That I feel Don Draper is not just a bad person, but THE WORST. But that is hyperbole. He hasn’t actually committed genocide (AS FAR AS WE KNOW). But still: If you would like to read a list of reasons about why I feel Pete’s face here is a totally appropriate reaction to knowing this dude (PETE CAMPBELL IS IN A POSITION TO LECTURE YOU ABOUT SELFISHNESS. YOU HAVE BECOME THE WORST), you are welcome.
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Ooohh man I can’t wait to watch this season (I save it all up and watch after the season finale).
Because honestly? Don has been THE WORST since the very first episode. I mean HE IS TERRIBLE, and this really only became clear to me upon re-watching the 3rd season, wherein he is pretty much a dick to everyone and gets away with it because he’s handsome and powerful and can give off a really vulnerable vibe.
Anyway, I look forward to reading your essay on approximately Wednesday, after a 3-day Mad Men marathon.
I’m interested to see your reaction in light of the finale on Sunday. But, yeah, hollow victory.
It’s been clear to me since the end of last season that Don Draper isn’t meant to make it out of the Sixties intact. He’s the metaphor for the Myth of American Manhood being introduced to reality. He’s slick enough to sell us on it, and it’s easy for young, hip American males in 2010 to fall in love with that. (I include myself in that category. If the devil appeared at my desk and gave me the power to look that good in a suit, drink at work, and spout lines half as clever as the ones that Jon Hamm has, I’d be hard pressed not to sign that contract)
If you’re looking for growth and positive change, it’ll come from Pete or Peggy. But Don’s clearly not meant to grow up. He’s in his forties with two kids. He’s cruising for his second marriage. S4 gave him the opportunity to change, and he decided, “You know what? I’m good. Thanks, though.”
I get so pissed when the world hates Betty for her bad parenting and gives Don a pass on it. He’s incompetent! Fun, but incompetent and neglectful. As you point out in the Atlantic: thank you, by the way, for that insightful piece. Not enough insight happens when people talk about Mad Men. I love that you articulate that the point of the series is that white male privilege wins no matter what threat faces it, and no matter how much damage it does. I feel like I’m the only person in the world sympathetic to Betty for her shit deal as the trophy wife of Normland.