Invigorating and fun, “The Quality of Mercy” was the kind of episode I wish we’d gotten with the rest of Mad Men season six.

Sally and Glenn on Mad Men. Photo: AMC

Sally and Glenn on Mad Men. Photo: AMC

Now, of course, we’re near the end of the sixth season. Which means its’ time to reel us in for yet another season of 60’s lessons in self-preservation. Speaking of…

Betty has had quite a turnaround. She had some years of floundering…with weight issues and even changing her hair color to let us know how miserable she was…but she’s emerged the thin, blonde self-centered Mother we’ve always known. Sure, she’s maybe grown a little…but more or less she appears to have the same shallow problems and shallow, misguided (though well-intentioned), thoughts. Somehow, this disappoints me. I don’t want the same old Betty.

Sally is changing, though. She’s quite the troublemaker, as are even the most ordinary of young teenage girls and boys. Going to boarding school as a way to avoid her father seems drastic and ripe with later life resentment. (I.E. “I had to go there just to stay away from you! You ruined my life!”)

When it comes to Glenn, he obviously cares about Sally in a different way than she cares for him. Heartache will come. Heartache will stay. Sorry, Sally.

Megan tries to be a good wife, but seems very peripheral to Don’s life right now. Of course, he wasn’t a “bad boy” in this episode. He tried to do the right thing wherever he went…mostly. Which isn’t to say he didn’t push boundaries or try to “get his.” But he really does seem to try to do what’s right for the business…whether it’s making more money, or not losing an account because of budgeting issues. Of course, Peggy is still down on him…so he probably gets the feeling he did wrong anyway. But, no, Don, in this episode you hardly annoyed me at all!

I’m eager to hear if the rest of you responded as positively to this episode. Drop a comment to let me know if it was a “yay” or “nay” for you.

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