It might seem odd to have an episode focused on Easter when it’s August, but “Mad Men” is not exactly known for fitting the TV mold. The critically-acclaimed series set in the 60s advertising world usually revels, basks, and otherwise adorns itself in storylines of moral ambiguity set against a culture on the verge of enormous change. This is exactly why I am so crazy about the show. The series has examined racism, homophobia, politics, and sexism, so I guess it is about time it sets its sights on religion. I’m just not so sure I like the direction that the latest storyline is going.

One of the juicier storylines on the show has been receptionist-turned-junior copywriter Peggy’s secret affair, pregnancy, and hush-hush birth of a son. It had been established in previous episodes that Peggy’s family is Catholic and that her mother and sister made the decision to adopt Peggy’s baby when Peggy turned her back on the child. But in the latest episode, when Peggy visits her family, she meets a dreamy new priest ( Colin Hanks) who wants to liven the church up a little bit.
The family invites the priest over for a meal, Peggy helps him liven up his Sunday message, and before you know it, jealousy rears its head in the form of Peggy’s sister. Peggy confesses to Father Gill that she is angry over the way Peggy lives her life without seeming to truly pay any consequences for her sins. In the final scene, which takes place on Easter Sunday, Father Gill hands Peggy an Easter egg leftover from the Easter egg hunt and tells her it’s for her “little one.” It’s no small moment, as divulging the fact that he knows she is an unwed mother effectively breaks the Seal of Confession, something a priest could be excommunicated for.
In my opinion, “Mad Men” is pure genius when it reflects on key moments in culture and reveals some insight into how we ended up in the postmodern mess we are in today. It has, so far, been less adept in its examination of personal redemption– whether it be Peggy’s pregnancy or Don Draper’s dark past. That’s why my guess is that with Hanks scheduled to reappear in a few more episodes this season, I can imagine an almost tryst– or maybe a real one– between Peggy and Father Gill is not too far off, although I am far more curious to see how the show will delve into Vatican II and its reforms, which were taking place at the same time in history.