were there really women like that back in 1960?

I Know! I remember watching the "Making of Mad Men" documentary and when they spoke about the writing on this show, they said that if something was too obvious or not deep enough, someone would say "I've seen that on TV, try again." I wonder where this person was when they were pitching Bobbi. We've seen her type on TV. What we've seen of her so far is a one dimensional representation of a tough as brass, stop at nothing to get to the top type of woman. (Samantha in Sex and the City) Not interesting, completely overdone, and I think I'd still enjoy watching Don with his other issues without this obvious foil for him floating around, on her knees or otherwise.

They need Bobbi to prop up Don's manhood. He's been flailing around in the bedroom and with clients, and only with Bobbi does he have any kind of control. (I loved how Betty thought her prattling on and on about herself to Jimmy was what worked at Lurtece.)

Personally, I love Bobbi. She's way more interesting than wishy-washy Rachel and that silly beatnik-wannabe from last season.

Thank you SoFla Kate!! Finally someone who finds Bobbie interesting!! I agree with you,
the others were so dull and boring. Bobbi is so edgy that she lights up the show. The minute she comes on the screen I stop dead in my tracks. You never know what Bobbi is going to do next and that is what fires up the show. Don is drawn to her and he hates himself for that. It reminds me of the men out there who stay with abusive women. You can't figure out why, but they seem to like being pushed around. You hate Bobbi for what she is doing to Betty, but she give Don a run for his money!!

You know what I like about Bobbie?

(Because there isn't much...)

Her voice.

Melinda McGraw has a beautiful voice, and it's really perfect for the character.

Yeah, dry manhattan...Bobbi's voice works so well with Don's voice. You feel like they are ready to break into song at anytime and be the Steve and Edie Gormet singing duo. I like Bobbi and hope they keep her going with Don. She's saucy!!

I was shocked though when Don assaulted her at the restaurant. Really putting her in her place, and her acting as she walked back to the table, then at the table, was excellent. Huge interaction there without words, with Don. Then how she puts him right back in his place in his office with the "coat on the floor" scene.

I think Bobbie's a fascinating character...she's just not likable. She's not even someone you love to hate. She's just someone you roll your eyes at.

Bobbi is to Mad Men what Nelli Olsen was to Little House on the Prairie. Laura hated Nelli Olsen until they grew up, then they became best friends. I can see Bobbi turning the tables and becoming lovable at the most unforseen time in Mad Men. We kind of had Pete last season to hate, but this season we have Bobbi to hate. It's good to have change in characters each season!

Look for parallels of symbolism between Bobby (Draper) and Bobbie Barrett. One example: Bobby was playing with a toy robot, which Don broke against the wall; in the episode "Maidenform" Don broke away from Bobbie's attempt to make him a sex toy. Any others?

simple, yet very powerful in its telling and in its meaning and in its impact. I really do believe the best way to change the digital thermometer is do the simple, powerful things like you have done. Thank you.