'Mad Men' Theories: Is Megan Draper Sharon Tate?

The Internet is abuzz with Sharon Tate rumors after costume designer Janie Bryant confessed that the similarity between Megan Draper's wardrobe and Tate's '67 Esquire spread was intentional.

It's not often that we see the women of Mad Men in T-shirts, even when dressed down, so it was a little jarring when, in the most recent episode's final scene, Megan is wearing a white tee with a big, red star on it. It almost seemed anachronistic, but not only was it accurate for 1968, it was "no coincidence," according to costume designer Janie Bryant, that it was the same as the one Sharon Tate wore for a 1967 Esquire spread.

Bryant confirmed, via Twitter, that the Tate reference was deliberate. Considering what ended up happening to Tate in 1969, we can't help but think: Megan, you in danger, girl. [Jezebel]

Then, there's the fact that her wardrobe has emulated Tate's all season long, coupled with Tate's awful fate at the hands of Charles Manson's followers in 1969, the stabbing imagery throughout Mad Men's sixth season, and the growing presence of sirens in Megan's scenes.

Before the season started, many of us jokingly suggested that this season would contain a murder based on the poster, but now it's not so much a joke. Combine that with the break-in in Don's apartment in last week's episode, plus Abe's stabbing, and it all seems to SCREAM an oncoming homicide. This is the period in NYC where crime began to rise precipitously. The sirens during Megan's scene on the balcony in this week's episode were loud enough to mean something (they weren't just faint background noises), and it's worth noting this: Sharon Tate's murder was one of mistaken identity. [Uproxx]

Plus, two episodes ago, during the crazy drug-fueled episode at SCDPCGC, Sally Draper was shown reading Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin.

Via Sharon Tate's Wikipedia page:

Polanski returned to the United States, and was contracted by the head of Paramount Pictures, Robert Evans, to direct and write the screenplay for Rosemary's Baby, which was based on Ira Levin's novel of the same name.^[5] Polanski later admitted that he had wanted Tate to star in the film and had hoped that someone would suggest her, as he felt it inappropriate to make the suggestion himself. The producers did not suggest Tate, and Mia Farrow was cast. Tate reportedly provided ideas for some of the key scenes, including the scene in which the protagonist, Rosemary, is impregnated.^{[citation needed]} She also appeared uncredited as a guest in a party scene. A frequent visitor to the set, she was photographed there by Esquire magazine and the resulting photographs generated considerable publicity for both Tate and the film.

BOOM. That Esquire spread was FROM THE SET OF ROSEMARY'S BABY?! Also, remember how hesitant Don was to help Megan's career? Sure, he ended up working his magic and getting her that commercial, but the similarities are still compelling to say the least.

So, before you denounce all of the Mad Men conspiracy theorists, spend the rest of your week thinking about the show and scouring the Internet for other minute similarities like the rest of us. Happy hunting.