What is the most challenging thing about recreating an entire era?

Based on your research and understanding of the ad business, what things about the industry do you think have changed most and what aspects do you think are still the same?

Thanks

Have you read the comments/conversations by Mad Men fans writing as your characters on Twitter? How do you feel about them?

Hi Matthew,

I really enjoy your work. It's different yet recognizable and it has a certain vibe that I can't describe. So I am very curious if you have something new in mind? May I suggest something? Local government in NY in the eighties combined with Real estate firms.

Keep up the good work!

Marc, EIndhoven, The Netherlands.

Male viewers I know see the central theme of Mad Men as one of the changing, slippery, sometimes stifling nature of masculinity. With Don Draper as the primary character, we see the show as primarily a comment on manhood, even while other issues--the burgeoning feminist movement, race, closeted homosexuality--are given rich exploration and justice.

Many females I know completely disagree with this, saying the show is more of a mosaic, offering a broader look at society in general, but from the opening credits, to the iconic image of Don sitting alone staring off at ....something, it just seems the central theme is a very personal male one that maybe like a dog whistle, resonates most deeply with male viewers. Am I crazy? Is your view of this show a tapestry of the times, or more focused, and personal?

Do you ever read the Talk Forum/Blogs here on AMC's Mad Men Site (Home of the "Maddicts"?)

Just wondering....

Also, I've enjoyed watching two of your sons' Mad Men appearances....do they enjoy working with you and seeing first hand the many interesting aspects involved in the production of a TV series? Were they surprised by the enormous amount of work required to bring such a finely crafted TV series to the screen?

Why is there such a huge gap between each year's series? Other shows are on daily, weekly, and year-round. How can you keep the personnel and actors you need with such sparse production?

Do you have any advice for young writers out of school? Is there something you did when you were in your 20's that helped get you where you are today?

Thanks!

Matthew, 25, NYC

Quality show ! Great workmanship to all the people concerned!
What I found stunning and at the same time interesting watching the show, is the similarity in behavior comparing to today's work environment. I am looking the series as the birth of the 'professional' profession. I am 35 years of age and have not experienced the sixties, but I find the characters behaving the same as they would today under certain circumstances. (Apart from the (often) obvious differences. ) That makes me wonder if this behavior was new in the sixties or did exist even earlier.
How does the writing start? Is a certain interesting issue which applies today a starting point to create a story in a total different period of time (sixties) with its own dynamics? Or is the sixties itself a starting point and do you look at the relevance (or obvious irrelevance) to today's world?

I know in the past Salvatore has struggled with hiding who he is to get ahead in business.

But my real question is what is your overall Plan for Salvatore is in the future concerning his sexuality. will he continue living the way he is or do you expect him to act on his feelings with another man?

Mr. Weiner, let me begin by expressing my gratitude for your hand in making "The Sopranos" the greatest series ever made. The episodes you wrote are among the best in the series. "Mad Men" is a masterpiece of television and I thank you for bringing it to life as well.

During your acceptance speech for the Emmy for Best Drama last year, you thanked David Chase for his support. It has been rumored that Mr. Chase has some sort of uncredited involvement in this series. Are these rumors true?

Hi Matt, thank you much for your time.

Ok, the Don Draper power position: Often in the office he is seated as the alpha male, always leaning back in control, especially arm always over the back of the chair, one leg easily over the other and drink or smoke in the other hand; but importantly a posture of control and confidence. Even in the logo the sillouette is seated like that.

Is that body posture by design, as a device showing the character's alpha male type of sensibility?
Or is it just incidental?

( I really thought after Betty kicks him out and he stays at SC, the last shot was purposeful with alpha male Don not able to fit in that little chair, even his arm won't go over the back and hangs limp. [symbolism intended]. At least that's what I saw, could be wrong).

Being a Pin-Up Artist, I prefer the sexy Pin-Up Shots
which could be the mistresses and/or the girlfriend.

Here is one of my favorites:

http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/photos/view/1425/sort:Photo.score

I must have missed the significance of this scene at the end of episode 8 in season 2.

"After seeing Jimmy Barrett's Utz commercial on TV, Betty calls Don at the office. 'Don't come home,' she says. 'I don't care what you do. I just don't want you here.' "

Betty already knew Don was having an affair with Bobbie Barrett, so what was it about seeing Jimmy's commercial that set her off?

Smooth or crunchy?

Less filling or tastes great?

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

Ravens or Colts?

Favorite Oriole?

Who lives in greater denial, Don Draper/Dick Whitman or Tony Soprano?

Is there any way you could incorporate Quisp cereal in a future episode?

Why do you only produce one season a year? As much as I love the show, and have since day one, when you must wait a year for the next season, you tend to forget about the show, and realize there is life after Don Drapper ;) You know what they say "out of sight, out of mind". I would love to see new seasons at the minimum of every six months, so as not to lose your loyal fan base.

Matt - I LOVE you. After 2 seasons worth of your DVD commentaries I have developed a serious crush on you. Thank you for Mad Men - it's been such a joy to watch (over and over!).

My question: In "Three Sundays" Betty and Don have this picture-perfect moment of dancing to the song "The Blue Room" (a song with lyrics that speak to an ideal marriage). Later in season 2 when we see that incredible scene with Betty/Don in the middle of the night (Betty scrubbed clean - both of them dressed in white) ... I wondered if it was intentional that the scene was bathed in blue light (the "blue room")? They are sitting on the same couch - but the scene is in stark contrast to the couch/blue room scene in "Three Sundays". The scenes are bookends - one an image of perfection - the other raw, truthful (ok Don wasn't entirely truthful!), and flawed. Was the blue lighting on purpose? Was the scene staged on that same couch on purpose?

.....Howdy Matt.....How can you possibly end and conclude this series.

We saw you use Journey music (really?) for the conclusion of The Sopranos, but seriously, how are you planning on closing the book on THIS ONE?????

And, I love ALL your kids - we want more!!!

Hello Matthew

A recurring theme in Mad Men is the tension between generational attitudes as America moves from the fifties into the sixties. This was explored fantastically in Season One's "The Hobo Code" during Don's encounter with Midge's beatnik friends. We rarely get an explicit glimpse into Don's worldview, and when he says to the beatnik "There is no big lie. There is no system. The universe is indifferent." it appears Don aligns himself neither with an older, 'square' attitude nor a young, 'hip' attitude. How would you describe or define Don's position in relation to those young beatnik attitudes and to a more mature attitude exemplified by Bert Cooper, for example?

Can't wait for Season Three!

Hello Matthew

A recurring theme in Mad Men is the tension between generational attitudes as America moves from the fifties into the sixties. This was explored fantastically in Season One's "The Hobo Code" during Don's encounter with Midge's beatnik friends. We rarely get an explicit glimpse into Don's worldview, and when he says to the beatnik "There is no big lie. There is no system. The universe is indifferent." it appears Don aligns himself neither with an older, 'square' attitude nor a young, 'hip' attitude. How would you describe or define Don's position in relation to those young beatnik attitudes and to a more mature attitude exemplified by Bert Cooper, for example?

Can't wait for Season Three!

First off, thank you for your fabulous show!

I have two questions 1. What is your very favorite costume from the show so far? 2. The media often refers to Betty as a Hitchcock Blonde. Is that also a deliberate characterization of Betty on your part or just a nice coincidence, since the lovely Ms Jones does have a striking resemblance to the blondes Mr Hitchcock put in his films.

Mr. Weiner:

I have a question and a comment.

QUESTION:

1. I think this is a phenomenal ensemble cast. Can you give us an example or two of ways that an actor's performance has influenced you to shift the direction in which you take the character? That is, can you give us an example of how the actors have guided the writing on the show?

COMMENT:

2. For what it's worth, I think Christina Hendricks is amazing on "Mad Men" (that reaction shot to the roommate's come-on in S1 -- wow!), but Joan Holloway had so little to do in S2, both in screentime and drama to play. I just want to put in a good word for giving viewers more Joan Holloway in future seasons.

Thanks,
Jesse

I am crazy about this show! Thanks so much!

Initially, I found Joan arrogant. Now I really love her. In the second season she was knocked down two or three times by men who used her and/or her talents, and then discarded or disregarded her. It's such a classic case of a smart, strong, independent woman and how even they can be sucked into an abusive relationship despite their brains and talent. Will there be more about Joan and her story? It is, sadly, an always-contemporary story. I really want her to triumph in the end!!

Hi Matt-
Love the show! It combines three of my favorite things...the 60s, Hitchcockesque drama and class, and Mid-westerners! :) I actually had to start watching the show when I found out Rich Sommer was on it. I went to college with him and it is a very tight-knit, support your alumni sort of place, so he has a big following. I'm also from North Dakota and thought it very cool that you have a South Dakotan on the show! When I was young I dreamt about being on the Wonder Years (hello Kevin Arnold) and then it was American Dreams. Now it's Mad Men! So, if you ever need another mid-westerner....you know where to reach me. I entered the contest, so we'll see! :) Keep up the great work...it's really one of the only shows worth watching on TV.

There are times I get flashback whiplash watching the show as I was born in 1952. As a child I felt a kind of stillness to the early 50s, followed by the "duck and cover" nervousness of the post-atomic Cold War era. The 50s really hung on until about 1963, after which it was like somebody hit Fast Forward on the time machine.

As for Season 3, you've said Freddy will be back at some point. Do you see eventually a breaking up of Sterling Cooper, with Freddy, Peggy, Sal and Don eventually heading west, either with a branch office or their own agency? Will Anna be back? And what the heck's in the locked desk drawer (and where can I find one so pry-proof, lol).

Thanks for the greatr ride so far. Looking forward to the sands shifting under the feet of folks at SC.

I love your show. It is highly educational. "All Advertising Advertises Advertising," wrote Marshall McLuhan, the greatest guru of advertising. I think that your show reflects this truth. Did you have this in mind when you created it?

Yours Truly
Nelson S. Thall
Former McLuhan Archivist & President
McLuhan Center On Global Communications
Toronto, Canada

Will there be more Mad Men products this year? We have the DVD's,CD's and the calendar but we want so much more. A Mad Men tie line maybe. A large part of the appeal of Mad Men is a longing for that time when Class was always in style. I know we would all by a replica Chip and Dip. The possibilties are endless. There is such a huge market for this and no supplier. Please give us more merchandise.

Will any of the more secondary characters be making larger appearances in Season 3? Joan is my favorite character and I would love for her to have more of a prescence. Will we be seeing Bobby in the future? She was my favorite part of Season 2 and I think she had amazing chemistry with Don.

Love the show in the UK (Scotland)

Well Done on getting the BAFTA Award and RTS Award and the emmy nomations

Any chance of any of the cast coming over here to plug the show and will they be a show in New York and London off Mad Men Live Musical Revue

Also is there any British TV programmes that you enjoy

Matt, I absolutely love the show! Every episode is like watching a movie, from the fantastic camera angles, to the sets, to the attention to detail, and of course the drama. I have two questions, both set related.

1. Where do you get the furniture for the sets? Do you scour local antique stores, get it shipped in from all over, or manufacture it? I love the stereos and credenzas!

2. I read once that Janie Bryant might come out with her own clothing line. Any news on this? Would it be for both men and women? I have got to get my hands on that blue sports coat that Don wore in the Jet Set episode!

Thanks!

Eric Tidd

With the show's (well deserved) success, are you facing much preasure to insert contemporary politically correct concerns onto the show ? e.g: tone down the smoking, etc ?

Is there a character who personifies the moral center of the show? Is there a fixed moral center or does it shift?

Sorry if these are duplicate questions from another poster -- so many posts, so little time!

I've been debating those questions with my friends who are fellow MM fans. Congrats on the show and all the accolades. Best regards. GEFridge

Is there a character who personifies the moral center of the show? Is there a fixed moral center or does it shift?

Sorry if these are duplicate questions from another poster -- so many posts, so little time!

I've been debating those questions with my friends who are fellow MM fans. Congrats on the show and all the accolades. Best regards. GEFridge

Matthew- I LOVE Mad Men and my friends and I call ourselves Mad Maniacs! I want to know about the character Joan, she is very complex, although probably many people don't see that, they just see her curves. She is much smarter than people realize as was evidenced in a couple episodes so my question is, is Joan going to show some anger that she was passed over for the TV department job? Is she going to show more interest in her career? I don't see her as the totally traditional housewife and is really an early example of a smart woman looking for some power in the office and using her smarts to get it. Not just using her smarts to get a man, as was one of the only ways our culture let women get away with power in this early 60's era.

I know I would be intrigued to see that played out against the backdrop of all the other fascinating characters she is surrounded by.

thanks!

I certainly hope that in the opening credits that is NOT Don Draper falling to his death in some future episode. I couldn't take it! I download the entire season from iTV (itunes) and don't mind paying for it. Can you urge Apple to be SURE that every episode is released into my queue and all the other fan's queue's? If you have the power to effect a change, it's too much for my addiction must be fed!

...it sometimes is a week late with the latest episode which is why I ask for your kind assistance! (Forgot to mention) Especially when it makes the week sooo long for we viewers to find that there is a delay in viewing. It's the best show on TV, which is why I don't pay for cable! The rest is refuse.

Matt,

First, I want to copy everyone else and thank you immensely for such a wonderful show. As a 21-year-old college student, I feel like I am part of one of your smaller audiences, but it appeals to me on so many levels. Mad Men quickly became one of my favorite (if not the favorite) shows on television.

My question is this: Do you see the show running long enough to leave the sixties and enter the seventies, possibly even the eighties? If so, how do you think it would affect the characters, plot lines, and overall feel of the show?

Thank you again for such an amazing show!

--Chelsea C.

1. Don Draper seems centered and in control, but he is not. He seems to strive for what he thinks he's expected to strive for - he has a great job, power, money, but he doesn't really seem to enjoy his work. What would bring him the best joys, (marriage, children, and friends), he doesn't appreciate. I hope this will be explored more. I'm glad that women's lives are being explored, but I hope the difficulty of being a man will get equal play. You've said that, originally, men were going to be your focus; what did you intend to explore that you haven't yet?

2. I loved something that you said to Charlie Rose, about how hard it is to know another person: the first impression, the change to your opinion as you get to know them, the difficulty/impossibility of seeing who they really are. Sorry for a philisophical question, but could you discuss that?

P.S. Thanks for all the great commentary on both seasons so far! Love the show very much and the commentary/interviews it generates.

What an amazing storyteller you are, Mr. Weiner! I am constantly amazed by the complexities of each character on the series...I'm wondering if you created profiles in advance for each of the characters and, if so, how detailed they are. How much of the storytelling is planned and how much is left to chance?

What parallels or differences do you see emerging between the long-suffering wife characters of Betty Draper and Carmela Soprano?

Looking very much forward to Season 3. Thanks for the care you put into the details of this fantastic show.

What parallels or differences do you see emerging between the long-suffering wife characters of Betty Draper and Carmela Soprano?

Looking very much forward to Season 3. Thanks for the care you put into the details of this fantastic show.

Where do you get your story ideas? My father was an advertising man from the fifties through the ninties, eventually ending with Y&R and it really feels like you capture true story lines of the era. As a fellow writer (sitcom) I am always curious where the inspiration for real stories come from (real compared to the stuff we fabricate on sitcoms).

Thanks

John

Where do you get your story ideas? My father was an advertising man from the fifties through the ninties, eventually ending with Y&R and it really feels like you capture true story lines of the era. As a fellow writer (sitcom) I am always curious where the inspiration for real stories come from (real compared to the stuff we fabricate on sitcoms).

Thanks

John

Where do you get your story ideas? My father was an advertising man from the fifties through the ninties, eventually ending with Y&R and it really feels like you capture true story lines of the era. As a fellow writer (sitcom) I am always curious where the inspiration for real stories come from (real compared to the stuff we fabricate on sitcoms).

Thanks

John

Matt - I'm completely addicted to your commentaries on the DVD. I learn SO MUCH more about all the characters, the nuance and subtext, and I really appreciate the show's brilliance all the more with you as a guide. I still haven't made it all the way through season 2 commentaries so forgive me if I'm asking a question you've already answered.

My question is about Peggy and Pete's baby. In "Flight 1," I thought it was very obvious that Peggy's sister was raising her baby. But in the season finale, Peggy tells Pete, "I gave it away," which makes me think that it is not her baby that we've seen at her sister's house and at church.

Can you clarify that for me?

Thanks so much!
Esther

ooops.

Since several seasons have now been completed (and are underway), have you mapped out the story line to the ultimate conclusion (or does it depend on external factors such as writer/actor availability, etc.)?

Would you please recommend to my daughter a more useful Hebrew phrase other than "Te fached" (Be afraid)? She will listen to you.
Also, are you and Andy Richter still in touch?

What is the one thing you really wish someone would ask you in an interview that no one has yet asked?

And is Arlo going to work as Janie's assistant?

Here I am :)

Hey, are you going to do another one of those fake Advertising Age issues? That was GENIUS.

Thank you Mr Weiner-

How much similarity do you see in the worlds of Madison Avenue and Hollywood? Since the show explores how powerful images are in shaping people's desires, aspirations and definition of happiness, do you see any kind of moral responsibility being required in either of those businesses?

The reality is that there are thousands of channels and shows - and at the same time there is nothing to watch (or worth watching). Mad Men is that rare exception to this time tested rule. So, congrats on such stellar work.

Mad Men goes back to the "good old days" - long before political correctness had become the hallmark of advertising, film, TV, etc. The Office has no problem joking about things that are funny. Same for Dave Chappelle, etc. Is the reason that you don't see more of these "non-PC" shows, or shows containing stereotypes, jokes about stereotypes, potentially touchy subjects, etc. because major media has reservations about offending one group or another - now that any group or individual can blog about it, boycott, make a big deal over it, etc.?

If not, I just can't understand why there aren't more shows like yours and the other examples above. Every major media organization should have ongoing contests - submissions from producers that have zero credentials included. They'll get lots of junk, but so what? Junk is the standard they have set on TV for decades. Wade through it and pick out the rare gems (or have someone like me do this). This is how more "Mad Men's" can emerge. My two cents.

I am one producer launching ad supported web series thanks to this huge void of material worth watching. Mad Men and a few others have set great standards for those underground like myself. Keep up the good work!

Mr Weiner,

Congrats on Mad Men's success!

Is there a episode or storyline that you are especially proud of? What has been the most challenging episode/storyline to film?

how important are facebook/twitter as promotional platforms for the show? and are you stunned at the lengths people went to for the casting call challenge?

Did you look to fictional literary works to help set the characters/era of Mad Men and if so, which ones were your biggest influence?

Holly
Los Angeles

Thought provoking, brilliantly written, excellent actors performance - one of the best series ever created (same level as the Sopranos but in a different genre).!!!!!!!
I love it as it is similar to drinking a good quality glass of wine (and I'm French - I know what I'm talking about...;). I've noticed that small detail can take huge significance over each actions performed by the characters - it's like a snowball effect...(or a butterfly effect?)
Anyway, I wanted to know where you got your original idea from and ongoing, do you know how this series will end + what are the further themes you want to explore - homosexuality, women' lib.... I also wanted to know whether you work independently or with a team of other writers for additional ideas and do you think that your philosophical studies has contributed your writing?

Merci,

Veronique:-)

I am completely in love with Mad Men. I found it part way through season 2 and have been scrambling to watch all of the episodes before the new season starts. My question is: How did you come up with the grand idea for the show? Was it through a curiosity to see the 60's acted out again? Was it through a personal experience that you or someone close to you has had regarding the era? Also, How did you get everything so perfect? From the glassware to the furniture. Even down to the Cutex bottle on Betty's vanity. Everything is absolutely perfect. Thank you for your time and effort in making such a perfectly wonderful show.
~Kristen Mojkowski

I am completely in love with Mad Men. I found it part way through season 2 and have been scrambling to watch all of the episodes before the new season starts. My question is: How did you come up with the grand idea for the show? Was it through a curiosity to see the 60's acted out again? Was it through a personal experience that you or someone close to you has had regarding the era? Also, How did you get everything so perfect? From the glassware to the furniture. Even down to the Cutex bottle on Betty's vanity. Everything is absolutely perfect. Thank you for your time and effort in making such a perfectly wonderful show.
~Kristen Mojkowski

Which actor or actress would you want to be a recurring guest on the show?

Matt,

What influence did your time on The Sopranos have on your Mad Men script before it went into production? Did David Chase like it because it was already a slow-paced adult character-study? What other television shows have you or do you enjoy? I know you are a fan of Rod Serling. It doesn't get a lot better than his personal scripts, scored by Herrmann.

Huge fan. Thanks for doing what you're doing.

Is there anything, in retrospect, that you think didn't work as well as you liked - and if you had it to do again, how might you change it?

Lieber Matt,
I would kill to spend my holiday break in your writers' room in L.A. serving German coffee (the best).
If you would tell me where to send my application to, you would make a German Madmen fan and ass. producer ("Waltz With Bashir") really really happy.
Toitoitoi for the show (can't wait to see it), best
Verona

Lieber Matt,
I would kill to spend my holiday break in your writers' room in L.A. serving German coffee (the best).
If you would tell me where to send my application to, you would make a German Madmen fan and ass. producer ("Waltz With Bashir") really really happy.
Toitoitoi for the show (can't wait to see it), best
Verona

Lieber Matt,
I would kill to spend my holiday break in your writers' room in L.A. serving German coffee (the best).
If you would tell me where to send my application to, you would make a German Madmen fan and ass. producer ("Waltz With Bashir") really really happy.
Toitoitoi for the show (can't wait to see it), best
Verona

P.S. My address is: verona.meier@gmx.de

P.S. My address is: verona.meier@gmx.de

Since Betty told her therapist that Don was cheating, we know she knew - so why is she so shocked and hurt by Don's affair with the comedian's wife? And if she was strong enough to make him pay (which she does and I loved seeing her stick to her guns) then why didn't she do that the first time, at the end of season 1?

Hi Matthew: As a Senior Account Manager in SMS Mobile Advertising here in the SF Bay Area, I love the show. I am almost finished watching Season 2 on DVD and anticipate Season 3 will be as engaging as the previous seasons.

It's obvious that you have read many classic books on the subject of advertising, one being Ogilvy on Advertising (Vintage, 1983) for some inspiration. I wonder if your inspiration for Peggy Olson is Helen Resor, wife of Stanley Resor, head of J. Walter Thompson, who was probably one of the best copywriters in the country. Who might Roger Sterling represent? I love the idea of name dropping real agencies and campaigns---Bernbach's VW "Lemon" ad, mention of Y&R (Young & Rubicam), among others.

I must take issue, however, with Duck Phillips abandonment of Chauncy, his Irish Setter, outside the Sterling Cooper building.

Account Reps and advertising managers do indeed work in a very demanding and difficult work environment where the majority of your friends are your best clients (as long as your creative is innovative and the client's ROI is respectable), but I would never abandon a pet l've owned for years like Duck did. It seems out of character for a man who is 1) a recovering alcoholic, and 2) despondent over the loss of his wife to another man and his family. Perhaps the storyline could have permitted Duck to leave the the dog with the Drapers (who already have Polly) or with Billy and Trudy. Just a thought....

Thanks again for a great show! Kenneth Pizzi

Dear Mr. Weiner, I may be late to the party on this one, but I just viewed the Top Ten Most Shocking Moments of MM and I was surprised to hear you not mention the irony of Betty shootng of the "birds" after she, herself, just had her wings clipped!

She didn't shoot the birds simply b/c she was frustrated with work and motherhood. She also wasn't shooting the birds to "protect her cubs" as January Jones said.

She had her Clint Eastwood moment because she was taking vengence on freedom itself. The birds represented freedom and they mocked her by their flight and by getting her grounded after the family dog incident. At that moment, she was not thinking about the kids; she was thinking of her lost youth and innocence. She was trapped and she wanted to strike out at that which just slipped between her fingers!

Or, perhaps she wanted free the pigeons that were also trapped by her neighbor's benign cage. Either way, Betty needed to level the playing field or restore order to her tragic circumstances. This was no mere frustration; this was an apocalyptic grab for power in her most helpless moment.

ps I am not an English major, but rather a stay-at- home-mom who knows a jarringly truthful moment when she sees one.

Matt,
Season 1, amazing. I knew George Lois, ( i want my bosco, VW think small, i want my mtv) Jerry Delia Famina,...bagged every woman in the ad business, according to him. I relived their stories, Season 2. The destructive nature of the business, we all went throught it, ya, so what, Season 3. Time to get back to the nuts and bolts of the historical fiction. it is much more interesting than your writers interjection of their life perspective or lack thereof. please tell me the rest of the season has some teeth. It was too amazing of a time to let current sensibilities water it down,
oh well.
good luck

Hi Matthew -

I just watched the premiere ep and I love how MM is a great show getting better. The actors are so very comfortable in the skins of their characters now and everything is just rockin'.

Okay, sorry, I know this is for questions so has anyone asked about the piece of music played at the end of the show? It's so lovely and Appalachian sounding. Who is the composer? Thanks so much.

P.S. I also agree with kpizzi423 above. Too weird a disconnect to have abandoned the god. I never got over that. :(

What's up with Betty's wine sipping in Season 2? I have heard that wine really was not the beverage of choice in the early 60's, it didn't become popular till much later. Hard liquor and mixed drinks, or frou-frou drinks for the ladies (I remember my mother ordering a whisky sour when she was out) seemed more the order of the day.