Mad Men’s 10 Best Episodes

6) Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency (Season Three, Episode Six)

Written By: Robin Veith and Matthew Weiner
Directed By: Lesli Linka Glatter

Since Mad Men deals with real brands and companies, doing the product placement for the AMC drama must have been a fun job. However, few actual products were used as memorably on the series as one John Deere lawnmower – the one that crushed the foot of PPL operating officer Guy McKendrick. And, as Roger Sterling wisely cracks, “right when he got it in the door.”

While the climax to “Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency” is unforgettable due to shocking spurts of gore more akin to a Dexter episode, the entire episode is suspenseful and funny in equal measure. With the folks from Putnam, Powell and Lowe coming in to inspect, evaluate and lay down some terms for Sterling Cooper’s future, the heads of the agency want everything running swimmingly. The British are coming, so what could possibly go wrong?

Fear and the unknowable is a major theme of the episode – and not just to the portfolio of the Sterling Cooper heads. Sally is afraid of the dark, unnerved by the presence of a new baby with the same name as her late grandfather. Joan doesn’t know where her life is headed next, as her contract is up yet Greg did not become a surgical resident. Lane gets a promotion (or a demotion, if you look at it through his eyes) to leave New York for Bombay, which fills him with terror and uncertainty. Many from the Sterling Cooper staff are frustrated by how little they know about their future job security.

Don, meanwhile, is piqued by the chance to work with a new client – none other than Conrad Hilton (Chelcie Ross). Just as one person gets their foot caught in the lawnmower, Don gets his in the door for a sparkling new opportunity. It’s a bold, bloody hour but, just as one of the PPL suits describes the Broadway show Oliver, it’s also “a tragedy with a happy ending.” My favorite kind.

Best Scene: Even with so many fine moments happening at the Sterling Cooper offices, one of the funniest (and queasiest) scenes in the show’s history is Betty trying to deal with Sally’s hysteria by buying her a Barbie – and signing it from baby Gene. Instead of joy, Kiernan Shipka delivers a fantastic look of trembling fear. Sally is beginning to see through her mother’s crap. She is not growing up to be like a Barbie doll.

Line of the Hour: There are several good ones here. Betty’s “Only boring people are bored.” Most of what comes out of Roger’s mouth. However, one of the most hilarious lines in Mad Men’s history is present here, belonging to Mr. Powell of PPL, referring to Guy’s injury. “The doctor said he’ll never golf again.” Said with deadpan brilliance that reminds one of Leslie Nielsen, it is a howler.