‘Mad Men’ season 6, episode 9 preview: Can ‘The Better Half’ turn things around?

If there is one word that we could use to describe “Mad Men” season 6 thus far, it would be “depressing.” In a sense, the shoe is finally dropping on some of these characters for their immoral actions over the years. Don has lost his new affair, and has to also cope with the fact that there is an equally-effective man now running the agency with him in Ted who does not need to resort to booze at all hours of the day. Meanwhile, Pete Campbell’s having to take care of another human being, and Joan has steadily learned how much respect she really earned in becoming a partner through the seediest ways possible.

One of our biggest critiques of season 6 thus far has been the near-abandonment of Joan and Roger Sterling, and at least the tiny synopsis from Sunday night’s “The Better Half” makes us believe that this could finally change:

“Roger is plagued by a recurring dream; Joan goes to the beach.”

Yes, that is all that Matthew Weiner is willing to give us right now, and the recurring dream storyline has the potential to be very frustrating. Why should we care about Roger’s random dream, especially when we have no idea as to what it means or why we are supposed to care about it? At least Joan’s storyline seems to be a bit more tangible in real life, and those of you fashion-lovers will once again get a chance to see the latest in 1969 swimwear (a reminder of how much things have changed).

If you want to cheer yourself up from all of this “Mad Men” depression, we do have a quick cure: A new video from Elisabeth Moss, which gives you an opportunity to see a much funnier side from the actress than you see in the Peggy role.

Photo: AMC