Chilling like an ice pick: Marriages in trouble on Mad Men

Three strong narrative intersect in 3rd episode of Season 3 of "Mad Men," and the emerging theme is marital tension (at least in two of the narratives). Especially interesting is Joanie's domestic life, newly wed with her priggish husband, the young doctor who can provide her with an enormous ring and the stature of a professional marriage - but little else. He obviously is overwhelmed by (and maybe embarrassed by?) her sexuality. Very good tense dinner party with his boss at the hospital and another resident. We learn, though an inadvertent comment, that her husband is not performing well at the hospital - and even more tellingly that he keeps this from her: I don't like to upset Joanie. At the same time, another party, as Roger Sterling throws a bash for his yooung (2nd) wife, former secretary at the firm who now lords it over the others. The Drapers attend, their own marriage deep in trouble. A governor's aide makes a strange pass at Mrs. Draper - there will be more to this. Roger's wife, drunk, grabs at Don, which leads to tense words between Don and Roger: Nobody thinks you're happy. We think you're foolish. Meanwhile, Peggy gets stoned with some of the other young execs: she's not wound as tight as everyone assumes. Series remains solid and tight, well written and beautifully produced. The chilling coldness of the characters is like an ice pick. You would not want a steady diet of this kind of show, but you can't stop watching once you start.