An Ode to Joan, Who Will Forever Be Mad Men's Biggest Badass
It's been nearly a year since Mad Men ended forever, and we're still in mourning. Every character goes through a major evolution over the course of the show, and Joan makes possibly the biggest about-face. While she relies on a pretty face and quick wits at the beginning of the series, she becomes a legitimate force to be reckoned with. In honor of Christina Hendricks's birthday this week, take a look at Joan's journey through the years; you might be surprised by how much she changes.
01
When we first meet Joan, she's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
02
She's also the head b*tch in charge.
03
And she doesn't really play well with other women.
04
In fact, she's pretty rude to them.
05
One might say she's relatively judgmental.
06
Especially toward her colleague Peggy.
07
She has a soft spot for Roger, who is basically her soul mate.
08
But she's an independent woman, and he's not exactly available.
09
She admits to growing up with one goal in mind.
10
But she doesn't capture every man's eye.
11
Eventually, she gets married . . . it's a bit rocky.
12
She has a child and basks in the glow of motherhood.
13
But family life isn't what she imagined it would be.
14
And she makes a bold move by calling off her marriage.
15
She comes out of the experience with some savvy about men.
16
She realizes she needs to take care of herself, because no one else will do it for her.
17
She starts speaking her mind more at work.
18
And she doesn't take crap from anyone.
19
She's still pretty mean to other women.
20
But she doesn't mind being alone.
21
She espouses wisdom about men to her colleagues.
22
And she's still pretty cruel when people don't treat her with respect.
23
But she does become slightly softer.
24
She's no longer afraid to ask for what she wants — even if that's just a stiff drink.
25
But she does something she's not proud of, because she feels like she has to.
26
And because of it, she becomes a partner.
27
Of course, her new title comes with some frustrations.
28
She starts dating again, but she's not willing to settle.
29
She learns to embrace female relationships slightly more.
30
And when she isn't treated fairly at the new firm, she takes charge.
31
Unfortunately, the world isn't ready for Joan.
32
But one day, it will be.
33