Mad Men Power Rankings, Week Six: 'One Minute You're On Top Of The World, And The Next Some Secretary's Running You Over With A Lawnmower'
Don Draper Fingerbang Threat Level: Medium
It was almost as if Don were consciously holstering his deadly, conflicted-pleasure-giving fingertips, knowing that a week down the line, he'd likely need them well-rested to administer a proper, grim digital penetration, should Miss Farrell suddenly return to collect on the boozy IOU she issued him over the phone, or should a comely realtor on his presumed house-hunting trip in Notting Hill need to learn a hard lesson about negotiating Draper-style. And so the Threat Level quiets from last week's screaming "Penetration Imminent!", all-banging-fingers-on-deck siren, to a mere "Medium" this time. Though there seemed to be the possibility that an offended Don might hoist the presumptuous Connie onto the desk in his Presidential Suite and give him a taste of what he'd do to every last front-desk clerk, linen-proferring maid, and high-end, lounge-dwelling prostitute in the entire Hilton chain should he dare to ask for free work again, the real danger was -- briefly, tantalizingly -- to Sterling Cooper's most beloved female employee. As Don and Joan sat in the hospital, awaiting word on the status of Guy McKendrick's foot, they shared a moment. And maybe that moment was one of genuine mutual regard, heightened by Joan's imminent departure from the office. But maybe that moment was one where two ticking sex-bombs sat next to each other in that waiting room, ready to be detonated by the hand Don casually draped over the seat back between them (right in the middle of the frame!). Maybe, maybe. But not in an episode where a guy's foot was sliced off by a drunk secretary on a f*cking lawnmower.
2. Roger Sterling (even) Last week: 2
What's that you say? How can Roger possibly hold his position at the number two slot in a week where he suffered the indignity of having his name left completely off Guy McKendrick's flow-chart, even though his name is right there on the f*cking wall? Because Roger, cornered, is going to come out swinging. "I'm rich, they can't hurt me," sniffed Roger, hurt. "I'm being punished for making my job look easy," boasted Roger, injured. But then here's what Roger did: By wiggling his foot during his manicure and off-handedly mentioning he's "thinking about my toes" right now, he placed a curse on McKendrick's now-doomed piggly-wigglys, even though the Brits had not yet arrived and Guy had not yet left him off that flow-chart. He sensed the threat to come and acted accordingly. That's true power. That's our Rog. (And also, he had a great line about polishing the Brits' knobs. So Roger!)
Comments
A slow clap for each and every one of these beauties, although we would've had words if the lawnmower wasn't ranked this week!
And that really was an inspiring piece of fanfic for lil Sally there.
If Lois doesn't deserve a power ranking this week, no one does! Except, of course, for Sally. Sadly, I think Lois can finally be added to the "exiting" section.
I haven't enjoyed a televised moment so much since Bush ducked the shot.
Er, shoe.
Phew, I've spent all morning trying to remember what Joan said to Don in the waiting room - I knew it was something wry and understated. Hmmm, but is she leaving Sterling Cooper? Can such a thing even be contemplated?
I said this over at the AV club, and I meant it: I can't believe my favorite part of watching Mad Men now is to find out what the Fingerbang Threat Level will be the next day.
I knew Sally asked for that nightlight for a reason. Baby Gene, I'd watch out.
The power rankings & finger bang threat are perhaps some of the funniest stuff on the internet. Even enough to make one look forward to Mondays! I don't know what I'm going to do on Mondays in between seasons of Mad Men!
Awesome in every way.
my ovaries combusted in that last scene with don and his kids.
what a great episode, the foot scene was fantastic in so many ways, i cant find words to describe it.
i love MM power rankings!
Pretty funny how Joan tended to the 'Guy's' blood gushing toes with concise action. I guess she has brains in her fingers. 😉
This is completely true, thanks for having my evening just a little more tolerant.