UK TV review: Mad Men Season 7, Episode 10 (The Forecast)
Review Overview
Dreams
10The Future
10Lasting Value
10Chris Bryant | On 23, Apr 2015
“We know where we’ve been, we know where we are. Let’s assume that it’s good. But it’s going to get better. It’s supposed to get better.”
The forecast this episode’s title refers to comes in the form of a speech Sterling and his moustache have to make to parent company McCann. Palming it off on Don, he’s hoping for some of the creative director’s verbal magic, but in true Draper style, the small speech triggers an existential crisis. Elsewhere in Weiner’s rich, magnificent world, everyone else is also beginning to look like they’re catching up with their dreams.
One dream, often muted by the catcalls and degrading comments, is Joan’s. Christina Hendrick’s iron-willed office manager meets a very recognisable someone while holding interviews. Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) guests as the wealthy businessman who is instantly charmed by Joan – then again, who isn’t?
Don, however, is forced to confront his dreams in a far more executive manner. As a man who, by nature, has no idea what he wants, he’s forced to consult others in order to express what his company wants. After receiving the same answers – more money, bigger accounts, fame – he’s lost as to what to put in the speech. In what is certainly one of Mad Men’s finest hours, The Forecast blends the past with the future, as the audience is treated to a symphonic retrospective of just how far we’ve come.
Sally is writing her first cheque and is off on a teen tour with some friends, who are treating the mandatory ‘boys’ chats from Sally with disdain. Kiernan Shipka shines here, as Don and Betty’s daughter proves that her deepest worry is becoming either of them.
When not soul-searching for the fulfilment of dreams, Episode 10 continues with the day-to-day business of advertising. Ed and Mathis begin an odd-natured argument, which lands Mathis in some awkward trouble with Don, encouraging a vibrant exchange and giving Jon Hamm a chance to monologue some of Don’s uniquely pragmatic wisdom. For him, this is an episode about goals and expectations, the subtext skilfully implying that Don’s biggest fear might be that he’s achieved them all. After a necessary but tough tongue-lashing from an estate agent, he continues to strive for freedom, but now begins to question what exactly he’s working towards.
The Forecast is frank, it’s undeniably intense and co-writer Matthew Weiner’s trademark dialogue ensures that the episode’s themes stand front and centre – usually by a window and holding a glass. Mad Men, with only six episodes to go, has arguably already achieved the status of one of the best shows on TV. Beyond that, it’s a show the audience hope to experience as much as enjoy. The melancholy teachings, the quick-witted discussions, the raucous office environment all contribute to a series in which every letter of the script matters as much as every directorial flair, and every thousand-yard stare out of every window – a signature well used in Episode 10 – could lead to a chaotic breakdown or a scotch-infused epiphany. As prodigal icon Peggy Olson dreams of fame, respect and realising ideas with lasting value, it is quite clear that creator Matthew Weiner is more than capable of all three.
Mad Men: Season 1 to 7 is available to watch online on Amazon Prime Video as part of a Prime membership or a £5.99 monthly subscription.