Episode Report Card Couch Baron: B+ | 755 USERS: A- YOU GRADE IT Something Interruptus
By Couch Baron | Season 3 | Episode 1 | Aired on 2009.08.16
In Bertram's office, another Brit, this one older and at the opposite end on the looks spectrum from John Hooker, pronounces a painting on the wall "remarkable." I'm sure the writer of a description I saw of the painting as "tentacle porn" would agree. (Judge for yourself.) Bertram tells the Brit ("Lane Pryce") that while he picked it for its sensuality (that's one word for it, Grandpa) it also reminds him of their business. Um...they both have sexual harassment that's marginally less disturbing if you keep your eyes closed? Bertram and Pryce go on to wonder whom the man that imagined her "ecstasy" is, but the line suddenly becomes worth it when Don enters and Bertram exclaims, "We were just talking about you!" Hee. Don's in no mood for levity, though, as he nervously tells them that "Burt" is on his way and asks where Roger is. Bertram replies that he's "probably taking another Grecian treasure out of its crate," and I'll be glad when I've gotten used to the move ahead in time, even if it's only to 1963. Which it is, although I don't believe they ever explicitly say it, but you surely didn't think Betty's been pregnant for two years, even if it seems that way to her. Referring to the imminent business trip, Pryce apologizes for sending Don to Baltimore, but says it has to be done - he's the face of their business, and London Fog needs some hand-holding. Pryce then disparages the name, as London never actually had fog, merely lots of coal dust in the air. I don't think it's true that London is completely devoid of fog, but his greater point that the name "London Smog" would be more accurate is taken. A voice on the scratchy intercom then announces Burt Peterson, and when the man enters, it takes him all of three seconds to size up what's going on, asking, in response to Don's offer of a cigarette, if he gets a blindfold too. Heh. Bertram and Don take a sympathetic tack as Burt starts to go to pieces, but Pryce is rather British about the whole thing, handing Burt a check and saying it's generous. Burt is bewildered as to why they waited so long, the implication being that layoffs happened quickly after the merger went through, but Pryce responds that they were aware his wife was undergoing radiation treatments. "We thought it decent to wait." Burt nods in agreement that that was decent, but just when you think this might all be settled quietly, Roger enters, apologizing for being late and cheerfully asking if he missed anything. When he sees the stygian tableau in front of him, though, his face falls: "Oh. It's that meeting." Hee. He does offer an apology, but when he repeats the party line that it "wasn't easy" (Don and Bertram had already said the same thing) Burt chooses to go on the offensive, saying that they won't do so hot without his Rolodex, and that Pryce represents "the dying empire" and makes him sick. He screeches that he's the Head of Accounts (Duck being on Skid Row, a proto-Betty Ford Clinic, or somewhere in between) and Roger replies that he's sure they'll regret their decision. Burt looks at him disbelievingly, and he's like, "What? I was serious!" How I missed John Slattery. Burt leaves, and Don asks if that's the last firing, because he doesn't like how he's getting used to them. Pryce sighs that he doesn't know anything Don doesn't know, and that's probably true or he'd be putting in earplugs right about now.