Sunday, April 21, 2013

More Joan Harris (Holloway), please.



So far in Season 6 of Mad Men, Joan has basically appeared for only a couple of minutes (taking a gorgeous portrait in the premiere and perfectly insulting Herb in the last episode). They were wonderful moments, of course, but definitely not long enough. Therefore, during this absence of screen time, I feel the need to sum up why she's clearly the best, and why we should all be looking forward to more scenes with her in the upcoming episodes!

#1 She takes care of everything and everyone
Your wife wants to quit the company? Joan will handle it. Need TV scripts read? Joan's up for the challenge. Did your foot get run over by a lawnmower? Joan's ready to apply a tourniquet. Joan is prepared to solve all the problems and does not even need praise for her actions. In fact she has even said, "It's a very brave person that does something anonymously."

#2 Her confidence is off the charts
The way Joan carries herself is an obvious sign that she doesn't need anyone's approval to feel good about herself. With great poise and an even greater wardrobe, Ms. Harris uses her charm and sophisticated sass to impress men and women alike. When Peggy once fired at her, "You know you're not a stick," Joan quickly retorted, "And yet I never wonder what men think of me." I'm pretty sure we should all borrow her mentality in our insecure moments.

#3 She always has the last word
I think every viewer agrees that Greg Harris quickly joined the club of horrible husbands even before the pair got married. With his failed attempts at trying to control Joan or at least the conversations they have together, Joan has continued to win each argument with her wonderful zingers.

Greg: Joanie, I don't want to have a fight right now.
Joan: Then stop talking.

Joan: No, I want you to go and never come back.
Greg: Damn it, Joanie, they need me.
Joan: Well, then it works out because we don't.

And her attitude is not reserved solely for inconsiderate men. Do you think you'd be able to properly respond to: "You want to be taken seriously? Stop dressing like a little girl"? Yeah, me neither. Another point for Joan.

#4 She gives excellent advice
Joan is someone Peggy has always admired, whether she's liked it or not. While some of the tips Joan's provided may not have rubbed her the right way (being told "you're the new girl, and you're not much, so you might as well enjoy it while it lasts" about getting attention from men at the office isn't exactly a compliment), she's eased Peggy's mind on much more than one occasion. Worried that she was getting dumped, Joan explained to Peggy, "Men don't take the time to end things. They ignore you until you insist on a declaration of hate."

#5 Her version of an ad for a roommate rocks
“Fun-loving girl, responsible sometimes. Likes to laugh, lives to love seeks size six for city living and general galavanting. No dull moments or dull men tolerated.” 


So here's to more fits of throwing airplanes, more head-turning outfits, more unforgettable lines, and simply more Joan this season!