Topic: Mad Men (Read 16140 times)

Inlander · « **on:** 10 Jan 2010, 14:26 »

Is anyone else watching this show? I was sceptical that anything could live up to the hype it's generated so I asked my family to give me the first season on DVD, and I was instantly hooked. I love pretty much everything about it. I've watched seasons 1 and 2, season 3 is just about to start screening in Australia (on pay T.V., but that hopefully means I'll be able to download it from iTunes). (I've refrained from downloading season 3 from, ahem, "other sources", because visually Mad Men is so gorgeous and I don't want to watch it in shitty torrent-o-vision).

Thoughts? Feelings? Martini recipes?

a pack of wolves · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jan 2010, 15:06 »

I remember watching the first episode when it was aired and I wasn't that impressed, partly because of the hype I'd guess. But my friend convinced me to watch several of the first series with him and I was convinced. I think it requires a bit more time than one episode to notice the fine way the characters are put together. With a couple of exceptions (the beatnik types) it's almost up there with The Wire in terms of interesting, complex characters on TV. I think that's what threw me at first, a lot of the hype had been about how '60s advertisers had been at the forefront of changes in culture, and about the visual style. And sure, it looks great and they're definitely the best dressed men in television, but it's that simple but incredibly hard to achieve pleasure that comes from fully realised characters that makes it really compelling.

Inlander · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jan 2010, 15:53 »

Yeah, I agree. I first episode of any show is always a bad one to base a judgement on - even the Wire's first episode is a bit shaky - and the whole "Look at us! We're in the 1960!" shtick in that first episode of Mad Men is rather laid on with a trowel, but after that the show really settles down. I love the pace of the show, perhaps because I grew up watching European movies and Mad Men seems, to me, to have a really European sensibility in terms of pacing and attention to character. It's just about the only American show I can think of in which more is left unspoken than spoken, and in terms of making as few concessions as possible to the viewer - which is just another way of saying "treating the viewer as an intelligent, thoughtful person" - I'd place it almost up with the Wire.

One more thing: holy shit Jon Hamm's performance is extraordinary. I don't want to harp on the point too much, but again it seems like the kind of performance we'd expect more in a European production than in an American one. If anyone wants to see just how good his acting is in this show, look at the incredibly subtle yet near-total transformation he undergoes in the penultimate episode of season 2, "the Mountain King", when his character gets to completely drop the Don Draper persona.

Ã¶de · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jan 2010, 16:08 »

Caught part of an episode on TV, going to watch the rest when I can.

KvP · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Jan 2010, 16:14 »

It's a great show, but every episode is steeped in such heavy symbolism and meaning (because or in spite of the efforts of the show's staff) that I think it's only a matter of time before fatigue sets in.

Meanwhile Big Love is getting pretty excellent!

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Jan 2010, 06:55 »

Really? Big Love? I watched a couple of those episodes a few years ago and didn't think it was that good. However, I guess what you're saying is it's getting better?

I have yet to see an episode of Mad Men, but a lot of people who I trust for shows and this stuff say it's really good. So I'm sure I will some time, maybe after I watch all of the Wire.

RallyMonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Jan 2010, 18:50 »

I saw an add for Big Love the other night that made me really want to start watching it. Casinos and FBI stings.

FIXDIX · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Jan 2010, 00:44 »

John Slattery makes me feel like a dirty dirty bearded hobo.

Vuk · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 07:50 »

Anyone following the 3rd season? The last two episodes have been the best Mad Men episodes yet, imo. I like that they finally focused on Don's relationship with Peggy, as it was a pretty untouched subject throughout the last two seasons, save for the odd time Don would just freak out on her. This season has also been the first to really bring his character down to earth - especially in the 1st season, he's portrayed as so dominant and powerful, but this one puts him in some really lowly situations.

Inlander · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 07:53 »

Oh man, wait til you get to the season 4 episode "the Suitcase". You're gonna love it.

Actualy season 4's had some stunners so far.

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 08:16 »

SPOILER:

Man I hope that they don't put Peggy and Don together.

But there's definitely been some really good episodes this season. Excellent

Vuk · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 08:20 »

Haha wow, I'm sorry. I meant season 4 this whole time. Rough morning for me, haha.

jmrz · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 20:15 »

I've watched every single episode and am currently following it as the new season airs in the states.

I had an argument about the show with my lecturer for one of my classes the other week. She seems to think that the show is sponsored by tobacco companies. I made the point that the show is set in the 1960's, not that I was alive during that time, but I am sure that if you asked our parents or grandparents, most of them would have smoked in the 60's. It was the thing. They drank and they smoke and they cheated on their wives. She seemed to think that overplaying the smoking was a bad influence on our modern society, my comment to that was "well, they display both rampant sexism and homophobia throughout the entire show as well, do you think that's a bad influence too, or are we ignoring that as an issue here?".

I enjoy the show. I enjoy the insight into what I think is probably a fairly accurately portrayed view of the era. A lot of the characters are really well constructed, Jon Hamm is absolutely fantastic (and I cannot wait for his new movies to be released) and the only characters I find absolutely deplorable are Pete and on occasion, Joan's husband.

est · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Sep 2010, 21:36 »

I keep meaning to watch this show, if only for Christina Huaglhgblagluhglgl and to see if that one guy who kinda looked like Wil Wheaton when I saw him in a thing actually does in the show too.

Blyss · « **Reply #14 on:** 15 Sep 2010, 08:51 »

Quote from: jmrz on 10 Sep 2010, 20:15

"well, they display both rampant sexism and homophobia throughout the entire show as well, do you think that's a bad influence too, or are we ignoring that as an issue here?".

Cheers to you - that was awesome.

I've yet to watch Mad Men. I admit to having a curiosity about it, but it hasn't been enough to actually get into it yet. I honestly don't know if I'd like it, for the simple reason that men didn't treat women very well in the 60's (as opposed to just how fabulously they treat them now, I know - this is not lost on me) and they were just so very overt about it. That sort of subject matter disturbs me to watch it, so I don't know that I would enjoy the series. It depends, I guess, on just how much I'm hurting for entertainment, and just how curious I get.

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Sep 2010, 12:24 »

If that kind of stuff really gets to you, probably best not to watch. There's no woman beating that I can remember but there is a rape or two and a vast amount (every episode for sure) of generally intense sexism, sexual harassment, womanizing etc. If you can stomach it (and honestly it's bad but rarely super repulsive) it's worth getting over b/c Mad Men probably is the best show currently on television.

Blyss · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Sep 2010, 07:42 »

Quote from: TheFuriousWombat on 15 Sep 2010, 12:24

If that kind of stuff really gets to you, probably best not to watch. There's no woman beating that I can remember but there is a rape or two and a vast amount (every episode for sure) of generally intense sexism, sexual harassment, womanizing etc. If you can stomach it (and honestly it's bad but rarely super repulsive) it's worth getting over b/c Mad Men probably is the best show currently on television.

I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks. Means I can make a more informed decision.

Vuk · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 Sep 2010, 22:40 »

Quote from: est on 10 Sep 2010, 21:36

I keep meaning to watch this show, if only for Christina Huaglhgblagluhglgl and to see if that one guy who kinda looked like Wil Wheaton when I saw him in a thing actually does in the show too.

The girl that plays Faye Miller is even hotter than Christina Hendricks, I think. But yeah, haha.

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 07:17 »

untrue man. Just untrue.

Inlander · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 07:43 »

I wouldn't say that she's hotter, but she's very pleasing to look at and in terms of the character/appearance combo she makes me think "Now there's a hell of a woman".

jmrz · « **Reply #20 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 18:02 »

Who's Faye Miller? That name is not matching up to anything in my head.

Tom · « **Reply #21 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 18:44 »

She's the new psychologist on retainer at SCDP, her clothes have an almost Betty in Rome/Business-woman Betty vibe.

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #22 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 20:17 »

Yeah no, definitely attracted more to Faye Miller this season than Joan.

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #23 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 22:18 »

Cara Buono (aka Faye Miller)

Inlander · « **Reply #24 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 23:58 »

Buono es bueno.

jmrz · « **Reply #25 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 05:00 »

Ahhhh! Her! I still think Hendricks is more attractive, but Miller is an excellent character.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #26 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 08:05 »

I would most like to give kisses to the girl who Roger Sterling dumped his wife for. (I am horrible with character names, I can barely remember the central character's names)

Quote from: est on 10 Sep 2010, 21:36

to see if that one guy who kinda looked like Wil Wheaton when I saw him in a thing actually does in the show too.

Totally does, it was pretty confusing for me for a while

Vuk · « **Reply #27 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 10:32 »

That is Joan. I got pissed at Joan in the last one for bitching Peggy out - I mean, I get her position and all, but still. The moment I heard Faye's accent, I was pretty much sold on her, haha. It's gonna be interesting to see how Don deals with Bethany, haha. Somehow, I can see her raising a shitstorm.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 12:22 »

No no not Joan, I know who Joan is, I mean the one he actually got engaged to and all. (I have seen to the end of S.2, for what it is worth)

EDIT: Wikipedia tells me her name is Jane, played by Peyton List.

Vuk · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 16:35 »

My reading comprehension is just exquisite.

Vuk · « **Reply #30 on:** 04 Oct 2010, 19:21 »

I hate to double post, but... DAMNIT DON.

Inlander · « **Reply #31 on:** 04 Oct 2010, 21:11 »

If there's one weakness that Mad Men has, it's that every time Don is alone in a room with a woman you know they're going to end up having sex. Sure the show tries to change around the women's attitudes towards sex and towards Don, but it's happened so regularly now that it's starting to become cartoonish. The ultimate case of this as far as I'm concerned was Sally's teacher from last season, who at first seemed to be immune to Don's charms. I thought the show had set up a really interesting dynamic there, with Don clearly attracted to her and trying to seduce her and her seeing him coming a mile off and not having any interest - but no, sure enough, all of a sudden it's and knickers off and whatever interest that character had went out the window.

Other than that, I love this show.

KvP · « **Reply #32 on:** 05 Oct 2010, 00:20 »

The women in Don's life (with the exception of Peggy and to some degree, Betty) are all really there to provide fodder for his inner torment. This week women threw themselves at him so that he could contemplate what he really wanted in a relationship.

Vuk · « **Reply #33 on:** 06 Oct 2010, 22:31 »

This is true. Especially, with last week's episode, and Faye pretty much putting her morals and career on the line for him, while he was screwing Megan.

Inlander · « **Reply #34 on:** 06 Oct 2010, 23:34 »

I just wish Lane would come back from London so he and Don could have another night on the town.

Tom · « **Reply #35 on:** 07 Oct 2010, 02:41 »

I too would really appreciate another line from Harris like: “I’ve got a big Texas belt buckle. Yee-haw!!!”

Vuk · « **Reply #36 on:** 13 Oct 2010, 16:04 »

Holy shit, finale coming up. Last episode was pretty crazy.

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #37 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 12:19 »

Great finale! I like that Mad Men isn't as cruel about its finales as, say. Breaking Bad, each of which has ended on a vicious cliffhanger I feel like. Mad Men is obviously a WAY quieter show so it makes sense but I'm constantly impressed by the restraint the writers and producers show in guiding this series forward. Looking back on this season, I'm more convinced than ever that this is the best thing currently on TV.

Tom · « **Reply #38 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 12:49 »

Jessica Paré is so pretty and French(-Canadian)!

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #39 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 16:47 »

SO pretty

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #40 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 17:01 »

I'm disappointed that I'm going to have to wait a long time for more, but at the same time, the fact that they've kept the writing and acting so consistently good for four seasons is pretty amazing.

Vuk · « **Reply #41 on:** 18 Oct 2010, 18:38 »

Pretty disappointing finale. They really ruined the pace of the show with Don getting engaged to Megan. Otherwise it was pretty good, but I feel like it was such a weak follow-up to the previous episode - it said nothing about the fate of the company, and the Topaz signing was really weird for me.

est · « **Reply #42 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 22:14 »

I bought the first series and Han & I are working through it. Pretty impressed so far.

Tom · « **Reply #43 on:** 11 Dec 2010, 22:20 »

It keeps getting better, that's the best part.

est · « **Reply #44 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 04:33 »

Halfway through the final disc of the first season. The characters actually get developed! Well fancy that.

jmrz · « **Reply #45 on:** 12 Dec 2010, 15:37 »

I am not so patiently waiting for the next season. The ending of the last season threw me a bit, but I guess it makes sense and will be a rather interesting way of dealing with their characters, especially the children.

rae · « **Reply #46 on:** 13 Dec 2010, 04:55 »

This is my favourite thing to watch at the moment. I'm catching up on series 1 as I only really got into it towards the end of 2. Sally is my favourite. She has had some terrific scenes throughout series 4 and has performed consistently well throughout, which is amazing considering she is so young.

Vuk · « **Reply #47 on:** 15 Dec 2010, 08:29 »

The cool thing about Mad Men is that even though the characters undergo so much development in one season, it seems so natural that one barely pays attention to it while watching the show. I mean, of course we all notice it, discuss it, and analyze it after, but there's nothing that makes you go "WTF" while actually watching the show (correct me if you disagree, of course). It just has such a distinguished pace, that it's hard to thrown off guard by anything - actually, the only thing I can think of was the much-discussed development in the last episode, and that was a total change of pace. It's when I think back that I always realize how much actually happens in this show, haha.

est · « **Reply #48 on:** 19 Dec 2010, 19:13 »

The pace is very stop-start. Things will crawl along in one part of the show until BAM, someone has a heart attack, say. Or all of a sudden you realise that people who have been making nice with each other maybe aren't going to be so nice to each other in the future.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #49 on:** 19 Dec 2010, 22:13 »

Yeah I just finished Season 3 a few weeks ago, and I've gotta say the pacing actually reminded me a lot of the Wire in the way that a lot of things were happening that didn't seem to make a lot of sense/were all that significant at the time until they all came together and shit started blowing up in the last few episodes.

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Author Topic: Mad Men (Read 16140 times)