Introducing the Mad Men Water Cooler!

Welcome to the first of a new series here at Studio 602: The Monday Morning “Mad Men” Water Cooler. Why is a site about pencils devoting so much column time to “Mad Men,” you might ask? Well, not only is everyone on staff a huge fan of the show, but for us “Mad Men” exemplifies an attention to writing, design, music, and art that is unmatched by any other show on television. Our goal with the MMMMWC is to take the previous night’s episode of “Mad Men” and use it as an avenue to explore creativity and the arts. It’s a new take on our mission, and it should be a whole lot of fun in the process. Spoilers will be included in each recap, so read on at your own risk!

Mad Men Water Cooler – “A Little Kiss”

Having been an avid devotee of “Mad Men” since Season One, I’ve long ago reached the conclusion that these characters, as complex and fully-realized as they are, should never, EVER pull an amateur night stunt. From Peggy’s painful attempt to seduce Pete with a solo performance of The Twist, to Roger’s jaw-droppingly offensive blackface performance of “My Old Kentucky Home,” to Joan’s humiliating performance of “C’est Magnifique” with accordion to save her husband’s image at a disastrous dinner party, a solo spot on “Mad Men” usually spells embarrassment to anyone involved.

Last night was no exception, as Megan Draper, the new wife (!!!) and former secretary of our series’ anti-hero Don Draper, donned her best Quebecoise French to perform the song “Zou Bisou Bisou” at his ill-advised surprise birthday party. In a black minidress and heavy eyeliner, she strutted, crooned and vamped her way through a performance that SCDP partner Lane Pryce could only refer to as “burlesque.”

(By-the-by, please tell me someone on the internet has made an animated GIF of Lane’s impersonation of the dance, because it was priceless.)

But what was “Zou Bisou Bisou?” Why would Megan sing it for Don? Where did it come from, and who performed it first?

“Bisou” means “little kiss” in French, usually referring to the kisses given on each cheek when greeting someone. “Zou” is a slang term for surprise, almost the English equivalent of “Ah!” It was written by Bill Shepard and Alan Tew originally in English for Sophia Loren in 1960, and was later adapted by Michel Rivegauche for French pop singer Gillian Hills, who was part of what became known as the “ye-ye” girl sound.

A take on the American “Yeah Yeah,” ye-ye girls were kittenish pop singers whose music attempted to create a fusion of French cool with American rock and roll. For those interested in music featuring a similar sound, check out the music of Francoise Hardy, Sheila, and Sylvia Vartan – three of the most popular ye-ye girls to come out of the movement. Hill’s version of the song became a huge hit, and was recorded by artists around the world thereafter.

A full translation of the lyrics can be found here, making the logic behind Weiner’s music choice clear. Megan and Don are speaking different languages, both literally and figuratively. Her French song speaks to her youth, her disdain for convention, her liberality in both mind and spirit, her sophistication, and her desire to please her husband.

Don, however, is still in full-out grey flannel suit mode. As sharp as he is, the song showcased exactly why this relationship is doomed  – and doomed it must be, this can’t end well – he cannot keep up with Megan’s energy. For all of his success and money, he is still the unsophisticated Dick Whitman at heart, who could no more speak French than he could dance ballet. While Megan is willing to flout convention, he adheres to it and cares deeply what his coworkers will think of this spectacle.

He is celebrating the big 4-0, a landmark year, and he is celebrating it with the spitting image of a mid-life crisis. All-in-all, this episode showed that this should be a season well worth the eighteen month wait.

So share your thoughts in the comments, Studio 602ers! Who’s had the most cringe-worthy solo performance in five seasons of “Mad Men?” Did you find Megan’s performance over-the-top, or perfectly appropriate? Sing it in the comments below!