Mad Men 3x06 Reaction

Tracking Joan and Don's relationship is definitely something very interestingly woven into the series

shaddy

A thing like that.

Kara

Can you elaborate? The only thing I can think of is that they play the episode through speakers so the audio gets a bit muffled

Kev

I hope they see this and don't go about just switching random episodes lol

Kev

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Kev

If the channel runs long enough we may get to hear that for real!

Kara

On the commentary Matthew Weiner said that line about boring people was verbatim something his mother said to him.

Kara

Love this episode, so many funny lines - "Right when he got it in the door", "He'll never golf again", "Go bang your head against a wall, only boring people are bored", and poor Sally being haunted by the doll. I love Lane too - "I felt like I went to my own funeral, but I didn't like the eulogy." Easily my most rewatched episode.

Mark M

I wanna take a moment to thank LM for the audio issues so we can get used to what audio recordings sound like when filmed during a nuclear holocaust

My Toasty Toast

I talked about it in my comment but Lane is an English schoolboy type who was probably bullied and pushed into a subservient middle-management job in England, where he'll die bouncing around fixing companies and making his bosses millions. He likes America because in America they don't give a shit what university he attended, which county he grew up in, whether he wears his glasses in meetings etc. It must be insanely freeing to go from a place like 1960s England to [logan roy voice] AMERICA, where at least for people who look like Lane anything seems possible.

Kara

hahaha. i've said this before but they each edit half the episodes so whoever edited whichever episode often remembers details like the guy's name is 'connie' etc.

Kara

100%! Some stories in this show feel like horror stories and Joan's is one of them here. She basically gambled that the handsome doctor she married was as nice + talented as he was handsome, and it turns out he's 'only handsome'. Even if she wanted to divorce was still very taboo (+ as discussed, illegal in NY without cause like infidelity) and for her all her progressiveness re sex etc, Joan is still pretty socially conservative as we've seen, so her only option is to 'try to make it work' with this handsome loser. yeuck.

Kara

I said it below but for context, Conrad Hilton is Paris Hilton's actual grandfather lol. This was a talking point during the show, when paris hilton was more relevant. To build: Competition for top surgeon jobs in NYC at the time was likely hyper competitive. Greg's boss basically told him he's not good enough, and he can't get another similar job in New York because everyone knows everyone and they'll either know why he didn't get the promotion or they'll assume correctly what happened when he tries to switch hospitals. His career as a surgeon is basically dead, in New York City at least.

Kara

I don't think there's anything wrong with Joan wanting to marry a successful, wealthy man. Especially if she's planning on being a stay at home mom and housewife, and especially in those times. Wanting that security is fine and normal. (and prestige as well, sure. Someone as beautiful as her can have her pick and doesn't have to settle for just anyone). If she were really such a brazen golddigger she could've just pulled a Jane and tried to hook Roger into marriage, or went after one of the agency's wealthy clients, but she didn't. I think she genuinely fell for Greg for his heart/personality, though she wouldn't have picked him if he were a gas station attendant of course. She had no way of knowing he would turn out to be such a terrible person.

Taya

This isn't a show that really does "plot twists" but, well, this one is an exception. This show has a special magic in episodes like these, where the story takes a hard left turn and spins out into something you never could have imagined. One of my favourites. A few thoughts: I like how Guy actually seems like a decent dude (canned "I've heard so much about you" line aside). His speech to Joan is genuinely sweet. It's great sleight of hand by the show, spending time to introduce him like he could really be the new incoming boss. But alas, he'll never golf again 🏌️‍♀️ On the Joan front, I think you're being a tad biased in her favour. (Which is understandable! We love Joan!) When she tells Greg that she married him for his heart, not his hands... Uhh, no? She married him because she thought he was going to be a surgeon, and her ticket to the life she always dreamed about. Obviously there is tragedy here -- she is simultaneously realizing that (1) she doesn't necessarily *have* that dream anymore and (2) Greg totally sucks -- but this situation, sad as it may be, is... kind of self-inflicted? I love Lane's comment about reading Tom Sawyer. He's right -- they've ducked the noose this time, but none of this bodes particularly well (from our guys' perspective) for the PPL/Sterling Cooper relationship longterm. Edit: And last but certainly not least, I *believe* (someone correct me if I'm wrong) this episode contained Mad Men's first ever mention of the Vietnam War? I'm sure that whole thing will blow over soon.

Mike

Lane's story is probably third or fourth in line in this episode but he really is devasted about being ordered to leave New York. Unlike his wife and assistant Mr. Hooker, he shows no disdain or condescension about living in America as an Englishman, he's really enjoying it (while voicing his relief that he gets to stay, he brings up how he's getting into American literature to Don).

Eric Viola

It took L about five Mississippis to figure out that "Conrad Hilton, the hotel owner" was the Connie from three episodes earlier. Is there some famous movie with an impossible to guess twist that we could give her as a test?

Derek Halvorson

Strong contender for best Roger episode. He's in his Cal Raleigh era here.

Mike

While I still don't particularly like any character in this show, I would be a robot if I didn't watch countless seasons of this show and not feel empathy for these characters and in this episode I felt so bad for Joan. In her mind she finally checked all the boxes she needed to check in her life, only to run into a brick wall, and now has to save face by leaving but knowing she has to find another job and quickly. Roger to me is probably the most fascinating character, and I'm glad you ladies are also coming around to him, the duality of this character is unmatched to me, he is in one part the most despicable character and the other part the most charming and comedic with plenty of moments that actually make you sympathetic to him. Roger is probably the most layered and dynamic character to me and John Slattery (Roger's Actor) definitely has the most difficult character to play in the whole show but he plays it to perfection.

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

Conrad Hilton is a real historical figure. He was the founder of the Hilton hotel chain, which is worldwide. If Sterling Cooper gets Hilton as a client, it accomplishes what they TRIED to do in season two with American Airlines. Not only do they get the money from working with him directly, but it transform the company into a whole new league with richer clientele. The show doesn't spell it out, but what Greg (Joan's husband) wanted to happen was be made Chief Resident, which would come with an immediate pay raise and also be a sign of future fortune. "Residency" is technically still part of a doctor's training, they aren't "full" doctors until after they complete several years of residency, whereupon they are licensed to operate all on their own and in their chosen specialty. If he became Chief Resident now, he knows that when he finishes his residency he'll be able to get whatever job he wants. Since Greg didn't get that promotion or recognition, he doesn't have more money now (Hence why he suddenly tells Joan she can't leave her job). On top of that, apparently his boss also told him that he's just-plain-bad at surgery, which is the prestigious and money-making specialty he wanted to work in. So yes he's still a doctor, and he has another year of residency, but once he finishes his residency no hospital will hire him as a surgeon. So all of his dreams and plans just fall apart.

JBK405

they have Syd/Carmey The Bear energy for me where you know it would be a huge mess + end sooo badly but the middle part would be INSANE.

Kara

"How do you feel about living in London? We could start over, like Adam and Eve. The kids can come too I guess."

Kara

I always enjoy when Milena has to consult her token heterosexual on whether a man is attractive or not 🥰 So many hallmark moments this ep I'll never forget, "Right when he got it in the door" "Well that's life", Don's goofy smile getting kissed and of course "The doctors say he'll never golf again". This episode holds extra insights for people who are familiar with the English class system. In the UK there was (still is) a large distinction between working and middle and upper classes. Rich people go to all the same private boarding schools and at PPL, they likely only hire graduates from the top-top universities like Oxford or Cambridge. To rise the ranks at those companies you had to go to the right school + have served in the right wars + have the right background - no scholarships, no slip-ups. The Downton Abbey, Jane Austen vibes are real. As a 'proper Englishman' Lane is expected to know his place + not complain, complaining is seen as wrong + even 'marxist'. "Keep Calm and Carry On" wasn't just a war slogan, it was a national instruction. In short the show is showing the difference between 1960s UK and US business culture - the US still has issues with privilege and such, but a guy like Don can 'walk into an ad agency' and become a success, whereas in the UK he'd likely never have the chance. This is The American Dream, at least for well-spoken, good-looking white folks. For me the idea that Don would ever be promoted to England was immediately obviously wrong, because the people who run PPL would never ever promote someone like that. "He didn't even go to college, let alone Oxford. He grew up on a farm!". Instead they try to instrumentalize his talent + hand it to a literal Guy 'from the right background', a 'proper Englishman' trained from birth to lead. Love the Conrad Hilton reveal. That's Paris Hilton's grandfather 💀. Love his scene with Don, it's a different sort of energy. Time Magazine is a famous US periodical. Being on the cover is a huge honour, especially back then. Presidents, scientists, artists, "Great people" were featured on the cover and in articles. Conrad Hilton actually did feature on this cover of Time Magazine in July 19th, 1963. https://content.time.com/time/magazine/archive/covers/1963/1101630719_400.jpg Bonus Thoughts: "There's no such thing as ghosts" says man who is haunted every single day. PPL should have cut Joan a check for 10k, not reimbursed 1 ruined dress. Betty telling Sally that dead grandpa gene baby controlled faries to buy her a barbie then kissing her on the head + leaving like the problem is solved is so funny to me. Harry Crane accidentally being promoted because he happened to decide his job was 'televisions' during the era where TV becomes dominant media is great stuff..

Kara

Writers really remind us how much Don loves having that transient, detached lifestyle when he gets teased about moving to London. It's probably the happiest we ever see him when his hobo side comes out 😭

Eric Viola

Just cuz they asked: It's Episodes 11 and 12 that MAY be out of order. The correct order is The Gypsy and the Hobo (11) and then The Grown-Ups (12)

Eric Viola

The first shot of Episode 311 is Betty in a purple coat. If you don't see that, abort! And it's worth saying that Netflix doesn't have the episodes under the incorrect titles. The order is just flipped. When you click on "The Gypsy and the Hobo", that's the episode that plays.

Mike

Roger is the main liason/account man for Lucky Strike, the companies biggest client by a large margin.

Ken

Everyone knows that. It's still a completely ridiculous scene and intentionally so. It's an obvious satire of the culture you speak of.

Julien

I have to admit, the chemistry between Don and Joan is out of this world and I can't help but ship them just a little bit when they share screen time together (I agree, I wish it happened more, it's such a great pairing!) But the sweet, platonic, almost sibling-like bond is obviously much better. They have mutual respect for each other, and let's be real, Joan would NEVER put up with Don's shit and he knows it.

Taya

Welcome back! No pressure but I missed reading your comments on the eps.

Kara

Roger is in rare form in this episode. Just about every line of his is a home run

Chris B

Honorable mention for "Just as he got his foot in the door"

Jay Craig

The audio issue is nothing compared to another audio problem that happens in almost every video. I've mentioned it before but it still happens. It's even more annoying but I'm trying to ignore it.

Damien Fenton

I'm back and finally caught up to you guy's MM reactions. Life has been kicking my butt so it's great to take a little break and what an episode to come back to because this is genuinely the funniest episode ever.

Nyeisha Melvina Clark

But he doesn't walk out

Sebastian

Paul was singing the song ’Jerusalem’, Englands semi-official national anthem. It was his own pompous way of sucking up to the brits.

Darrach

I love the episode name, "Guy walks into an advertising agency"

Cobalt

Jude G

Lola on Guy MacKendrick: “I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop” Lois: 😃🚜

Darrach

Lola, as Guy is introduced: "He seems nice, but I'm waiting for the foot to drop."

Sebastian

Hilarious symbolism in this episode. The Brits show up around American Independence Day, and a John Deere, one of the oldest & most iconic American brands, winds up spraying British blood all over the office.

Father of the Year

Yikes. What happened. I haven't watched yet. Is there an issue with the sound? This episode is obviously a classic.

Julien

The correct episode order is: The Gypsy and the Hobo (3x11) The Grown-Ups (3x12) Shut the Door. Have a Seat. (3x13, season finale) Some versions of Netflix have 3x11 and 3x12 flipped. Noone knows why and they don't care enough to fix it. This should be the only weird mistake for the whole rest of the show. In case you want to double check when playing, the writers names show up at the end of the intro: "The Gypsy and the Hobo" is written by Marti Noxon, Cathryn Humphris and Matthew Weiner. "The Grown Ups" is written by Brett Johnson and Matthew Weiner. So for 3x11, you should be seeing "Marti Noxon"

Kara

I’ll say what I tell other reactors: have a second recorder around. A phone. Anything really. It’s better than nothing!

PIG

Jesus, it's like Iwo Jima out there.

Mike