Who is Mitch?

Hello Mitch:

As a Baby Boomer, I would love to know what was your initial inspiration for Mad Men and how do you manage to remain inspired?

The last time I was "addicted" to a TV series was when I was 17 -- I am now 55.

I will miss Don & Co., until you all return.

Robin Dorantes
Bronx, NY

Is success spoiling Don Draper?
Why did you choose this season to focus on so many marital troubles especially between Don and Betty?
It seems as though the "Petes" of the world annoy you. Often the Pete types do get ahead and yet this is one of the few series where he is caught and stopped. Is this true?
If you could travel to this time period (the early sixties) for one day and one location what day and what location would you choose?

Words cannot describe how much I enjoy this show. I have only heard about this way of life and it is so interesting. There was no computers or ipods and yet people managed to live.

Thank you Matthew Weiner.

Will we see Paul drop out of SC to join an early rock and roll band? If we lose Bert (please, no - hope he goes the run of the series) will he leave his shares in Sterling Cooper to "Dick Whitman"?

Love love love this show! I was one of the folks who tuned in to the very first episode and have only grown more enamored as the seasons pass.

Will we ever learn the paternity (Pete?) of Peggy's baby?

I honestly cannot remember when I was so seriously hooked on a show before Mad Men. It is mesmerizing, thrilling, heartbreaking, funny, nostalgic, insightful, entertaining and delicious. I find myself watching episodes over and over again and never tiring of them because I will notice something new each time. The only question I have is HOW long we have to wait for Season 3? Please do not let it be too long. Thank you, thank you, thank you Matthew Weiner for this wonderful experience.

My dad was an "ad man" and I have some Maybelline cosmetics from the 1960s... mainly mascaras like the little red box of cake mascara, and the intro tube of Ultra Lash mascara. If the show would be interested in items fans have [such as I have] what is the appropriate way to contact or send such if so? These are not used up, dry or dirty// or as they say on e-bay "like new never used". Thanks!!!

No questons, just want to thank you for this great show. I have never, never been this involved in a TV show or series. And thank you for staying true to your talent and believing in the story and your vision when HBO and others just didn't get it!

Laurann Wakefield
CA

Does Don Draper have a multiple personality disorder or does he experience psychogenic fugue?

will Sal and Kurt hook up?

Could Freddy return as a recovering alcoholic?

As a white , middle aged businessman, he has the right demographic for someone who would have been in AA.

Whatever Duck's doing, it ain't working !

The movie Days Of Wine And Roses is from within that time frame so it would fit.

Here's two songs that I'd like for you to consider for season 3.

It's a Man's Man's Man's World: James Brown

Try A Little Tenderness: Otis Redding

Besides the print media advertising campaigns, are you going to step up the focus of the television advertising campaigns/commercials and show more of the behind the scenes of those, too?

The early-mid 60's television commercials alternated from schlocky to being very original - would love to see more for the autos, household brands, men's products (Hertz, Burma Shave, Alka Seltzer, etc). Think those could be quite fun or does that involve copyright issues?

Will you be publishing a MadMen book for Seasons 1-2 covering the advertising campaigns, costumes/style, cultural/historical events, character bios, storylines? I'd buy it.

Matt, you are the best! Thanks for the best show EVER.

Were you surprised or amazed at the numbers and types of postings when Duck abandoned Chauncey? I was fascinated and, I must say, a little proud that our social consciousness has evolved over the years with respect to the rights and treatment of animals.

I would like to have seen "Chauncey sightings" in some of the episodes, with his tail going around a building, etc., but in contrast to that, could you just find a way to let us know that he is all right? (I know, I know, it's a story, but it would give us animal lovers some closure!)

Sandy Henry, Pennsylvania

Sand

On Mad Men there are obviously a lot of secrets, I was just wondering to what extent that gets reflected in the production of the show. Are all the big series revelations yours and yours alone? Or do you and the writing staff get together and come up with them? Do the actors get any input on what's happening to their characters?

Thanks so much. Your show is easily the greatest thing on television.

Kristiana Larimore

How did Dick Whitman...after becoming Don Draper...gain the education and skills needed to become a successful ad man?

I've read conflicting reports that the series timeframe was a) planned at 2 year increments per season (thus 5 seasons covering all the 60's) and b) The writers just deciding to jump ahead through the calendar.
What is the planned arch of the series?
Will you miss the skinny ties by the time we get to 1968?

Dear Matt,
First of all, Thank you for giving me hours of such great entertainment. I just experienced a great loss and the very same day, I still watched "A Night to Remember", and all I could think about was the great story you wrote and for a moment forgot about my troubles. Thank you for doing this for me!! It was a gift!
What are your plans to bring up more people to watch the show?? And, your thoughts on Neilsen Ratings?? Also, did I read you have another show on the works?? Maybe a take off of one of the characters of Mad Men?
Jamm54 explained in her post the need for great advertising and that's what I was going to address. Also, putting the show on earlier and another night and putting more billboards and side of bus advertising with great quotes of the show! Did you see the advertising campaign of "Gossip Girl"? Hope you get more out of AMC for next season. They need to step up to the plate. I'm sure they were not prepared to have such a fantastic show on their hands, but they need to catch up! What are your ideas to bring more People on to watch the show??

Matt, one more thing,
Do we have to wait until Fall of '09 for Season 3 and did you already sign on and get good contract. If you can share some good points would be nice. I'm sure it's private, but hope you did well. My best of wishes for you!!!

.....[OMG - I didn't even see this when posted about it on the main thread - sorry!]

Dear Matt, I just want to express to you what I have said several times on the blog. Mad Men is the greatest show I've ever seen on television, including The Sopranos. It has captured my imagination like no other show or movie in my life, and I've seen quite a few! I'm 54 (born in 1954 like Sally Draper!) and I remember this time period very well.

Did you base any of the story line on a true story? I mean, did you hear about an actual case of identity theft that inspired you? Or is this purely a figment of your extraordinary imagination?

Thank you so very, very much for such a great work of art. It has me completely under its spell.

Sorry, one more question as I haven't seen any post it yet - will we see more (I hope) of Anna Draper?

.....Hi Matt....The "was there" stories on this forum are priceless.... I'm curious if many of the posts on this forum have ended up in the story lines, and also if any of those details will end up in future seasons?

My mother was an occasional "chicken-thrower," (and apparently I'm not alone in that!), so Pete hurling Trudy's baked bird over the balcony was a good laugh.

Thanks to you and everyone on your team for the masterpiece that is Mad Men.

I'll ask two quick questions after I get up off my knees! Thank you so much for for this show and these characters. Please keep doing Mad Men as long as possible. First, did you draw anything about the very complex Don Draper from the equally complex Tony Soprano? Also, was HBO or another premium cable channel approached about airing the show? I'm glad however it happened that Mad Men is not on one of those channels because there would almost certainly have had to have been nudity and cursing that would have been out of place for the time period. Thanks again for a truly great program. Please give us many more seasons.

Matt, congratulations and thank you. A truly great work of art is often something we have to dust off the shelves, visit in a museum or hunt for in the classics section of the well-stocked video store. We're all so lucky to watch Mad Men unfold every week on our TV screens. You and the talented Mad Men crew deserve all the praise and success heaped on you.

My question: would you mind providing a 'reading/viewing list' for the off-season? Period-era stuff is great, but anything that informs your writing is greatly appreciated. I'll need stuff to fill the downtime. Many thanks again.

Dear Mr. Weiner, Thank you for bringing such a quality show to TV. Your writing is superb.
Is Don the father of Peggy's baby? There have been several hints leading in that direction.
I think the opening credits hold some clues as to what will happen with Don. Is this so? Will it come to light that Don killed his father? He is so private and complex. I love it when Don steps in when he sees someone not being treated right. He really is a decent, albeit, troubled man. Best wishes, Minna

Mr. Weiner and crew, thank you all for the gift of Mad Men.

Do you ever think of using any of our predictions for story lines? Do we make you laugh?

Regards,
Luanne Johnson
Lawton, OK

Matt,

Betty seems to have her own set of demons that she is dealing with in the present and from her past. Hopefully you get to explore these in season 3. Her character continues to be the most interesting and layered on the show. Please take a moment to comment on your plans for her in the future. Thanks for being passionate about what you do. Keep up the great work.

Mike in Dallas

All I want to know is whether there will be a third season or not. I am so anxious for the show to continue. I know the ratings have not been as high as programs on the major networks. But I think that may be because--ironically--the ad program has been so weak. People need to see bit of the show in preview, not John Hamm on SNL or clothing linked to the show in the New York Times style section! I feel powerless. I hope we can get past the Kennedy assasination.

Well, will there be a third season, Mr. Weiner?

There appears to be a lot in common between "Man Men" and the "Sopranos". Powerful people who are always one step away from disaster, strange relationships at best. Are these correlations intentional? Also, Mr. Weiner, is there a chance for season 3 to begin in January? Its refreshing to see this show in the mist of all the junk now on tv, this one makes a person think and reflect. Thanks for the true entertainment.
Dawn Norman

2 comments:

When will season 3 start ?

Can you explain what the opening animation means?

Love the show

Please, Please, have another season of "Mad Men". One of my favorite shows of all time. I look forward to it each week. Please have another season!!!!!

Loved this season! Finally, a show that is must see TV!

I do not have a question but a suggestion. Since the agency now has the London connection, you should bring on Jack Davenport to play a character from the London office.

Can't wait for season 3!

I am an Afircan American, and the story that is developing is wonderful. I am an actor an an idealist and what a blow with the merger of the ad company (with I worked in one) that they bring in an African American then the story could ad another element of racist, love "with the wrong kind" etc please consider this I know this is an unusal way of giving ideas or asking for a role but consider it I can be reached on my email hollywood59@verizon.net

What could possibly be in store for Don and Betty? How about a real intense situation that bonds them together that is totally unexpected for both of them, like a robbery or hostage situation or ice storm, where we can see a real chemistry ignate between them...Betty can really let him have it and let her anger out and he can wear her down with his vulnerability and charm, over time they fall madly in love with each other! Throughout all of this they can't escape each other ... sort of like 6 days and 7 nights with Harrison Ford and Ann Heche.

How complete is your vision of where you want the show to go? Do you know where these characters end up or do they reveal themselves as you go?

Well, looks like my question above got answered in the finale! (Pete IS evidently Peggy's baby's father!)

So, a replacement question would be:

DO you (or someone else connected with Mad Men) ever read these talk forums? There are a LOT of intelligent and insightful folks on here that could easliy write for Mad Men! No kidding!

I have an image from a 60s magazine with a model who looks exactly like Betty. Please let me know if there's a way to post it on this blog. Don rocks, but I'm craving more of that silver fox, Roger and the outrageous Jimmy Barrett. Loved his outburst during the potato chip commercial and the amazing line, "You're garbage." Peggy is getting cocky. And what about Joan and her whacked out fiancee? The wood paneled offices, carefully guarded white carpets, and liquor fueled business meetings bring back memories. Please make a deal soon and let us know when we'll be able to get our next fix.

I and a number of my friends found Mad Man to be a great escape from the dirty grim of conventional life and TV include shows like Desperate House Wives.

AMC brought us your show as a through back to a different era and quality but less complex and seedy story lines.

Well it didn't take long for you ugly Hollywood dirt mongers to ruin a good thing. With the Mrs. Draper seen today you insured the loss of at least 30% of your viewers...guess what, we can turn on any number of shows that continue to dumb down and sex up the content of shows for now reason. Your audience grew up with Lucy, Dragnet and Chuck Connors. Lolita was a risky as we'd like to see.

Thanks allot. Once again you've shown why most of us have a distain for your profession and craft.

I will NEVER watch your show again and if I feel this way there has to be thousands like me. Your show is less about the business and more about betrayal of values and steamy scenes. So at the end of the day be happy with your awards from this year because your show and most of the actors will have their little 15 minutes and then they'll not be heard of or taken seriously again.

Losers: You just couldn't help yourself.

Not for nothing HB, but if you think that Betty betrayed her character then you are wrong. This episode was no more graphic than when Betty had her fantasy about the air-conditioner salesman. Seriously, the characters on this show have been seen in the bedroom from episode one.

What Betty did isn't exactly the same as what the chicken-headed women of Desperate Housewives get down to. There was a clear motivation for her to stray that goes back to Season I, and of course was alluded to all throughout Season 2.

Get over yourself with the pearl-clutching routine.

We kept the cable on just for your series!
"Madmen" artfully paints the sultry, alluring, debauched, cutthroat political cauldron that made up Madison Avenue. I was a NY MadWoman, so I know.
Aside from the series' multi-faceted characters, intelligent (for a change) writing, it has the best damned art direction on TV.

Next year: show more real ad products of the era, and yes, emphasis on the production of TV commercials, especially broad comedy, which started to be a force in the 60s..
anyone remember the jingle: "You wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent" ?

What a poignant, thought-provoking show! It's one of my favorite shows. I was wondering the following:
1. I know that wanted to talk about faith this season, but can you elaborate on what I see, as the inherent spirituality of the show, i.e. Don and his identity issues, and his inability to connect appropriately with his family?
2. Why do you think that Mad Men is so much in the
zeitgeist, you have mentioned before in a recent Star Ledger interview that you see the world of Mad Men having to be "reborn" and likened it to what's going on now with America's socio-politics, i.e. Obama. Could you please elaborate?
3. Although Don is an upper-middle class WASP male, though he comes from a lower-class dysfunctional family. He's been attracted to Rachel, who's Jewish, but is not afraid to own it. However, she is viewed as an "Other" in society back then (and still now, to some extent). What are your thoughts on that sense of "Otherness" for Don?
4. Lastly, when you write the show, do you consider how viewers of color might see it? It's illuminating (albeit painful) to watch it sometimes for the roles that people of color play?

Firstly, 'HB's" comments above are irrational, incomprehensible and out of line. What you saw on television in the the 60's ( Lucy, Dragnet and Chuck Connors and Lolita, as you mentioned,) has absolutely NO correlation to what Mad Men is trying to convey in their storyline about Betty Draper! HB...get over yourself and your sanctimonious ways! You can always turn off the TV, read a book or go back to watching Desparate Housewives...you have the freedom to do any that, but stop throwing your pessimistic, negative criticism at Mr. Weiner! By comparision, his creation of Mad Men is far more tame than other shows such as: "Californication", "Weeds," etc. So who are YOU to judge?!!! So sorry, but YOU seem like a fool by posting your comment, thus making YOU the loser here!

It's amazing how you made the 2nd season even better than the 1st season. I'm dedicated to watching this show every Sunday and can't stand that I have to wait to next July to see more of it. So, do you have any idea how many seasons you planned on doing this show? Thanks for making the best tv show that I have ever seen Matt.

I have to ask this. When viewing the final products, does the storyline bring tears and emotion to you like it does me, and I would expect, a few other guys out there ? I see so much of my dad and his experience with life in this series, that there are some real, gut-wrenching moments. That to me, is amazing writing and acting. Please return next season; you deserve it !

Thank you !

Continued success..

Rick@ Seattle

Secondly, I am an Asian female in my 30's and obviously I did not grow-up in that generation. However, from the moment AMC played the Premiere trailers for Mad Men in 2007 (with the Amy Winehouse's song "You Know I'm No Good" playing in the background,) I knew that Mad Men would be an ultra cool show!!! I was hooked since then and this is the ONLY drama show that I watch!! And what you did to Jon Hamm to make him the ultimate hottie...he's my epitome of "the sexiest man in a business suit!" I work with a lot of business men and I wish they all look like him!!

Anyway, here are my questions for you:

1.) I believe Peggy left her baby with her sister (as oppose to "giving the baby away" like she told Pete.) So will Pete ever see his baby? Will Pete divorce this wife and get together with Peggy and the baby someday?

2.) Will Don Draper remain with Sterling & Cooper? Or will he go to another agency?

3.) Will Duck be hired as the President and then later fired immediately once the merger finalizes?

3.) I believe around this time (in the early 60's,) the beginnings of the Vietnam War were brewing. Will you be intergrating the Vietnam War into the show in Season 3?

Please, please, please...make more Mad Men and finish season 3 before the Actor's strike commences! I just love the show too much!

Mr Weiner,

I first have to thank you for the only thing that could've gotten me over the Sopranos. For the man whose words have given me so much pleasure, I can't even attempt the words to fully express my gratitude. You & your entire crew (especially the casting people), quite simply, rock!

I don't want to know any secrets from past seasons or peeks into the future. My question to you is: What can we the viewers do for YOU, for the show that we love so?

I've already gotten friends & co-workers hooked. My hard-to-please boss actually thanked me for turning him on to Mad Men. I've bought the DVD, I'm posting on the blogs ... what more can I do?

What can WE do for you?

I forgot to add that I'm an Asian American woman in my mid-30s, and grew up in the New York City area. It's really interesting to see my hometown during that time, as well as to see the how people of color were treated viewed at the time by the mainstream...

Sorry, my last two questions are:

4. Back to the spiritual nature of the show, I see Mad Men as an exploration (if not indictment) of America's culture of greed... What are your thoughts?

4. What is/was your intention of seemingly juxtaposing Father Gill and Pete? I've read in recaps that they they seem to bear a physical resemblance to each other...

5. Is Peggy in love with Pete, even though she tells him that she doesn't want to be romantically involved with him?

Please please please bring this show to Europe!! Europeans will absolutely love it. I am British, living in France, and I watch the show on the internet. However, I know that it would be very very popular in both the UK and France (and probably other European countries too). It's the old America that we love. It's so fascinating to see what you have to say about American society. It's great stuff and I respect your skills enormously.

Matthew,

I am a passionate fan of Mad Men and have a group of friends in media, communications, and marketing to discuss each episode with. I've lived and worked in NYC for over 20 years and run a retained executive search firm. We place a more current version of the characters you've created. I love the search for talent combined with understanding the human experiences that created each individual. Each character you've brought to the screen resonates with those I've had the opportunity meet over the years.

How do you do your research on your characters?

The ad campaigns you've selected are often among the most brilliant of that time. (Kodak; Popsicle; Maidenform) How have you selected them?
What would you select from more recent choices as the best work in the industry?

I was surprised at Betty's power in the marriage when she asked Don to leave. What do you feel women have won/lost since that time? What about Men?

The relationship between Don Draper (Dick) and the wife of the man who died, is so authentic it's almost shocking, given all the other relationships. Why have you chosen her as the one with this connection to Don?

Many of Male/ Female relationships seem to be so deeply flawed, because the truth doesn't seem to be an option. Do these marriages exist to the extent they are able to live in the midst of each others lies?

Should you need a resource in NYC; please know you are welcome to reach out to me.

Wishing you continued success with this show.

Isabella11

Matt and writers.Re: Finale.I loved it,loved it!
I have a couple questions for you..
Will you be giving us more of Don's back story? How did Dick evolve into Don and who were the defining people in his journey.It seems that Don is beginning to go through a spiritual metamorphosis,from moth to butterfly.Will Anna continue to make periodic appearances in the next season?

Are you going to introduce a new adversary in the office to go head to head with Don?

Are there any plans to provide more stories about Sal and his "secret".I'd love to see more of him exploring his sexuality within the confines of that time.

Is season three going to begin in July? i sure hope so because it is going to be a long time without Mad Men as it stands. I'd hate to wait till Fall.Summer TV is so dismal so we'd love to see Mad Men debut earlier if possible.

Thank you for a beautiful finale!

Suzanne in the ATL

I'm an old broad who actually lived this era. I was a private secretary on Fifth Avenue in the same section of the City, from '58 to '60. I lived the mores of the society at this time and may I congratulate you, sir, for such a job well done and boy oh boy, have you got it all nailed down to a tee. Were you watching over my shoulder? Just kidding. But, really, who did you talk to about all this? You mentioned that Mom was a lawyer, and I hope I'm correct in this, but I was a secretary (who started as a mail girl) took typing and steno nights at the Lexington Y, got lucky with a great job. (I'm sure having a pretty face helped some.) and I can find no fault with any part of your show and have trouble finding enough superlatives to say about it. Many Bravos to you, sir. Now, are you sure you weren't looking over my shoulder? Whatever possessed you to zero in on this very particular time line?

(If I may, a little aside to my galpal Betty: sister, when you get to be old and I hope you do, believe me when I say you won't regret that little bump and tickle episode with Mr. Tall and Handsome.....nosirebob...!!!)

I love good tv. Mad Men is one of the best to come along in a long, long time. Thank You for doing it right.

... Matthew Weiner
1) is that you as a child with your mom and dad in the opening shot of Mad Men when the building is shown with images?

2) what I really want to know is.. Matthew Weiner.. were you heavily influenced by the story of "the man in the grey flannel suit"? I've just read both books by Sloan Wilson and bought the movie with Gregory Peck.. and I hate to give anything away.. but ~ there are MANY similarities.

I'll be re-watching the first 2 seasons again (and again.. probably) and cannot wait to find out what season 3 brings. You all deserve every Emmy and MORE! (which will come to you I'm sure). You better be getting paid enough Mark Weiner, I heard through grapevine that they may not give you what you want. AMC cannot afford to dick whitman you around! You are the man of the tv day and worth every dollar you get paid (unlike some). Stay where you are and keep making television something to look forward to.

What is the song at the end of "The Mountain King"?

How did the scene where Betty threw up in Don's BRAND NEW CADILLAC! come about?

Do you have to clear it in advance when you use a product like Popsicle as part of your storyline? How have some of these companies responded (obviously Heineken responded well)?

How does your son like playing Glen? How does your wife respond to the Glen character (if that is not too personal)?

I think Betty having the affair is really disturbing. Because she is pregnant. I can' t seem to get pass the biology. Ewww. Her character portrays so many "ideals" then she does something that one would expect from a woman of lower standards. Which makes her infidelity, more menatally worse as oppose to Don who depicts his just physical. How can your repair her seriously flawed charater? Do you really think women run mostly on emotions? And men on physical requirements?

Will the Chauncey cliffhanger get resolved next season?

Did he enjoy the chicken that Pete threw out the window?

How did Don get the smell out of his BRAND NEW CADILLAC! after Betty threw up in it?

Will Season 3 be 13 episodes?

1) What happened to Polly? We haven't seen her for several episodes?

2) Will we ever find out what happened between season one and season two? I know Mr. Weiner says he knows, but the rest of us would like to, too!

3) Will there be "missing time" between the end of season two and the start of season three as well?

4) There's something troubling me about Don's age. In "Jet Set", he tells Joy he is 36. That makes him born in 1926. Somewhere (and this may be my error), I picked up that Don joined the Army when he was 18. This would have been in 1944. It is quite possible he did not see action during WWII due to the timing of his entry and the close of action in both theatres, but it is odd he did not serve as part of the occupying force in either Japan or Germany (or maybe he did). The US entered the Korean War in the second half of 1950. This means Don spent 5 - 6 years in the service, and I just have a hard time imagining that given his overall personality. Now, Don could have given Joy Don's age instead of Dick's, but that strikes me as a cheat. Any insights?

5) Did Dick do anything real or imagined to contribute to Archibald Whitman's death?

Why did he tell the dudes working on the muscle cars in California that his name was Dick. I really thought that was foreshadowing for a future interest of Don's.
Is he going back to California with his family as DIck? Guess not. The New York office would have to move to CA.

Thank you for this quality show! Will be many seasons to come? Can't wait for season 3, 4.....
The show is so good in many levels! How far career wise the women in the agency will go? I can't imagine how their careers will develop in future episodes.
I worked in a large US ad agency (McCann-Erickson) in Buenos Aires in the 80's and can relate so much with the stories inside Sterling Cooper. We the women had a very difficult time to get ahead in the advertising industry.... most of the time talent and education had nothing to do with it. It was a male world and we didn't get the same opportunities unless.... of course we were in a different culture, but we were very much in touch with the advertising world of New York but looking from the outside.
Even that the series period is in the 60's, it reflects universal issues that can be very contemporary in other places of the world.

Dear Mr. Weiner,

Thank you for an insightful, nostalgic, and wonderful SERIES!! I am Hooked.....Koodos to you, your staff, and the array of talented actors whom made this series possible.

I am anxiously prepared to watch season three.

**Due to the series set in 1960's New York; will you have other nationalities involved in the storyline? Such as Puerto Ricans, Asians, Mexicans, Etc....

M. Colon, Throgs Neck, NY

I have this fantasy that you and your team sit around over cocktails (and more?) to recall actual life experiences that conjure up plot twists. Then the same group reviews the footage to make sure said scenes are authentically portrayed. Love little touches like the dog barking softly in the distance a few episodes back, and music with meaning. You've succeeded in transcending demos, attracting male college students who find the decor, dress, and mores quirky and 95 year old ladies who hang on every word. Then there are those of us who actually worked in agencies in the 60s (Silverminx) and even 70s (myself). What a treat. Rock on!

I have so much enjoyed this series. I was very small in the early sixties, and specifically remember how--almost indifferent parents were to their children. I thought it was just MY parents! My family.

I mixed drinks for my uncle; I was 8.

I babysat my younger brother and sister; I was 5.

I walked to the store to buy cigarettes for my mother; I was 6.

I got spankings from friends of family. There were no "time outs" or being sent to my room. There was yelling; a leather belt, and switches off the tree out front--that I had to pick myself--that left sometimes bleeding welts.

This wasn't abuse. This was how it was.

I LOVE Betty! She is so much like my mother was at that time. Slender; pretty..and indifferent to her kids. Talk about therapy! :o)

Thank you for your efforts; the series is magnificent.

Charlotte Groth
Rio Linda, CA

First I'd like to say excellent show! Which leads to why are the seasons so short? I hate being hooked and then left dangling! Thanks!

Hi Matt,
I love this show, but am so sad that it is over again so soon. It would be wonderful to have a full season of 22 or more episodes to watch. Is this at all possible? I'm sure all the fans would love it!

I was born in 1961 and I kind of wish I had been older and lived the experience of that time! I especially love it when something is portrayed that is having an impact on now. An example was when the Draper family was on a picnic and they just left their trash lay on the ground, having no idea what the repercussions were going to be for the future. The camera just stayed on the scene, really making you think about what just happened. Thanks again for a fabulous show and I can't wait for season 3!!

Dear Mr. Weiner,

congratulations on this masterpiece! I haven't been this involved in a show in a very long time. to me, it's perfect.

MM has such masterful pacing, and beautifully written dialogue, and as you reveal the back stories of the characters, it's clear that they all behave exactly as their shaping, upbringing, and personal baggage would have them behave. it's so textured, thoughtful, and unbelievably poignant.

I also wanted to add that the filmmaking itself is so masterful. my husband is a cinematographer, and I'm a production designer - we watch it, [aside from just being addicted viewers] from the perspective of just how artfully it's shot and designed, as well as how perfectly the stories are told.

I don't think I've ever seen television that had such a filmic quality, and actually allows for as much breathing room, everything else out there rushes things along and spoon-feeds the viewers, but MM doesn't. again, beautiful, beautiful work....and the acting! oh my!

my one question to you, is whether you could elaborate on how your research is done - coming from an art department background, I understand what goes into the visual details, however, I'd like to know more about your broader sources, for your storytelling.

thank you for this.

whoops, another question - do you read any of the talk forum?
thx!

MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF ALL:

WHEN DOES SEASON 3 BEGIN??????

Fantastic season, I hate it when it's over!!!

Yes, I'm late, but I just HAVE to know. What was the reason behind casting your own son as Glen? Is there a Betty Draper in your past?

Dear Mr. Weiner,

Please provide more insight into Peggy's dialog with Pete after she confesses to not wanting to trap him and having given up their baby. Was she referring to Pete or the baby or both of them when she says: “One day you are there, and then all of a sudden there is less of you, and you wonder where that part went. Is it living somewhere outside of you? And you keep thinking maybe you will get it back. And then you realize that it’s just gone.”?

Thanks for the great show!

Love the show...have been watching since the first episode....am wondering, earlier in this season you mentioned death of Marilyn Monroe (Aug '62), the last episode was Bay of Pigs? (April '61)...was that intentional? Looking fwd to next season.

I love your show! Excellent writing. I was born in '56 and MM is like a blast from the past - love all the political and cultural history. I have watched every episode very closely but am confused about Peggy's baby. Doesn't her family (sister) have the baby? If so, she didn't exactly confess truthfully to Pete. Where is that kid? Can't wait for the next season!

Matt, first of all, thank you for providing us with a really intelligently written, thought-provoking show. I haven't been this passionate about a television show since "St. Elsewhere" left the airwaves. I don't really have a question for you...the show has so many unanswered questions that I'll be pondering until the start of Season 3! I do have a request...please give Bryan Batt (Sal) more air time! As much as I love Jon Hamm (who doesn't?), I find Sal's character so fascinating...I want to know what makes him tick! Will he come to terms with his sexual orientation, or will he continue to stay in the closet? Well, I guess I do have questions after all!

Can you please tell people that Peggy's baby has been adopted out and is not with her sister? Please?

Who does your 60s research?

Are Betty's people really Nordic?

Matthew,

Why do you only make 13 shows per season. Can you make more? 26 maybe?

I have been watching the show since episode #1, my wife just discovered it 3 weeks ago and now she is addicted. We need more episodes.

Thank you.

Mr. Weiner,

It's like going back into my family's history to watch your show. So much rings true for me and none of it feels forced. I remember tv dinners on fold out tables when there was a special show on, my parents dancing in the living room to herb alpert, my mom having her hair washed and set every week at the salon, the excitement my mom felt when my dad walked in thru the door after a hard day's work, being forced to eat shredded wheat, my mom going to bed with weird tape on her brows and endless piano, ballet, and art lessons so that we would "turn out well". And to top it all off, my dad was an "ad man." Weird ..how art parallels life or is it the other way around?

Hello Mr Weiner!!

It is a honor to be part of this extravagant show you directed!! I have never been committed to a show like this before I even take time out to blog something I never do. Its been a amazing ride from season 1 until now. I actually shed a tear when the show ended only because I have to wait along time for season 3 to come about. You are very talented and your mindset is so put together!! I would prefer this show to have more seasons like 60(lol) naw maybe 20. its heartbreaking to get addicted and then it leaves like a family member just died, that's how much I love this show!! Keep up the good work, and yes I will always be a dominant fan of MadMen!!

So sorry the season has ended for this superb show! I WAS a young adman during that time and I related immediately to the premise, setting and characters. I worked for agencies in Seattle, San Francisco and New York. Your research is right on with one exception - in my experience - we didn't do THAT much drinking in the office nor early in the day. Yes, 2-martini lunches were fairly standard but the agencies I worked for wouldn't permit the level of boozing depicted; it was such a fast, demanding creative career that it required one to be sharp and on-game, not hung-over. The SMOKING, however, you got that right! Also the messy relationships, chauvinism and politics are pitch-perfect. Keep up the fine work, Mr. Weiner. Can't wait for season 3.

Great series and mystical journey with these characters' lives.

I hope you go big - really BIG with Sterling Cooper. Let them get that huge airline account and others so that they can conquer the world!

Mad Men reminds me fondly of Mary Wells Lawrence's book A Big Life in Advertising - we need a powerful female exec to bounce in.

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Advertising-Mary-Wells-Lawrence/dp/0375409122

Another great read is Ogilvy on Advertising.

Kudos, and accolades to you, Matt! I have not followed, nor have I been so intensely mesmerized by any tv series as I have with Mad Men, since going through my adolescent years some forty five plus years ago! The nostalgia of the early 1960s setting makes me feel as though I am truly witnessing what the cast of characters are actually experiencing professionally as well as privately ( I have family members, and friends who were in the advertising business in San Francisco, and the antics as depicted in all its glory makes this series so real, so enjoyable, so humorous, and yes, so much a sign of the times never to be experienced ever again. A few questions: will reruns be available for viewing in its entirety (seasons 1 & 2), and might they be available for purchasing? As with the other posts, I cannot wait for season 3! In the meanwhile, thank you again for such an outstanding masterpiece, and kudos to the entire cast of characters as well!

Mr. Weiner,
I know the deadline for questions has passed but I have to add mine just in case you are still wading through submissions:

How do the roles of the child actors and the childhoods of the characters inform the show?

I have written about this under my real name (I'm a reporter ;-) and would love to hear your take on it.

Kudos to everyone involved in this wonderful show. All the best, GEfridge

I know, this is too late, and you probably already did the questioning, but still, I gotta try. This isn't a question, it's more of a suggestion. One of my favorite musicians is Raymond Scott, he wrote a lot of eccentric Jazz music that wound up in Warner Bros cartoons (he's probably the most famous composer you never heard of) and then went on to be an early pioneer in electronic music. He made massive synthesizers and drum machines, all by hand, and used them to make music that was decades ahead of its time. To finance these absurdly large, complex machines, he took commissions, primarily commercial jingles. He was a really eccentric character, and I think it'd be really neat to make an episode where Draper and Co, in an attempt to capture the sounds of the future, hire him. I imagine it'd be fun to write, and more importantly, give me an excuse to geek out at seeing Raymond Scott played in a TV show.

Congrats on the shows success, I'm glad this isn't going to get canceled like Deadwood. I'm still angry about that.

Woof???

First I must say congratulations on creating, what I consider the best television show ever. I am really interested in how you will weave the societal changes into this wonderful series - esspecially the evolving attitudes on race and homosexuality.

Thank you so much for creating this fantastic piece of art and if you need another african american female character, please consider my daughter - she has somehow grown up to resemble a cross between Audrey Hepburn and Sidney Portier.

When will season 3 begin?

Matt,
If you leave AMC, is there a clause somewhere that you can take the show with you??? How can AMC have the show for 2 seasons without you? Is'nt there something in the contract that you can take show elsewhere? I thoroughly agree with your needs for this great show. See my earlier question to you!!

Love the show. I'm a 25 year old girl from Marietta, GA. Here are my questions, number 5 being the one I am most curious about:

1)Will you take the show into the 1970's if and when Mad Men continues to be picked up for future seasons? Or does the show revolve around the characterization of the 1960's as much as it revolves around the characters?

2) When discussing Peggy''s decisions concerning the baby in your interview with Alan Sepinwall, you say, "Peggy has committed a sin that is like murder, and maybe worse for a young girl, probably the worst sin a young girl could make." I would have figured that abortion would be considered the worst sin in the eyes of the church and society. What is the sin you are referring to? To get pregnant out of wedlock? To give a baby up for adoption?

3) I've formed a few observations about the portrayal of Father Gill I would love your take on:

Part of his concern for Peggy's confession seems to stem from him having a somewhat voyeuristic interest in knowing people's deepest and darkest sins and secrets. Beneath his cloak of piety, is the confessor just a self-important prier (no pun intended)?

Also, am I wrong that I sense a sexual tension between Father Gill and Peggy, at least on his behalf? Why did you choose for him to be young, attractive priest?

4) Peggy does not specify the sex of the child to Pete. Do you think Pete would be more concerned about losing a son than losing a daughter?

5) Is there an intended meaning behind the subtle intonation when Peggy stoically says Pete, "I had YOUR baby," instead of saying "I had OUR baby"? Is she shifting the blame by avoiding ownership?

6) How do you feel about father's rights to their children? Even today, women are usually given main custody over their children even if men want as much involvement as possible. Is this an issue that begins to grow as gender roles change and men begin to want more involvement outside of the role of provider? This applies to Pete being unconsidered when Peggy gives the baby away, and also to Don--if he and Betty divorce, would they have a custody battle that Don would surely lose considering the traditions of the time period?

Thank you for considering my many questions. I'd be glad to be an alternate interviewer should the need arise, haha.

gillian goodman

myspace.com/gilliangoodman

When watching (and later analyzing) Mad Men, I marvel at your insights with respect to human nature; If they can give honorary Doctorates to sports players, musicians and actors, then they can give a Ph.D in psychology to Matthew Weiner!

Have you always been a keen observer of human nature? And, on second thought, perhaps you really are a psychologist?