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While I agree that Betty is a spoiled brat, she is also learning to be much more savvy in the politics of her marriage. I saw last night's episode as showing her character's slow build-up of power, just like last week was about Don's decline in power (even in the face of landing a big new account). Her problem is that despite all the comforts of a wealthy lifestyle, she still doesn't have complete access to her husband. Last week, when he explained to her that without a contract Sterling Cooper couldn't have him and therefore he had the power, she responded, "Gee, how could anyone think this has nothing to do with me?", or something like that. In other words, she and Sterling Cooper both suffered from the same thing . . . Don held all the cards, giving him license to cheat, lie, and generally talk down to her. Once he signed the contract and became a slave to his work and his client, the power shifted, and she decided to pounce.

The most telling quote in last night's episode, for me, was the line about "In politics, if you have no power, your best move is to delay." Betty is coming from a position of little power in both her marriage and in her life as a housewife. Now, she is slowly building up that power, with the Junior League, with her friend at the governor's office, with her daughter, and with her va-va-voom Italian updo. She was a much more modern woman last night, already multi-tasking and delegating authority long before multi-tasking was an art form. She delayed her affair and boosted her stock by going to Rome with Don, where she spoke the language (not him) and was the center of attention with all of the men. To use a cliche, she used sex as a weapon to keep Don in her clutches. She also charmed Conrad Hilton and kept him waiting. Then, when they returned home, she cradled the baby, set her children straight, and made it clear to Don that she was not happy with her current status (i.e., she wants more power). Methinks she is ready to get it from Henry.

I'd add to the end.....and when she opened that jewelry box at the end and it was a charm instead of a necklace or bracelet,
it added to her feeling of being mismatched with Don.

Hello to you, Mrs. Peel. Good point. And what's even worse was that it came from the hotel gift shop. So the message to Betty from Don was that she didn't get to see the real Coliseum, she only gets a miniature version labeled Hilton, and has to wear it on a chain on her wrist as a reminder of how he wants her to be as much of a slave to his work as he is. I also agree with sceptic, this is pre-feminism, and much more about sexuality . . . though still about relative power in the relationship.

I don't have a problem with Jones' acting skills like some here, but then again, the young actress playing Sally doesn't bother me either. I'm biased when it comes to her, however, 'cause she went to kindergarten with my son (now in fourth grade). I only started watching in season two, and it took me a while before the light bulb went off.