Episode Report Card Couch Baron: A- | 576 USERS: B+ YOU GRADE IT A Turkey Lurkey Christmas To You, Jerky
By Couch Baron | Season 4 | Episode 2 | Aired on 2010.08.01
But while this has nothing to do with market research directly, there are numerous instances this episode of people doing what other people expect of them by keeping up appearances -- Pryce, for one, I'm sure is not telling the truth about the state of his marriage, and as I mentioned earlier, it's an easy bet that something has happened with Joan's husband Greg as well. And of course, the way Don treats Allison at the end is a prime example as well.
Anyway, Don invites her to dinner, but it's not hard to see even two episodes in that one of the themes of this season is that the Don Draper charm ain't what it used to be, so it's no surprise that she respectfully declines. On her way out, though, she tells him not to worry -- the holidays are tough for someone in his situation, but he'll be remarried within a year. I think he didn't realize her research extended into his personal life, which is why he seems taken aback, but she interprets his sharp "What?" as disagreement, so she sighs, "I'm sorry. I always forget -- nobody wants to think they're a type." HA HA HA! The writing staff is going to have to work hard to come up with a line I enjoy more.
Oh, dear. Turns out that Polaroid worked out better than anyone could have imagined, because Lee Jr. is using it to snap photos as all the employees take a turn on Roger's knee. Harry, sotto voce, apologizes profusely when it's his turn, but I think Roger's drunk enough that's he's past the point of caring. For his part, Don emerges from his office in the background, takes a disbelieving look at the goings-on, and heads for the hills. Call him a Grinch, but I think I would have done the same.
Unfortunately, and not just for him, when he arrives at his door, Don realizes he is not in possession of his keys. He knocks on Phoebe's door, but, you know, suicides, so...
...he calls Allison from a pay phone, who finds the keys on the floor by his desk. Joey then opens the door and, hearing what happened, says they can meet at Joan's in half an hour, but Allison amends that to an hour, as she may need to get some food in him. Joey proclaims Don "pathetic," which, again, is not talk you would have heard from an underling in the first three seasons. Don always drank a lot, but it's not just that he's drinking more -- he's standing out, which is making him the object of ridicule. Of course, Don is going to pay Joey back for his insult by shtupping his crush [SPOILER!].