Mad Men: A Night to Remember (2008)
Season 2, Episode 8
9/10
Deny, deny, deny!
11 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Betty Draper is under a strain because of a doubt in her mind. She has been poisoned by Jimmy Barrett when he told her about the affair Don had with his wife. Don, of course, denies it. All not is well in the Draper's household. Betty's own frustration is shown as this chapter starts when we watch her galloping furiously on her horse. Later, Betty smashes one of the dining room chairs as the children watch in confusion.

Peggy sees Father Gill. He wants to solicit her expertise in putting together a poster for an upcoming social at the church. It is targeted for younger people, but Father Gill decides to get Peggy to become more involved in the parish activities. At the same time, it's obvious he is acting on the knowledge he learned in confession about Peggy's secret and tries to work on her guilt to make his point. The result is a confused Peggy who has to live with her shame.

Harry Crane, in his new position, is called by Duck Phillips because Maytag is not too happy about having to follow a sequence on the television program in which Russians are prominently displayed. Duck reminds Harry not to forget "the Russians are our enemies". Harry has a pile of television screenplays to go through and asks Joan to help him. She has a keen insight as to what works, or not. Harry goes to Roger to ask for help with an assistant. Joan learns the hard way she was not even considered for the position that paid more than her own salary.

The Drapers are giving a dinner party. Sterling-Cooper's new account, Heineken, is prominently displayed among the drinks Betty has prepared for her guests, something that doesn't go unnoticed by Roger Sterling and Duck Phillips, who came without a date. After the party, Betty broods about what is happening to her marriage. The next morning she goes into Don's closet to inspect his suits. Not content with that, she begins inspecting his desk in the den; Betty doesn't find any evidence. Just by chance, as she watches a program on television, Jimmy Barrett appears in his Utz commercial, bringing to the surface all her worst fears. Betty asks Don not to come home.

The episode ends with Peggy sitting home feeling sorry for herself. We also see Father Gill taking his guitar and singing. Meantime Betty is all alone in her bedroom and Don in the office break room getting a Heineken from the fridge. A sharp contrast for four of the characters in this drama.

Lesli Linka Glatter directed this installment that was written by the series' creator, Matthew Weiner and Robin Veith. An interest turn of events as Betty takes a stand to question Don about his extra marital activities. Don opts for denial; he will never own up to his other life outside the home. Good work from all the female principals, specially January Jones, Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks.
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