I flew through this season. Couldn't resist. Once I knew that Netflix only showed the first four seasons, I knew I had to find a way to watch season 5, especially since the premiere of season 6 comes in a few weeks, in April.
So, I found it for cheap on Ebay, and went ahead and got it.
Season 5 shows Don happy, or so it seems. At least, at first. He legitimately seems content, with a new wife and a new life.
Of course, it does not last too long. What good would the series be if he was simply happy, and that was that? Turmoil sets in, slowly but surely. There is tension with different expectations, particularly when it becomes clear that neither of them knows what the other wants, and usually, this ends in some kind of misunderstanding and, eventually, conflict. Sometimes, you don't even know what they are fighting about or, if so, how it escalated to such an extent.
Peter Campbell continues his downward spiral, in terms of morals. Not only does having an affair not seem to bother him anymore. He begins to resemble the other men at the office, staying away from home and keeping secrets from his wife.
Roger's self-doubts continue, although he also begins to find superficial comfort in sleeping around as much as he possibly can.
Paul Kinsey, from the first three season, makes a return, although it is very strange - I don't want to ruin the surprise.
Sally is growing up, and we see her starting to really show signs of not simply being a kid anymore.
Betty is gaining weight, and there is a health scare with her. It is feared that her life might even be in danger. Also, her jealousy of Don and Megan exerts itself outwardly at times.
The office itself suffers two major losses, and within one episode of one another! In both cases, there is a measure of suddenness, a shock value - for the characters, as well as for the viewers.
Changes are afoot. We begin to see the political shift towards a more radical agenda, and we see the first real glimpses of a new spirituality from a surprising source.
Ultimately, this was another strong season. Marilyn is a wonderful edition, and we see Joan finally getting her due a bit more.
Still, I have to say that Season 4 was a bit stronger, at least for me. It packed more of an emotional punch, and the surprises tied in to the emotions more. I enjoyed season 5, but admit that it still paled by comparison to season 4. Season 4 was the peak so far, and may wind up being the peak of the series, period.
That said, I am still very much looking forward to season 6!
This is still a great television series! I hope it goes right into the seventies! I doubt it, however, as I read something recently, somewhere (not sure where) that said that there will be two more seasons. That is good, since there will be at least two more seasons. But it will not go beyond that. That said, perhaps that is a good thing also, since I would not want this series running the risk of going on too long. Some good television series do that. Indeed, it would be nice to see this series go all through the sixties, and have it end there. I personally would love to see the portrayals of the Tet Offensive and the reactions to an increasingly unpopular war, as well as the moon landing, the hippie culture, and Woodstock!
In any case, Season 6 starts on AMC on April 7th, and I, for one, am definitely looking forward to it! Finally all caught up, for the first time since this series started, and ready for all new episodes to follow as they first come out, for a change!
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