Wow...first to post! Loved it and Look forward to Loving Season 2..only wish it was already finished so we didn't have to wait until next summer! Well, good things do take time. I will try to be strong! THANKS AMC AND M. WEINER AND CO. FOR SUCH A FANTASTIC QUALITY SHOW!

Yes, Season One was good. Better than the other garbage on television, but then, I think the audience for Mad Men is a bit different than the age group that ia being courted on other shows. Not that younger people don't watch MM, but the advertisers and writers appeal basically to the young who they know will buy into the products advertised. Mad Men, though it has a large and probably somewhat diverse audience, probably does not appeal to the majority of 16-35 year-olds; I would wonder how many ethnic groups it appeals to, since we are looking basically at a nearly all-white era on Madison Avenue. My daughter thinks it's boring, but then she is only 24, so she certainly does not recall the 60s. Heck, I barely recall 1960, etc., so I can see where she's coming from. It's more interesting I think, if you recall that era more vividly. I look forward to the second season, but as good television, NOT something in which to become totally immersed. The board for comments on the last episode of season one seems to be filled with left-over Trekkies from Star Trek! They are a bit too into MM for my taste.

"Left-over Trekkies from Star Trek?" Boy, are you old. And groucy. Why can't people post whatever they want? Why does it bother some of you so much? Is it that you don't have control over the whole board? Let's not start the nasty stuff already!

Whoops. Meant "grouchy."

It would be good for watching it with your younger adult children to point out the difference from then to today. I remember separate classified ads for Employment Men and Employment Women; I remember having to sign a loyalty oath on the corporate employment form that "I was not in the past or nor in the present time a member of a communist organization"; also a health questioniare "Quizz" to weed out personalities that would not "fit into the organization". I remember the "Secretarial Pool" just like on Mad Men, with the windowed outside offices for the men and the interior "Pool" holding pen to hold all the female office secretaries.

This is before "Title IX" ruling in sports for equality and parity of girls sports; before sexual harrassment rules; before black people held any job other than cleaning, food, and auxiliary services.

Pregnant women smoked and drank; children tumbled around in the back of station wagons without car seats;

people drank and drove home slosshed; and Mad Men is a witness to this "Innocent Time period".

Interesting, so good television, by your definition, is brain numbing let's not make them think too much reality TV garbage with a Prime Directive (to use Star Trek speak) of give the morons what they want, if I understand you correctly.

May I suggest to you the Survivor message board.

The audience for Mad Men is thinking people who long for something thought provoking and entertaining who likely have achieved something in life. From what I’ve read on the Internet it has a large percentage viewers that make over $100K a year. Seems like a desirable demographic to me.

Have asked a couple entertainment editors of newspapers if the cast actually has to smoke all the cigarettes they appear to on the show and so far haven't gotten an answer but would be interesting to know since the amount of smoking by almost all the cast is amazing--love the show but I am of the age to remember the times since I married in 1959 and worked for Nixon on his campaign!

This board's just about open and already we have a snarkathon.

I believe you know the drill:

If you don't like it here, you can feel free to leave and not return.

And I remember when cigarete ad men literally got away with murder.

Think about it -- Virginia Slims even sponsored a women's tennis tournament. How ironic was that?

SocialClimber: Gee, you sound like a real asshole! Just as you said, people can post what they want, as did I. I repeat, what an asshole. Every bord has one and this one apparently has YOU! Too bad.

Socialclimber: Meant "board." Next, you'll be an asshole about that one!

And by the way, all the boards get "snarky," and ALL have the right to post, even those who don't agree that MM is the best thing to come along since the wheel. By the way, just because someone mentions "Trekkies" doesn't mean they are old SocialClimber. And you twit, being old is not a sin or a crime. Obviously YOU must be because you picked up on the reference. Again, you are a total asshole. Par for the course. Thes eboards invite assholes because they are all anonomyous. Just liek every blog, message board about anything, they finally turn into nothing but arguing and assholes who try and run things by always nitpicking everytime someone places something they don't like on the board.

And by the way, all the boards get "snarky," and ALL have the right to post, even those who don't agree that MM is the best thing to come along since the wheel. By the way, just because someone mentions "Trekkies" doesn't mean they are old SocialClimber. And you twit, being old is not a sin or a crime. Obviously YOU must be because you picked up on the reference. Again, you are a total asshole. Par for the course. Thes eboards invite assholes because they are all anonomyous. Just liek every blog, message board about anything, they finally turn into nothing but arguing and assholes who try and run things by always nitpicking everytime someone places something they don't like on the board.

Correction, BreadandWine: this board has TWO assholes, socialclimber and YOU! I didn't like what you said in your very first post..you insulted other bloggers, and that's not the way to start off. Then, socialclimber called you on it and you got pissy. And geez, you really took the bait! Speaking of taking things, why don't you take a Xanax (hell, take the whole bottle!) and calm down! Like most of your type, you can dish it, but you sure as hell can't take it.

Look, can we all grow up now and get back to the business at hand? Mad Men is the best tv show to come along in ages, let's do it justice.

Anne,

I heard an interview with Matt Weiner and he said they are herb and clove cigarettes and that anyone who was not (or had been) a smoker was not allowed to smoke, because they wouldn't look "authentic". Not sure if I'm right, but I can't remember seeing Peggy smoke except to try and impress the truck driver on their date.

Sorry, not herb, *herbal* and clove :)

No, three Pandora. You are on here morning noon and night. And you really suck!

Sounds like this board has gotten as bad as the others with all the fighting. Pandora, you would be best not try to act superior; you seem to have a tendancy to do that as I have noticed on other boards, and when someone disagrees with you, you go into great explanation, such as your reminding everyone of all about pregnancy on another board; you were really condescending, making others who posted their own thoughts about the character Peggy feel as though they knew nothing. I am sure you are not the only one who has been pregnant. That discussion went on forever! Breadandwine, I can understand your anger at SocialClimber who began this thing by calling you old and making fun of the fact you referred to the Trekkies, but hey, just consider that people who do that usually want to start a fight and they are on a lot of boards doing just that. That is what happens when the subject matter gets old (in this case Mad Men),too many people join in the fray, and people spend too much time here. Many come here looking for a rumble and if they cannot find one, they invent one. I am sure someone will take umbrage with my words too so I shall merely say goodnight. Can't wait for the next season of Mad Men. Great show! Hope the quality continues!

Connamera: Here, here, I agree with you! Well said. I think you are expecially right insomuch as the subject matter has gotten very stale and it's time to wrap it up. People start out on these boards OK, but then tempers flare and people just get nuts. Then, the board is no fun. I like Mad Men and will follow it next season.

Gosh, is anyone doing anything here but fighting? I guess not. That's the trouble with these boards, it always denigrates into fighting and name calling. Thought this was about the excellent Mad Men. Too bad it ended last week because I don't think there is anything new to say at this point.

All I'll say is this. Man Men is one of the best shows I've seen in my life. I didn't think I would love it this much. When I first saw an ad, I though it a play on the word "hitmen" seeing as one of the writers of The Sopranos created the show. Every episode was just great. I can't wait for season 2! 8-)

I was 29 years old in 1960. I came to see the fashions and the furniture and to revisit an exciting time in my life,( I love MID CENTURY MODERN ). Much to my surprise I became almost obsessed with every thing about this show. I can't remember that I have ever before rushed home, or stayed home to see a T.V. series, much less watch it twice, one after the other. (and I will watch it again).All of the characters are believeable and many seem farmiliar to me. I identify with some of the women, at different phases in my life. And the men, those untamed egos, they are all magnificent each in their own way. Watching each character develop this first season has created such a passion, love, hate or frustration, but never indifference, in it's Passionate fan base"

The experience of this incredible series has been hightened by the intelligent, irreverent, tell it like it is, fans who meet daily to discuss, guess, predict, lust and agonize over every scene, and in the process, reveal themselves for all to see. The frank open expression, so forbidden in that time frame is an absolute breath of fresh air.

This is experiencing NOSTALGIA in the most bitter sweet meaning of the word. What a scene that was, I wasn't sure if my tears were for Don or for me.

I anxiously await the marathons, reruns, the DVDs and

season 2, to see where our writers have taken these people that we have learned to love (or hate)

Thanks to Matt Weiner, the whole production company, and the actors who bring to life these finely crafted characters. We hope to see when the awards are handed out.

ME AGAIN:

"The heading on this thread says, TALK ABOUT SEASON ONE".

"DISCUSS SEASON ONE HERE"

There is so much to say about this wonderful series, beyond the drinking and the smoking there is the humanness of the characters. The strengths and weakeness of the people of MadMen In the 13 episodes, we have seen the growth, the unfolding of personalities, We have formed opinions and then we have modified or changed our opinions.

Just a thought.

Dana: I don't know about modifying our opinions as mine are pretty much the same as they were from the first episode except perhaps for Peggy. She seemed holier than thou and still does, but I suspect it's all an act. Anyway, my opinion is the show is great and I am looking forward to season two.

DENNIS; That paddle with the little ball on a string.

It;'s called a "BOUNCE BACK' My son went up into the attic and found the one we got around 1964. The name is still bearly visible on it.

I don't watch much television. Just 'Late Show' before bed, occasionally some documentaries, and some classic series like 'Seinfeld', 'Twilight Zone', and 'X-Files'. I read a lot. When I first saw a promo for Mad Men, it caught my eye because of the sets and costumes. But though I came for the eye candy, I stayed for the acting and the writing.

After each show, you can sit down and analyse it like literature. You can't do that with most television. Usually after a show's over, you don't remember many specific lines, and a day later you've forgotten the whole plot. Mad Men stays with you. The characters change over time, unlike Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer in 'Seinfeld' who are the same in the last show as they were in the first episode.

I like the perspective that time gives. The characters in the show think nothing is odd about all the smoking, drinking, and cheating that is going on. That is just "normal". It makes me wonder how "normal" some of our behaviours will look to people in 2054.

But deep down, not much has changed. Smoking may have come and gone. Drinking at the office is out. Political correctness may force you to treat others differently at work. But really, all those 'primal' social behaviours are just lurking below the surface. As they say "the veneer of civilization is very thin". In the 1960s they hid all the nasty little secrets by putting up a front of the 'perfect' family, home, and job, and disapproving of those who didn't. Nowadays, we are allowed to dress like slobs, have kids out of wedlock, heck anything goes. But these days you are not allowed to SAY you disapprove of anyone else or you are labeled a bigot, sexist, racist, homophobe, whatever. But human nature can't have evolved that much since 1960. We just aren't allowed to say what we feel in public any more.

Great show. It has the possibility of becoming a classic if they keep the quality at this current high level.

lyndon

I wasn't a thought in anyone's mind in 1960. I'm a 1970's baby and I love the show! The look, the feel, the dialogue, etc., etc. is on point! Kudos to a wonderful first season! And best wishes on the upcoming season!

Dana said:

"There is so much to say about this wonderful series, beyond the drinking and the smoking there is the humanness of the characters. The strengths and weakeness of the people of MadMen In the 13 episodes, we have seen the growth, the unfolding of personalities, We have formed opinions and then we have modified or changed our opinions"

Dana, I completely agree with you. I can't imagine having such a creative mind as the writers of this show have. If not for the great writing it would be so easy to write these characters off as one dimensional, but the writers brilliantly exposed them as very multidimensional, so that even though you might not approve of some of their behaviors, you still can't help caring about them. Even Pete! Not sure if I *care* about him, but I just love hating him - lol!!!!

I like what Lyndon said above about being able to analyze this show like literature. I think that's why so much of us come on here, to compare analyses!

Like Visan I too am a baby of the 70's but am fascinated with this era! The acting is incredible (not too many people have mentioned that in this blog :)and the writing is intelligent and crisp. Does anyone out there have a favorite episode?

Lyndon - I totally agree with you. I posted this earlier:

just read this article by Richard Laurent. He was referring to a book author, but a writer is a writer. I immediately thought of Mad Men & this 1000+ blog.

The words in parentheses are mine. "Imaginative readers (viewers)kept making up the story long after they had finished the novel (Mad Men.) If the author (writers) had done her job, the characters would linger in a reader's head, playing out alternative realities."

One of the reasons I've enjoyed MM so much, is that it is written like a book, it makes you think & opens up so many ideas for discussion. I just can't come up with another show I can equate this to, other than some similarities to how the Sopranos was written, for obvious reasons.

But I couldn't totally relate to the Sopranos, so although close, I've enjoyed MM more. LOL

Finally, something worthwhile to watch on TV Mostly television is such a wasteland. Thank you AMC.

I can't believe we women were so subservient to men. It wasn't that long ago! And the psychiatrist giving reports on what the wife said back to the husband. Hmmmm. I guess she got back at hubby, though.

I was born in 1963, so a lot of this stuff I can still remember (no seat belts, smoking everywhere, blacks in menial jobs, subservient women, etc).

IMHO, this is the best show since The Sopranos. In fact, I think I enjoy it more because there is not a lot of gratuitous profanity and violence. Every character is fascinating in their own way, and the layers just keep unfolding. I am so glad I started wating Mad Men. The writing, the actors, the costumes and sets are all superb. This is the first "real" show I can remember seeing set during this era. We do forget so quickly how the times have changed. I was watching the original "Hairspray" with my 6 year old daughter and she asked me what segregation was! I explained it to her and she still couldn't fathom it - thank God!

Can't wait until next season - thank you Mr. Weiner and AMC!

First of all, i would like to thank Mr. W for such a great show. I was hooked from the previews. I thought that Peggy having her baby was a wonderful suprise. I had been noticing that she had been getting bigger and suspected that she was pregnet. i also loved the irony of Pete's father-in-law asking for a baby and Peter now has one !

I was 24 in 1960, and worked in an office. I remember every bit of it....and it is all reflected beautifully every week on Mad Men.

This is of the best series I have ever seen. Kudos to all involved!

And a P.S. to the costume designer: Don't forget the "pop-it" pearls! Maybe the switchboard operators can have some fun with them!

I was 24 in 1960, and worked in an office. I remember every bit of it....and it is all reflected beautifully every week on Mad Men.

This is of the best series I have ever seen. Kudos to all involved!

And a P.S. to the costume designer: Don't forget the "pop-it" pearls! Maybe the switchboard operators can have some fun with them!

I was 24 in 1960, and worked in an office. I remember every bit of it....and it is all reflected beautifully every week on Mad Men.

This is of the best series I have ever seen. Kudos to all involved!

And a P.S. to the costume designer: Don't forget the "pop-it" pearls! Maybe the switchboard operators can have some fun with them!

Great writing, great acting great entertainment. My Thursdays will now be like every other TV weeknight - dull. I'm really going to miss the series until it returns. In 1960 I was 5 years old. The show brings back many memories of my childhood. It is fascinating, like watching a time capsule being unveiled. The whole production is first rate. Thanks AMC.

My interview with Rich Sommer - conducted just two days ago (Thurs) is up at http://paullev.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=271587

We cover such topics as the "joys" of wearing real 1960 clothing ... what are they really smoking on the show? ... what does Rich think happened with Harry between episodes 12 and 13 of the show? ... how does Rich explain Harry's uncanny resemblance to Isaac Asimov ... how does Rich account for the rare anachronisms on the show ... and much more ...

We had a grand time doing the interview ... enjoy.

Think we're not seeing the forest for the trees, due in part to how proprietary some of us are with this fabulous little show.

What I mean is this: doesn't matter what age you are, whether you can remember this era or not. Doesn't matter if you fit a demographic or fall outside.

Man Men works, to me, because it's not only an insightful, intelligent drama but it reflects back to us how much of life has stayed the same even through the promise of change.

The fact that this "promise" came largely through what we're seeing - where the truth lies and lies and still lies - is just delicious irony.

For all of our Oprahs and Dr. Phils, people still live out their days in quiet, or loud, desperation. Don Drapers still roam the earth, begging to be heard and understood but pushing others away at the same time. Betty - who loves her husband but is confused and hurt by his distance and frustrated by societal limitation - is still one of our current archetypes.

She may have come a long way, baby. But in retrospect, not as far as she wished. And he may have become more sensitive, more attuned to feelings and fatherhood, but not feel like something isn't still missing.

Damn, I love this show. Doesn't matter how old I am or what specific reality is inhabited: Mad Men offers some close-cutting truths. Maybe too close.

Dana - Your first comment here is so well-written and captures everything I feel about this fantastic new series. I was a child in the early '60s and yet I feel exactly the way you do about this show. I am totally addicted and obsessed with it. I watch each episode over and over as soon as it's on On Demand. I'm so glad to have found this blog-site too because so few of my friends are watching it (yet!) so I'm glad to be able to "dish" with you all. It's been a total blast. Thanks to the producers of the show and thanks to all of you for sharing so many stories and memories.

I'm 23 and I absolutely love this show. I didn't live in the time period but I thought the realism was dead on. The script and characters are very interesting and well developed and the actors playing them are amazing. The show has substance, I feel like I'm watching a theatrical play.

This was an important time in history, society was on the verge of huge earth shaking changes. There are few shows that I watch, that for better or worse, I wish I could be there with those peple at that time. If you ever need an intern or slave I'm their!!!

What a fantastic show. 10 o'clock Thursday night was appointment TV for me. This program was stunning on every level: acting, writing, directing, sets, costumes, music, photography...everything. I can't wait until next summer to resume my obsession with Mad Men. It might as well be crack, it's so addictive. Thank you Matt Weiner et. al. for making me into a serious couch potato.

Ok I don't like this show although I have watched all the episodes. I can't handle watching all the cigarette smoking and the office sex!! It's a bit much don't you think. I feel sick and I didn't even smoke! Try working in corporate America today. The office sex situations are no different.

I don't know why AMC would have thought that any person born 1960 and beyond would find this show interesting.

I worked for an ad agency as an art director and my old gray haired, been around the world Y&R, BBDO copy director worked at the bar in our building(he wan't allowed to drink at his office desk like your show) and smoked and drank and bite me on the shoulder until he was finally fired. I guess that was why I watched the show. I worked with on of those disgusting alcoholics, chain smoking, bianca spraying ad men, on his way out the door pigs. He was too f**ing drunk to conduct any busines and I was too f**ing naive to understand that I didn't have to cover his ass. I did all the bleeping work anyway. Thank G-d I grew up.

Not for nothin', but...I think "Former Ad girl" MUST be offered a consultant's job on "Mad Men" A.S.A.P.

Love it Tim H.!!

okay

loved it..the only thing worth waiting this season.

when is the dvd box set coming out.

I think the highlight of "Former Ad girl's" last posting was the phrase "bianca [sic] spraying ad men."

It just doesn't get any better.

Yo, Ad Girl: Relax, already. You're gonna be fine. I hope you enjoy the next season. And don't try to me or anyone else that you're not going to watch it. Now, where's my little bottle of "bianca" when I need it???

Yo, Ad Girl: Relax, already. You're gonna be fine. I hope you enjoy the next season. And don't try to me or anyone else that you're not going to watch it. Now, where's my little bottle of "bianca" when I need it???

As the season ender, Episode 13 was very satisfying. Thank you! Betty, Don, and Joan all get a clue; Roger doesn't (oh well!) Sort of hard to take though, were the Betty's scene with Glen, and Peggy's giving birth. But then, we all know stories of the power of the psyche to deny and defend against the unwanted! Scenes with Betty talking to her psychiatrist; Harry describing his fascination with cave paintings, and then Don pitching the Kodak Carousel were MASTERFUL. Lots to do in Season 2. What about Rachel? (Who I really like..) A couple of my favorite funny moments from Season 1: Bert tells Roger and Don: "Every business has a Pete Campbell"; Don says (deadpan): "Couldn't we get another one, then? I hate this one."

Also, first episode, I think, when Sally Draper answers her mom's call in the kitchen wearing a plastic dry cleaning bag over her head. "We're playing Martians!" Betty says sternly: "Sally...I'd better not find my dry cleaning on the floor in the bedroom!!" I LOVE MADMEN!!

Why in the world would AMC not show the encores in correct sequence. I notice that they will show episode 1 (Smoke Gets In Your Eyes) on November 1, but on November 8, it will be New Amstedam, which is episode 4. Would this show not be more appealing for viewers who have not seen the series if the episodes aired in the correct sequence? Where's the sense in his?

Klankster,

This is the schedule I have for some of the repeats. (The dates are posted. I assume the Episodes are in order.)

Thursday, 11/1, 10 p.m., Episode 1

Friday, 11/2, 1:15 a.m., Episode 2

Thursday, 11/8, 10 p.m., Episode 3

Friday, 11/9, 1:30 a.m., Episode 4

Thursday, 11/15, 10 p.m., Episode 5

Friday, 11/16, 1 a.m., Episode 6

Thursday, 11/29, 10 p.m., Episode 7

Friday, 11/30, 1 a.m., Episode 8

That's all I have so far. The December schedule is not posted yet.

It's confusing, I agree.

I WAS BORN 1987 AND I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE. I AM 20 YEARS OLD AND I THINK THE SHOW IS WONDERFUL! I WATCH IT ALL THE TIME. THE WOMEN ARE SO BEAUTIFUL AND THE GUYS ARE SO HONEST. MY FAV IS PEGGY. I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE HAD A BABY! I STILL CAN'T GET OVER THAT! THE WRITERS ARE SO GREAT! i ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE HOW HIS BROTHER KILLED HIMSELF I CRIED WHEN I SAW THAT. HE JUST WANTED TO LOVE AND HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BROTHER! I'M ADDICTED TO THIS SHOW MY FAV OF ALL TIME'S ANYONE CAN APPRECIATE A MASTER PIECE WHEN THEY SEE ONE!!!!!!

Mad Men sucks. Noone I know watches it or bothers wasting their time watchingit. It is the worst waste of time for tv on your channel

Klankster,

I gave you incorrect information. The Friday programs are a repeat of the episodes shown on Thursday at 10 p.m. I didn't realize this. Sorry about that.

a: if you feel that way, why are you checking out this blog site? Go back to watching America's Funniest Home Videos. Nobody's forcing you to like the show.

OK - Episode #1 on tonight -- yeayyyyy!!!

Blog Police: Can we have a "Discuss Episode One (again)" PLEEEEEEASE...

Am looking forward to watching Season 1 all over again starting tonight (Nov. 1st) but WHY ON EARTH do we go from Episode 1 to Episode 4 (Nov. 8th)???? I am TRYING (as Joan would say) to turn on my friends and family to this show and I told them "Now's your chance to see it from the beginning" and now you're just going to confuse them! Can you PLEEEEASE consider showing Season 1 in order?? Heck we've got until next June to get all 13 episodes in again.

Is there going to be a second season?.....for sure?

I absolutely love this show..a baby boomer I am and can relate. I hope it never ends.

I WANT MORE MAD MEN! I just watched the rerun of Episode 1 and can't believe how fast it went by. Saw so many things I missed the first time around. My wish for Christmas would be a DVD of the first season. PLEASE!!!

I have just finished watching the 1st season here in Australia and I am so glad that AMC has picked it up for another season.

I have not loved a non-detective drama series this much for ages, if not ever. The attention to detail in every way is phenominal and the work done by all in the cast is exceptional.

Thank you one and all for a fantastic piece of entertainment.

Cheers and Regards

Keep up the great work

Keep it up. This is one of the best shows, most fascinating shows, on television. Would that I had a Nielson box, so that my vast approval could be recorded. Have been recommending this show left and right. Keep it up.

Well, I found MM re-running last night on AMC. I hope they run this 2nd showing in chronological order. There is so much going on in this show, watching it a 2nd time gives one more time to catch dialogue & nuances missed the first time around. TV today is a wasteland, for sure, but MM gives us real stories & good acting with an intelligence so missing these days, I find it as good as any first-class movie. Thanks, AMC, for these re-runs, so until next season, I'll now again look forward to Thursday nights. Encore! (PS: Please don't argue, posters. Please review the episodes here with dignity and panache...thanks)

I cannot understand why people feel compelled to post negative comments about people and why when posted the person responds in kind. Just walk away. You are never going to convince anyone they are wrong in their assessment of you.

Love Man Men. Didn't like the "new" secretary at first but she grew on me. Don't herb cigs put smoke in your lungs albeit not nicotine smoke but even herb smoke can't be good for you. Anyone know more about the cigs they smoke on MM?

Under "Ask Vincent Kartheiser" grinandbearit wrote:

"VK! Keep doing what you're doing. You are fantastic as Pete Campbell! The perfect Wile E. Coyote to Don Draper's Roadrunner...."

Got to hand it to you,grinandbearit! That is by far the cleverest analogy seen anywhere in the MM blogosphere so far! kudos maximus!

AMAZING SHOW!!!!!! I came across it on. comcast on demand and i watched every episode in one day i couldnt leve my couch. I actually Called into work SICK!!! keep the show going for many many more seasons!!!!! Betty Draper or january jones is the most amazingly beautiful woman on this show! by far the HOttest on AMC!!!

I can't wait a year! way too old to be pining over a television program, but do have to say that I got sucked in ever since I accidentally found the program while on travel. Have tuned in ever since. Love Peggy. Wasn't she the daughter on West Wing?

Have watched and rewatched several episodes and always find something new. Love how Peggy has worked her way into a position and stands up to the stinky smirky guy. Love how he has to deal with his inlaws manipulations.

I'm fascinated by the time period differences -- smoking, drinking, affairs, etc. I guess I was more programmed to believe that was the era of the Cleaver family.

I find the series fascinating as it is a realistic portrayal of one segment of society. Seems like we are led to believe in the perfect family, the perfect people, and yet the reality is we all deal with issues.

Not sure what to make of Don. I loved how he stood up to the smirky guy, but am repulsed by his outside relationships.

Just wanted to say that I watched a movie on FMC today called "Madison Avenue" with Dana Andrews. It was made in 1962, and Dana Andrews played a not-very-likable ad man; it was fun to watch and notice how much the little details and characters reminded me of Mad Men. I think that is the real success of the show - the painstaking attention to detail, right down to the body type of the stripper that performed at Pete's bachelor party in episode 1. She was definitely considered sexy in the '60s; and now, she would definitely be considered flabby. I love that there will be encores!

Some random observations, from a late-comer to this discussion board:

---First of all, thanks to the previous posters for all your insightful comments.

---As I write this, the Writers Guild is set to go on strike. If this happens, will it affect Season 2 of Mad Men? IMO at least the writers of this series have definitely earned whatever they're demanding in this dispute.

---Bert Cooper's remark about loyalty could just as well have been aimed at Don. Remember that he said "No contract" when Bert made him a partner...Now Bert has something to keep him loyal.

---Don's willingness to desert his family with Rachel does not come out of the blue. As someone else pointed out, he had urged Midge to go away with him to Paris, and the night he brought home the dog, he had sat and watched trains, possibly recalling the tramp from his childhood. In some ways, he has more in common with the beatniks in Greenwich Village than the family men in the suburbs.

---Francine deserves Carlton.

---I love the way the writers present the story and the characters in such a way that they remain open to interpretation. Just as in real life, it means whatever you bring to it.

TO "Late commer" 11/4 - 4:35PM

I am curious regarding your comment that "Francine deserves Carlton". ( Not disagreeing, just curious)

Dana, you said, "I am curious regarding your comment that 'Francine deserves Carlton'."

I was remembering her remark about "big noses" in an earlier episode. She's a bigot.

By the way, for some reason, my screen name didn't get attached to my previous post--some kind of glitch, I guess.

An end-of-the-baby-boom baby myself (November, 1960), having spent the first seven years of my life in Manhattan, with my dad working for a couple large accounting firms (Arthur Anderson and Esco & Heinberg - though I'm not sure the latter would qualify as "large") before going out on his own in '66, there is much about this show which is evocative of my youth.

My mother wore dresses similar to some of Betty's; my dad smoked like there was no tomorrow (and for him, there really wasn't; he had angina for years before it was diagnosed in '74 and he had bypass in '75, ultimately succumbing to thrombosis in '84); and my brother and I had some of the very toys we see the Draper kids enjoying.

One thing really caught my eye, however, and that was the sea of IBM Selectric II typewriters in the office. Unfortunately, the contemporary IBM typewriter for 1960 would have been the Model C (with a moving carriage); the trademark IBM "ball" in the original Selectric didn't make its debut until July of '61. The Selectric II didn't come along until '71. In my dad's office in the '70's and '80's, we had a black Selectric, a green Selectric II, and even a beige Selectric III (the only one of the three which was as unreliable as the day is long - the other two were absolute tanks).

Also, while I'm a '60's Pontiac and Cadillac aficionado myself, I see that Don does drive what appears to be a 1960 Buick LeSabre convertible (I lost my first car show with my '63 Bonneville convertible to a '61 Buick Invicta - really sharp car!), which is a really nice touch of realism (along with so many other things).

Kudos for great scripts and backdrops (including props and attire) which really make the show believable (and not necessarily like colorized versions of the Dick van Dyke Show!). Here's hoping Don (truly) realizes what he has at home, and falls back in love with Betty.

Nat -

"...I think that is the real success of the show - the painstaking attention to detail, right down to the body type of the stripper that performed at Pete's bachelor party in episode 1. She was definitely considered sexy in the '60s; and now, she would definitely be considered flabby. I love that there will be encores!"

I must beg to differ with you. Voluptuous blondes based on Marilyn *never* go out of style, and that girl would *never* be considered flabby in my book (now I'd better be sure my wife doesn't read this, or I'm going to find myself in a lot of trouble...!). Am I *that* old fashioned?

;-)

Lewis wrote: Here's hoping Don (truly) realizes what he has at home, and falls back in love with Betty.

Lewis, and then what? If that ever happened, that would be the end of the show.

Lewis wrote: Here's hoping Don (truly) realizes what he has at home, and falls back in love with Betty.

Lewis, and then what? If that ever happened, that would be the end of the show.

Oh, no! Don "in love" with Betty sucks the BIG one! That's the end of the show! Don, smokin', drinkin, and cheatin' makes the show interesting. He's lame as the "good, faithful husband." Lame as hell!

Visan, I've really got to meet you baby, you're the best. A chick that accepts men for the pigs they truly are. What a rare and wonderful jewel of a woman. I'm placing you up there on a pedestal with Rachel the hottie. You've also got just the right amount of viciousness with respect to Betty and Glenn The Barber. I can't deny it, I want you bad.

I think Don loves Betty, but remember his definition of love - an idea created to sell nylons. Love has nothing to do with being a faithful husband. And I agree, if Don & Betty were the perfect, happy couple, there would be no mad man. End of Don & story.

Just saw Slattery on Housewives (1st time)& Jon Hamm in Ira & Abby. These guys are really acting on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Great work.

I am also an african american 23 year old female who will not miss an episode. I absolutely love the show and I tell everyone I meet about it. I know it doesn't fit in the category of what I'm expected to watch but that's why sterotypes are ignorant. I can't wait for the next season!!!

Which one is Carlton? The handsome hot one who backhanded one of the kids in the birthday party episode? Heck, I'd let him pull my hair and throw me up against the wall ANYTIME! Lewis R, save your typing.... I don't care if he's a lying, slapping cheater. I just want to "do" him and toss him out. Kinda like Midge would do with DD.

Laurie, you are such a SLUT. But hey, I LOVE sluts. Just came back from the SEMA car show in Las Vegas. Fast and flashy cars mixed with Poker and super hot chicks. What else in life matters?

But seriously, what's the deal with your hair pulling fetish? I don't mind giving out a good spanking now and then (a little S&M's always fun) but you seem to really be into hair pulling.

Guys are fairly sensitive to their hair falling out so we don't go pulling it since we don't want it to be in our hands instead of our heads. But, if that's what the customer wants I'll fulfill the order, but I don't understand it. Please explain.

I absolutely love Mad Men. It is the most original show to come along in a very long time. I am an African American Woman in my late forties. I was born in 1960 and began my work career in 1983. It is fascinating to see how the work environment was back then and how things have changed over the year. I sure would not have wanted to be one of those women back then, they got treated like crap. A guilty pleasure of mine is to watch the show in the dark, because the colors are so vivid and the scenes so rich, watching it in the dark transports me to that time and place. The actors are amazing. Can't wait for Season 2. Great job to cast and crew.

21 years old and in LOVE with the show. It's absolutely beautiful AND entertaining!

I love this shiow and was thrilled to see that you were---well I should say--I thought you were going to repeat the first season starting on November 1st...And I thought...What A Brilliabt Idea!!! Then, tonight, I take a look---having told 25 or more people to watch this show last Thursday and more, tonight---And there is NOT Episode 2, but some other Episode further along in the story...!!! ARRRRRGHHHH!

What demented mind decided on this terrible terrible programming choice??? If you are trying to attract NEW people to this Wonderful Show...It's just the height of stupidity tp show these episodes completely out of order...!

Incredibly disappointed in this dumb dumb move!

Old Lady of the Hills - I KNOWWW!!!! Please write your letter directly to Matt Wiener. Several of us did already, but we need to keep convincing him what a dumb idea this idiotic 'Episode 1, then Episode 4, then Episode 6, then whatever!" It's infuriating isn't it, when we're trying to tell all our friends to get hooked on this show, and then he pulls a bonehead move like this one.

Well Dennis, write me at laurie.berger@xerox.com and I'll tell you all about it... not going to get into it on this blogsite.

Yea, what programming genius made this decision? This isn't a show where the episodes stand on their own like "Mind of Mencia," where who cares what chronological order they're shown in as long as the jokes are good. This story is continuous and builds upon each episode. How dumb is this?

My feeling is that it's a money making plot to get us to buy the DVD or pay to download each episode from Itunes. The show is about a group of money grubbing whores, come to think of it, why wouldn't the shows owners fall into the same category.

I loved this show. I'm hoping the first season comes out on DVD soon so I can watch it again. I was 6 years old in 1960 and have some memories of John and Jackie Kennedy being so young and good looking. The show is like "Bewitched" but as a drama and not a comedy/fantasy. I remember cigarette commericals and everyone smoked, even when pregnant.

Interesting that Rona Jaffe's "The Best of Everything" (1950s) is back on Amazon.com's Best Sellers list. I would like to think that MadMenhas something to do with this resurgence in interest in the '60s, women in the workplace, feminism etc.

Thank you Matt Weiner for such an original show. I finally got to sit down and watch the final episode today. I am still in shock about Peggy having a baby. As the mother of two I find it hard to believe she didn't have a clue that she was pregnant. Was she in such denial that she was able to ignore all of the obvious physical symptoms? How about if some mental disorder was revealed next season?

Peggy is a fascinating character, I enjoyed how she behaved at the radio commercial taping.

And I cried during the Kodak slide presentation. I want Don to find his way back home. He finally figured out what is important in this world, I hope it wasn't too late. I can't wait until next season!

And for your demographic research you should know that I was born in 1971, female, 2 kids, full time job, and I have never posted a message to a tv show writer before.

Thank you again.

I agree that AMC should be showing the episodes in order, but I'm just so grateful to see the reruns on Thursday nights, I'll take anything.

Laurie B., if you'd like to get in touch with me, my email is ghklein@worldnet.att.net. Would love to meet you in person in New York next year.

I tried to join the Yahoo.com group thing, but couldn't figure out how to get into it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and participating in this blog for the past few months. What a great experience it's been and what a great show it is. Can't wait for Season 2!

Why can't I find it on On Demand?

I have Time Warner and a digital box.

Where is it?

Mad Men was available on Entertainment On Demand during the time the series was active on AMC...however "was" is the operative word here...I check today and it is no longer available "on demand"...so the ante is upped and a serious marketing ploy for sales of the DVD is in effect...but of course this would be the case for MAD MEN.......

I LOVE THE SHOW. PLEASE DO RERUNS ALL

YEAR. I JUST GOT MY FRIEND INTO THE FIRST

SHOW. SHE IS CRAZY

ABOUT IT, AS SHE HAD THE SAME VIEW

THAT PETE HAS, AND GREW UP IN NY HER WHOLE

LIFE. SHE ACTUALLY HAD AN AFFAIR WITH A "COOPER"WHO DIVORCED HIS WIFE AND MARRIED

HER. THEY WERE MARRIED FOR 30 YEARS BEFORE

HE DIED.

I HAVE A LOT OF MEMORIES OF THE 60'S, AS I WAS 9-10,

"COMING OF AGE" AS THEY SAY NOW.

FOR ANYONE WHO DOUBTS THESE WRITERS, I HAVE A TRUE STORY, OF MY FIRST JOB WORKING

IN TX AS A SEC. AT VARO. A BOSS TOOK

ME TO HIS HOME, THREW ME ON THE FLOOR, AND IN ABOUT 3 MIN, IT WAS OVER, AND WE

WERE BACK IN THE CAR ON THE WAY BACK TO THE OFFICE. (HE ASKED ME TO "GO TO LUNCH")

I HADN'T THOUGHT ABOUT THAT IN YEARS AND

WONDER, NOW, WATCHING THE SHOW, WHY THE

HELL DID I NOT SAY NO, OR SLAP HIM, OR RUN? I COULDN'T EVEN TELL ANYONE AT WORK.

MM is the best thing I've seen in years!!!! It's different, unique, smart, and I Love all the characters, even the twerpy guy who was going to rat on Don's past. Please let this say on the air for awhile to take us away from all the trash out there......

jerry5006

Why during reruns was episode 1 shown first and then episode 4, skipping 2 and 3? I see also that Thursday episode 5 is scheduled.

Whoops, just read back and see that this has been discussed and that it's thought to be deliberate and a "marketing move." I sure hope that's wrong. Aggravating customers is rarely a good strategy.

Show it right or not at all.

I just caught on but I can't download from itunes in Canada!!! Help how can I get the season on dvd?

CSB8186: OMG! That is the worst story I've heard. That was rape, pure and simple, although in those days, it would have been "good luck to ya" to pull off a conviction under those circumstances, ie., "lunch".

AMC wrote me and said they plan to re-run the 1st Season of MadMen in its entirely some time after the first of the year, probably February-ish.

Just FYI

Does anyone know if there's a DVD coming out? I would love to get it for a Christmas present.

AUTHOR:
EMAIL:
IP: 70.65.184.146
URL:
DATE: 11/16/2007 01:56:40 AM

I love Mad Men.

The characters are believable I think that we can all find a litlle bit of ourselves within them.

Don Drapper is intoxicating. He is a real "mans' man", but there is a vulnerability underlying all that exurabant confidence that really makes him human, and not just another fictional character.

I'm still trying to figure out the appeal of Don Draper. He is a bastard in every sense of the word, but I. Am. In. Love. With. Him. Damn. Okay, he's attractive in a Cary Grant sort of way. And he's funny. Smart, too. Charismatic. Confident. Charming--at least in public. And he does have those vulnerabilities that make him somewhat endearing...but...he's an ASSHOLE--a masshole, actually (that is, massive asshole). He's just a TV character, but I am completely invested in him (because for me it's definitely more about Don Draper the character than Jon Hamm the actor). Why does he fascinate me so?

I love Mad Men! I hate that we have to wait so long but Summer 2008 will eventually come. I will be patient. I wass addicted from the first show. When will the season be put out on DVD? I work with a guy who loves it jut as much. Every Thursday when the new episodes played, we were on the phone! I love all the characters. My friend is gay, guess which one is his favorite?

Sorry, I must apologize for my typos!

Have to admit Don Draper is a man-ho, but a non-traditional one. He's selective about the ladies with whom he whores....:P

Wow! I could not get enough of Season One. It's is my new television addiction. I love the subtle twists and turns...how the plot isn't so "in your face." I appreciate and adore all of the attention to detail on the set and costuming. I love the filmic quality and how the composition of each shot is so carefully and artfully considered. The camera work and lighting is incredible! This is the first show I've watched where I am sad when every episode ends. I started watching because I'd studied art direction for advertising and thought I'd get a kick out of it. Little did I know it would become my favorite show for reasons so much more than that! And no, I'm not a baby boomer; I'm a 29 year old graphic designer who just appreciates a quality show.

I have to come back to the blog just to be with fellow Mad Men fans. I am sorry to say that I could not convince anyone else to watch it. I started working in the 60's in an office and it is eerie how much the characters on Mad Men are like the ones I remember. I love this show; and as someone else wrote here, I cannot even remember loving a show so much that I would watch it, watch the encore, then watch it again on OnDemand that weekend. It is incredibly good. Now I am watching the reruns and praying that someone will have mercy and get Season 2 on the air before next summer. Can't something be done? Please, Producers!!! Get Season 2 on air ASAP!!!!

Oh, I forgot to mention: I love watching the reruns because I pick up little subtleties that I missed in the first viewing. Also, I get more out of the reruns because of course I already know the twists and turns in subsequent episodes. I really miss looking forward to Thursday night for a new installment.

grinandbearit - I totally agree. But Jon Hamm, actor is Don Draper. There probably are other actors who could have pulled this off, but Hamm nails it, along with whomever he chooses.

I ADORE MAD MEN. And I'm desperate for the DVDs, so I googled Mad Men DVD. Discovered that you can go to Amazon.com and sign up to receive an email alert when the Mad Men Season 1 DVD set becomes available! The site says the studio is keeping track of how many people are waiting for the DVDs - so I say, let's bombard them with messages! Just search for Mad Men DVD and when the page comes up, click on the email alert link on the right hand side of the page.

Adore this program. Addicting in many ways! My only comment would be to have the opening credits appear a bit slower. They seem to role too fast and one can't read them as quickly. Rock On !

MadWoman, you are right. Jon Hamm IS Don Draper, and he does seem to nail everything--well everything selectively. LOL. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing this role...except maybe Paul Newman back when Paul Newman was Paul Newman (circa 1959-1965, Don Draper's era).

But what is it about this character that's so...intoxicating? He's like effin' crack. Makes you want to walk around all bug-eyed, boney, and toothless, begging for a dime so you can just get another hit.

Sigh. My name is grinandbearit, and I am a Draperaholic.

"Under "Ask Vincent Kartheiser" grinandbearit wrote:

"VK! Keep doing what you're doing. You are fantastic as Pete Campbell! The perfect Wile E. Coyote to Don Draper's Roadrunner...."

Got to hand it to you,grinandbearit! That is by far the cleverest analogy seen anywhere in the MM blogosphere so far! kudos maximus!"

Awww, shucks, madfan. [Said while bowing head and shuffling feet.] I don't know if it's the cleverest thing said in the blogosphere, but I appreciate the sentiment. Don't know how I missed your compliment until now, but thanks anyway.

There are so many bird motifs associated with this show, I'm surprised that no one caught that one.

Accidently found MM on debut, what great luck. The Amy Winehouse theme caught our attention. Been in love ever since, especially since hubby & I are in radio and advertising.

What's really neat are all the little slices of life that would land Britney Spears in prison -- kids jumping around in moving vehicle, little girl wearing drycleaner bag over head and being admonished for ruining the clothes inside! Execs having a bourbon first thing in the am, lighting up at work. Love It!

Great TV, thanks for putting something worth watching on TV again.

It sure would be helpful if amc (yes, THIS WEBSITE) offered the episode number that they're playing on DIRECTV... each week.

This week it's LOST WEEKEND, but I have to go to the DIRECTV schedule to find out that.

Why not a nice little (LOST WEEKEND) after the Mad Men on the schedule page

http://movies.amctv.com/schedule

or does amc run differing episodes in differing places?

Maybe they do. Then a simple listing somewhere would help.

Thanks,

Den