The Televangelist: ‘Mad Men’ Season 5, Ep 9

• AMC.com
• I believe you are ready, young padawan

When Betty appears this season it’s not as a supporting character, it’s to steal the show. And I will devote the majority of this review to discussing Betty because I am - wait for it - yes, a fan. Some of it is my natural reaction to like a character that the writers seem so hell-bent on making everyone dislike, but I actually believe Betty has a nuance, depth and humanity that is too often overlooked. For those who will stand up and cry “but what about January Jones’ wooden acting?!” I don’t know if it’s on purpose or because she really is that stiff (wait, maybe I do know the answer ...), but either way it works. It’s perfect for Betty, who has so many swirling emotions trapped behind that once-perfect exterior. And even as a heavier woman, she’s still attractive in the way she does her hair and makeup and chooses her clothes. Further, I’m sure there are more of you than are willing to admit that her Reddi Whip meltdown felt familiar (especially purging it back into the sink!)

But there were so many interesting elements to Betty’s story in “Dark Shadows” (the episode’s title describes the feel of the season as well as the soap opera that started in 1966, which I’m sure there was no intention of cross promotion for with the Tim Burton remake ...). Firstly, she’s back in therapy. Well, sort of. And this time her husband isn’t spying on her. For those who have conveniently forgotten, Don with Betty was a lying, cheating drunkard who was cold as ice towards her and obsessed with control. Betty is certainly not without her flaws, but the idea that many could have flourished in that kind of relationship is absurd. There were flashes of Old Don when he flipped out to Megan about Anna, but he’s grown a little bit, and Megan knows how to handle him (it’s one thing I will grant her character). Though Betty may not be especially happy with Henry (would she ever be happy anywhere?) the difference in the support that he gives her and the kindness that she shows in return is noteworthy. Betty actually seems to find some pleasure in paying attention to her kids again, even interacting with Bobby instead of just telling him to to bang his head against a wall (but not Gene, I mean, no one remembers about Gene. He’s the Rickon of the family, as “Game of Thrones” fans may note). Heartwarming. She also shares and seems to believe in the maxims from her Weight Watchers classes - a warm and friendly environment where Betty is able to seemingly start de-programming. And then ...