Mad Women: Handicapping the Emmy Chances for the Ladies of Mad Men

We’re now less than a month away from nominations for the 64th annual Emmy Awards — announced at 5:35 a.m. PT on July 19 — and we at SheWired can’t stop thinking about a certain redhead. That would be Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, who delivered a bravura performance as sexy, ambitious, morally ambiguous Joan Holloway during the show’s recently-wrapped fifth season. Even though it took place nearly 50 years ago, Joan’s storyline reflected what women today are still fighting for in the workplace: respect, money, and power.

We’re now less than a month away from nominations for the 64th annual Emmy Awards — announced at 5:35 a.m. PT on July 19 — and we at SheWired can’t stop thinking about a certain redhead. That would be Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, who delivered a bravura performance as sexy, ambitious, morally ambiguous Joan Holloway during the show’s recently-wrapped fifth season. Even though it took place nearly 50 years ago, Joan’s storyline reflected what women today are still fighting for in the workplace: respect, money, and power. Joan is just one of five major female characters on the Emmy-winning period piece about the advertising world, and as the Emmy nominations creep closer, we wanted to take a look at the 1966 tribulations of Betty, Megan, Peggy, and Sally, and debate the Emmy chances for the women who bring them to life.

Joan Holloway as played by Christina Hendricks

In past seasons it sometimes appeared as though show creator Matt Weiner thought of Joan the same way the men of Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce viewed her: as no more than sexy set decoration. But this season Joan moved to the top of the dramatic heap with a thrilling storyline that had her confronting single motherhood and a stagnating career. When an indecent proposal arrived at Joan’s doorstep, via a sleazy car executive who threatened to derail the agency from landing Jaguar unless Joan slept with him, she was faced with a quandary — be pragmatic or proud. She chose the former and in doing so, became a partner in the firm, a wealthy woman, and a decision maker at Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce. Hendricks captured Joan’s conflicting emotions with absolute aplomb. She was first furious at the offer then sad, before turning emotionally dead when consummating the deal. Jon Hamm’s Don Draper heaped judgment on Joan for her decision, but she didn’t have the opportunity to worry or look back — she had a baby to take care of and a future to carve out. A wonderful star turn for Joan and Christina.

Emmy nom chances: 4:5

Megan Draper as played by Jessica Paré

Many may have a soft spot for Jessica after her Sapphic turn in the 2001 film Lost and Delirious. But her portrayal of Don’s second wife, Megan, is a bit less laudatory. Megan is certainly more modern than Betty, Don’s first wife, as Megan bravely pursues a career as an actress and puts her foot down when Don resorts to his callous, misogynist ways (do not leave Megan waiting!). But there’s something very “little girl” about the character and the portrayal that leaves us unsatisfied. Maybe it’s that Megan seems to whine a lot. While we welcome Megan’s feminist streak and her awesome mid ’60s wardrobe, jewels, and hair, she does not leave us wanting more. That’s something that Joan, Betty, and Peggy can always manage.

Emmy nom chances: 2:5

Peggy Olson as played by Elisabeth Moss

Peggy is the ultimate ’60s career girl, climbing the brutal ladder of the male-driven advertising world. This season she advanced further than ever as a copywriter, easily managing staff and crafting brilliant campaigns. But her distracted boss, Don, humiliated her by throwing cash in her face. Peggy refused to cry and instead took action — she got hired at a rival agency and landed a big raise. It was a big step for the character, who’s been tied for years to father figure Don. Peggy also decided to move in with her boyfriend, much to the chagrin of her Catholic mother. In the season closer, we see Peggy bossing men around, and it’s a treat. While Peggy and Elisabeth are always great, we feel the character’s main dramatic challenges will come in the next two seasons of the show. This remains Joan’s year.

Emmy nom chances: 3:5

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