Ep 8. Severance

In the Mad Men season 7 episode 8, titled "Severance," viewers are transported back to the glamorous world of 1960s advertising in New York City. The episode opens with a montage of characters getting ready in the morning, all set to the melancholy sound of David Bowie's "Space Oddity."

We see Don Draper walking through the bustling streets of Manhattan, passing by other businessmen, secretaries, and pedestrians bustling to work. When he arrives at his agency, it's clear that something is off. The office is quiet, and many members of the team are missing.

As the day goes on, we see the remaining employees grapple with the aftermath of a recent round of layoffs. They're all nervous and on edge, unsure of whether or not they'll be next. One employee, Peggy Olson, contemplates her future at the agency and whether or not she's ready to leave.

Throughout the episode, we see various characters grappling with bigger questions about their lives and careers. In particular, Don Draper seems to be searching for something. He's more introspective than usual, and it's clear that he's grappling with some deep inner turmoil.

Meanwhile, fans of the show will delight in the continued exploration of the 1960s cultural zeitgeist. From references to the feminist movement to hints at the looming countercultural revolution, "Severance" does an excellent job of grounding the show in its historical context.

Overall, "Severance" is a poignant episode that grapples with themes of loss, change, and the struggle to find meaning in one's life and work. Mad Men fans will undoubtedly find much to love in this episode, which combines the show's signature glamour with hard-hitting emotional depth.