In the series “Mad Men,” Betty Draper’s character has generated some debate, but a significant storyline for her was established as early as the first season. Initially, Betty is depicted as the epitome of a 1960s housewife, and viewers initially perceived her as a less-than-ideal mother, particularly towards Sally. However, as the series progressed, Betty’s character has been reexamined, revealing numerous sad realities about her in “Mad Men.
In their marriage, Don behaves badly towards her, which is one of several issues that arise. He’s excessively controlling, and it’s ironic because he gets angry when Betty expresses romantic feelings for Henry Francis, even though Don himself has multiple affairs during Mad Men. Despite finding solace and affection with Henry, Betty isn’t usually content in the series, and as we discover in season 1, this stems from her unhappy childhood.
Mad Men Season 1 Set Up Betty Gaining Weight
Her Season 5 Storyline Drew A Lot of Controversy
In the fifth season of ‘Mad Men’, Betty, who was previously slim, is noticeably heavier, making this her main narrative for nearly a year and a half. This development sparked mixed reactions from viewers and critics, and it even ignited a wave of negative comments online, with some referring to it as “Betty’s Weight Gain Saga.
In contrast, some viewers might argue that the storyline about Betty’s weight seems unexpected. However, her preoccupation with thinness was hinted at as early as season 1 of “Mad Men”. In the episode titled “Shoot”, Betty reveals in therapy that her mother instilled a fear of gaining weight in her during childhood by criticizing her love for food and warning her about becoming overweight. This connection between Betty’s past and her later struggle with weight might not have been apparent to many viewers, and I think it could have been more explicitly linked in “Mad Men”.
Why Betty Gained Weight After Divorcing Don Draper
January Jones Was Pregnant At The Time
In reality, January Jones, the actress playing Betty on Mad Men, had a straightforward reason for her weight gain during seasons 4 and 5 – she was pregnant. It is common practice in television shows when actresses become pregnant, especially main cast members, to either conceal their pregnancy with baggy clothing or props that hide the actress’s midsection, make the character herself pregnant, or have them gain weight.
Since Betty’s physical appearance is a significant part of her personality, any sudden change in her wardrobe or frequent hiding behind boxes might raise eyebrows. A plot involving another pregnancy wouldn’t seem plausible given that she had recently given birth to Gene and probably wouldn’t want to have another baby so soon. Instead, it was decided that Betty would spend several episodes dealing with a body she feels embarrassed about.
It’s deeply troubling that it seems like the creators of Mad Men may have had Betty gain weight as a form of punishment, which is highly problematic because being overweight shouldn’t be used as a means to cast blame or negative judgment. Betty grapples with self-hatred due to this, and the show frequently highlights her struggle by comparing her with Don’s new wife, the slender Megan. Mad Men often juxtaposes Betty struggling to fit into a dress, with Megan having no trouble being zipped in.
The series fails to provide a convincing explanation for Betty’s weight gain, which seems like a lost chance to revisit the therapy discussion from season 1. Prior to season 5, Betty was rarely seen not being thin, except during her childhood, presumably a time of happiness. It could have been more engaging if Betty’s physical transformation was a result of her newfound joy in life and food due to her marriage, something she hadn’t experienced before. This could lead to tension as society continues to judge her appearance even when she thinks she has accepted it.
What Happened To Peggy When Mad Men Ended
She Is Diagnosed With Cancer
Apart from Betty’s preoccupation with her appearance, another significant trait of her personality is her heavy smoking habit. You seldom find her without a cigarette held between her well-manicured red fingernails. This trait ultimately catches up with her in the TV series Mad Men, as the last season reveals that Betty has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Despite this, she rejects chemotherapy and, while she doesn’t die on screen, it is strongly suggested that she does not have much time left.
A disappointing aspect of this narrative is that Mad Men carries on its peculiar tendency to punish Betty’s character, and this extends to Sally as well. Unlike what her mother advises in the letter, Sally, who used to embody freedom, is stuck doing household chores, not only taking over her mother’s domestic duties but also her struggles. Despite the fact that Mad Men is renowned for its portrayal of strong and intricate female characters, it unfortunately fails Betty, regardless of her size.
Read More
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Fortress Saga tier list – Ranking every hero
- Glenn Greenwald Sex Tape Leak: Journalist Cites “Maliciously Political” Motives
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- How to Prepare and Dominate the Awakened Hollyberry Cookie Update
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- Overwatch Stadium Tier List: All Heroes Ranked
2025-06-01 19:39