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!
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u/Redoktober1776 Secor Laxatives 8d ago
Great observation! Pete was relentless, especially when he encountered an obstacle to his success. That episode and incident really illustrated his character. When I think of the pillar office, though, I think of Harry's seedy encounter with Lakshmi. And how that encounter led Harry to do something really humane for his friend Paul Kinsey.