Ep 1. A Little Kiss - Part 1

It's 1966 in New York City, and the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce advertising agency is back in action for the fifth season of Mad Men. The return of the show brings with it a renewed energy and sense of purpose, as the characters move through the changing landscape of the 1960s. In the season opener, "A Little Kiss - Part 1," we get a glimpse into the personal lives and professional ambitions of the agency's staff.

The episode begins with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and his wife Megan (Jessica Paré) entertaining a group of friends at their new apartment in the city. Don seems content and happy with his life, and Megan appears to be flourishing in her role at the agency. However, there is an underlying tension between the couple that hints at trouble ahead.

Meanwhile, Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) is settling into her new role as copy chief and working to develop a new ad campaign for a client. She is met with resistance at every turn, as her colleagues question her authority and dismiss her ideas. Peggy's frustration is palpable, and her determination to succeed is inspiring.

Roger Sterling (John Slattery) is feeling his age and struggling to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the advertising industry. He spends much of the episode trying to regain a sense of relevance and purpose, with limited success.

Other characters, such as Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) and Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), make brief appearances but are largely overshadowed by the central storylines of Don, Megan, and Peggy.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Don and Megan, as her ambition and success threaten to overshadow his own. Don's reluctance to support her professionally creates a rift in their relationship that feels insurmountable.

Overall, "A Little Kiss - Part 1" sets the stage for a season full of tension, conflict, and change. The characters are grappling with their place in a rapidly shifting culture, and their personal lives are just as fraught as their professional ones. The writing is sharp, the acting is top-notch, and the direction is evocative and powerful. The show continues to capture the zeitgeist of the era in a way that is both nostalgic and relevant. Mad Men is back and better than ever.