The seventh and final season of Mad Men premiered yesterday and episode 1: Time Zones, can be summed up in one word: change.
It seemed that every character, except for Don (no big surprise there) was facing some sort of major change in their life.
The shows opens two months after the end of season 6; it’s 1969 and SC&P now has offices in New York and Los Angeles, reinforcing the theme of change that frames this episode.
Don and Megan have a bi-coastal marriage (Megan has moved to L.A.) making it easy for Don to keep her in the dark about being on leave (it’s paid leave).
Once again Don is tempted by a gorgeous woman (Neve Campbell); he doesn’t cheat, but he comes close.
Don’s keeping himself busy by feeding campaigns to SC&P, as well as other agencies, through Fredy Rumsen, who’s been where Don is.
In a genius plot move, the opening sequence feature Freddy pitching an oddly-familiar sounding campaign to Peggy.
It’s obvious Don needs to move on to everyone but Don.
Peggy, in the meantime, is finally where she wants to be in her career, but with Don gone it’s not turning out the way she dreamed.
Don’s replacement, Lou Avery, doesn’t have a creative bone in his body, leaving Peggy alone fighting for perfection at a place where no one seems to care.
Peggy’ personal life has been non-existent, and by the end of the episode she is in tears, alone in her apartment.
Pete, meanwhile, has changed in every sense of the word: he’s in L.A., he’s wearing madras shorts – and he’s smiling!
Roger was seen drunk and naked with five girls in his bed, while his daughter is calling asking to meet for brunch; Joan was trying to hold her own as a new partner.
One thing that hasn’t changed: Mad Men never disappoints. Episode 1 was a great start to this shows final season.
Mad Men airs Sunday nights at 10PM on AMC.
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