Oh man. Last night’s television was one for the books! One show almost made me weepy, while the other gave me nightmares! Here’s a bit of recap and my reflections upon Mad Men‘s “The Other Woman” and Game of Throne‘s “Blackwater“.

WARNING: SPOILERS ARE AFOOT!

Mad Men: episode 511 “The Other Woman”

Image Credit: AMCTV.com

Last night’s episode was exactly what I was hoping for…and nothing like what I expected. After Don’s epic speech last week, when he rallied the SCDP troops into working hard to win the Jaguar account, I knew that the show was about to delve into my favorite topic: work at the office! I love when the creative team is pulling all-nighters, trying to find the perfect pitch and now that Don is back into work-mode, I knew the next episode would be awesome.

And it was, but looking at the title, I should’ve known it wouldn’t be about work. Well, not advertising work. This week was all about prostitution.

The SCDP gang, led by Pete Campbell, was prostituting Joan off to some Jaguar creep. Megan was prostituting herself off in an audition (not literally, but it felt like it). And, while Don abstained from the Joan-selling, he treated Peggy like a prostitute when he flung wads of cash in her face. Then, Peggy went and sold herself to Don’s nemesis. All the while, the creative team was working on a pitch for Jaguar that sold the car as the mistress every man wants. “Finally, something beautiful you can actually own” (or something like that).

My thoughts:

  • Damn you Pete, I love you! You are such a creep, and I wish I knew how to quit you. For whatever sick reason, I’m still a Pete fan. He’s just so damn tragic.
  • I wonder if Lane is going to get caught in his illegal money dealings. Why didn’t you just talk to Don?! You’re just getting in thicker and thicker. Two more episodes left of the season…I hope nothing too terrible happens to Lane.
  • Oh Joanie, Joanie… on one hand, my larger hand (picture a huge hand a’la the Foo Fighter’s “Everlong” video), I am sickened by the idea of you having to sleep with that icky orc to help the firm land Jaguar. On the other hand, I remember you in season one, when you were hooking up with other icky old dudes, trying to get a ring on your finger. You’ve got a ring on your finger, and now you have a partnership. The crappy thing is, everyone knows that you slept to the top. Not a very feminist viewpoint, I know, but, like Cersei said in tonight’s GoT episode, the greatest weapon a woman has, besides tears, is the one between her legs. Cersei’s got a point, and she’s a queen, and “what would it take to make you a queen?” asks Pete Campbell.
  • In a parallel with Joanie, I think Megan will soon need to do whatever it takes to become a successful actress. Whatever it takes. Good times are in store at the Draper house!
  • My precious Peggy. Role model and icon.  I have been frustrated with Don’s treatment of you this season, but I’m still all about Don. I despise the idea of you working for that little twerp over at the rival agency. It won’t be the same for you, and I don’t think you’ll like it at all. I am proud of you for standing up to Don, and hopefully this will wake him up a bit, but eventually we will need you to return to SCDP. You can’t go. Ugh. Almost wept at the hand-kissing goodbye.

NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE: “Commisions and Fees”

Not that the trailer really gives us any hints. As usual, I have NO IDEA what’s coming up!

Game of Thrones: episode 2.9 “Blackwater”

Image Credit: HBO.COM

Finally, we have battle! Last night’s episode focused solely upon the pivotal Battle of the Blackwater Bay. It…was…epic!

The funny thing with this battle is that viewers (and readers) are really rooting for neither side. The evil Lannisters or the lame Stannis? Neither please! But, there’s Tyrion on one side–we love him! And there’s Davos the Onion Knight on the other side–he’s a good guy! It’s a pyrrhic victory either way you slice it. Here’s my thoughts on the episode:

  • Written by George R.R. Martin! Yes!
  • Love you Tyrion. You sweet, genius little man! You want love from Shae, friendship from Bronn, and respect from your family. Your only means seems to be the Lannister coffers. You have all of the above from me for free!
  • Loved the shots of the incoming Stannis ships. It felt like I was watching the opening Normandy scenes of Saving Private Ryan. For a fantasy nerd like me, I can count the Battle of Blackwater Bay worthy of memorial on Memorial Day. Plus, it reminded me that I need to pop in Band of Brothers for my annual viewing!
  • Son of a bitch (literally) Joffrey! “Kiss it” he says to Sansa. You kiss it, you little psychotic dweebazoid coward! He is such an idiot. I enjoy yelling at the TV “Joffrey, you are so stupid!” as much as I used to enjoy yelling “shut up Dawn!” at the TV when watching Buffy. I love the Joffrey scenes.
  • Bronn vs. The Hound. Who would win? Bronn is very quick, as he points out. Yet, The Hound can obviously take a licking and keep on ticking. I’m not sure who I’d stake my money on, but I think The Hound owns a little bit of my Westeros heart. So, I’d want him to win.
  • Ever since reading A Dance with Dragons, I am obsessed with watching Varys at work. He is so clever, and I am always trying to figure out what deception he’s up to and when he’s being honest. I enjoy his scenes with Tyrion, and tonight’s brief talk between the two was one of my favorites. I, like Varys, despise the sound of church bells because it reminds me of weddings.
  • Whoo! Wildfire! I was as giddy as the little pyromancer! Big shocker that the wildfire was like porno for the little pyro!
  • Finally, Cersei is showing her really sinister side. Her talk with Sansa in the Red Keep really reflected whom I know Cersei to be–an evil bitch.
  • Stupid pretty boy Lancel. He looks like he stepped off of the set of Velvet Goldmine. Can’t you just see Lancel in a Ziggy Stardust outfit?
  • What happened to Tyrion’s chains?
  • I can’t remember who that man was who struck Tyrion down. Ser Boros Blount? Ser Meryn Trant? One of the Kettleblacks? Gotta reread!
  • Saved by lil Podrick Payne!
  • I knew she wouldn’t, but I wish Sansa would’ve gone off with The Hound. I have a sick fantasy where they fall madly in love as they journey across Westeros. Never would happen, but still. Is this how fan fiction starts?
  • Tywin to the rescue…unfortunately? And who’s that with him? Ser Loras Tyrell? He kinda looked like Lancel for a minute there, but Lancel would never be in such a heroic situation.

NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE: “Valar Morghulis”

Thank goodness! Based on the trailer, and the title alone, I know we get to see Jaqen H’ghar once more. I was a little worried there when Arya and friends stepped out of Harrenhal without saying goodbye. One last episode, and then it will be another long wait!

Did you watch either of these episodes last night? What were your thoughts?


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