Episode Report Card Couch Baron: C- | 581 USERS: B- YOU GRADE IT Through the Looking Glass
By Couch Baron | Season 6 | Episode 8 | Aired on 2013.05.19
Don emerges from the office to find Stan beating Cutler out in a race around the office or whatever. Before Stan can then get into an arm-wrestling match with Mathis, Don takes off, but his typical blithe disapproval doesn't last long as voices start to echo in his head and he's wracked by a coughing fit on the stairs. Given the upcoming metaphor, I guess that means that tricks have been turned on this very spot, and while it doesn't seem that comfortable, I wouldn't rule anything out around here. Through his watery eyes, he see through Ted's open office door that Peggy is comforting him, even opting for the classic prelude-to-an-affair move of putting her hand on his arm. He stares somewhat uncomprehendingly...
...which takes us back to the Best Little Coughhouse in Pennsylvania. Don is carrying his sad Bedroll of Illness when a blonde employee invites him into her room. She listens to his breathing without the benefit of a glass, and as she's doing so, Don notices a photo of a baby stuck to her mirror and asks if it's her. Without elaborating, she says no -- this, at least, was a nice subtle moment -- before telling him that she's seen a lot of consumption, but he merely has a chest cold. She has him lie down as she comments that his mother doesn't know how to take care of anyone, to which Don reflexively replies that Abigail isn't his mother. The woman just regards him appraisingly, speaking of reflexive reactions.
Back on the stairs, Don continues to stare to the point where I'm surprised a crowd hasn't gathered to see why he's catching flies, but thankfully Moira shows a little discretion and closes the door before uncertainly asking Don if she can help him. Don's eyes are glazed, though, and he dreamily asks if they know each other. She's eventually basically like, I'm just going to go over here now. After another several moments with echoing sound effects and rando close-ups of Moira's face, he jauntily heads to his office. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm not sure exactly what the "it" is, but I think it's fair to say that whatever it is, it has kicked in. [Note: "It" is speed, basically. -- Rachel.]