In this week's installment of Mad Men "At the Codfish Ball," Don (Jon Hamm) is honored by the American Cancer Society for his infamous Lucky Strike letter. His family accompanies him to the dinner that goes with the recognition. This includes Megan's parents, Emile (Ronald Guttman, All My Children) and Marie (Julia Ormond, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) Calvet, who come to town for the occasion. But considering that the couple doesn't exactly approve of Don's marriage to their daughter, and that their own union is on the rocks, the night doesn't exactly go so well.
Megan (Jessica Paré) really comes into her own in "At the Codfish Ball." Not only does she come up with a brilliant idea for the Heinz campaign, she also masterfully finagles the business dinner to sell said idea just before Raymond Geiger (John Sloman, The Ugly Truth) fires them. She proves her creative and business acumen quite nicely. Not only does this show that she deserves the position she now holds in the firm, but it also demonstrates why she is a great match for Don.
Side note: Harry's (Rich Sommer) telling of the Heinz dinner story and Ken (Aaron Stanton) admonishing him with "You weren't even there!" is one of the best Mad Men bits ever. Classic!
Don could not be prouder of Megan in "At the Codfish Ball." He celebrates with her, and makes sure she gets credit in front of her co-workers, despite her initial protest that she doesn't need it. To the client, sure, Don has to play the master, sharing ownership of her idea. But Megan doesn't seem upset, understanding the nature of the business. Their excited sex afterwards should erase any doubts of those who still don't think they don't have good chemistry or belong together. They have challenges like anyone else. But they also complement and challenge each other, and she can hold her own with him, something few women have been able to do.
It's too bad Megan's parents have to spoil her happiness. They come to town with their bickering, making everyone around them miserable. Emilie feels emasculated, and Marie cheats on him. It's not a healthy relationship, and one wonders how the pair is in any position to judge Megan and Don. Yes, Emilie's concern that Megan may be giving up her dreams may be valid, but Megan seems to feel fulfilled and satisfied where she is. So why do they have to be such a drag?
Article comments
1 - Stephanie
Afraid you have read Megan wrongly if you think she is feeling fulfilled as Don's wife and equal work partner. Sure she loves Don but it isn't enough to fill a void she shows very clearly she has, each time she is complimented or praised for her work, she very clearly shows she is unable to accept it. And her father's comments at the dinner table struck home which is why she looked so unhappy after. Think this does not bode well for Don - suspect she will leave at some stage to pursue what she feels is her own destiny in her own way. Well I was enjoying Don's domestic bliss but it was getting just a bit boring and predictable with everything in his life working out. Irony is she is his perfect match - sad bit is but not right now on her part.