A Resounding Thump on 'Mad Men'

Has Joan Holloway been sneaking a peek at Betty Friedan? After all, "The Feminine Mystique" was published in 1963, the year in which this season of "Mad Men" is set. Friedan explored the dissatisfaction of the era's housewife, the vague unease that there was more to a happy life. She called it the "problem that has no name." Well, it has definitely had a sound on this week's "Mad Men": "Thwack."

Former Sterling Cooper head secretary and all-around superwoman Joan (remember she's the one who tied a tourniquet for the poor gent whose foot got chopped), is settling down to another night of wine and whine, courtesy of hubby, Greg. He was her dream doctor; now he's an inadequate surgeon who's just blown his interview to switch to psychiatry despite her expert prep work. She's paying the bills and he's feeling sorry for the end of his dreams. She just wants him to do "something."

So she cracks a vase of flowers over his head. He calls her crazy; the unseen audience applauds. Not that I endorse violence, but this guy needed a wake-up call.

It's perfectly logical that Joan, who likes to think of herself as a modern woman despite her reliance on the social order, has read "Mystique." She probably gets a special kick from Friedan's condemnation of the advertising industry for perpetuating stereotypical roles for women. And though Friedan's work has been justly criticized for giving short shrift to economically stressed and non-white women, its influence cannot be denied. Joan would definitely have taken notes.

Betty Draper might have a copy stashed under the bed to peruse while she's taking one of her many smoking breaks. She certainly showed some steel while calling hubby, Don, on his secrets. He lost his sheen, and she was there to offer him a drink and some sympathy.

Roger Sterling got the chance to show some softness. He dearly loves his wife, it turns out, when tempted by an old love. And he reaches out to help Joan. It's almost enough to make you forget his turn in blackface. Almost.

This was definitely the week of strong women. Even Don's wild-eyed teacher girlfriend took the end of the relationship with grace – so far.

The guys may not give up without a fight, though. It's not called "Mad Women."

But hey, as Lynn details, even President Obama invited a "girl" golfing.