I recently watched the first couple of episodes and while it wasn't bad, I remain unsold. What episode number are they up to now?

Just started. Be back in about 50 minutes.

I have come to the realization that the principal characters in this show would all be around my parents' age if they were still alive.

They certainly lived in a different world.

For starters, they didn't smoke as much. So will the season end before we find out what was the precipitating event in Don Draper becoming who he is?

Very good episode. Don Draper is just such an intriguing character. I love the last sign in that little bohemian club, just very funny and smart. I also liked the interplay between his boss and the red-headed secretary, although the bird in the guilded cage was a bit too on the nose, don't you think? I'm really glad that the domestic stuff has not been quite the cliche it seemed to be in the second episode.

My parents didn't smoke, but an aunt and uncle and grandfather did.

How old is John Slattery's character supposed to be, do you think?

John Slattery's character has made reference to fighting in World War II, so he would have to be in his late 40s.

I'm presuming Don Draper reinvented himself in the military. Has he made reference to fighting in Korea?

6. I think there was the briefest of mentions or intimations somewhere, but I think we are supposed to presume the Korea experience, so far.

Hasn't been this good of an episode since the first one. I really enjoyed it. All the characters are very interesting, and I wonder where Peggy's character is going.

Draper's wife is still grating. Sympathetic, but grating. If it weren't for the kids, I'd be rooting for him to leave her.

But I agree with you, Bryan. The characters just get richer and richer.

9 Yes, you are right about his wife (great description), but to me it makes January Jones's performance all that much sweeter. She is SOOO believable. Along those lines, I simultaneously hate and feel sorry for Peter, and I think his performances have also been fantastic.

Bryan, was it you who e-mailed me on Wednesday?

11 Unfortunately, it was not. Does that add to the mystery?

12 - Yes. Someone other intrepid soul has your same first name, including sometimes-a-vowel middle letter, and last initial.

13 Yes, well I guess there are others out there like me. In fact there is someone with my exact same name at my company. It makes it real fun for e-mailing.

11 -14 Turns out it may have been me after all. You may have received it on my behalf from a "social networking" site. :)