Diving into the Sterling Cooper Revolution: A Recap of "A Little Kiss" - Season 5, Episode 1 of Mad Men

Hello, Mad Men enthusiasts! Buckle up as we dive into the Sterling Cooper revolution, kicking off with "A Little Kiss," the first episode of season five. This episode, penned by series creator Matthew Weiner, sets the stage for a new era in the world of advertising, and our beloved characters are navigating some significant changes. Let's grab a drink (maybe a Old Fashioned, Roger's choice?) and explore what's shaking at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (SCDP). Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and season 5 mad men episode 1.

The New Normal: Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce

SCDP, the new kid on the block, is now a fully independent agency. But independence comes at a cost, and our characters are grappling with the challenges of running their own shop.

Don Draper (Jon Hamm), now the Creative Director, is struggling to find his footing in this new world. He's no longer the top dog, and his creative well seems to have run dry. Meanwhile, Roger Sterling (John Slattery), the agency's founder, is adjusting to his new role as a minority partner. He's still the silver-tongued charmer, but his power has been diluted, and he's not too thrilled about it.

Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), now a copywriter, is thriving in her new position. She's confident, assertive, and finally getting the recognition she deserves. But her relationship with Don is strained, and she's grappling with her own demons, including an unwanted pregnancy.

The Client Dilemma: Lucky Strike vs. London Fog

SCDP is off to a rocky start with their client list. Lucky Strike, their biggest account, is threatening to leave due to SCDP's lack of creative direction. Meanwhile, Don's trying to land London Fog, a new potential client, but his past is catching up with him.

Don's pitch to London Fog is a masterclass in Mad Men's signature nuanced storytelling. He weaves a tale of a man who's lost his way, only to find it again thanks to London Fog's raincoats. It's a powerful, personal pitch, but it's also a lie. Don's not that man; he's Dick Whitman, the Korean War deserter who stole his brother's identity. The tension between Don's past and present is palpable, and it's unclear if he can keep his secrets buried.

The Betty and Henry Conundrum

Betty Francis (January Jones), Don's ex-wife, is now married to Henry (Christopher Stanley), a nice guy who's clearly not Don. She's struggling with her new life in the suburbs, and her encounter with Don serves as a stark reminder of the life she left behind.

Their conversation at the diner is a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics between these characters. Betty's still bitter about the way things ended, and Don's still haunted by the ghosts of their past. Their relationship is a tangled web of love, hate, and regret, and it's far from over.

The Peggy and Duck Conundrum

Peggy's got her own personal drama brewing. She's pregnant, and she's not sure what to do. Her encounter with Ted Chaough (Kevin Rahm), the head of a competing agency, leaves her questioning her loyalty to SCDP and her feelings for Don.

Meanwhile, Duck Phillips (Mark Moses), the former SCDP partner who was ousted in season four, is back. He's working for a rival agency and seems to be gunning for SCDP. His reappearance serves as a reminder of the cutthroat world of advertising and the high stakes our characters are playing for.

The Twist: The Mystery of the Red-Headed Woman

The episode ends with a cliffhanger. A mysterious red-headed woman (Christina Hendricks) is seen leaving Don's apartment. Who is she? What's her connection to Don? We'll have to wait until the next episode to find out.

The Takeaway: Change is Hard, but Necessary

"A Little Kiss" is a masterclass in Mad Men's signature slow burn. It's an episode that's as much about what's happening as it is about what's not. The characters are all grappling with change - some embracing it, others fighting it. But one thing's clear: change is coming, whether they're ready for it or not.

As we leave the episode, we're left with a sense of unease. The old order is changing, and the future is uncertain. But as Don once said, "Advertising is based on one thing: happiness... And you know what happiness is? Happiness is the smell of a new car. It's freedom from fear. It's a billboard on the side of the road that screams with reassurance that whatever you're doing is OK. You are OK."

So, pour yourself another drink, Mad Men fans. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing's for sure: it's going to be one hell of a ride.