Historical accuracy is a tough thing to measure.  However, in today’s television industry, there is not doubt that “Mad Men” ranks among the top in terms of historical portrayal and atmospheric illustration.  The latest episode, ‘The Grown-Ups’, continues that challenge with the biggest historical event yet, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Chop, Chop, Sway

The editing for the first half of the episode definitely builds up to the assassination effectively.  Fans of the show will immediately pick up on the rapid cuts (for the show) between various characters’ circumstances before and after the event.  While I am not an expert by any means, the episode does depict the event with national urgency and appropriately emotional reactions.  Yes, it was a less cynical time back then.

When the episode comes back to the characters, it almost feels insignificant and inappropriate.

Betrayal

This is not a new topic for the show, but most of the characters use cheating as a coping mechanism in the episode.  Sterling reaches out to Joan at a time when he’s least content.  Despite Peggy and Duck’s relationship, they immediately disconnect when the assassination occurs, showing the shallow basis of their relationship to begin with.  For Betty, the event triggers a new perspective on her relationship with Don.  Without comfort or a sense of security, Betty might be close to leaving her husband after all.  Yes, everyone’s in need of a little intimacy in this episode.

‘The Grown-Ups’ definitely relies on historical intrigue to make the episode work.  Does it?  Considering the episode’s unbiased portrayal, I think the answer is a resounding yes.  It doesn’t send a new message but attempts to emulate the feel of the moment.  Once again, “Mad Men” doesn’t disappoint.

Rating: 9.6/10

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