Mad Men Episode 3.7 — Seven Twenty Three
Subtle but Powerful Episode Finds Ad Man Don Draper at a Crossroads
Last week’s installment of Mad Men reminded viewers why they love Don Draper despite his many faults and bad behaviour. He rose above his problems, ultimately providing comfort and guidance that his daughter desperately needed. This week, fans were reminded of Don’s darker side, as bad judgment and unwillingness to face his problems ultimately put him in a position of weakness both at work and in his marriage.
The first scene finds Don waking up alone on the floor of a motel room, bruised and bloodied. At home, Betty lies on a couch alone, obviously unhappy. Peggy also wakes in a hotel room, but unlike Don and Betty, she is not alone. Slowly, the story unfolds and the events that caused these situations start to come clear.
Don Lands the Hilton Account, but at What Cost?
Arriving at work, Don finds that Conrad Hilton waiting for him, sitting behind Don’s own desk. Hilton is finally ready to make a firm commitment to Sterling Cooper, and to Don. Believing he has once again cemented his place at the company, Don is pleased — until he finds out that Hilton’s attorneys won’t move the account unless Don is under contract to Sterling Cooper. Don refuses, until Bert Cooper and Lane Pryce explain that Putnam, Powell, and Lowe agree; it is time for Don to commit, or else.
With no other option, Don agrees to consider the offer. Back in his office, Don receives a visit from Peggy, who would like a shot at the Hilton work. Frustrated, Don lashes out at his protégée, suggesting she would do better to work harder and improve at her job than to constantly ask for more.
Duck Phillips Continues to Court Peggy
Though stinging from Don’s criticism, Peggy remains resolute in her decision to stay at Sterling Cooper, despite the efforts of former employee Herman “Duck” Phillips. Duck holds a grudge over losing his position at Sterling Cooper thanks to Don — a move that was only possible, coincidentally, because Don had no contract. In an attempt at revenge, Duck is determined to steal Peggy away, wooing her with expensive lunches and a scarf from Hermès, a client of his new firm.
Peggy tells Duck she will return the scarf, and at his invitation, meets him in his hotel suite to do so. She remains steadfast in her refusal to give in to Duck’s seduction, until the seduction becomes one of another sort entirely, and Peggy falls into his arms. Far from romantic, the tryst is disturbing, more so after the alcoholic Duck whispers to Peggy how much he enjoys the taste of bourbon on her breath.
Betty Is Increasingly Dissatisfied
Back in Ossining, the truce that Betty and Don called before the birth of their son shows signs of wear. Bored with redecorating and working with the Junior League, Betty jumps at the opportunity to reconnect with handsome politician Henry Francis, under the guise of asking for his help on a project. They meet, and it is obvious that the man is more interested in spending time with Betty than in helping with her political goals. It is equally obvious that Betty feels the same way.
Struggling with her feelings and frustration, Betty receives a telephone call from Roger Sterling. Roger wants her to convince Don to sign the contract. Betty puts on a show of indignation that Roger would go behind Don’s back. But later, Betty lashes out at Don, who hadn’t even mentioned the contract. Tired of arguing, or just plain tired, Don takes his drink and walks out.
Driving away, Don foolishly picks up a couple who are hitchhiking. Distracted by his problems, he accepts their offer of Phenobarbital and goes with them to their motel room. Under the influence of the pills and alcohol, and taunted by a vision of his father, Don never sees it coming when the two beat and rob him. At home, Betty lies awake, obviously thinking of Henry.
Showdown at Sterling Cooper
The next morning, Don drags into the office, pretending that his injuries are the result of a “fender bender”. Peggy is unconvinced, just as Don notices that she has come into the office wearing the same clothes as the day before. However, both keep their observations to themselves, and Don continues into his office, where Bert Cooper waits behind Don’s desk.
Confronted again by someone who has taken the power position in his own office, Don asks what Bert wants. Bert explains the time has come; Don owes Sterling Cooper, and the time has come to give them what they need. The usually eccentric Bert is deadly serious, asking if Don wouldn’t agree that Bert knows a little something about him. Then he drops the bombshell: “After all,” Bert continues, “when it comes down to it, who’s really signing this contract, anyway?”
Don has been checkmated. Bert not only knows about Don’s true identity as Dick Whitman, he has used this knowledge to force Don to sign. Don signs his chosen name, dating the contract 7-23-63, the ominous “Seven Twenty Three” of the episode’s title. It is a date that Don will never forget, as his past has finally cost him something he truly held dear.
January Jones and Jon Hamm as Betty and Don Draper
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