"For Those Who Think Young," the first episode of "Mad Men's" second season, marks a dramatic shift in the series' tone and narrative focus, as the characters grapple with the changing tides of youth, ambition, and personal identity. Directed by Tim Hunter, the episode sets the stage for a season that will explore the tensions between the old guard and the new, as Don Draper (Jon Hamm) finds himself increasingly challenged by a younger generation of creatives at Sterling Cooper. The title, a reference to the episode's central theme, encapsulates the generational divide that will come to define the season, as Don's authority and relevance are called into question by the arrival of new talent.
The episode opens with Don preparing for a meeting with the agency's new account, a campaign for a youth-oriented product. The cinematography in these scenes is sharp and deliberate, using tight framing and subtle shifts in lighting to underscore the tension and discomfort among the characters. The production design, from the office furniture to the costumes, immerses viewers in the world of early 1960s America, while the editing is seamless, highlighting the contrasts between Don's public and private personas.
Don's interactions with the younger creatives, particularly Smitty and Kurt, are marked by a sense of ambivalence and frustration. Don's attempts to undermine them and assert his dominance are met with indifference, as the younger generation remains unfazed by his tactics.
The direction and editing in these scenes are sharp and deliberate, highlighting the contrasts between Don's public and private personas. The episode's portrayal of Don's struggle to maintain his relevance is both compelling and unsettling, capturing the complexity of his relationship with the agency and the ways in which he is both celebrated and marginalized.
The episode also delves into the lives of other characters, particularly Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), whose copywriting career is progressing at Sterling Cooper. Peggy's interactions with her colleagues reveal her ambition and her willingness to navigate the office's complex social dynamics. The direction and editing in these scenes are sharp and deliberate, highlighting the contrasts between Peggy's public and private personas.
Betty Draper's (January Jones) subplot is equally significant, as she reconnects with an old friend and finds herself struggling with car trouble. The episode's portrayal of Betty's naivete and her newfound awareness of her sexual power is handled with sensitivity, capturing her sense of displacement and the ordinariness of her suffering. The direction and editing in these scenes are dreamlike, with a slow, floating quality that underscores the sense of dislocation and the characters' emotional distance from one another.
"For Those Who Think Young" is a masterful episode that deepens the series' exploration of generational tension, ambition, and the fragility of identity. Its nuanced performances, rich visual style, and thoughtful storytelling set a high bar for the series and for the medium as a whole. The episode's ability to generate debate and reflection is a testament to its enduring relevance and artistic merit. As viewers are drawn into the lives of the characters, they are also invited to reflect on their own lives and the roles they play in the theater of modern society.
