8.23.10: The audience got the first glimpse of Don (sort of) regaining his composure/mojo, but it came at the expense of another lesser episode, the 2nd straight. One of the major flaws is that, with the divorce, the writers are having a difficult time handling Betty. I'm beginning to agree with the opinion that she is a one-note character, and not a very well acted note at that.
Last night her scenes were almost unbearable; it's becoming a real problem and I feel stupid for not realizing it sooner. She still seems to have a little something going with Don, but her "interactions" with the new fam are downright unbearable; the line "I want him dead" was a rare combination of horrible writing/acting rarely seen on the show. (Although kudos to the child actor portraying Sally Draper, who almost single-handily restores relevance to a lot of these scenes. She is downright creepy at times.)
The episode did pick up a little steam when they finally got back to, you know, focusing on the world of advertising. Although, two more beefs about this: The new character (I forgot his name) of Don's "rival"? Out of nowhere and a little cheesy, I thought. And Roger's racism (though not out of character) was a bit over-the-top; that could've been handled better.
Don's conversation with the lady doctor (who, by the way, is still hanging around the office for some unknown reason: I thought she was just a hired gun for the Ponds' account?), his conversation with her and his quick admission that is life is basically fucked up showed or at least hinted at Don's willingness to give "actually talking about himself" a chance. In a way, I hope they never hook up, because I'm not sure Don nailing her won't come off as a completely telegraphed, symbolic moment of his "comeback."
And now a quick note on Don's new secretary: Yes, she is funny, but I find her inclusion totally out of whack with the past standards of the show. Since when did Mad Men need an Urkel? And yes, I get that she is acting as the antithesis (punishment?) of/for Don's previous relationship with Allison, but come on. This act is going to get old fast if it hasn't already.
All and all, last night's ep was much more comedic than most. Campbell's interactions with Sterling ("Christ on a cracker!") were intentionally unintentionally hilarious (if that makes any sense). Generally, I found the Honda plot line enjoyable though, like I mentioned before, there was something off about Don's new "rival."
On a personal note, I'm not still not sure what I'm doing with my life. The fact that I forgot about Peggy telling Campbell about having the baby is unforgivable (by blogger recap standards). I should probably just retire from Mad Men blogging all together.
I also kind of hate criticizing the show. I suppose the bar set as high as it is, and given that they want to take this show up to 1970 (8 seasons?), there was bound to be a dip in quality over time. The creator can't write every single episode. Still, I wish I could just chill and enjoy it more. I kind of wish my blog would just go away. My blog is like a stray cat that I can't stop feeding.
Speaking of which, blogging will be super light. So, my three or four loyal readers out there: I apologize. Take care of yourself as I sort out some IRL-transitional stuff, and come mid-September we should be back in the bloggle (blog-saddle) again. (via Steven Tyler.)
SINGLES SIERES
The visual arts wing of TVHG Inc. is usually just referred to as “Vernon Howl” or “Vernon Howl Arts” or “by Vernon Howl”—as he is the collective’s namesake and creative director (not to mention its most prolific artist)—but its proper name is 
