Ep 7. The Suitcase

In Mad Men season 4 episode 7, titled "The Suitcase," the focus is primarily on the relationship between creative director Don Draper and his secretary Peggy Olson. The episode takes place over the course of one evening and early morning, as the two characters work on a campaign for a client.

As the episode starts, Peggy is trying to leave the office to celebrate her birthday with friends, but Don cancels her plans and asks her to stay and work on a pitch for Samsonite luggage. The two spend the entire night working together, drinking heavily and bickering over their creative differences.

Throughout the episode, Don is dealing with the pain of his estranged brother's death, which he has kept hidden from everyone at the agency. Peggy tries to offer him support and comfort, but Don rebuffs her attempts.

Meanwhile, Peggy is dealing with her own personal struggles. She gets a call from her mother, who is suffering from an undisclosed illness, and Peggy's frustration with her mother's refusal to confide in her spills over into her work. She clashes with Don over the direction of the campaign, but ultimately they find a way to come together and create a poignant and effective ad.

The relationship between Don and Peggy has always been a complicated one, with Don serving as a mentor figure to Peggy while simultaneously undermining her success. In "The Suitcase," their dynamic is put under a microscope as they spend an entire night working together. As they drink and argue and confess their struggles, they begin to peel back the layers of their relationship and see each other in new ways.

The episode is a masterclass in acting, with both Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss delivering powerhouse performances. Don's grief is palpable as he tries to navigate his personal and professional life, while Peggy's frustration and vulnerability shine through in every scene. The two actors play off each other brilliantly, and the result is a powerful and emotionally resonant episode.

"The Suitcase" is a standout episode in a series filled with standout episodes. It showcases the complexity and nuance that Mad Men is known for, and provides a deep dive into the psychology of two of its most compelling characters. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, and a great entry point for those who are new to it.