Comments on: the Kennedy assassination

By: gypsy howell

gypsy howell — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:46:47 +0000

Jerry, The Derby was on Saturday May 4, 1963. The May Day scene took place on a previous weekday – probably Weds May 1 if they held it on the actual May Day. (Yes, I am officially obsessed.)

If you're right about the season ending mid-1963, that would coincide with Betty's approximate due date. Ooohboy, wonder what that means!

By: Jerry Colvin

Jerry Colvin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:26:17 +0000

Thought I read somewhere this entire season is taking place over just a three month period of time this time, ending in mid 1963… or maybe I dreamt it. We know tonight's episode is during the Kentucky Derby (first weekend in May), so how does that fit following the first two… wasn't last week's around May Day (May 1)?

By: Frank Bullitt

Frank Bullitt — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:23:10 +0000

SFCaramia – Thanks. I have to admit that I was subconsciously influenced by the end of the Sopranos. I didn't think about it while I was writing but I dreamed about Carmela and Tony last night.

RetroGirl – I like Richard! I guarantee to you it won't be Archibald.

B.Coop – My little tribute to the one character whose fate truly broke my heart.

By: Frank Bullitt

Frank Bullitt — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:58:54 +0000

My math sucks. It should be thirty three years. Blew that one.

By: Bobbie

Bobbie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:47:10 +0000

As to the wedding date. The Sterling's are NY Society. A November wedding, in season, would be appropriate, as everyone would be in town, not summering here there or everywhere. The typical family gatherings would not apply.

By: B.Cooper

B.Cooper — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:32:18 +0000

"Adam" … chills.

Deb: my comment was regarding Kennedy himself. The emergence of youth of course is all around … but we've only glimpsed him on the television in S2, and saw the campaign ad in S1. Bert and Don talked about him personally in NvK about stealing Chicago. That's all I meant.

By: RetroGirl

RetroGirl — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:33:22 +0000

I like the idea of seeing everyone's first reaction, then ending the season. I want to see everyone huddled around the television in Sterling Cooper. For some reason, I'm convinced Peggy is going to cross herself, even though we know she is far from a devout Catholic.

If the new baby's first name is Adam, I wonder if the middle name will be Richard.

By: SFCaramia

SFCaramia — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:38:35 +0000

Frank, that would be such a great way to end it. Having lived through the assassination myself as a child of 9, I still remember that afternoon vividly, and your scenario would be the way many people experienced it–a shocking, cataclysmic event brutally invading just another ordinary day. Your treatment would be a great way to conclude the season without rehashing it all over again. Subtle but powerful. It would fit with the way how Kennedy is being felt and perceived this season while not actually seen.

By: Frank Bullitt

Frank Bullitt — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:53:53 +0000

Anne B:

Thank you for the kind words.

I was five when RFK won the California primary. Our family was visiting relatives in LA, also not far from the Ambassador (as you remember, not exactly the best neighborhood). It was the first time I ever remember seeing fear in my parents' eyes. They were convinced that the country was going to turn on itself and tear itself apart. I remember people clinging to the hope after MLK died, "at least we have Bobby". No more.

That night was also first time I ever encountered hopelessness. Not mine but the people around us. My brother and I both knew that something bad had happened. We didn't understand it but we knew now is not the time to be goofing off. It was late but no one seemed to care that we weren't in bed. We just sat there, watching the people watching the TV. It would be twenty three years, ninety six days and about eight hours before I'd see that collective look again.

PS I am a writer. So are you. So is everyone else who contributes to BoK. We are lucky we have this forum. Thank you to all who are responsible.

By: Deborah Lipp

Deborah Lipp — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:53:26 +0000

Kennedy has hardly been mentioned, but even two episodes in, we can see the influence in changing fashions and attitudes.This is a younger country.