot in 4 tablespoons butter for a few minutes, until shallot softens but doesn't brown. Then add the flour. Let the flour cook about a minute then add the spices (paprika, curry, nutmeg and cayenne). Add 1/4 cup of the sherry, and let the alcohol cook off. Slowly add the milk and cream mixture to this. Finally, cube and add the fish.
Serve over white rice with a side of roasted asparagus (I just tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted on a sheet pan for about 15 min). Top with chopped parsley.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs of fish (Sea Bass and Halibut in this case)
Salt
10 Black Peppercorns
2 Bay Leaves
1 Large Shallot, chopped
4 tablespoons of flour
butter
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cayenne
2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
tomato paste
dry sherry
parsley
asparagus
salt
pepper
olive oil
white rice
First poach the fish in boiling water with about a teaspoon of salt, the bay leaves and the peppercorns, for about 2 minutes.
In a separate pan, heat the milk, cream and add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Do not let it boil, but bring to a simmer.
In a large sauce pan, sauté the shallot in 4 tablespoons butter for a few minutes, until shallot softens but doesn't brown. Then add the flour. Let the flour cook about a minute then add the spices (paprika, curry, nutmeg and cayenne). Add 1/4 cup of the sherry, and let the alcohol cook off. Slowly add the milk and cream mixture to this. Finally, cube and add the fish.
Serve over white rice with a side of roasted asparagus (I just tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted on a sheet pan for about 15 min). Top with chopped parsley.
Farfalle Abruzzese
This recipe was from Mario Batali. His original recipe called for ground veal. I couldn't find any and had to go with ground beef. While the result was definitely tasty, I think the veal would've been better.
Ingredients:
3 oz dried porcini mushrooms soaked in hot water to rehydrate
olive oil
5 thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or veal)
salt
pepper
tomato paste
white wine
basic tomato sauce I used Mark Bittman, which can be found under the Eggplant Parmesan posting)
1 box farfalle
8 oz baby spimach
grated parmesan
First drain (set 1 cup of liquid aside) the mushrooms and chop them. In a large pan, add olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) and heat over medium high. Add garlic and cook a minute, then add mushrooms and the meat. Cook until browned evenly. Add salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then cook another 5 minutes. Add a cup of white wine and the mushroom liquid. Cook until wine has evaporated and then simmer.
Cook the farfalle in boiling salted water, drop one ladle of the pasta water into the sauce, then add the spinach to the sauce. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing it through. At this point I added some grated parmesan and let it melt through and then added sprinkled some more on each of our plates after serving.
Ingredients:
3 oz dried porcini mushrooms soaked in hot water to rehydrate
olive oil
5 thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or veal)
salt
pepper
tomato paste
white wine
basic tomato sauce I used Mark Bittman, which can be found under the Eggplant Parmesan posting)
1 box farfalle
8 oz baby spimach
grated parmesan
First drain (set 1 cup of liquid aside) the mushrooms and chop them. In a large pan, add olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) and heat over medium high. Add garlic and cook a minute, then add mushrooms and the meat. Cook until browned evenly. Add salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then cook another 5 minutes. Add a cup of white wine and the mushroom liquid. Cook until wine has evaporated and then simmer.
Cook the farfalle in boiling salted water, drop one ladle of the pasta water into the sauce, then add the spinach to the sauce. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing it through. At this point I added some grated parmesan and let it melt through and then added sprinkled some more on each of our plates after serving.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Baked Stuffed Potatoes
Mark here...this recipe was my contribution to the Mad Men pilot night...I believe I may have re-appropriated a Tyler Florence recipe
Ingredients:
2 Baking Potatoes
White Truffle Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
Bacon
Chopped Broccoli
Butter
Flour
Milk
Grated Cheddar
Chives
Preheat the oven to 400. Coat the 2 potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper and bake for about an hour.
While the potatoes are baking, chop the bacon and fry in a frying pan. Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for about a minute or two.
To make the filling, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large sauce pan. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and cook another minute. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the milk slowly. Then add about 1/4 cup of grated cheddar. Add the bacon, broccoli and chives.
At this point, when the potatoes are done, I just cut them in half, scooped out some filling and mixed it with the sauce. Then I re-filled the potatoes, topped with some more cheddar and baked a couple more minutes.
Ingredients:
2 Baking Potatoes
White Truffle Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
Bacon
Chopped Broccoli
Butter
Flour
Milk
Grated Cheddar
Chives
Preheat the oven to 400. Coat the 2 potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper and bake for about an hour.
While the potatoes are baking, chop the bacon and fry in a frying pan. Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for about a minute or two.
To make the filling, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large sauce pan. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and cook another minute. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the milk slowly. Then add about 1/4 cup of grated cheddar. Add the bacon, broccoli and chives.
At this point, when the potatoes are done, I just cut them in half, scooped out some filling and mixed it with the sauce. Then I re-filled the potatoes, topped with some more cheddar and baked a couple more minutes.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Wheel
Mark here...Laurel and I have finally gotten around to watching the last episode of Season One of "Mad Men". Laurel was on dinner this time and made a delicious (and show-appropriate) pot roast, green beans and double baked stuffed potatoes.
On to the episode, as season finales go this was a good one. At the end I was left wanting more. There weren't any cliffhangers per se, but there was plenty to chew on. For one, we see Don finally starting to appreciate married life. There are signs during the whole episode that he is having an internal struggle. He tries to track down the step brother who visited him earlier in the season (who he totally blew off with a cash payment, and a directive to never contact him again). He finds out the brother hung himself, which we had found out earlier. He also is pitching a campaign for Kodak's slide projector (the carousel) and does so showing his own family slides (immediate family of him, Betty and the kids) and this triggers an emotional response not only from the client, but it's clear from Don himself. Ironically, Betty's subplot is that she is finally suspecting the possibility that Don is cheating on her. She does discover that her psychiatrist has been talking to Don. In a bit of a twist, she uses her next session to say all the things she is afraid to say to Don. It's very revealing as it's the first time we see Betty opening up about her suspicions and general feelings for Don.
One other subplot I found interesting was with Peggy. We see her picking actresses for a radio commercial (and being totally brutal and insensitive about it). The overall impression is that she has really moved forward from just being a secretary. Don has noticed it too and she gets a promotion to Junior Copywriter, which causes her to become nauseous. At first we think its just nerves, but then she is in a doctor's office and we get the closest thing to a cliffhanger in the episode...Peggy was pregnant! All season, she wasn't just putting on weight. Understandably she is totally unprepared and in denial. When we fast forward to her in bed after the birth, the nurse is bringing her her son, and she turns away. It's an understandable moment, she was totally on a career path and this is exactly what she was trying to avoid. During these times, a baby would have been the quickest way to end her career. Still, what will become of this baby?
Hi Laurel here..I agree with Mark, this is such a good episode! The scene with Don pitching the carousel idea to Kodak is so powerful, this is actually one of the scenes I vividly remember from the show when I watched it the first time around.
Another notable scene in this episode is when Betty runs into Glen in a parking lot (library? post office? I didn't take note, but Glen is in the car waiting for his mom to come out). Glen informs Betty that he is not allowed to talk to her, to which she responds "I don't care". Then she totally starts crying and tells him she is just so sad and she doesn't have anyone to talk to. Inappropriate Betty! Leave Glen alone! He's just a kid! He's clearly inappropriately infatuated with you! Don't encourage him! Don't dump your grown up problems on a kid! It's just so wrong on so many levels. She says to him "just tell me I'm gonna be ok" to which he responds "I don't know, I wish I was older". Poor Glen.
So many things to chew on...what will happen to Peggy and Pete's baby? Will Don quit philandering and spend more time with his family? Will Peggy get to be the copywriter on Clearasil? Will Betty have a nervous breakdown? Lots going on I can't wait to see what happens!
On to the episode, as season finales go this was a good one. At the end I was left wanting more. There weren't any cliffhangers per se, but there was plenty to chew on. For one, we see Don finally starting to appreciate married life. There are signs during the whole episode that he is having an internal struggle. He tries to track down the step brother who visited him earlier in the season (who he totally blew off with a cash payment, and a directive to never contact him again). He finds out the brother hung himself, which we had found out earlier. He also is pitching a campaign for Kodak's slide projector (the carousel) and does so showing his own family slides (immediate family of him, Betty and the kids) and this triggers an emotional response not only from the client, but it's clear from Don himself. Ironically, Betty's subplot is that she is finally suspecting the possibility that Don is cheating on her. She does discover that her psychiatrist has been talking to Don. In a bit of a twist, she uses her next session to say all the things she is afraid to say to Don. It's very revealing as it's the first time we see Betty opening up about her suspicions and general feelings for Don.
One other subplot I found interesting was with Peggy. We see her picking actresses for a radio commercial (and being totally brutal and insensitive about it). The overall impression is that she has really moved forward from just being a secretary. Don has noticed it too and she gets a promotion to Junior Copywriter, which causes her to become nauseous. At first we think its just nerves, but then she is in a doctor's office and we get the closest thing to a cliffhanger in the episode...Peggy was pregnant! All season, she wasn't just putting on weight. Understandably she is totally unprepared and in denial. When we fast forward to her in bed after the birth, the nurse is bringing her her son, and she turns away. It's an understandable moment, she was totally on a career path and this is exactly what she was trying to avoid. During these times, a baby would have been the quickest way to end her career. Still, what will become of this baby?
Hi Laurel here..I agree with Mark, this is such a good episode! The scene with Don pitching the carousel idea to Kodak is so powerful, this is actually one of the scenes I vividly remember from the show when I watched it the first time around.
Another notable scene in this episode is when Betty runs into Glen in a parking lot (library? post office? I didn't take note, but Glen is in the car waiting for his mom to come out). Glen informs Betty that he is not allowed to talk to her, to which she responds "I don't care". Then she totally starts crying and tells him she is just so sad and she doesn't have anyone to talk to. Inappropriate Betty! Leave Glen alone! He's just a kid! He's clearly inappropriately infatuated with you! Don't encourage him! Don't dump your grown up problems on a kid! It's just so wrong on so many levels. She says to him "just tell me I'm gonna be ok" to which he responds "I don't know, I wish I was older". Poor Glen.
So many things to chew on...what will happen to Peggy and Pete's baby? Will Don quit philandering and spend more time with his family? Will Peggy get to be the copywriter on Clearasil? Will Betty have a nervous breakdown? Lots going on I can't wait to see what happens!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Nixon vs Kennedy
Hi Laurel here...This episode we see the office having a party for the election returns, among other things...
After all the higher ups leave (Don, Cooper) we see all of the other office people hanging out for the election returns. When they runout of booze early on they convince Joan to break into the supply closet of which the only surplus is creme de menthe. They put it into a 5 gallon water cooler and go to town...with disasterous results. Many employees stay over, but the ones who didn't come int he next morning to find a disheveled office and green barf in the trash cans.
Also we learn so much about Don's past this episode..it turns out he swapped identities with a fellow soldier who died in a freak accident while they were both at a hospital base camp by themselves. When the real Don Draper dies, Dick Whitman (who we know as Don) seizes the opportunity to switch dog tags and become a new person...Dick Whitman is dead, Don Draper lives anew. I get it why Dick wanted to take on a new identity, but I feel like he sort of handles things terribly. The new Don Draper is assigned with taking dead Dick Whitman home. When his family comes to meet the casket, former Dick Whitman (who we now know as Don) refuses to get off the train and avoids his former family completely, leaving them to believe he is dead. When Dick's brother finds him 10 years later (in an earlier episode) Dick/Don just shuts him down and refuses to acknowledge his former brother. How is he going to handle this with the real Don Draper's surviving family? Time will tell.
Pete knows all about this due to his snooping into Don's mail..he intercepts a package from Dick/Don's brother with pictures and other evidence about his past. But when he tries to rat Dick/Don out to Cooper, Cooper's attitude is...who fucking cares? I don't know if it is because Don has been so successful at the agency or because he is a war veteran himself, either way, the secret identity doesn't bother him. It bothers him more that snively Pete was a tattletale.
Mark here...I agree with Laurel's assessment of the episode. One thing we haven't ever mentioned is how good the show is about providing a historical context. Granted, these guys are all Nixon guys but it's nice to see the way the election plays out. It's clearly a tight election, and we see the night play out as such. In the beginning the staff is celebrating (on creme de menthe...ooof!), but slowly the hangover takes over, at the same time as Kennedy is declared the winner.
One thing I missed, which Laurel pointed out to me, was that Don's secret brother commits suicide at the beginning of the episode, before sending him the package that Pete attempts to black mail him with. We don't know yet if Don knows about the suicide. It's a tragic storyline though, as we learn Don's past. He clearly wants to be rid of the past he grew up with. In the previous episode we learned (via his conversation with Rebecca Menkin) that he's the son of a prostitute and a man who passed away...leaving him in the custody of the man's wife. Understandably (during the times), the wife is none to thrilled to be stuck with young Don. The brother was the one link left to this life...but clearly the brother didn't grow up able to blend into Don's new life, so Don banished him. This crushed the brother, as he had held on to his last memories of Don.
Another interesting storyline is when Don's history is going to be revealed (via Pete), before going to Cooper, Don goes to Rebecca and wants to run away. She has wanted this, but is no fool. She realizes he wants to run away, with or without her. This isn't what she wanted, so she turns him away...
After all the higher ups leave (Don, Cooper) we see all of the other office people hanging out for the election returns. When they runout of booze early on they convince Joan to break into the supply closet of which the only surplus is creme de menthe. They put it into a 5 gallon water cooler and go to town...with disasterous results. Many employees stay over, but the ones who didn't come int he next morning to find a disheveled office and green barf in the trash cans.
Also we learn so much about Don's past this episode..it turns out he swapped identities with a fellow soldier who died in a freak accident while they were both at a hospital base camp by themselves. When the real Don Draper dies, Dick Whitman (who we know as Don) seizes the opportunity to switch dog tags and become a new person...Dick Whitman is dead, Don Draper lives anew. I get it why Dick wanted to take on a new identity, but I feel like he sort of handles things terribly. The new Don Draper is assigned with taking dead Dick Whitman home. When his family comes to meet the casket, former Dick Whitman (who we now know as Don) refuses to get off the train and avoids his former family completely, leaving them to believe he is dead. When Dick's brother finds him 10 years later (in an earlier episode) Dick/Don just shuts him down and refuses to acknowledge his former brother. How is he going to handle this with the real Don Draper's surviving family? Time will tell.
Pete knows all about this due to his snooping into Don's mail..he intercepts a package from Dick/Don's brother with pictures and other evidence about his past. But when he tries to rat Dick/Don out to Cooper, Cooper's attitude is...who fucking cares? I don't know if it is because Don has been so successful at the agency or because he is a war veteran himself, either way, the secret identity doesn't bother him. It bothers him more that snively Pete was a tattletale.
Mark here...I agree with Laurel's assessment of the episode. One thing we haven't ever mentioned is how good the show is about providing a historical context. Granted, these guys are all Nixon guys but it's nice to see the way the election plays out. It's clearly a tight election, and we see the night play out as such. In the beginning the staff is celebrating (on creme de menthe...ooof!), but slowly the hangover takes over, at the same time as Kennedy is declared the winner.
One thing I missed, which Laurel pointed out to me, was that Don's secret brother commits suicide at the beginning of the episode, before sending him the package that Pete attempts to black mail him with. We don't know yet if Don knows about the suicide. It's a tragic storyline though, as we learn Don's past. He clearly wants to be rid of the past he grew up with. In the previous episode we learned (via his conversation with Rebecca Menkin) that he's the son of a prostitute and a man who passed away...leaving him in the custody of the man's wife. Understandably (during the times), the wife is none to thrilled to be stuck with young Don. The brother was the one link left to this life...but clearly the brother didn't grow up able to blend into Don's new life, so Don banished him. This crushed the brother, as he had held on to his last memories of Don.
Another interesting storyline is when Don's history is going to be revealed (via Pete), before going to Cooper, Don goes to Rebecca and wants to run away. She has wanted this, but is no fool. She realizes he wants to run away, with or without her. This isn't what she wanted, so she turns him away...
Indian Summer
Mark here... We're on to the next episode of "Mad Men", called "Indian Summer". It's called this because there's a heat wave. We get to see Roger returning to the office after his heart attack the previous episode, a bit prematurely it ends up. He has an episode in front of a client. This works out in the positive for Don, who ends up being promoted to partner, to assure clients that its business as usual. Pete is obviously unhappy with this turn of events, and by the end of the episode takes action. In the beginning we see Don's secret brother sending him a package. At the end of the episode Pete goes into Don's office and intercepts its delivery, we'll see where that leads...
Separately, Peggy is moving ahead in her career when the boys in the office choose to give her another product to write copy for. It's a device which is supposed to help women lose weight, however, when Peggy uses it, its clear it has more sexual benefits. Peggy comes up with some cheeky copy and is rewarded for it. But clearly, the reason they gave Peggy the job has to do with her weight gain...suddenly Peggy is looking a bit rounder.... Given the times, it's easy to understand why she might think she's just put on some weight. She goes on a date with a working class guy and it's clear she has her sights set on fast-paced Manhattan and wants a man from that world.
As a subplot, which touches on the weightless/masturbator device, Betty is left at home clearly unfulfilled. She has a tempting visit from an air conditioning salesman, but sends him away...though she is clearly tempted with an affair. Later we see her grinding up against a washing machine during spin cycle! Driving home the message that Betty is young, sexual and not getting what she needs! Of course Don is too tired when he gets home! He's still fooling around with Rebecca Menkin, who herself is imagining a future with Don. Don is getting exactly what he needs, he has no intention of settling down with Rebecca, he has his family picture life and doesn't need another...
Laurel here..I agree with Mark on all points. Peggy is a genius! We see her discover that the "rejuvenator" device is not really about weight loss, but about ladies having some, um, personal time. She comes up with the name, and copy that makes it sound like you can make women feel invigorated whenever they want, without saying what that really means. Now women have a lot of means for sexual fulfillment on their own but at the time women weren't educated about that kind of stuff and Peggy handles this obstacle perfectly.
I think it's also important to note that when Betty is grinding against the washing machine she is fantasizing about the air conditioning guy, not Don. He needs to stop spreading his sexuality around elsewhere so much and start spreading some of it around at home.
Separately, Peggy is moving ahead in her career when the boys in the office choose to give her another product to write copy for. It's a device which is supposed to help women lose weight, however, when Peggy uses it, its clear it has more sexual benefits. Peggy comes up with some cheeky copy and is rewarded for it. But clearly, the reason they gave Peggy the job has to do with her weight gain...suddenly Peggy is looking a bit rounder.... Given the times, it's easy to understand why she might think she's just put on some weight. She goes on a date with a working class guy and it's clear she has her sights set on fast-paced Manhattan and wants a man from that world.
As a subplot, which touches on the weightless/masturbator device, Betty is left at home clearly unfulfilled. She has a tempting visit from an air conditioning salesman, but sends him away...though she is clearly tempted with an affair. Later we see her grinding up against a washing machine during spin cycle! Driving home the message that Betty is young, sexual and not getting what she needs! Of course Don is too tired when he gets home! He's still fooling around with Rebecca Menkin, who herself is imagining a future with Don. Don is getting exactly what he needs, he has no intention of settling down with Rebecca, he has his family picture life and doesn't need another...
Laurel here..I agree with Mark on all points. Peggy is a genius! We see her discover that the "rejuvenator" device is not really about weight loss, but about ladies having some, um, personal time. She comes up with the name, and copy that makes it sound like you can make women feel invigorated whenever they want, without saying what that really means. Now women have a lot of means for sexual fulfillment on their own but at the time women weren't educated about that kind of stuff and Peggy handles this obstacle perfectly.
I think it's also important to note that when Betty is grinding against the washing machine she is fantasizing about the air conditioning guy, not Don. He needs to stop spreading his sexuality around elsewhere so much and start spreading some of it around at home.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Shoot
Hi...Laurel here. This episode Don was being courted by another agency. The boss of the other place cornered him at the intermission of an opera and offered him a job at a bigger more prominent agency. An offer which he backed up by casting Betty in a coca cola print ad. Of course Betty buys into this thinking that he is offering her the job based on her good looks but we come to find out that it was all just part of the ploy to poach Don. Poor Betty. Again.
Roger hears of the courting and responds by offering Don more money to stay at Sterling Cooper, and Don accepts. Of course Betty's coca cola contract is terminated at this point. wah wah.
Also in this episode the buzz around the office is that Peggy is putting on a lot of weight. We are left wondering if she is putting on weight because she is getting complacent at the office or is there some larger factor to consider? Either way Joan loans her and extra outfit that she has hanging around the office for just these type of situations. Of course Joan has a contingency plan for every situation secretarial...
Mark here...to touch on what Laurel said, I think we get a good idea of how Joan is way more worldly than Peggy. At one point Peggy thinks Joan is being bitchy to her, when actually Joan is trying to help her. Clearly, Joan has been around the office more and has good advice to give.
Separately, Betty has thrown all her eggs into this one basket of a deal modeling, when she lacks the business savvy to realize the offer is really more about her husband. It's too bad too because the art staff clearly likes working with her and accepts her as a professional, but when she's dropped she loses her nerve and is willing to go back to being a housewife. Don for his part is actually quite accepting of her choices, although he's unwilling to tell her to keep pursuing modeling. At the end of the episode we start to see Betty really unraveling. She's taking to shooting pigeons with a rifle in the yard. The pigeons are ones the neighbor has been feeding, and she's in her nightgown (at 1:00pm) and smoking a cigarette! I'm very interested to see what happens next!
Roger hears of the courting and responds by offering Don more money to stay at Sterling Cooper, and Don accepts. Of course Betty's coca cola contract is terminated at this point. wah wah.
Also in this episode the buzz around the office is that Peggy is putting on a lot of weight. We are left wondering if she is putting on weight because she is getting complacent at the office or is there some larger factor to consider? Either way Joan loans her and extra outfit that she has hanging around the office for just these type of situations. Of course Joan has a contingency plan for every situation secretarial...
Mark here...to touch on what Laurel said, I think we get a good idea of how Joan is way more worldly than Peggy. At one point Peggy thinks Joan is being bitchy to her, when actually Joan is trying to help her. Clearly, Joan has been around the office more and has good advice to give.
Separately, Betty has thrown all her eggs into this one basket of a deal modeling, when she lacks the business savvy to realize the offer is really more about her husband. It's too bad too because the art staff clearly likes working with her and accepts her as a professional, but when she's dropped she loses her nerve and is willing to go back to being a housewife. Don for his part is actually quite accepting of her choices, although he's unwilling to tell her to keep pursuing modeling. At the end of the episode we start to see Betty really unraveling. She's taking to shooting pigeons with a rifle in the yard. The pigeons are ones the neighbor has been feeding, and she's in her nightgown (at 1:00pm) and smoking a cigarette! I'm very interested to see what happens next!
The Hobo Code
Mark here...we're on to the next episode of "Mad Men," called "The Hobo Code." This one was very interesting. It opens with Don getting a $2500 bonus from his boss. He promptly goes to his mistress with the idea of whisking her away for a weekend in Paris. She however already has people over for a beatnik pot party. Don indulges in this and we get to see flashbacks of his youth. The story shows a young Don on the farm when a traveling hobo comes looking for food and shelter. Presumably this is a flashback to Depression-era times. His father (stepfather?) is cold and uncaring to the man while his stepmother offers the man shelter and a coin. The man takes a liking to young Don and teaches his his hobo code of marking houses based on what a traveler can find there. When Don's stepfather refuses to give the man the coin he was promised, he marks the house "dishonest man lives here" with a symbol. This is clearly a formative moment for young Don. Back to the beatnik party where the other men are dismissive of Don and his advertising career. Don is unfazed by the goings on yet annoyed with them.
Separately, Peggy comes in early to work and runs into Pete Campbell, and both end up having sex in his office before anyone arrives. She interprets this as much more than him. She also is congratulated by the staff for her copywriting efforts and they all decide to go out for drinks after work. Pete shows up, but once he sees her dancing and having a good time, disappoints her by telling her "I don't like you like this." Peggy is clearly upset and its not hard to see why. She's clearly invested more in this relationship, thinking her self the "other woman" who understands Pete. Meanwhile, Pete is an asshole who has bought into his life only to be disappointed. Peggy is just a bit of instant gratification to him.
One more interesting subplot is with Salvatore, the art dept. head. He makes plans to show up at the bar with everyone else. A new, young girl working the phones has shown interest in him, but along the way he meets another man at the bar. He clearly loses track of time as both are enjoying each other's company, but once things veer towards the romantic he freaks out. Its interesting because he was clearly ok with the scenario until it became a reality. Once it did, he had to go back to the facade life he had constructed.
Hi Laurel here, I once again agree with Mark on all counts. Not much to add except I really love this particular episode. We get to see some inside scoop on the agency (with the Peggy stuff and the Salvatore stuff) AND we get some info about Don's secret past. I just would also like to mention it becomes clear in this episode that while Don has a secret past, he seems to acknowledge his secret self in some way...he seems to acknowledge that his current life is a smokescreen while he still lives out his true self (even though we don't really know who that is yet) by having a beatnik girlfriend, a slovenly boss, a drunken dysfunctional workplace, and he's fine with it. Salvatore on the other hand is so into living his lie that he cant even acknowledge that when another man hits on him it might be something that he's into...
I also thought the "hobo code" was especially poignant in this episode. The fact that the eloquent hobo from Don's youth left the mark of a dishonest man on his family farm's front fence is obviously a very important moment in Don's formative years. The hobo also treated him as if he was part of the hobo brotherhood, which to this day he has obviously taken to heart.
Separately, Peggy comes in early to work and runs into Pete Campbell, and both end up having sex in his office before anyone arrives. She interprets this as much more than him. She also is congratulated by the staff for her copywriting efforts and they all decide to go out for drinks after work. Pete shows up, but once he sees her dancing and having a good time, disappoints her by telling her "I don't like you like this." Peggy is clearly upset and its not hard to see why. She's clearly invested more in this relationship, thinking her self the "other woman" who understands Pete. Meanwhile, Pete is an asshole who has bought into his life only to be disappointed. Peggy is just a bit of instant gratification to him.
One more interesting subplot is with Salvatore, the art dept. head. He makes plans to show up at the bar with everyone else. A new, young girl working the phones has shown interest in him, but along the way he meets another man at the bar. He clearly loses track of time as both are enjoying each other's company, but once things veer towards the romantic he freaks out. Its interesting because he was clearly ok with the scenario until it became a reality. Once it did, he had to go back to the facade life he had constructed.
Hi Laurel here, I once again agree with Mark on all counts. Not much to add except I really love this particular episode. We get to see some inside scoop on the agency (with the Peggy stuff and the Salvatore stuff) AND we get some info about Don's secret past. I just would also like to mention it becomes clear in this episode that while Don has a secret past, he seems to acknowledge his secret self in some way...he seems to acknowledge that his current life is a smokescreen while he still lives out his true self (even though we don't really know who that is yet) by having a beatnik girlfriend, a slovenly boss, a drunken dysfunctional workplace, and he's fine with it. Salvatore on the other hand is so into living his lie that he cant even acknowledge that when another man hits on him it might be something that he's into...
I also thought the "hobo code" was especially poignant in this episode. The fact that the eloquent hobo from Don's youth left the mark of a dishonest man on his family farm's front fence is obviously a very important moment in Don's formative years. The hobo also treated him as if he was part of the hobo brotherhood, which to this day he has obviously taken to heart.
Red In The Face
Mark here...Laurel and I have just watched the next episode of "Mad Men", this one is called "Red in the Face." For this meal, I made us a meatloaf, which seemed appropriately retro, along with baked potatoes with a yogurt and sour cream chive dressing and steamed green beans, so a pretty 60s-ish meal?
Anyway this episode is heavy on the sexism, specifically the depravity of some of the guys. For starters, Roger Sterling, Don's boss and friend (I guess), finagles a dinner invite from Don after drinks (after work). Betty was only expecting Don so is forced to settle for an iceberg lettuce salad herself. Roger picks a moment when Don is out of the room to hit on Betty. Don walks in and suspects something, but instead of confronting Roger, waits until he leaves and blames Betty. The next day at the office, Roger makes a tortured roundabout apology without being specific, but we can tell Don's pissed. And at the end of the episode, he gets his revenge by taking Roger to a big lunch, multiple rounds of drinks and oysters. After lunch, Don has paid the bellboy to put an "out of order" sign in front of the elevator, forcing them to walk up however many flights of stairs. Roger, being a chronic drinker and smoker, as well as older than Don, can barely manage this. When he reaches the top, he throws up in front of the client they were scheduled to meet. Then we see a sly smile form Don and it becomes clear the whole thing was his subtle revenge. From the look on Roger's face, he realizes it too.
There is also a bit of a subplot with Pete Campbell, who's also a piece of work. His wife has asked him to return a wedding gift, and he's clearly resentful of having to do so. He ends up buying himself something with the money. Along the way, he harasses the returns girl. He also makes a point of telling a deranged story to Peggy, who remains infatuated with him, despite the fact that he seems psychotic!
Laurel here...something to add about dinner...Marks meatloaf is AMAZING! Also it has hard cooked eggs in the middle which I feel like makes it especially retro. When I eventually post the photos you will see...also it was wrapped in bacon!?! Double amazing.
I agree with Mark on all counts about the episode. The other noteworthy thing in this episode was a situation in the market between Betty Draper and her neighbor. Helen Bishop, she is the single mom that Betty helped out by going over to babysit last minute when her babysitter cancelled? Supposedly she was going to volunteer for the Kennedy campaign but Mark and I both thought that she was possibly going out on a date. Anyway, this weird thing happened where her son, Glen, who is 9 but seems like he is going to hit puberty any day now, walked in on Betty in the bathroom, when he knew she was in there, and lingered. She got really upset with him but then felt bad because this kid was obviously obsessed with her. He asked for a lock of her hair, and Betty gave it to him. Mark and I both thought this was inappropriate but not that big of a deal. She was trying to do something nice after she reamed him for the bathroom thing. Also we are coming to learn that Betty seeks male approval to validate herself. She says to her other neighbor friend, "as long as I keep getting that attention from men I am earning my keep."
Anyway like I said Mark and I both thought it was inappropriate, and the mom did too. When they run into each other in the grocery store the mom confronts Betty about it (and kind of makes too big of a deal out of it) and Betty ends up slapping her in front of everyone! Now of course the whole neighborhood is going to hear about it. Poor Betty.
Also I just wanted to elaborate on what Mark said about Peggy. I feel like she is trying so hard to be a modern woman who casts aside traditional gender roles that she continues to have a somewhat inappropriate relationship with Pete. She is definitely infatuated with him but I feel like she indulges it a little too much because she is trying so hard to be a modern woman who bucks convention. She thinks that carrying on with a married man somehow empowers her, makes her different than the other gals...she's not just a secretary, she does what she wants...
What I took away from this episode is how women really had it hard at the time. When some smarmy guy flirts with you, you're supposed to just smile and laugh and politely put him off. Like for example your husband's boss. Also women are expected to "earn their keep" by being beautiful and living up to men's expectations for them to be trophy wives, baby machines, sex objects, and meal makers. Tough times for the ladies.
Anyway this episode is heavy on the sexism, specifically the depravity of some of the guys. For starters, Roger Sterling, Don's boss and friend (I guess), finagles a dinner invite from Don after drinks (after work). Betty was only expecting Don so is forced to settle for an iceberg lettuce salad herself. Roger picks a moment when Don is out of the room to hit on Betty. Don walks in and suspects something, but instead of confronting Roger, waits until he leaves and blames Betty. The next day at the office, Roger makes a tortured roundabout apology without being specific, but we can tell Don's pissed. And at the end of the episode, he gets his revenge by taking Roger to a big lunch, multiple rounds of drinks and oysters. After lunch, Don has paid the bellboy to put an "out of order" sign in front of the elevator, forcing them to walk up however many flights of stairs. Roger, being a chronic drinker and smoker, as well as older than Don, can barely manage this. When he reaches the top, he throws up in front of the client they were scheduled to meet. Then we see a sly smile form Don and it becomes clear the whole thing was his subtle revenge. From the look on Roger's face, he realizes it too.
There is also a bit of a subplot with Pete Campbell, who's also a piece of work. His wife has asked him to return a wedding gift, and he's clearly resentful of having to do so. He ends up buying himself something with the money. Along the way, he harasses the returns girl. He also makes a point of telling a deranged story to Peggy, who remains infatuated with him, despite the fact that he seems psychotic!
Laurel here...something to add about dinner...Marks meatloaf is AMAZING! Also it has hard cooked eggs in the middle which I feel like makes it especially retro. When I eventually post the photos you will see...also it was wrapped in bacon!?! Double amazing.
I agree with Mark on all counts about the episode. The other noteworthy thing in this episode was a situation in the market between Betty Draper and her neighbor. Helen Bishop, she is the single mom that Betty helped out by going over to babysit last minute when her babysitter cancelled? Supposedly she was going to volunteer for the Kennedy campaign but Mark and I both thought that she was possibly going out on a date. Anyway, this weird thing happened where her son, Glen, who is 9 but seems like he is going to hit puberty any day now, walked in on Betty in the bathroom, when he knew she was in there, and lingered. She got really upset with him but then felt bad because this kid was obviously obsessed with her. He asked for a lock of her hair, and Betty gave it to him. Mark and I both thought this was inappropriate but not that big of a deal. She was trying to do something nice after she reamed him for the bathroom thing. Also we are coming to learn that Betty seeks male approval to validate herself. She says to her other neighbor friend, "as long as I keep getting that attention from men I am earning my keep."
Anyway like I said Mark and I both thought it was inappropriate, and the mom did too. When they run into each other in the grocery store the mom confronts Betty about it (and kind of makes too big of a deal out of it) and Betty ends up slapping her in front of everyone! Now of course the whole neighborhood is going to hear about it. Poor Betty.
Also I just wanted to elaborate on what Mark said about Peggy. I feel like she is trying so hard to be a modern woman who casts aside traditional gender roles that she continues to have a somewhat inappropriate relationship with Pete. She is definitely infatuated with him but I feel like she indulges it a little too much because she is trying so hard to be a modern woman who bucks convention. She thinks that carrying on with a married man somehow empowers her, makes her different than the other gals...she's not just a secretary, she does what she wants...
What I took away from this episode is how women really had it hard at the time. When some smarmy guy flirts with you, you're supposed to just smile and laugh and politely put him off. Like for example your husband's boss. Also women are expected to "earn their keep" by being beautiful and living up to men's expectations for them to be trophy wives, baby machines, sex objects, and meal makers. Tough times for the ladies.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Babylon
Mark here... we're on to episode 6 of "Mad Men". This episode was called "Babylon", I have to say this episode was a little dryer than the previous two. Definitely entertaining still, we find out that Joan is having a private affair with Roger Sterling, which is a bit scandalous. It's also interesting that Joan has no illusions about their affair. Roger is promising the world. At least at this point, Joan is having none of it and clearly just enjoying the moment.
Separately, Don and Betty's relationship is interesting to watch evolve. Clearly they both like each other, yet neither wants to really be married. On top of this Betty confesses to Don that she waits for him to come home every day to sleep with her (essentially). Yet we know Don has a mistress on the side and disappoints her repeatedly by being too tired or too busy. How crazy to have no outlet except to just be waiting for someone to come home and fulfill you!
We also get to see Don with his East Village mistress who chooses to bring Don and another would-be lover to some beatnik poet reading, or so it seemed. This goes pretty awkwardly, and I'm left wondering why she would bring him in the first place. Is she trying to make Don jealous? Because clearly he's as uninterested in her life as in the suburban life he shares with Betty!
Laurel here...I agree with Mark on all points, I especially like what he said about Joan. She is so awesome in terms of navigating the ins and outs of this office. Don't hate the player hate the game! She is so smart and is playing the whole office, including roger, like a fiddle.
The other noteworthy thing about this episode is that Peggy is asserting herself as more than just a secretary...The office is working on a lipstick account (belle jolie) where they have all of the secretaries (or chickens, as they call them) participate in a focus group about the array of lipstick colors that all come in a huge box. Peggy is quiet during the focus group, but expresses to an ad exec later that it made her feel like they were expecting women to define themselves as just a color in the belle jolie box, the beginning of her career as an adman?
Mark here... Yeah the other point of note was Peggy becoming a copywriter. After, her commentary during the lipstick trials, the men want her to come up with some copy.... Of course she gets no more money and still has to complete all her regular jobs!
Separately, Don and Betty's relationship is interesting to watch evolve. Clearly they both like each other, yet neither wants to really be married. On top of this Betty confesses to Don that she waits for him to come home every day to sleep with her (essentially). Yet we know Don has a mistress on the side and disappoints her repeatedly by being too tired or too busy. How crazy to have no outlet except to just be waiting for someone to come home and fulfill you!
We also get to see Don with his East Village mistress who chooses to bring Don and another would-be lover to some beatnik poet reading, or so it seemed. This goes pretty awkwardly, and I'm left wondering why she would bring him in the first place. Is she trying to make Don jealous? Because clearly he's as uninterested in her life as in the suburban life he shares with Betty!
Laurel here...I agree with Mark on all points, I especially like what he said about Joan. She is so awesome in terms of navigating the ins and outs of this office. Don't hate the player hate the game! She is so smart and is playing the whole office, including roger, like a fiddle.
The other noteworthy thing about this episode is that Peggy is asserting herself as more than just a secretary...The office is working on a lipstick account (belle jolie) where they have all of the secretaries (or chickens, as they call them) participate in a focus group about the array of lipstick colors that all come in a huge box. Peggy is quiet during the focus group, but expresses to an ad exec later that it made her feel like they were expecting women to define themselves as just a color in the belle jolie box, the beginning of her career as an adman?
Mark here... Yeah the other point of note was Peggy becoming a copywriter. After, her commentary during the lipstick trials, the men want her to come up with some copy.... Of course she gets no more money and still has to complete all her regular jobs!
5G
Hi Laurel here...This episode we start to learn a little more about Don Draper's past. We don't know all of the details yet but a young man shows up at Don's office (Adam Whitman). I don't know if you guys remember but a few episodes ago some guy runs into Don on the train and greets him as Dick? Dick Whitman? Anyway, Don leaves a meeting to go out to the lobby and meet him. In front the receptionist this guy says "it really is you..Dick it's me, your brother. I know I've grown up but it's me". Clearly Don either has been, or looks like this person Dick Whitman. Don rushes him out of the office, promising to meet him at a diner after the meeting.
At their meeting it is clear that Don does recognizes this person from his past but doesn't want anything to do with him. This Adam tells him he just wants to be part of his life (I thought you were dead but here you are!), and Don tels him that's just not going to happen. After this he receives an old photo in his office mail of him with Adam. Don calls him and asks to come see him. He brings along $5000 in cash and asks Adam to leave him alone, leave town, and start a new life someplace else. He also lies to Betty about the money...she brings up buying a vacation house someplace and he tells her she has to wait until next year because their money situation is not as good as it seems. Little does she know it's because he just gave somebody 5 grand!
Anyway long story short it becomes clear this episode than Don is trying to hide something from his past, something that he hasn't even been honest with Betty about. And he REALLY wants to keep it in the past.
Mark here...Laurel and I talked quite a bit about this episode. I mean, clearly this guy from Don's passed had idolized him and thought he was dead. Now on meeting him he thinks that Don will be psyched to see him and is crushed when Don has the opposite reaction. On Don's side it shows he definitely has a mysterious past, but its also unsettling that he is so willing to dismiss this kid from his past. I say kid because its obvious this guy was a young kid when Don knew him and that they were close. Don burns the picture of the two of them and is determined to block out the past.
There's a subplot involving Peggy discovering that Don is having an affair and being forced to cover for him when Betty shows up at the office with the kids for a family portrait. She goes to Joan for advice and Joan gives a seemingly bitchy description of what to do. However on closer inspection, Joan is sort of taking Peggy under her wing and giving her a reasonable description of the men in the office and not to expect too much of them. Basically, play the game...
At their meeting it is clear that Don does recognizes this person from his past but doesn't want anything to do with him. This Adam tells him he just wants to be part of his life (I thought you were dead but here you are!), and Don tels him that's just not going to happen. After this he receives an old photo in his office mail of him with Adam. Don calls him and asks to come see him. He brings along $5000 in cash and asks Adam to leave him alone, leave town, and start a new life someplace else. He also lies to Betty about the money...she brings up buying a vacation house someplace and he tells her she has to wait until next year because their money situation is not as good as it seems. Little does she know it's because he just gave somebody 5 grand!
Anyway long story short it becomes clear this episode than Don is trying to hide something from his past, something that he hasn't even been honest with Betty about. And he REALLY wants to keep it in the past.
Mark here...Laurel and I talked quite a bit about this episode. I mean, clearly this guy from Don's passed had idolized him and thought he was dead. Now on meeting him he thinks that Don will be psyched to see him and is crushed when Don has the opposite reaction. On Don's side it shows he definitely has a mysterious past, but its also unsettling that he is so willing to dismiss this kid from his past. I say kid because its obvious this guy was a young kid when Don knew him and that they were close. Don burns the picture of the two of them and is determined to block out the past.
There's a subplot involving Peggy discovering that Don is having an affair and being forced to cover for him when Betty shows up at the office with the kids for a family portrait. She goes to Joan for advice and Joan gives a seemingly bitchy description of what to do. However on closer inspection, Joan is sort of taking Peggy under her wing and giving her a reasonable description of the men in the office and not to expect too much of them. Basically, play the game...
New Amsterdam
Mark here...Laurel and I are settling in for the next episode of "Mad Men". This one is called "New Amsterdam". Laurel has made us some roasted pork chops in an amazing apple and onion sauce, and scalloped potatoes that were equally delicious. I made us a side of sauteed kale with garlic, lemon and a hint of anchovy paste.
On to the episode! This one was very interesting as we get to see a bit more insight into Pete Campbell, who is quite an ass. He and is wife are interested in buying an apartment in Manhattan that is out of their price range. When Pete asks his dad, dad balks and clearly doesn't think much of Pete's career in advertising. It's funny now to think this type of career was considered somehow unserious or frivolous. Next we see Pete taking out his issues on Don in a client meeting. He goes out of his way to sabotage Don's pitch to the client and then fill the client's head with this own ideas. This nearly gets him fired, but his mothers famous name forces the bigwigs at Sterling Cooper to reconsider. Wisely though, Roger Sterling tells Pete that it was Don who saved Pete from being fired. In doing so, he is hopefully preventing Pete from feeling too invincible and reluctant to do the same thing again.
Meanwhile, there's a subplot with Betty agreeing to babysit for Helen Bishop, the neighborhood's resident divorcee (or maybe she's just separated?). In any case, Helen's son is bordering on or just reaching puberty and makes a point of barging in on Betty in the bathroom. She ends up forgiving him but then agree to give him a lock of her hair before sending him to bed! Not exactly the best way to handle his crush on her! In fact she pretty much encourages him to grab a lock of her hair and go jerk off! Later, in her psychiatrist's office, she confesses to feeling sorry for him and it sort of borders on creepy...
Laurel here...I agree with Mark on all points. It's hard to know if Pete is taking out his daddy issues on Don, or whether he is just a rich entitled asshole, but I sense it might be a bit of both. Growing up with a famous name must have trained him his whole life to think he can do whatever he feels like all the time, but he definitely has some issues with Don where he wants desperately for Don to recognize him and give him credit for things. Sorry to break it to you Pete, but that's not how work works...You work hard, put out good ideas (to your boss first, not directly to the client after hours!), and keep your mouth shut about it because that's your job, if you expect a pat on the back every time you meet the needs of your job you're in for a lot of disappointment.
We also see a little insight into Trudy, Pete's new wife, in this episode. She seems like a girl who gets what she wants, and it seems like her marriage to Pete might be a means to an end for her instead of a marriage based on love...
I'm interested to see where this thing goes with Betty Draper and the kid from the neighborhood, Glen. Giving the kid a lock of your hair might not be the best way to handle the situation. You are the grown up here Betty, act like it!
On to the episode! This one was very interesting as we get to see a bit more insight into Pete Campbell, who is quite an ass. He and is wife are interested in buying an apartment in Manhattan that is out of their price range. When Pete asks his dad, dad balks and clearly doesn't think much of Pete's career in advertising. It's funny now to think this type of career was considered somehow unserious or frivolous. Next we see Pete taking out his issues on Don in a client meeting. He goes out of his way to sabotage Don's pitch to the client and then fill the client's head with this own ideas. This nearly gets him fired, but his mothers famous name forces the bigwigs at Sterling Cooper to reconsider. Wisely though, Roger Sterling tells Pete that it was Don who saved Pete from being fired. In doing so, he is hopefully preventing Pete from feeling too invincible and reluctant to do the same thing again.
Meanwhile, there's a subplot with Betty agreeing to babysit for Helen Bishop, the neighborhood's resident divorcee (or maybe she's just separated?). In any case, Helen's son is bordering on or just reaching puberty and makes a point of barging in on Betty in the bathroom. She ends up forgiving him but then agree to give him a lock of her hair before sending him to bed! Not exactly the best way to handle his crush on her! In fact she pretty much encourages him to grab a lock of her hair and go jerk off! Later, in her psychiatrist's office, she confesses to feeling sorry for him and it sort of borders on creepy...
Laurel here...I agree with Mark on all points. It's hard to know if Pete is taking out his daddy issues on Don, or whether he is just a rich entitled asshole, but I sense it might be a bit of both. Growing up with a famous name must have trained him his whole life to think he can do whatever he feels like all the time, but he definitely has some issues with Don where he wants desperately for Don to recognize him and give him credit for things. Sorry to break it to you Pete, but that's not how work works...You work hard, put out good ideas (to your boss first, not directly to the client after hours!), and keep your mouth shut about it because that's your job, if you expect a pat on the back every time you meet the needs of your job you're in for a lot of disappointment.
We also see a little insight into Trudy, Pete's new wife, in this episode. She seems like a girl who gets what she wants, and it seems like her marriage to Pete might be a means to an end for her instead of a marriage based on love...
I'm interested to see where this thing goes with Betty Draper and the kid from the neighborhood, Glen. Giving the kid a lock of your hair might not be the best way to handle the situation. You are the grown up here Betty, act like it!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Marriage of Figaro
Mark here...Laurel and I are sitting down to watch the next episode of "Mad Men", this one titled, "Marriage of Figaro". For the occasion I made us Seafood Newberg, which Betty talked about in the last episode. I didn't spring for Lobster this time, mainly because Laurel is not a fan.
This episode was very interesting in terms of its depiction of the times. I know its a semi-exagerated portrayal but its still interesting. The episode starts with Pete coming back from his honeymoon in Niagara Falls and promptly disappointing Peggy, who he had a fling with prior to. The office surprises him by having an "oriental family" in his office, who they refer to as "chinamen"....offensive on many levels but yet rings true for the times. We then see Don sweet talk his female client after the team totally bombs a meeting with her, only to bomb himself when she finds out he's married. The rest of the episode shows Don at home for his daughter's birthday party with the family. Everyone smokes and drinks to excess, including the pregnant lady. But we see signs that all is not what it seems in this perfect suburban homestead. Betty still has the shakes in her hands from anxiety, Don is dismayed at the behavior of everyone around him and ditches the party midway through, ostensibly to pick up a birthday cake. However he doesn't come home til everyone has left...with a new dog, so it's all ok! Not so much with Betty...
Laurel here..I noticed a few things this episode. We are starting to uncover than Don has a past...He runs into someone on the train who calls him Richard, and makes references to their time in the army together. The next time we see him get on the train he sits in a seat that's upholstery is becoming tattered, in close up. If I were in film school (which I was 20 years ago) I would be writing a whole paper on how the tattered upholstery of the seat he chooses to sit in is a metaphor for his secret former life which is beginning to unravel before our eyes. just sayin'.
I also find it interesting that he makes a move on his client, the owner of "menkin's" department store, which we learn during the episode is akin to a bindel's or something like this. She is not just the heiress to the department store, she actually runs the business and makes the day to day decisions. I think the fact that Don is so attracted to a woman like this (he ends up kissing her at a business meeting at her store) goes to show that maybe he is looking for more in a romantic parter than just someone who is young and blond and will have dinner ready when he gets home.
The other men at the firm continue to show that they are complete immature unaware assholes this episode, which makes Don look all the better. He actually knows how to show restraint and to not act on his boyish impulses in public, which the other ad men frequently do. Not that he is any better than them he just keeps his boyish impulses under wraps.
This episode was very interesting in terms of its depiction of the times. I know its a semi-exagerated portrayal but its still interesting. The episode starts with Pete coming back from his honeymoon in Niagara Falls and promptly disappointing Peggy, who he had a fling with prior to. The office surprises him by having an "oriental family" in his office, who they refer to as "chinamen"....offensive on many levels but yet rings true for the times. We then see Don sweet talk his female client after the team totally bombs a meeting with her, only to bomb himself when she finds out he's married. The rest of the episode shows Don at home for his daughter's birthday party with the family. Everyone smokes and drinks to excess, including the pregnant lady. But we see signs that all is not what it seems in this perfect suburban homestead. Betty still has the shakes in her hands from anxiety, Don is dismayed at the behavior of everyone around him and ditches the party midway through, ostensibly to pick up a birthday cake. However he doesn't come home til everyone has left...with a new dog, so it's all ok! Not so much with Betty...
Laurel here..I noticed a few things this episode. We are starting to uncover than Don has a past...He runs into someone on the train who calls him Richard, and makes references to their time in the army together. The next time we see him get on the train he sits in a seat that's upholstery is becoming tattered, in close up. If I were in film school (which I was 20 years ago) I would be writing a whole paper on how the tattered upholstery of the seat he chooses to sit in is a metaphor for his secret former life which is beginning to unravel before our eyes. just sayin'.
I also find it interesting that he makes a move on his client, the owner of "menkin's" department store, which we learn during the episode is akin to a bindel's or something like this. She is not just the heiress to the department store, she actually runs the business and makes the day to day decisions. I think the fact that Don is so attracted to a woman like this (he ends up kissing her at a business meeting at her store) goes to show that maybe he is looking for more in a romantic parter than just someone who is young and blond and will have dinner ready when he gets home.
The other men at the firm continue to show that they are complete immature unaware assholes this episode, which makes Don look all the better. He actually knows how to show restraint and to not act on his boyish impulses in public, which the other ad men frequently do. Not that he is any better than them he just keeps his boyish impulses under wraps.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Ladies Room
Mark here... Laurel and I have sat down to a night of Mad Men and some pasta and garlic bread. The pasta dish is Mario Batalli's Farfalle Abruzzese with Veal, Porcini and Spinach...although I couldn't find ground veal, so it's ground beef. Laurel made some garlic bread to accompany.
This episode was fascinating in it's depiction of the times. First, we see the design firm and the way the women working in the office have to navigate. Essentially, because the are unmarried, they are all considered "prey" to the men working there. Meanwhile, Don Draper's wife is having issues which lead her doctor to suggest she see a psychiatrist. Of course her husband is unhappy with this, because his stay-at-home wife has the perfect life and to see a psychiatrist would imply otherwise. Finally, he accepts it, but the implication is that women can see psychiatrists because they are somehow weaker. This is underlined at the end of the episode when the psychiatrist CALLS HIM to discuss what his wife talked about! Breaking any sort of doctor-patient confidentiality... Separately, we see new girl in the office Peggy being treated like new meat essentially...
Laurel here...This episode was super interesting in terms of the treatment of women at the time. Joan encourages Peggy to go out to lunch with a bunch of asshole account execs and copywriters. I got the impression that she was trying to show her how women could get a free lunch around this place, but the dudes were such assholes that it didn't seem to me like a free lunch , it seemed to me like a lunch that you pay for with self respect. All of that aside, I think Joan is actually the first "feminist" that we see on the show because she is clearly trying to take advantage of the power dynamic between men and women in this situation, and a free lunch is the least you should get for putting up with all of the bullshit you get from the dudes in this place just by virtue of the fact that you work there.
Also this episode dips it's toes into the pool of mental health issues. Betty (don's wife) ends up going to see a psychiatrist like mark said because she is having physical manifestations of a mental health issue. Roger tells Don not to worry, that psychiatry is just the hot new accessory among wives, like a fur coat or string of pearls. This lead Mark and me into a discussion of our family history, we both have women in our family (grandmothers) that were slightly mentally ill at the time but since there was no treatment or help for anyone who wasn't batshit crazy walked the line of managing things for themselves. At the time there was no option outside of locking them up in a mental institution. Anyway I think that is shows progress from a mental health point of view to show a woman who is unhappy being able to visit a mental health professional vs 20 years before this point (1960 i think?) where visiting a mental health professional was the step before being locked up or getting a lobotomy.
This episode was fascinating in it's depiction of the times. First, we see the design firm and the way the women working in the office have to navigate. Essentially, because the are unmarried, they are all considered "prey" to the men working there. Meanwhile, Don Draper's wife is having issues which lead her doctor to suggest she see a psychiatrist. Of course her husband is unhappy with this, because his stay-at-home wife has the perfect life and to see a psychiatrist would imply otherwise. Finally, he accepts it, but the implication is that women can see psychiatrists because they are somehow weaker. This is underlined at the end of the episode when the psychiatrist CALLS HIM to discuss what his wife talked about! Breaking any sort of doctor-patient confidentiality... Separately, we see new girl in the office Peggy being treated like new meat essentially...
Laurel here...This episode was super interesting in terms of the treatment of women at the time. Joan encourages Peggy to go out to lunch with a bunch of asshole account execs and copywriters. I got the impression that she was trying to show her how women could get a free lunch around this place, but the dudes were such assholes that it didn't seem to me like a free lunch , it seemed to me like a lunch that you pay for with self respect. All of that aside, I think Joan is actually the first "feminist" that we see on the show because she is clearly trying to take advantage of the power dynamic between men and women in this situation, and a free lunch is the least you should get for putting up with all of the bullshit you get from the dudes in this place just by virtue of the fact that you work there.
Also this episode dips it's toes into the pool of mental health issues. Betty (don's wife) ends up going to see a psychiatrist like mark said because she is having physical manifestations of a mental health issue. Roger tells Don not to worry, that psychiatry is just the hot new accessory among wives, like a fur coat or string of pearls. This lead Mark and me into a discussion of our family history, we both have women in our family (grandmothers) that were slightly mentally ill at the time but since there was no treatment or help for anyone who wasn't batshit crazy walked the line of managing things for themselves. At the time there was no option outside of locking them up in a mental institution. Anyway I think that is shows progress from a mental health point of view to show a woman who is unhappy being able to visit a mental health professional vs 20 years before this point (1960 i think?) where visiting a mental health professional was the step before being locked up or getting a lobotomy.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Mad Men!
Mark here...Laurel and I have settled in for an amazing dinner and our start of the first season of Mad Men. Laurel has made us some amazing Beef Wellington with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Green Beans, and Ambrosia Salad. I've made some Baked Stuffed Potatoes. The rich menu is inspired by our next show to blog about, "Mad Men." We're also having Sidecar cocktails to wash it all down.
I have seen the show before but it's been a while and I forgot how amazing the style is. Having not been there in the 60s I can't speak to the authenticity but certainly the show's stylists should be commended for maintaining a certain look. To give a brief idea of the premise...we are introduced to Don Draper, the Creative Director at an Ad Agency in the early 60s. He is tasked with coming up with a new campaign to sell cigarettes, which are now proven to be unhealthy. Along the way, we see the sexism of the day, all the secretaries at the agency are assumed to be there to find a husband (and expected to do no better than secretary). Also, all the executives seem to drink all day long. Don romances one woman in the beginning of the episode and another mid way through. The twist at the end is that he's a married family man.
The other characters of note that we meet are Peggy and Pete. Pete is the upstart young executive, who clearly represents the good old boys network. He has no social skills, minimal talent and eyes young girls left and right...oh, and he's getting married. Peggy is Don's new secretary, who's thrown into a world of men who tell her to show more leg and totally dismiss her.
Hi..Laurel here. One of the things that really stood out to me about this episode (with the benefit of hindsight) is that the shows creators/writers really knew what they were looking for from the beginning. Don, Pete, and Roger are exactly who they turn out to be in this first episode. They knew what they wanted and it shows, the characters are completely developed from the get go, these guys really knew what they were doing and had a well thought out concept from the beginning. Other characters like Peggy and Joan are a little different than how we end up knowing them but it's because they grow and change over time, not because there wasn't a clear idea of who the characters are.
Pete is such an asshole! (like always). He's having his bachelor party in this episode, and while he's on the phone with his fiance discussing it, he says, and I quote "Of course I love you. I'm giving up my life for you, aren't I?" OMG! What a dick! and as we later find out, so true to character.
I also think it was an interesting choice that they choose to focus on Lucky Strike as the first client. It's a super interesting concept to see them grappling with, considering our perspective from the future. They have just come to terms with the fact that cigarettes aren't safe and need to find a different way to market them.
Another thing that Mark and I noticed were ladies bras. They are so pointy it's insane! I was telling Mark that I took a class about alfred hitchcock's "Vertigo" in college and we discussed that bras at the time were all about engineering, if it was comfortable than you weren't doing it right. The fabric was all very structural and stiff so there was no other option but to make a cone and sew it up on one side. poor ladies!
I have seen the show before but it's been a while and I forgot how amazing the style is. Having not been there in the 60s I can't speak to the authenticity but certainly the show's stylists should be commended for maintaining a certain look. To give a brief idea of the premise...we are introduced to Don Draper, the Creative Director at an Ad Agency in the early 60s. He is tasked with coming up with a new campaign to sell cigarettes, which are now proven to be unhealthy. Along the way, we see the sexism of the day, all the secretaries at the agency are assumed to be there to find a husband (and expected to do no better than secretary). Also, all the executives seem to drink all day long. Don romances one woman in the beginning of the episode and another mid way through. The twist at the end is that he's a married family man.
The other characters of note that we meet are Peggy and Pete. Pete is the upstart young executive, who clearly represents the good old boys network. He has no social skills, minimal talent and eyes young girls left and right...oh, and he's getting married. Peggy is Don's new secretary, who's thrown into a world of men who tell her to show more leg and totally dismiss her.
Hi..Laurel here. One of the things that really stood out to me about this episode (with the benefit of hindsight) is that the shows creators/writers really knew what they were looking for from the beginning. Don, Pete, and Roger are exactly who they turn out to be in this first episode. They knew what they wanted and it shows, the characters are completely developed from the get go, these guys really knew what they were doing and had a well thought out concept from the beginning. Other characters like Peggy and Joan are a little different than how we end up knowing them but it's because they grow and change over time, not because there wasn't a clear idea of who the characters are.
Pete is such an asshole! (like always). He's having his bachelor party in this episode, and while he's on the phone with his fiance discussing it, he says, and I quote "Of course I love you. I'm giving up my life for you, aren't I?" OMG! What a dick! and as we later find out, so true to character.
I also think it was an interesting choice that they choose to focus on Lucky Strike as the first client. It's a super interesting concept to see them grappling with, considering our perspective from the future. They have just come to terms with the fact that cigarettes aren't safe and need to find a different way to market them.
Another thing that Mark and I noticed were ladies bras. They are so pointy it's insane! I was telling Mark that I took a class about alfred hitchcock's "Vertigo" in college and we discussed that bras at the time were all about engineering, if it was comfortable than you weren't doing it right. The fabric was all very structural and stiff so there was no other option but to make a cone and sew it up on one side. poor ladies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)