Mad Cap: "The Runaways"

Welcome to Mad Cap: a daily rundown of every episode of the acclaimed AMC series Mad Men. During this time, I will be compiling my thoughts and highlights as we travel through every moment and season of the Emmy-award winning drama that has come to define modern TV. The goal is to be a refresher on every moment for Don Draper and his band of advertisement executives leading up to the final season. Stay for all of the shocking moments and the brilliant acting performances, and make sure to chime in with your thoughts and criticisms on why the show means something to you.

Season 7, Episode 5
"The Runaways"


"I don't want anything right now."
- Don Draper (Jon Hamm)

Plot:

Michael Ginsberg (Ben Feldman) is becoming increasingly paranoid that the computers are turning people gay. He is also forming a fondness for Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss). Meanwhile, Don Draper (Jon Hamm) gets a phone call from his niece, who is pregnant in Los Angeles, CA. This causes him to fly out for a visit. Megan Draper (Jessica Pare) gets a hold of her first and convinces her to take off before a big party that she is throwing. When Don arrives, they go to the party and run into Harry Crane (Rich Sommer). The two leave the party to discuss at a bar Don's future. There's a chance that he won't make it once the clients are landed. Don flies back to New York and pulls a nice hat trick on the team by convincing them to keep him on. Meanwhile, Michael cuts off his nipple to give to Peggy as a loving gesture. This backfires and sends him to a mental asylum. Betty Francis (January Jones) and Henry Francis (Christopher Stanley) argue after Betty brings up politics at a get together with friends. Sally Draper (Kiernan Shipka) begins to worry about the two's effect on her brother.


Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jon Hamm
MVP:
Don Draper (Jon Hamm)

What is in store for Don as the first half of the final season winds down? Apparently, there's quite a bit to worry about. He may not have his advertising job much longer based on his sloppy reputation. He is also getting into drugs and hanging out with hippies in Los Angeles. Things are all over the place and it is quickly becoming a question of whether he will live a conservative or a liberal lifestyle. For this episode, he shows both sides to his problem with a little help from Harry along the way. Where does his priorities land? So far, they are somewhere in the middle, as he feels like an outcast in both. Only time will tell how things pan out for him.

Best Scene

It is the weirdest moment in the show's history since that lawnmower moment (you know the one). Michael is in love with Peggy and also really hates computers. He is clingy and desperate throughout most of the episode. However, if his strange antics weren't enough, he decides to do something completely insane. He cuts off his nipple to give to Peggy as a loving gesture. As seen, it doesn't go over well. It is the weirdest moment and with Michael screaming "Get out while you can" as he is being wheeled out, it comes across as the perfect embodiment of how this job will torment you and tear you apart. I just hope Michael stops by again sometime, as he was an enjoyable character. Though it seems unlikely because who would want to work with a man of his reputation after this episode?



UP NEXT: "The Strategy"

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