Matthew Weiner wrote "Kennedy and Heidi," an episode of The Sopranos that contains what I'd argue is -- in it's own quiet way -- the show's most shocking death.
As creator of Mad Men, he's maintained that ability to provide us with subdued surprises, like Miss Blankenship's sudden departure this week.
It was a beautifully played turn of events, and I like how it moved from funny -- the scene with Joan and Pete moving the body while Don continues his pitch was priceless -- and to melancholy as the episode went on.
She wasn't a pivotal character, but she was funny as hell, and wound up imparting some wisdom ("In this business, you're either a sadist or a masochist...") before she passed.
Other thoughts:
- Peggy continues to be my hero, even if I don't totally buy her equating her struggle at work with the plight of black Americans circa 1965. As Alan Sepinwall pointed out, it's really cool that she and Joyce are comfortable with each other despite Joyce's failed pass at Peggy.
- Don't Not a TOTAL Dick moment of the night: Telling Ken to stop making fun of the stuttering auto executive.
- Best part of the "hide the body scene": Harry's "My mother made that!" when he sees her afghan being used to cover poor Ms. Blankenship.
- Two questions before I go: How much worse can things get for Sally? And has there ever been a show with less useful "On the next..." previews than this one?
Tom Coombe
Posted by: |