First, a little bit of catch-up. Last season, Sterling Cooper had been subject to a British invasion when they were bought out by an agency from across the pond, Putnam, Powell, and Lowe. The season finale found Don Draper and his band of merry mad men about to be bought out again, this time by McCann Erickson. Don, Roger Sterling, Bertram Cooper, and Lane Pryce decided to jump ship, taking Joan, Peggy, Harry and Pete with them to form their own agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Betty broke into Don’s desk drawer that contained super secret artifacts about his super secret past and his true identity of Dick Whitman. After Don came clean, Betty confessed that she no longer loved him, and headed to Reno to prepare for the divorce with her soon-to-be replacement husband, politician Henry Francis.

The first words of the season four premiere came from a one-legged Advertising Age journalist, who was interviewing Don for a profile on him and the new agency. “Who is Don Draper?” he asked, and audiences everywhere guffawed at the irony of that question, and the even more ironic response as Draper refused to give the reporter a clear answer. Instead, he impolitely retorts that he’s from the Midwest where they were taught that it’s impolite to talk about yourself. OK. Anyway, that question, which has haunted viewers since season one, was certainly prominent throughout the episode as we saw a much different version of Don than we’ve seen before. He initially seems as suave and slick as ever in his equally slick new offices, complete with tinted glass offices, modern lines, a particularly awesome orange-red knoll sofa, and, of course, the new (and fantastic) Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce logo on the wall. But as the episode progresses, it’s hard to miss that Don, who’s typically infamous for being able to keep it all together, is unraveling. Similarly, the new offices aren’t as great as they seem because they have neither a conference room nor a second floor, and are having a hard time staying afloat.

Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is trying to win new business with Jantzen Swimsuits, who are premiering a bikini, which they refuse to call a bikini because they are a family company and everyone knows family companies make two-piece bathing suits, not bikinis. Am I right? Meanwhile, a horrifically sunburned Harry is back from LA where it looks like the jai alai account they won last season for the ridiculous “sport” that’s really only good for smashing ant farms is actually moving forward. Peggy has, praise God, lost the horrible bangs, but gained confidence, a super cute coworker in Joey (Jack and Bobby’s Matt Long), and, finally, a nicotine addiction. Also, she may or may not be dating Karl from LOST.

Peggy and Peter, who is just as earnest and politically incorrect as ever, are working to impress Sugarberry Ham, who is losing confidence in the new agency. They decide to put together a little PR stunt for Sugarberry involving two actresses fighting over the ham at a local grocery store. Since for some reason they decide not to run the idea past Don, they need to keep it under the radar, so Peter suggests calling the actresses whores so he can expense it. ZING.

Roger has fixed up Don on date with Bethany, a Betty Draper lookalike, at Jimmy’s LaGrange. They eat chicken kiev per Roger’s suggestion because the butter apparently squirts EVERYWHERE, and she tells him about her job as a supernumerary in the opera. They share a cab, and when they reach her apartment, Don sleazily suggests that he walks her in. It is really off-putting, because Don Draper is not supposed to be sleazy, he is supposed to be Don Draper. She rejects him but still would like to see him again sometime. He could see her again if he accepted Roger’s invitation to Thanksgiving dinner at his place as Bethany will also be attending, and after all, Roger “needs someone white to carve his turkey.” But instead Don decides to spend Thanksgiving alone at his dark, depressing apartment on Waverly and 6th avenue, where he hires a prostitute to slap him repeatedly in the face while having sex (which prompted this hilarious e-card). I’m wondering if this is just a dream and Leonardo DiCaprio is going to show up with a spinning top because clearly this world can’t be reality if Don bloody Draper needs to pay someone to sleep with him.

Back in Suburbia, Betty is still the worst person alive and continues to live in Don’s house (which he still paying for) and emotionally abuse the children. Betty, Henry, and the kids who will need a lot of therapy one day enjoy an awkward Thanksgiving dinner at Henry’s mother’s house. Sally, who has lost her lisp, also thinks her mother is the worst person alive and rebels against her by spitting out her sweet potatoes. Bobby still likes sweet potatoes though, so that’s good. Henry’s mother is generally unimpressed with Betty and tells Henry so, and that night, Henry doesn’t reciprocate Betty’s sexual advances.

The next day, Don comes to pick up the kids. Henry and Betty get into the car in the garage to go somewhere and Henry suddenly is all over her because he feels like Don threatens his masculinity or something like that. They hadn’t opened the garage door yet, and I was secretly hoping that they would both die from carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, when Don returns the kids from a great father-child bonding session of him doing work and smoking in his apartment while they watch TV, Betty and Henry aren’t there, and I got super excited that my wish came true until, alas, the couple from Hell came traipsing in. Don tells them that they need to vacate his house or that Henry needs to buy it from him (Ha! Like someone who works in the public sector could afford that house!) and Henry tells Don that their residency there is only temporary. Don delivers the best line of the night when he replies, “Everyone thinks this is only temporary.”

At the end of the episode, the agency loses the jai alai account because Don didn’t mention them in his interview with Ad Age, and the publicity stunt impresses Sugarberry Hams even though the actresses wind up in jail. Don completely loses it at the execs from Jantzen Swimsuits because they’re a family company, remember, and therefore the idea he shows them, a woman with a black bar across her top that reads “So well built we can’t even show you the second floor,” fails to impress them. Don is very upset that his wife left him, that he lives in a crappy apartment, that the new company isn’t doing well, and that the Jantzen Swimsuit executives don’t realize that family values aren’t going to sell a bikini – erm, excuse me, a two-piece bathing suit. Everyone at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is very upset with Don for bombing the Ad Age interview, and even Peggy stands up to Don when he yells at her that the publicity stunt could hurt the agency’s image by retorting, “Nobody knows about the ham stunt so our image remains pretty much where you left it.” I am very upset by the new depressed and depressing Don Draper. He seems to start to pull it together in the final scene when he sits down with a Wall Street Journal reporter in an effort to repair his image, but I think we have a lot more of dark Don to look forward to. He no longer has his family to keep him tethered, and I think the reality of this is causing him to become slightly unhinged.

The episode wasn’t all doom and gloom, though. While the suave Don Draper we know and love may be taking a sabbatical, the smart and hilarious writing sure isn’t. Take a look at the best quotes from the episode and see which character won for best zingers of the night. I’ll be keeping the scoring going throughout the season, so be sure to check back to see where your favorite character stands in the rankings each week!

Quotes Score Chart:

“We thank you for your sacrifice.”
- Peter to the Ad Age journalist who lost a leg in the Korean War
+1

“They’re so cheap, they can’t even afford a whole reporter.”
- Roger about the Ad Age journalist
+1

“I love how they sit there like two choirboys. You know one of them is leaving New York with VD.”
- Roger about the Jantzen Swimsuit execs
+1

“Creatively, Y&R’s not capable of living in this neighborhood. You know why? You don’t work there.”
- Peter brilliantly kissing Don’s ass, as usual
+1

“Get the chicken kiev. The butter squirts everywhere.”
- Roger tells Don what to order at Jimmy’s LaGrange on his date with Bethany
+1

“I can use my expense account if I say they’re whores.”
- Peter, about the actresses for the Sugarberry Hams PR stunt
+1

“Come turkey day, maybe you can stuff her.”
- Roger, trying to persuade Don to come to Thanksgiving dinner
+1

“[I need] someone white to carve my turkey.”
- Roger, on why he needs Don to come to Thanksgiving dinner
+1

“I need $280 for bail.”
- Words you never expected to hear from Peggy Olson
+1

“Believe me, everybody thinks this is temporary.”
- Don to Henry
+1

“Nobody knows about the ham stunt so our image remains pretty much where you left it.”
- Peggy standing up to Don
+1

TOTALS:
Roger: 5
Peter: 3
Peggy: 2
Don: 1

Photo Courtesy of AMC

Elisabeth Bromberg works in digital advertising in New York City. When she’s not working, she enjoys discovering new awesome things on the Internet and engaging in a sordid romantic affair with her TiVo.

Also, feel free to comment below on your choice!

In the Season 3 finale, Betty had left Don, taking the kids with her, and a small group of the Sterling Cooper staff staged a coup and started their own ad agency.

We’re only a couple of weeks away from the Season 4 premiere, and although there hasn’t been anything monumental revealed yet, there are some promo videos on the AMC website. I thought I’d share one of them with you, in which Matthew Weiner and some of the cast vaguely discuss what’s in store.

Mad Men returns July 25th at 10 pm.

Photo Courtesy of AMC

-Chips and Onion Dip, preferably served in a vintage chip and dip set
-Rumaki, or if you’re not into chicken livers, Bacon-wrapped Scallops would make a nice alternative
-Cocktail-sized Hamm Sandwiches, inspired by Betty Draper’s old standby meal for Don, and star Jon Hamm, of course!
-Oysters Rockefeller
-Mini Beef Wellingtons
-Cold Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
-Avocado stuffed with Crab Meat

Of course, you’d need something to whet your whistle, and AMC has a fantastic Cocktail Guide with recipes for everything from Manhattans to Mint Juleps.

Anyone planning a Mad Men Cocktail Party?

Could fashions inspired by Mad Men hit the racks at your favourite shops soon?

Glamour recently interviewed Mad Men’s costume designer Janie Bryant, who revealed that a line of Mad Men inspired clothing is likely in the works. Bryant stated:

I’m working on some things right now…I hate to be so mysterious but I can’t really say! It would have my name attached to it though.

It seems that a lot of ladies out there are anxiously awaiting this line, most of which want to dress like the sultry Joan Holloway. I’m not exactly a fashionista, but I’ve taken a second glance at some of her outfits and thought how good they’d look on me!

Ladies, I’d like to know what you think. Will you be making a beeline for the sexy, Joan-inspired ensembles, the elegant frocks a-la Betty Draper, or the slightly more demure stylings of Peggy Olson? And guys, will you want to dress like the dapper Don Draper?

And thanks to Twitterer @newmodernist for the tip!

I completely forgot to watch the SAG Awards this evening! This is what happens when I decide to prepare a Sunday feast and spend an evening in the kitchen. Some Televixen I turned out to be :p

So, here’s the list of the winners in all TV categories:

Ensemble in a Drama Series: Mad Men

Ensemble in a Comedy Series: 30 Rock

Male Actor in a Drama Series: Hugh Laurie, House

Female Actor in a Drama Series: Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters

Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: Paul Giamatti, John Adams

Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: Laura Linney, John Adams

Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series: Heroes

It’s a fairly predictable list of winners. I expected Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney to win for John Adams, considering it was the darling of both the Emmys and the Golden Globes. I also figured Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin would win for 30 Rock, which is cool with me because I love that show! I was kind of surprised to learn that Hugh Laurie beat out Jon Hamm for Male Actor in a Drama Series. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Dr. House, but I would have put my money on Don Draper. I think both of the ensemble awards went to worthy recipients, 30 Rock and Mad Men.

What were your thoughts on the SAG Awards? Did you tune in?

10:58 Best Motion Picture Drama goes to Slumdog Millionaire. People everywhere rejoice. What’s that – the F word just slipped out!!! NBC, prepare for a fine!

10:50 Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama goes to Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler. Wow, I remember when people used to watch his films for a glimpse or two of his butt. Now he’s an award winner for a serious, dramatic role. And he thanked his dogs, past and present. Good on ya, Mickey. Your name will no longer only be synonymous with Wild Orchid and 9 1/2 Weeks.

10:43 Best Television Series – Drama goes to Mad Men. Not surprised. Everyone and their uncle loves that show. I’m still only 3 eps into the first season. I know, sacrilege.

10:37 Mark Wahlberg isn’t talking to animals. Bummer. KATE WINSLET WON AGAIN! I have to say I am so happy for her her. I’ve been watching her in films for more than half my life, and seen many award shows that she went home empty handed, often losing to the matriarchs of film. Congrats Kate. I’m thrilled for you!

10:28 The Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy goes to Vicky Christina Barcelona. Another one I haven’t seen yet. Wow, I should get out more often.

10:18 Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy goes home with Colin Farrell for In Bruges. Dark comedy takes it! He seems shocked, and remarks “They must have done the counting in Florida.”

10:12 Best Director goes to Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire. I haven’t seen this yet. Scared it won’t live up to the insane hype I’ve heard so far. I might give it some time, then check it out.

10:02 Steven Spielberg is given the Cecil B. DeMille award. Good for him, but I must take a break.

9:47 I never knew David Duchovny and Tea Leoni were back together. That’s the second time he’s mentioned his wife and child. Interesting. He and Jane Krakowski just awarded Tina Fey with the Globe for Best Actress in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy. Again, I love 30 Rock, so I’m thrilled with this win. Fey always seems genuinely happy that she won. I like her. She’s awesome!

9:43 Is it just my eyes, or does Kate Beckinsale looks annoyed with her co-presenter, Sean Combs? Slumdog Millionaire has won for Best Original Score – Motion Picture.

9:36 Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy goes to 30 Rock! Whoo hoo! Tracy Morgan is quite the spokesperson. And I never realized just how plunging Tina Fey’s neckline was until just now.

9:31 I never would have guessed in a million years that Paul Giamatti would win for John Adams. He just took the statue for Best Actor. Again, sarcasm. Who knew a movie about that creepy kooky family was so award-worthy. Oh wait, John Adams is about a president?

9:28 Frak me, I will never be able to get past Renee Zellweger’s eyes. Her squintiness annoys me! Open your eyes, lady!

9:21 Amy Poehler and Patrick Dempsey take the stage to name Alec Baldwin Best Actor in a TV Comedy or Musical. Love 30 Rock, so happy with the win!

9:19 Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen, reunited after Zack and Miri. They give the award for Best Screenplay – Motion Picture to Slumdog Millionaire.

9:10 I know you’re surprised, but Laura Linney just won for John Adams. Note sarcasm. Again, I wrote this line before the winner was announced.

9:06 Yum yum, Colin Farrell presenting the Best Foreign Language Film. Bad boy or not, he’s a hottie. He sniffles and says, “Still have a cold. Not the other thing it used to be.” Way to poke fun at former drug use. Waltz With Bashir from Israel takes the statue.

8:59 A moment to recognize Heath Ledger as he takes the Best Supporting Actor Award. The other nominees in the category present a very graceful front. The performance was worthy, definitely award-winning.

8:54 John Adams wins for Best Mini-Series or TV Movie. I know, you’re shocked. I actually typed that before they gave the award, this category was so predictable!

8:42 Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy goes to Sally Hawkins for Happy Go Lucky. And she is lucky, picking up an award from the dashing Johnny Depp. I would have hugged him or at least shook his hand.

8:39 WTF? The Jonas Brothers? I guess it’s appropriate to have kids give the award for Best Animated Feature Film. Wall-E takes the award. Good flick. Entertaining and a powerful statement on the environment. A worthy win!

8:36 Ricky Gervais tells off the crowd for not quieting down, drinking a beer on stage, griping about not being nominated this year, but still manages to be funny.

8:32 HOLY S*#$@! Anna Paquin won! I adore True Blood, so I’m very happy with her taking home the statue for Actress in a TV Series – Drama.

8:30 Gabriel Byrne for In Treatment? Are you kidding me? That show puts me to sleep. Wishing Michael C. Hall, or at least Hugh Laurie had won as Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama.

8:18 Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-series or TV Movie has gone to Laura Dern for Recount. Wow, political movies swept the Emmys, and now it looks like politics continue to be a winner at the Golden Globes.

8:15 Tom Wilkinson just won for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-series or TV Movie (for John Adams). I’m a little disappointed. I was so hoping for Neil Patrick Harris to win. BTW, Jeremy Piven is there, and he doesn’t look too good. I know a lot of people are angry with him right now for backing out of Speed-the-Plow on Broadway, but heck, he looks sick!

8:08 Best Original Song – Motion Picture goes to Bruce Springsteen for “The Wrestler”. I have yet to see this film, but apparently Mickey Rourke asked Bruce Springsteen personally to write this song.

8:02 Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture goes to Kate Winslet for The Reader. Yay! I’ve loved this girl since, well, I was a teenager. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride has been changed tonight for Winslet! So happy that she gets to take this award home.

8:00 pm
Is it just me, or did the Golden Globes steal the font from the Golden Compass?

First, I find I can’t handle more than 2 episodes in one sitting. This is not going to be a show that I’ll watch in marathon viewing sessions.

Second, I find the time period fascinating: the tobacco industry in the heat of a battle to keep customers when there’s concrete evidence of the health risks, women being sexually awakened because of birth control pills, a divorcee in a suburban neighbourhood being scandalous. If anything will keep me watching, it’ll be this aspect of the show.

Third, I find it necessary to discuss why I don’t like it. To sum it up, the ad industry “game” aspect of the show reminds me too much of my day job. I’ve worked at an ad agency, and now deal with a number of ad agencies on a daily basis on a radio station level. When I watch TV, I want it to be as far detached from my day-to-day life as possible. I am hoping I can get past this, because I really would like to see this series through.

I’ll keep you posted on this Mad Men adventure. In the meantime, I am eagerly awaiting the announcement from the BBC on who will be the next Doctor. Tennant’s successor will be named at 11:35 am EST Saturday.