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The fifth season of AMC's “Mad Men” kicked off with a hefty two-hour-long season premiere that introduced us to Don Draper's new wife and her awkward rendition of (the now infamous) “Zou Bissou Bissou” at Don's 40th birthday party.
The season premiere lacked one notable element – Betty Francis (formerly Draper). In the 120 minutes we experienced Sterling Cooper Draper Price dabble with the possibility of hiring a black secretary, Joan's new baby and Don's struggle with his age, but Betty was nowhere to be found.
Betty's fans (wait, does she still have fans?) breathed a sigh of relief when she showed up in this season's third episode, albeit much heavier and insecure. The idea of Betty losing her modeling aspirations and no longer having to compete with her husband's many women on the side was a bit shocking, but not entirely unpredictable. But when she went to the doctor and found out she had a tumor, rumors started to swirl and speculations were abound.
Here are a few predictions as to what's in store for “Mad Men” this season:
The biggest prediction is that Betty lied to her husband about her “benign” tumor when her doctor called. Betty has accepted her fate and in some sick way is looking forward to her demise because it ensures her children and family will actually express their likeness for her. Killing off Betty would save the show so the focus can stay primarily on Don and the office instead of trying to connect Betty to the story by only using her children as plot devices.
Don will return to his old ways and begin cheating on his wife, Megan, which will slowly turn her into the cold and bitter pretty face Betty ended up as. Megan's inevitable pregnancy will both complicate their relationship and keep them together, at least for a little while.
Joan's husband will return home and find out his baby is actually Roger's. There will be a testosterone-fueled brawl between the two at the office. Joan will fall apart and look for solace either in a familiar face or perhaps someone new. (Maybe Don?)
Sally will become fiercely independent after her mother's sickness and will run away from home, this time for more than just an afternoon. Don will run into her at a concert as she enters her teenage years, and she and Megan will bond. (They aren't THAT far apart in age, after all.)
Don and Roger will fire Pete for his bad attitude and affinity for throwing them under the bus. Pete will take many of their clients, but Don and Roger will find a way to keep the company more successful than ever, preferably by hiring a more diverse staff and paying them fairly.
Megan will divorce Don; she and Pete will have an affair and end up together near the end of the season. They deserve each other anyway.
Don will become increasingly aware of his age and how his life is falling apart and will move away to California for a few months. Nothing much will change back in NYC. What does Don actually do at his job anyway? Peggy will take over, and all will be well back at the office.
Contact Brittany Nader at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
