Jared Harris

Last night's "The Color Blue" was a cracking good episode that, after last week's rushed and rather arbitrary plot developments, returned Mad Men to its strongest ground.

We learned more about the characters and the changes taking place in this pivotal year. And we tapped into very contemporary themes about corporate disarray and aging parents.

A satisfactory if not scintillating opener for the third season of Mad Men. The show captures the air of uncertainty that grips today's U.S. economy, and hints at major culture clash ahead.