Mad Men 4x07 Reaction

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Red Cerebus

This episode is actually considered to be one of the best. I also love it and it makes me super sentimental also.

Leonel E Martinez

“I'm having one of those moments right now. one of those moment's when everything is so perfect and so wonderful that you almost feel sad because nothing could ever be this good again.” - - this is how I feel after every reaction recently

cheech

Peggy saying "that's not true" and rubbing Don's back during his breakdown kills me. So many of the best moments in this show revolve around Don and Peggy and their fascinating relationship. love it

jerry

"Uncle" is just a shorthand for saying "I surrender"

dandelions2

Sometimes the filler episodes are the best

My Toasty Toast

*Okinawa

bondbond53

Duck obviously is a side character here, but him saying "I killed 17 men in Korea" in the fight, oof. One quick line to explain his drinking problem.

Biberius Caldius Mero

I love the little gesture with the laugh Don makes when they're listening to Roger wildly guessing (1948... No 1932! No... 1939?) the year of some event. How the hell is he writing memoirs when he confuses stuff that's two decades apart?!

Biberius Caldius Mero

So after all that drama Samsonite actually went with Peggy’s idea of the elephant sitting on the suitcase (That can't be a spoiler!). I seem to recall that Don used a Hartmann suitcase on his last trip to California. Peggy might benefit from reading "The Feminine Mystique", published in 1963, or maybe she already has. Too many obscure cultural references to count. Pure madcap genius.

Thomas Fahey

Returning to say a couple of things that I didn't notice in my early views of the episode but am increasingly moved by: 1) Don's (Jon Hamm's so brilliant, really) physical manifestation of his frenzy that Peggy reads in him that both keeps her there and gets called out by Mark to a degree. I love that she can walk through such a hurt and then toss back a "No" when Don calls her in for the Roger reel. 2) I also love Don's reaction to Roger's attempt to recall events by naming years that are decades apart. So subtle and brilliant, and the playfulness of that shared moment allows for the significant statement to Peggy about the mouse (Mickey, no less): "there is a way out of here we don't know about" or something to that extent. Amazing, especially as nearly the exact mid-point of the series (not sure what minute that is in the ep) - so much effort on Don's part to get INTO that world shifts toward the opposite.

pb24rf19

Probably my favourite episode of the whole show.

Patrick

27:55 “I saw a shadow touch a shadows hand” - Bleecker Street, Simon & Garfunkel

Darrach

The best episode of television ever

Isaiah Bryant

Beautiful episode and my personal favourite, not an original choice but there you go. Well done everyone for keeping spoilers and 'oooh can't wait for the next episode' comments to a minimum. I always get a little teary eyed watching it. Don and Peggy have a lot of similarities, both lost parents young, both have family that don't fully support them, so they focus on their own achievements. Being so similar can almost make it harder to embrace someone at times, kind of like a sibling bond. They drive you crazy but you love them and you know they're always there for you. Don losing Anna pushes him to show love to Peggy, lower his walls and not take her for granted. Peggy seeing that side of him and opening up to him on a more equal level helps her be less desperate for validation. Peggy's comment about not being interested in Don romantically, but also not wanting the idea to be unbelievable, is very relatable and honest to me. Don is like this bellwether that they all measure themselves against, especially Peggy and Pete. They struggle between 'what they want and what is expected of them'. It's funny how M&L wanted the episode to be an extended therapy session - it does feel like that at times. I think if every show had a Tony Soprano - Dr Melfi relationship they would be in heaven lol.

Mark M

Also taking anther opportunity to say that it's pretty easy to turn off "next episode" autoplay on the Netflix website! It changes your preferences on all devices.

Mike

"The Suitcase" is considered by many to be one of the greatest television episodes of all time. When you think about Mad Men, you eventually think about The Suitcase. It comes halfway through season 4 at almost the literal middle of the show. I'm not sure there's anything to say about it that hasn't been said in the episode, in this discussion, anywhere. It's a phenomenal piece of television, it was an incredible reaction and it's another checkbox off the long list of "I can't wait for XYZ" that we've been discussing in comments + on discord. Bonus Thoughts: I have nothing of value to add.

Kara

I wrote long paper about this episode in film school. Just beautiful.

Yannis

It's not that people thought she's perfect and never wrong (and Vince Gilligan himself said he pitched her as "Carmela who's in on the crime" so she was never meant to be a moral foil anyways). It's that the hate she got was so disproportionate for what she does, but also in comparison to Walt.

Veya

Alex Bernier

Instantly looking immaculate while Peggy looks like, well, she slept on a couch. Very funny moment.

Mike

“I spruced up.” I think of this line every time I have a bad morning. Indeed, Don has some serious superpowers (generally revolving around alcohol, but still!!).

PIG

Yes! The best episode. Love it. “That’s what the money is for” became such a classic line. It’s still one of the things I remember from this show after all these years and how great both Elizabeth Moss and John Hamm are.

Haye Zeus

Matthew Weiner has stated on numerous occasions that this was 100% a filler episode, only created so they could reach the 13-episode quota. BONKERS. I mean it sorta makes sense, in that such a simple premise makes up an entire episode in a way we've never seen but still, it's bonkers to hear that.

cc

well done, LM. have been anticipating you getting to this episode for so long and so moved by your response to it. so glad it was on a week-end. such depths to these characters - and the relationships that matter. speechless even after so many watches. it's an exquisite episode even in the top 5 of any episode of any show ever, I think. Anna... <3 And Don realizing who knows him. Well done, MM. Well done, LM!

pb24rf19

I think it's the visual effect they use for Anna that was a bit awkward and cheesy. I don't mind that Don sees her, especially with the way the scene sets it up as vague footsteps at first, since that made it a bit eerie and mysterious. But having it be so apparently a ghost-like figure with the glowing effect feels like a lost opportunity to have that moment blend a bit of reality and dream, which this show occasionally dabbles in. Maybe it was telling us about Don's subconscious that he specifically saw her that way in the moment. But visually it would have been less awkward if they did it without the effect. Either way it's such a small blip in an all timer episode that, meh, who cares.

Veya

"Don Draper = time travelling fetus" theories about to go crazy

Mike

I would like Trudy to tell me that 32 is also still very young.

Zosko1

Easily one of the best and richest episodes of the show. Probably the episode that has stuck with me the most a decade after watching the show. The best episodes of this show usually have a literary short story style lack of rhythm that still feels natural and life-like and this was the epitome of that. So many sections of this episode could be split up or serve as their own episode but end up being stitched together in a way that still makes the whole thing feel cohesive. On a character level there's such a rich payoff as well. It's the type of episode similar to Whitecaps or Ozymandias where it would be weaker coming in earlier during the show's run and a type of payoff that a lot of modern shorter shows can't really do as strongly. At this point there's been seasons worth of Don and Peggy character moments, evolving dynamics, frustrations and built-up trauma for this episode to mine from. Weiner always brings up Peggy giving her baby away but not having the show turn it into a soap-opera style melodrama as a good example of the type of psychic scars he likes exploring so it's fitting it comes up here again. Agree that Don and Peggy know each other in a way other characters don't and it's another reason why the episode is so strong. They're the two arguably (well not really arguable for Don) most focused on characters with the most complex relationship in the show, in an episode that fully honed in on that and expanded it by the end. A beautiful episode of two people, one on a downward spiral and another one who's on the come-up meet in the middle and have a very human connection in spite of the very corporate world they're in.

Veya

Probably the most famous episode of the show. Certainly the most critically-acclaimed. Not my personal *favourite* (or even my favourite of the season, actually) but man, it's a knockout. Others have already commented on that gorgeous ending -- "Bleecker Street" (a perfect music cue), the hand-holding (on a short list for the best moments in the whole entire series), and Don's choice to leave his door open -- but I love how out-of-control the middle section gets. Roger's book, the diner, talking about Don's past and Peggy's pregnancy, Duck showing up at the office. It's the kind of 30-minute odyssey that really bonds the characters and opens up space for the emotional wallop of the final scene. One thing I've found a little bit surprising on this rewatch is how, relative to Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Moss hasn't had a ton of "showing off" to do so far. I think we can say at this point that Peggy is basically the second lead of the show -- that's how I think of her, at least -- and when I think about the performances on the series, I think of Hamm & Moss ahead of everyone else. I don't mean that she hasn't been giving an incredible performance, but I don't think Elizabeth Moss has had the kind of showcase moments that Jon Hamm has had. Well, this episode is that end of that. The argument about the Glo-Coat commercial might be her finest moment on the series. "And you never say thank you" just tears my heart out. (I will say that I have never *loved* the moment where Don sees the vision of Anna in his office. That bit is too Touched By An Angel for me. Oh well, when you have an episode with "That's what the money is for" and "I killed seventeen men in Okinawa" you're allowed one tiny misstep.) Spoilers: Gurl gbhpurq ba guvf cbffvovyvgl va gur cbfg-fubj qvfphffvba, ohg V ybir gung Crttl arire svaqf bhg nobhg Qvpx. Vg'f gbgnyyl gehr gung fur pna "xabj" Qba jvgubhg xabjvat nobhg gung. Vg qbrfa'g unir gb qrsvar uvz.

Mike

Because I don’t think anyone’s said it yet: shoutout to Jon Hamm. Playing Don means playing it cool 99% of the time, but when JH has to turn it on, damn does he turn it on. His sobbing after the phone call is so cathartic.

Jamie

The reveal that Duck was Don's uncle the whole time was crazy, I wonder where this plotline is going

Wojo

The fight that's mentioned is a rematch between Muhammad Ali who had world champion recently and Sonny Liston the man he had defeated to become champion. Liston was one of the most intimidating presences in sports and his victory was seen as inevitable. But Ali KO'd him in the first round with a strike he called the "anchor punch." A punch he claimed to have learned from someone who learnt it from Jack Johnson, the first Black Heavyweight champion of the world waaayyyy back in 1908 when America still had many former enslaved people living. This Ali-Liston fight happens three months after the assassination of Malcolm X who became famous as a member of the same religious organization as Muhammad Ali.

Luis

They didn't say but I'm pretty sure Lola recognized the line.

Julien

Me seeing all the uncle comments: "Uncle"

Michael M

Saying "uncle" is equivalent to "mercy" or "I give up" in a fight, admitting defeat

Scott

Uncle means "I give up" in fights!

Owen C

"Uncle" in this context means "I surrender." It's an odd English expression but there is no deeper meaning there.

Julien

You’re so right that their relationship is equal parts fascinating, heartwarming and toxic. I think it’s because they’re so alike at the end of the day so at times they get the worst out of each other

Jude G

Haha I had the exact same reaction to that comment. "Let's not start an argument here and draw attention to it."

Mike

Absolutely correct. I think it's solely a North American colloquialism, so you won't learn it in language classes. I think its use here connects to the way Don is regressing to childlike status in this episode, since the phrase is usually used in childish conflicts. Schoolyard fights end when one of the particpants says "uncle". Child bullies will often trap somebody and command them to "Say uncle!" before letting them go. Things like that. Here, Don isn't pleading for his life against another man who wants to kill him, he's a little kid telling a bigger kid that he gives up.

JBK405

There is a run of episodes in S5 that imo is the best in TV history, but this stretch of S4 is also a top, top contender.

Mike

I didn't have cable when it first aired, and I so remember reading urgent, effusive praise from critics on twitter while I waited for it to show up on pirate bay lol

Mike

The "That's what the money is for" conversation is regarded as one of the specfic iconic scenes of the series. I've seen it memed and referenced even by people who aren't superfans of this show. I agree that Trudy wasn't TRYING to be condescending to Peggy by telling her that she's "still young". I actually think it connects back to that conversation Peggy had with Joan a few seasons ago, where Peggy realized that Joan honestly thought she was helping with her advice that Peggy resented. But even though Trudy isn't doing it deliberately, the whole circumstance makes it grind. A theory I've seen kicked around regarding Bert Cooper's unnecessary orchiectomy is that he had some sort of legitimate medical issue in one testicle (like testicular cancer), but the doctor removed BOTH instead of just one. Another theory is that he MAY have had a problem and they were still in the investigatory stage, but the doctor just went straight to surgery before confirmation. Now Bert has to live with the results for the rest of his life. I am 100% on Peggy's side at being furious at her boyfriend for surprising her with a family dinner. That's only something you do if you know that your partner desires it, and even casual friends should know that Peggy doesn't want that. Her boyfriend shouldn't do this under any circumstances. It strikes a personal chord for me, because I am still FURIOUS at my mother throwing a surprise birthday party for me in 2021. This was before I -- or anybody who she invited -- was vaccinated for COVID and after we had had NUMEROUS conversations about the risks of gatherings and what we were individually comfortable with (And after she had already exposed me a few months earlier and forced me into complete self-isolation to quarantine). I still can't even comprehend what she was thinking, because I've never expressed any desire for a surprise party before in any circumstance. So whenever I see any fictional character instigate a party or invite family when they should KNOW that this would be unwanted, it makes my blood boil. The boxing match going on in the background is a famous fight. The fighter they call "Cassius Clay" is Muhammad Ali, who I believe had already changed his name at this time, but a lot of people (primarily white people) refused to acknolwedge his name change and continued to call him "Clay". The picture of Ali standing over Sonny Liston lying on the mat is one of the most famous images in American sports history, and is still reproduced today. rot13 - Vs lbh pbaarpg gur qbgf sebz uvf eryngvbaf, Qnaal Fvrtry (gur vqvbg Qba jnf sbeprq gb uver ynfg rcvfbqr), vf Wrjvfu. Lbh pna FRR uvz fgneg gb ernpg jura ur'f pnyyrq n Wrj sbe nfxvat nobhg zbarl, naq lbh pna frr uvz erfgenva uvzfrys naq 'cynl nybat'. Guvf vf n terng ovg bs sberfunqbjvat, orpnhfr vs V erzrzore pbeerpgyl jr qba'g lrg xabj ur'f Wrjvfu ng guvf cbvag va gur frevrf (Hayrff V'z sbetrggvat fbzrguvat naq jr nyernql xabj Wnar vf Wrjvfu ol abj).

JBK405

Perfect episodes can only be improved by their closing tracks and Bleecker Street brings The Suitcase to an 11/10. I believe it is the only Simon & Garfunkel track used in the entire show and they nailed its placement. Voices leaking from a sad café Smiling faces try to understand I saw a shadow touch a shadow’s hand On Bleecker Street

Jamie

One of the best indeed...I still remember the night it aired, absolutely fucking fire, one of those nights in the TV golden age. Same reaction! WHAT IS HAPPENING

Scott

"Open or closed?" "Open."

Taya

Continues being a joy watching you react to the show; v happy you’re enjoying as much as we thought you would. We’ve all been waiting for this episode specifically, lol. But I will be the contrarian and say: top top episode, but many of my favourites are still to come. Of interest: someone once mentioned that this episode - perhaps one of the most important - is directly in the middle of the show. Middle season, 7th of 13 eps. It feels very purposeful. Looking forward to the rest, as always.

ruseka

One of the best episodes of the series full stop. One quick note, you guys noted Don saying "uncle" when fighting Duck. Saying "uncle" is just an expression for "I surrender" or "mercy" when you're in a fight.

Griffen Rosado

This is my favorite episode of the series! I've been looking forward to your reaction ever since you started this show.

Bosnian Knight

Probably my favorite episode of the entire series. I love how it basically showcases how Don and Peggy’s relationship has evolved. In Season 1, Don was mostly a dysfunctional mentor figure to her. But in this episode, it becomes clear how Peggy has grown into a grounding, steady presence — something Don desperately needs, given that he grew up without any real parental love or sense of safety. It’s one of the few genuine, non-performative relationships Don has. Underneath everything, he’s still just a scared kid who’s deeply traumatized by his upbringing

Julmor

I think it's safe to say at this point that this run of episodes is the show at its best. I won't say 'peak', as that implies the show goes downhill from here, which it certainly does not, but this is just fantastic television. Don's reaction to the phone call has remained etched in my memory ever since I first watched the episode.

Śéáń

This is one of the best episodes of TV ever made imo.

hasty rewrite

Except for one comment under last episode (which I let lie hoping that they’d already watched this one), people here have done a remarkable job of avoiding setting expectations for what is generally considered the best episode of the series so far. Bravo everyone! 👏👏👏

Julien

"that's not true." TV doesn't get much better

Hugo Sinclair

Is that a combination of reaction+sob? Because same

bondbond53

nice reactiob

.mvnk

*Armin voice*: "Maybe the reason i was born was so that I could watch LM react to 'The Suitcase' episode"

bondbond53