Mad Men Retro-Perspective S6:E5

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1968 was a turbulent year. This episode highlights the motif of violence that persists throughout the rest of the season, and exposes the characters for their barest needs. This episode is about priorities. Who has them? What are they? In an episode that forces its characters to make choices between family, politics, and business, who chooses what?

• Do you think the apartment Peggy was checking out was even remotely attractive? And seriously, that realtor?
• Why do you think Bobby was peeling away that wallpaper? Think back on every Bobby storyline in the entire series. What would you call the theme? How does peeling the wall paper away and the scene when Betty discovers him fit into this theme?
• How well are Sylvia and Don respectively doing on their decision to "not fall in love"? Is Sylvia jealous of Megan? What clues are there to Don's feelings for Sylvia in this episode?
• Compare the Peggy apologizing for her success at the Clios to Peggy the secretary, thrilled about her very first $35 pay check. What are the major differences between Peggy at the beginning of the series and now? Which do you prefer?
• Why do you think Don feels so awkward about talking to Peggy? Think about all of Don's ex-mistresses. Do you think he would feel awkward talking to them if he ran into them? Why is Peggy different?
• What the hell do you make of Randall?
• What do you make of Ginsberg's date with Beverly? Do you think his social interaction has changed much in the time we've known him? Would you have guessed that he was a virgin?
• Why do you think Betty is so opposed to the kids watching TV after the assassination? What in her past makes her react this way?
• Are the differences in Abe and Peggy's path clearer on your second viewing? Did you guess that they would ever break up the first time you watched this season? What in this episode indicates that they are not going to last? Despite her unconventional career path, how traditional is Peggy when it comes to family? What in this episode indicates this?
• Is Bobby a little liar or what?
• What do you think of the interaction between Pete and Trudy on Mother's day? Do you think Trudy is being reasonable?
• Don and Peggy both have African American secretaries. How are they treated differently when they come into the office the day after the assassination?
• Do you think Don ever had an epiphany about Sally the way he did about Bobby this episode? Why/why not? How much love do you think Don actually feels for his kids? How has he shown this over the years?
• Remember that one time Don left in the middle of Sally's party and never brought cake? Yep.
• How do you read Megan's reaction to Don's revelation about Bobby? Do you think it's linked to her miscarriage?
• What do you think Henry sees in Betty? Do you think he really loves her apart from her beauty? What about her personality does her want people to see?
• How do you think the kids feel about Henry?

• Peggy is wearing her traditional power color, mustard, when the realtor announces that the apartment had "everything on [her] list". In other words, Ms. Olson has arrived. 
• Jenny the Realtor says Peggy's new apartment will be super convenient when the 2nd Avenue subway is complete. That line has been in planning since 1929 and to this day is not finished.
• A lil bit of blue and green this episode: Beverley and Ginsberg are wearing blue and green respectively and  Betty wears a blue and green blouse.
• Ted is in Abe's seat at the Clios, foreshadowing how he will replace Abe in Peggy's affection.
• Joan has that houndstooth outfit in two colors.
• Pete and Harry are shot perfectly opposing in the scene they face off. Harry Krane, who knew?
• Megan acknowledges Don's alcoholism in this episode. This is the first time anyone has ever implied that casual alcoholism is still alcoholism. The only time a drinking problem is a problem in this show is when Freddy Rumsen pisses his pants before a meeting.