So, I've kind of gotten into
Mad Men (finally). I started Netflixing the season DVDs about six months ago and am currently in the midst of
season three. Obviously
I'm greatly enjoying the retro appeal, but it's increasingly the small, little things that get me. I've been surprised at how effectively the plot lines occasionally come together in little moments that can really pack an emotional or angst-ridden wallop. One of my favorite little moments thus far comes at the end of season two's
"The Inheritance." Basically, during the last forty-five seconds or so of the episode, we see
Don Draper sitting aboard an airplane, lighting up a smoke as the "no smoking" sign is turned off on the overhead console.
Betty Draper (Don's wife) has kicked him out of the house after she discovered he'd had an affair. Draper isn't exactly happy about being away from his wife and family and decides to accompany
Campbell to Los Angeles on a business-related trip. The 1962 song
"Telstar" begins to play as Draper looks out the plane's window and reels from the consequences of his actions and contemplates the meaning of
this thing called life:
