Thanks for that--great write up, spot on.
Meanwhile Ted, with Don in his office, belittles creative over the meeting he scolded Don about for being absent to.
In regards to the conversation he had with Gleason: If this analysis is right, Ted is entering into a losing battle. Don doesn't see Ted as an enemy. Its obvious from my perspective by the way he handled Ted's criticisms on missing the meeting with creative. Don views Ted as an equal.
Its then quite bizarre how the show is depicting Ted. That conversation with Gleason is interesting. Ted mentioning that Don appears to be taking an interest with himself over the work is a curious statement. Is there a malicious motive behind this scene that the writers are communicating with us?
One thing is certain: Ted entering into a power battle with Don is a mistake. I don't think Don would put up with that sort of betrayal the way he dealt with Pete. Pete was young and ambitious. Ted has made a name for himself that Don seems to truly respect and admire in a way.
Ted betraying that confidence might stir something awful in Don. In fact, after writing this I'm nearly certain it would lead to Ted's destruction in some form. That direction would open up the doors for new conflicts and developments regarding Peggy and the firm so its possible.
However, I'm hoping that doesn't happen. I'm a fan of the Don, Ted working dynamic and I want to see how that turns out in a positive way.
A darker turn is equally as good as I suggested above, however I don't see the agency spiraling downward, I think the agency will start conquering accounts. The focus is and always has been on Don's personal life, dual personality and ability to cope with life outside of work. Don's character in the office has been the only consistent aspect of his life from day one on all aspects from his tardiness, to drinking habits, to working late and alone, assertive, quite dismissals, and afternoon naps.
