'Mad Men' Season 5, Episode 5 Recap - 'Signal 30'

What happened to "Mad Men?" It's different from the show we've known for four seasons. On the positive side, things actually happen, but on the other side, everything's just a little more obvious.

Perhaps we can blame John Slattery, who directed this episode (perhaps that's why Roger actually appears useful, as well), or maybe that's just the trend. In any case, it all centers around Pete this week, whose power struggles extend past the office: he's getting his driver's license (remember the conversation about Trudy dropping him off?), and he hits on a high schooler while he's taking his driver's ed class. But by the end of the episode, he is derailed in that endeavor by another high schooler named Handsome (really, that's what they call him).

That clearly continues the theme of the season, as even the younger Pete feels as though he's getting old. Though now the juxtapositions are getting a little obvious: having a character flirt with a high schooler is pretty direct.

Lane continues his issues as well, as he finally gets a bit of a victory by potentially bringing in Jaguar as a client, only to see the chance disappear on him when he fails to land the account alone. He recruits Don, Roger and Pete to show his friend a "good time," which involves a whore house and ends up ruining the guy's marriage and losing the account. On Pete's obnoxious comments, it's finally time to throw down: Pete and Lane get into a full-on boxing match in the conference room.

That fight seems to have been a point of contention among fans in the past day. I can understand why: it was almost a little too satisfying to finally have someone punch Pete's face in, not to mention give Lane at least one small victory (though it's immediately followed by his embarrassing gaffe in kissing Joan). But the moment was handled so well, and infused with such effortless comedy brought on by the characters, that I don't see how you could do anything but love it.

In contrast to those two was Don, who almost seems happy. Of course it can't last, but maybe that dream-choke last week was something of a catharsis. He even gets through Pete's entire dinner party without seeming too terribly miserable, and that's a feat for anyone, much less Don. Then again, maybe it was just because he got to be a big man and fix the sink ("He's like Superman!"), giving Pete one more embarrassment.

The themes were there, and they were solid. It's only that they seem so much more obvious now. Having Pete agree to the prostitute when she offers a "you're my king" fantasy makes sense, but it's on the nose. Pete's ensuing conversation with Don in the cab ("Why do I feel like I'm riding with a nun?") is on the nose. The continuing drip of the faucet, which echoes at the end of the episode, isn't quite on the nose, but it is a bit obvious. Pete's conversation with the high school girl, who speaks the line "time feels like it's speeding up," is unbelievably on the nose.

There was a lot to love here, though, especially the expanded look at Ken's private life, which we don't get to see much of (as evidenced by the gag that nobody remembers his wife's name). It's actually pretty refreshing to see someone happy with what they're doing professionally, which makes Ken's side job writing sci-fi novels endearing... that is, until Roger pretty much says "cut it out or I'll fire you."

To those who are unhappy with the way this season is going: hang in there. It's season 5, there are bound to be some issues. Just remember how high the bar is set for this show... and if you forget, go watch an ABC drama for an hour and then come back.