Ep 4. The Arrangements

In Mad Men season 3 episode 4, titled "The Arrangements," the storyline follows the personal and professional lives of the characters at the Sterling Cooper advertising agency. Set during the 1960s, the episode centers around a funeral, as the death of a loved one causes the characters to reflect on their own mortality.

The episode begins with Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) attending the funeral of a former lover's father. Despite the fact that Don and Betty (played by January Jones) are now married, there is still a lingering tension between them, and the funeral causes them to exchange some strained words. Despite this tense interaction, Don appears to be quite reflective on his own life, and the trajectory that it has taken.

Meanwhile, Peggy Olson (played by Elisabeth Moss) is dealing with her own issues, as she is asked to lie to the wife of one of the agency's clients. Peggy struggles with the decision, but ultimately decides to go along with the lie in order to maintain the account. This decision seems to sap her of some of her energy, as she appears visibly shaken throughout the rest of the episode.

In addition to these personal struggles, the episode also features several workplace challenges for the characters. Roger Sterling (played by John Slattery) struggles to maintain his control over the agency, as he begins to realize that he may not be the "big shot" he once was. Meanwhile, Pete Campbell (played by Vincent Kartheiser) is tasked with landing a new account for the agency, but finds himself facing stiff competition from his colleagues. These workplace dramas are skillfully woven into the overarching theme of the episode, which is the inevitability of change and the fragility of life.

One of the strengths of this episode is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. From the funeral home setting to the cars and clothing worn by the characters, the episode does an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of the 1960s. The writing is also top-notch, with the dialogue feeling natural and authentic without ever feeling forced.

Overall, Mad Men season 3 episode 4, "The Arrangements," is a poignant and beautifully crafted episode that explores the themes of mortality, change, and the unexpected challenges of life. With its strong writing, attention to detail, and excellent performances, this episode is a standout in a series that is already considered one of the greatest of all time.