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Mad Men - season 2

#31
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8/11/08 at 9:52am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Albert_M
I don't think that it was un-Don like. He played her game, or so he thought.

It was uncharacteristically...aggressive, bordering on violent. Normally Don will cut you down with words. I don't recall him ever being this physical before.
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#32
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8/11/08 at 9:52am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

This is brilliant, dazzling television! I don't know how much longer Weiner and company can keep it up, but I am enjoying the heck out of this ride while we have it! Each episode is more amazing than the last. I can't believe that no one was interested in producing Mad Men for such a long time. With just this one program, AMC has firmly cemented its reputation (and future) as an "important" basic cable channel. I even like how they handle the commercials (highlighting the main program sponsors with advertising/marketing factoid billboards before their ads.) Well done!

Gary

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#33
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8/11/08 at 10:49am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
It was uncharacteristically...aggressive, bordering on violent. Normally Don will cut you down with words. I don't recall him ever being this physical before.

Well, on a certain level, it’s uncharacteristic for most people, but I think that it’s believable because Don is smart and saw what was going on. He underestimated the situation at first and saw in fact an aggressive threat against him (client/agency etc) and responded in a tone that would get past the BS and make it clear that she had to straighten out the situation and straighten it now.

I didn’t take from that it was where he wanted to go, but it’s telling he’ll go there.
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#34
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8/12/08 at 8:40am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by buttmunker
why, exactly, did Don fire his secretary? Just because he goes in and out at will and she can't cover for him in the way that would excuse his behavior...that's her fault?
That was the 60s version of the "trickle down" theory. Don got yelled at, so he had to yell and blame someone. She was just a lowly secretary and bosses of Don's stature and position in a compnay didn't need to show just cause to fire anyone back then.

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

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#35
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8/12/08 at 4:13pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by buttmunker
why, exactly, did Don fire his secretary? Just because he goes in and out at will and she can't cover for him in the way that would excuse his behavior...that's her fault?
Don't forget, her method of 'covering' was previously revealed when she told Peggy that Don was 'out' [wink], when pressed 'at the movies, Pinocchio I think' [wink wink, nudge nudge].

I think the Pinoccho jab was intended to be snarky [ie, remember the boy who lied, and his nose grew?]

And the cover -vs- manage expectations was keen. It may seem harsh, but this is a business where image and decorum are everything, and it's not the secretary's place to snark on the boss, that doesn't put $$ in anyone's pockets, including hers. Regardless of what the boss is doing, she needs to project an aura that the firm is tending to business and creating content for their clients.

Perhaps the writers will have occasion to have Jane demonstrate the game as its meant to be played.
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#36
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8/13/08 at 2:50pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Don't forget, her method of 'covering' was previously revealed when she told Peggy that Don was 'out' [wink], when pressed 'at the movies, Pinocchio I think' [wink wink, nudge nudge].

I think the Pinoccho jab was intended to be snarky [ie, remember the boy who lied, and his nose grew?]

And the cover -vs- manage expectations was keen. It may seem harsh, but this is a business where image and decorum are everything, and it's not the secretary's place to snark on the boss, that doesn't put $$ in anyone's pockets, including hers. Regardless of what the boss is doing, she needs to project an aura that the firm is tending to business and creating content for their clients.

Exactly. And Peggy made it clear to her, repeatedly, that she needed to work on making sure when she talked to people about where Don was they felt assured he was doing the work. Her method didn't provide that. That's the whole thing.. her job was to cover - it was to act as a front for him that made people believe in him, instead of distrust him. She just didn't do it very well.
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#37
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8/18/08 at 9:26pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

BTW, another good episode last night. Don struggles with parenting in light of his rought upbringing. The new priest knows just a little too much about Peggy and her secret. Duck isn't looking too bright at the moment.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#38
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8/19/08 at 6:42am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Sun
Duck isn't looking too bright at the moment.
I'll say! I'm betting Roger and Cooper have some second thoughts about that hire...

Gary

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#39
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8/24/08 at 10:03pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

"The New Girl"

I applauded when Peggy delivered the "Thank you, Don." line pitch-perfect.

The show makes me laugh at all the stuff that has changed (DUI BAC limit, DUI fine, $2 for gallons of gas), and yet, some of it remains timeless (Pete's fears as stated to the doctor, fertility efforts, the reaction to the new girl).

Don must have a really strong self-preservation mode to keep out the bad stuff from the past that would get in the way of moving forward, and it was interesting to learn that he helped Peggy move on shined light on his paradoxical character.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#40
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8/25/08 at 11:26am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Sun
"The New Girl"

I applauded when Peggy delivered the "Thank you, Don." line pitch-perfect.

The show makes me laugh at all the stuff that has changed (DUI BAC limit, DUI fine, $2 for gallons of gas), and yet, some of it remains timeless (Pete's fears as stated to the doctor, fertility efforts, the reaction to the new girl).

Don must have a really strong self-preservation mode to keep out the bad stuff from the past that would get in the way of moving forward, and it was interesting to learn that he helped Peggy move on shined light on his paradoxical character.

Don is a God at compartmentalizing. That's why he 'can't feel anything'. He is one cold dude. So, how come he has high blood pressure? It shouldn't be the stress, unless he just bottles it up and really DOES feel something.

His relationship with Peggy is fascinating. He sees something of himself in her. Can she meet his standard?
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#41
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8/25/08 at 5:51pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Why can't daddy have salt?
Because we love him.



Ton of Bricks.
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#42
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8/25/08 at 5:55pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by John_Lee
Why can't daddy have salt?
Because we love him.



Ton of Bricks.

Especially considering the fight they had in the last episode where Don pushed her.
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#43
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8/25/08 at 7:51pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

I think I rewound that scene (Don and Betty's push-fest) 2 times last week. It was just so unexpectedly funny to me.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#44
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8/25/08 at 8:50pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Mad Men will be on my shelf soon.
Pete scanning the clinic soft erotica collection and then the segway to Roger's paddle ball just killed me.
Just before the car crash, "(Theme From) A Summer Place" was playing. I'll always remember dancing with the prettiest girl in 8th grade to that tune.

The show is wonderfully time specific. Recently the very real crash of a plane, last week three glances at a date book, this week the reference to Marilyn at JFK's birthday fundraiser.

Pete would be about 74 now.

"No one would know us there."

-Far From Heaven- (2002)

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#45
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9/6/08 at 9:17am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

"Maidenform"

I liked how they hit home with the duality of light and dark within the characters while giving it to us in the ad campaign. This is the rare show that rewards multiple viewings. Oh, and Betty in her swimwear doesn't hurt.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#46
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9/6/08 at 7:50pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

I think they are doing a good job of laying all the ground work for Peggy to become a mover/shaker later in the show, whether this season or next. But I tihnk we're going to start seeing her dress & act differently quickly as she moves to take a more agressive role in her job.

We had some hints of that earlier after the car accident cleanup, but she heard it again from a co-worker tonight.

That's good, because I definitely think her character is one of the most interesting in the rpogram. I'm not at all sure what's going to happen with Duck; I'm waiting to see if he hits the bottle again - which is what drove him out of his European job - and finds himself getting the axe.

I love shows that keep you guessing.
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#47
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9/8/08 at 5:51am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Those F'in litterbugs! I guess the campaign with the Indian shedding a tear over the litter was from the 70's.

Betty finally gets wind of Don's infidelity and her reaction in the new caddy was great.

Not sure if I ever knew that Sal really had it so bad for Cosgrove, but it was sure palpable at Sal's place. His poor wife (the actress used to play Hannah on Everwood a few years ago) will be probably devastated if Sal ever comes out of the closet.

Joan and Jane, I suspect lots more staredowns between them.

Duck is getting left behind professionally as Don ascends up the corporate ladder. Duck knows it, and pretty soon everyone else will notice it too.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#48
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9/8/08 at 6:23am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Sun
Betty finally gets wind of Don's infidelity and her reaction in the new caddy was great.

This episode has GOT to be the Emmy reel for any number of actors, including both Hamm and January Jones (Betty). The moment Jimmy talks to Betty was like a sucker punch in the gut. You could feel what was going through Betty's head. And to see Don's reaction to Jimmy at the end....

Quote:
Not sure if I ever knew that Sal really had it so bad for Cosgrove, but it was sure palpable at Sal's place. His poor wife (the actress used to play Hannah on Everwood a few years ago) will be probably devastated if Sal ever comes out of the closet.

For a minute I thought the wife knew. The way she acted at the end of dinner, the way Sal kinda stared for a second too long at Ken. All I'll say is Sal has some pretty good taste.

Quote:
Joan and Jane, I suspect lots more staredowns between them.

That was incredible fun, wasn't it?

It constantly amazes me how Mad Men integrates almost all the characters on a weekly basis with some type of storyline, even if Duck only had two scenes. Each episode is so densely packed with information I am in awe of the writers. Mad Men is easily the best hour long drama on TV.
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#49
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9/8/08 at 4:06pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Sun
I guess the campaign with the Indian shedding a tear over the litter was from the 70's.

I know nobody cares but, "the Indian" was a full blooded Italian.

"No one would know us there."

-Far From Heaven- (2002)

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#50
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9/9/08 at 1:27pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

my fav. part is the littering, many of u older folx know that ya used to throw everything out the window loved the allusions to that =D.

2nd part is how season2 continues to IMPROVE on the 1st season setups. there is still a LOT we dunno about don draper. remember the women who came to find Don in the car salesman position he was in? that rocked. don is the indefatigable poker player. i love how he keeps all the cards in check until som1 cracks him up =)

to the edge of eternity and depth of infinity, stupidity knows no bound.

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#51
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9/9/08 at 2:01pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

oops, del. this dual post.

to the edge of eternity and depth of infinity, stupidity knows no bound.

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#52
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9/10/08 at 1:30pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
And to see Don's reaction to Jimmy at the end....

That has been my favorite moment of the season, becuase Jimmy's complete deconstruction of Don was so unexpected and so right on.

Jimmy has been played mostly as an obnoxious goof, but as a movie star/actor in the show, he's also somewhat of a hustler, and it's interesting that, despite Don's enigmatic personality, Jimmy (of all people) was able to deliver a stomach-punch blow to Don, becuase he immediatly recognized him for what he is - a fellow hustler.

I agree with others... this show just gets better and better.


“Do I really look like a man with a plan, Harvey? I don’t have a plan. The mob has plans, the cops have plans. You know what I am, Harvey? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do if I caught one. I just do things. I’m a wrench in the gears. I hate plans. Yours, theirs,...
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#53
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9/10/08 at 2:57pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by JediFonger
2nd part is how season2 continues to IMPROVE on the 1st season setups. there is still a LOT we dunno about don draper. remember the women who came to find Don in the car salesman position he was in? that rocked.
I agree. My knee-jerk reaction to that is the woman was either the "real" Don Draper's wife, fiance or significant other. The way she accused and challenged Don, "You're NOT Don Draper!" Great stuff!

Another scene I really enjoyed is the ending of the the previous episode with Don and his daughter when she came in to watch him shaving in the bathroom. This guy is wrestling with some BIG TIME inner demons and the understated way that Weiner and company parcel out these story bits sure makes for amazing television!

Gary

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#54
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9/10/08 at 5:48pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by pitchman
.... the woman was either the "real" Don Draper's wife, fiance or significant other. The way she accused and challenged Don, "You're NOT Don Draper!" Great stuff!

Of course we know that she seemed to have zero effect on him continuing with the Draper identity, so, what did he do to her?

We've already seen him turn violent more than once.

"No one would know us there."

-Far From Heaven- (2002)

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#55
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9/14/08 at 8:46pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

You had to feel a little bad for Joan after she really laid the groundwork for that position that Crane thoughtlessly gave away to a flunky. But it illustrates how equality in the workplace still had a ways to go.

Don's past catches up to him, though Betty is solely reliant on Jimmy's side of the story.

Peggy's own past is catching up to her as Father Gill works to save her soul.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#56
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9/16/08 at 8:21am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

I don't think that the Betty is just relying on Jimmy's side of the story.
She knew before and this was the first time that someone outright told her and remember this person was affected too.

Her unflinching view of the situation despite not finding any evidence demonstrated how certain she was.

She knows.
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#57
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9/16/08 at 8:25am
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

The more I think about this show, the more Joan (Christina Hendricks) becomes more of a three dimensional character as opposed to an "office girl." She is absolutely wonderful playing uber-bitch, the top dog and the good housewife, yet can do so much with so very little, like the last scene this week. I almost like Joan now.
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#58
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9/17/08 at 2:33pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Sun
You had to feel a little bad for Joan after she really laid the groundwork for that position that Crane thoughtlessly gave away to a flunky. But it illustrates how equality in the workplace still had a ways to go.
I'll say! How telling is it that after Roger finds out the recent success of Crane's fledgling department is directly attributable to Joan's efforts, he gives the go-ahead to fill the position on a permanent basis and says something to the effect of, "Fill it, but don't offer HIM more than $150 per week..."

Also, I think I missed something. Was there some content in the Utz commercial that triggered Betty's phone call to Don or rather is it just seeing Jimmy on TV further reinforced her suspicions and prompted her actions?

Gary

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#59
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9/21/08 at 10:11pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

did u guys like how the grounds laid up from season1 are finally starting to bear fruit? the distilled silences of season1's strained marriage moments are now totally wreaking havoc on don's life? i just luv that thread from season1 being unraveled in this last ep =D. total awesomeness. matt weinmen is a genius =P. i wonder if he made season1&2 of sopranos awesome and david chase went ahead and screwed it up from season3 to 7 .

aaanyways. i really look forward to the rest, i hate WATING though =P. i also look forward to s2 on BD. s1 loox awesome PQ and audio quality-wiose.

to the edge of eternity and depth of infinity, stupidity knows no bound.

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#60
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9/28/08 at 11:42pm
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Re: Mad Men - season 2

Holy moly! That ending scene just gobsmacked me.

At least Don and Roger were kind enough to give Freddy a fun send-off, given his drunken transgressions earlier.

Loved the reaction to Marilyn's suicide, also very much a contemporary phenomena.

Don's got a nice right cross.

Betty's a wreck, but too prideful and still trying to find proof of Don's infidelity.

Nice scene between Peggy and Pete. It's going to be a shitstorm when he finds out what she's been hiding from him.

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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