This weeks Mad Men felt largely transitional, as though the main point of the episode was to get us into next weeks finale, which will no doubt be a powerful ending to a great season. In comparison to other episodes, it wasnt as strong and it served to reinforce that SCDP is in major trouble and Dons heroic measures arent working (potentially) in the same way they did before. Perception is everything in this business and to their clients, SCDP is a sinking ship. The Return of MidgeMidges reappearance in Dons life looks to be just the refresher he needs after all his work problems, but of course, Midge has ulterior motives. She was always a starving artist, but she definitely wasnt always a heroin addict. When Don and her were together in 1960, she represented the beginning of Bohemian living and was full of art and life. Shes still got some of the same spunk, but we realize quickly its all a front and rather than just happening upon Don as she claims, we find out she searched for him in desperation for her next score. Her desperation in combination with her husbands not-so-subtle bartering agreement (money for sex with Midge) are enough to turn Don off -- who knew that was possible -- and send him on his way, wallet a little lighter, abstract "Number 4" in tow. Midges line, "Glad you havent changed," to Don was significant in that the audience knows exactly how much Don has changed in the last five years since Midge was a part of his life.
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