The Mad Men Men return to tackle one of Mad Men‘s most acclaimed—and devastating—episodes! Jon, Mike, and Will unpack “The Other Woman,” exploring Joan’s most impossible choice yet. But also Peggy’s long-overdue departure from Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, and Megan’s growing determination to chase a life beyond Don Draper.
Along the way, we discuss the episode’s ingenious structure and Christina Hendricks’ towering performance. As per usual, we incorporate some of Matthew Weiner’s commentary and why nearly every pitch in the episode begins with a woman. Finally, we debate whether Joan’s decision represents empowerment, coercion, or something far more complicated. While also reflecting on how this pivotal hour reshapes the series going forward.
If you’re new here, Mad Men Men covers Mad Men from three angles. First, we have a first-time watcher (Will Ashton). Then, we have a first-time rewatcher (Mike Overhulse). Finally, we have the over-rewatcher (me, Jon Negroni).
EXTRA CREDITS
Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Thank God For Movies podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).
We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 12, titled “Commissions and Fees.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.
Jon is one of the co-founders of InBetweenDrafts. He hosts the podcasts Thank God for Movies, Mad Men Men, Rookie Pirate Radio, and Fantasy Writing for Barbarians. He doesn’t sleep, essentially.
