Ep 7. At the Codfish Ball

In Mad Men season 5, episode 7 titled "At the Codfish Ball," viewers are taken on a journey into the lives of the show's various characters as they all deal with their respective personal dramas.

At the center of the episode is Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), who is struggling with the reality of his position at the agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Don has always been the star of the show, but now that the agency is struggling financially, he's feeling the pressure to deliver results. He's also dealing with his daughter, Sally (played by Kiernan Shipka), who is growing up faster than he can handle.

Meanwhile, Pete Campbell (played by Vincent Kartheiser) is still dealing with the fallout from his affair with Beth Dawes (played by Alexis Bledel). He's also trying to maintain his standing at the agency, despite the fact that he's not as popular as he once was.

In a surprising turn of events, Peggy Olson (played by Elisabeth Moss) and Roger Sterling (played by John Slattery) team up to land a new client for the agency. The duo goes on a business trip to win over the client, and along the way, they bond over their shared experiences at the agency.

The episode's title, "At the Codfish Ball," refers to a party that Megan Draper (played by Jessica Paré) throws for Don and his colleagues. The party is a celebration of her husband's professional success, but it also serves as a backdrop for the various personal dramas that are unfolding.

Throughout the course of the episode, viewers get a sense of the tensions that exist between the show's characters. Don and Megan's marriage is strained, with both parties struggling to understand each other's needs. Peggy and Roger's partnership is also fraught with tension, as both characters struggle to assert themselves in the agency.

Despite the various dramas that are unfolding, "At the Codfish Ball" is ultimately a satisfying episode that delves deeper into the show's characters. Viewers are offered a glimpse into Don's complicated psyche, while also getting to see the various ways in which the other characters are navigating their own personal challenges.

Overall, Mad Men season 5, episode 7 is a strong entry in the series that highlights the show's strengths. It's a character-driven episode that explores the various tensions that exist between the different characters, while also offering a satisfying depiction of the era in which the show takes place.