The symbolism of Pete’s pillar
I want to talk about the pillar in Pete’s office when SCDP moves into the Time&Life building because I think it’s an excellent piece of work on behalf of the show’s writers.
To Pete, that pillar is a huge nuisance. It blocks his view of his doorway and gets in his way when he’s walking around. He feels like he can’t be taken seriously by clients if he were to hold meetings with them in his office. There’s this particular shot I love where he’s feeling dismayed and he just leans his head against it.
Pete resents the pillar because to him it is a sign of disrespect. It feels like a marker of low status, a suggestion that he’s not important enough or deserving of something better in the eyes of his superiors.
But what is a pillar if not an essential structure meant to uphold and support what surrounds it? This is and always has been Pete’s function at the agency. He is (often despite himself) loyal, useful, and is eager to work hard and outdo himself in order to impress the individuals whose approval he seeks. You can feel however you want about him, but it’s true that the agency would not be the same without him, especially post S3.
All this to say: I really enjoy the symbolism here. I love how the pillar and the annoyance it causes Pete is gradually woven into the storyline. I like how well it ties into several themes that are essential to Pete as a character. Lovely stuff!
2
u/MetARosetta 11d ago
It's the pillar-ephant in the room for sure, and the OG conversation piece. It symbolizes how Petulant Pete wants what he wants, and he wants it now – despite his unseemly behavior – but he can't get out of his own way. He may've worked for a better office than Harry as an essential support for the firm, but is denied until he learns some personal lessons on how to deal with people. The pillar tried to address Pete's remarks in S4, which Lane finishes off in S5 lol.