Mad Men -- Season 2 episode i

Toward end of show Don Draper in a voiceover recited a passage or poem. Where is it from?

just some comparisons

Jon Hamm reminds me of Rod Serling and January Jones reminds me of Angie Dickinson

What year are we in?

A newspaper article I recently read stated Season 1 ended in November 1960 and Season 2 started Valentine's Day 1962; is this true? Are they really skipping 1961? Or is this merely a typo?

Language we used in the 60s

"After awhile, crocodile". In 1962, as a programmer on the UNIVAC 1004, I endured the leers of the BEBCO owners, one who boozed me up at a Christmas party then followed me home to 'feast on his kill'. Cept I had 2 kids and wasn't playing.
The hypocrisy of religion hasn't been brought up yet and should be: the worst pussy hounds were the strait-laced Sunday Baptists. No operating systems and punch cards, collators and sorters. We rolled up our hair at night and rolled toilet paper around it when we got it 'done' at the beauty parlor. TV had been around for long enough to be taken for granted, with the great Sid Ceasar et al being our favorites. We had Great Books Clubs after work, and my 1st boss was my leader, and became my husband.

Pregnancy Phony

It's easy to tell this is written by men. I was a software engineer in 1962, so not exactly the target of lust portrayed here. If I had 3 heads, they would have wanted me, for my job skills.
However, the little girl from Brooklyn or wherever had to have known she was pregnant. And you don't get fat like that. The belly grows from right under the boobs outward. Great writing, but a few really phony things for someone who was a career girl in 1962.

illustrators during 1960's

i have watched several episodes & love the show as it is about my own life. my father was an free lance illustrator working out of NY during that time. my childhood was a little different than most. i thought everyone's dad was an artist, as that is all i knew.
now that i am grown, i realize how special my childhood really was. i am fortunate to have these memories because my life was touched by greatness. i was lucky to know all the top illustrators of that time. they were all friends & they all partied together. i would like to know if mr. weiner is going to address the very important role of the illustrators in this business?
the illustrators were the ones that brought to life the ideas of the ad men, but the ad men got all the glory.
if mr. weiner does not include the illustrators in his story, he is missing a huge & very colorful part of it!
i know because i was there.
i have hundreds of stories about these guys, who were all crazy lunatics! they're personalities were amazing & they lived the high life. i think it's about time for the illustrators to be recognized for their genius & amazing talents. the ones who are still alive have gone on to have sucessful painting careers. they deserve the recognition, as they were the one who made the ad biz & the magazines so sucessfull.
if mr. weiner is interested in my stories, as he should be, he can contact me @ this email address.
thank you for your attention & i do hope i will hear from someone from MAD MEN. you are missing a huge part of this story that needs to be told.

Scene Location Question

Is anyone aware of a list of scene locations for Mad Men? I'd love to know more about the history of the various restaurants, bars and clubs shown in the show. Thanks.

Partial Lack of Closed Captioning

ALL TV shows include Closed Captioning for "On the last episode of ..." but Mad Men does not. Some shows include CC for the ending "On the next episode of ..." but Mad Men does not. Why not? What can be done about this - and how quickly? Love the show but hate not being able to connect with Last Time and Next Time portions. Email me at fadunniway@yahoo.com Thanks

Character Bios

It would be nice to see a character bio roster on the site for those viewers tuning in for the first time this Season 2. Might also refresh our memories for returning viewers. Alot of the questions on the forum are about the characters' background (who are they, their position, what happened, what's the relationship to whom) to set it straight for all viewers, no matter when they started viewing the series. Is there already one available, and I missed it? What does everyone think?

Harry, Paul, Ken & Sal

Episode 2 coming up on Aug 2 has some party at Paul's. Is anyone else dying of curiosity to see more story on the rest of the guys? How's Harry's marriage didn't blow up, so where's that leave Hildy? Doesn't Ken ever date women other than business-related? Who was that with Sal, and has he gone completely undercover? We know Paul's story is coming up, but let's see more background - after all, they may all end up in the fight of their lives with Duck Phillips.

Don

Draper continues to come off as a highly intelligent and complicated man who is looking at his world in a deeper way then the rest of the people in his life. I think Betty bores him, and although he loves the idea of a family life he has a hard time with how boring and silly it all strikes him.
You'll notice that he hasn't shown himself to be any where near the hedoist that his peers at work are. He is less of a skirt chaser than a man looking for a mature intelligent woman. I think he gets a bit of a bad rap and his search for a deeper meaning in life is both fitting for a person of his background (poverty, war) and of the culture that is emerging around him.
I look forward to see him continue to search for better answers. What do others think of our primary character?

More MM conversation

If you'd care to join, we'd love to have you:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/MadMenAMC/

Betty and Young Son, Bobby

I missed most of Season 1 but have become hooked on the show. It seemed in the first episode that Betty is dismissive of her little boy. Was this alluded to last season? Two things made me think this: When she came into the kitchen after her horseback riding, she said to the housekeeper, "Bobby's turning blue outside." Why didn't she bring the child in?
Then, when she met up with her former roommate, she said, "I have a little girl." Then, almost as an afterthought, "And a boy."
I'm wondering what others think.

That Book at the Bar

Does anyone know the title of the book Don was reading? I believe he quoted some of it at the end?

Charlie Rose Interview-Mad Men

Anyone see the interview and know how soon the interview will be available on the Charlie Rose site?
http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/07/28/2/a-discussion-about-the-television-series-mad-men

We want HiDef !!!!

I called my local cable/satelite company and they tell me that the station/channel itself has to make it available to the company first in order for the viewers to get it. The production values of this show are too exceptional to miss!!!!! HELLO, AMC!!!!!!!

Episode 1

I missed Episode 1. Will it be repeated or on 'on demand'? thanks

BETTY'S PAYBACK

Do you think the change in Betty's behavior is a prelude to paying Don back for his infidelities? She sure looks hellbent on picking up someone, anywhere, anytime. She sure "noticed" enough men in the first episode (stable guy, towtruck driver). Who's next? I guess she won't pass up a door-to-door salesman if he comes by this season.

How the hell do I send a note to Matt Weiner?

I'm 76 years old and spent my first nine years out of
San Diego State at the S.F. office of BBDO, living MADMEN on the West Coast! Saw Charlie Rose tonight and would like to send a story or two of those days ... as a "fair haired boy" who was Jewish. Pls.
take a look at my "later years" in Jamaica, W.I. @
www.aGoldenfootVilla.com &/or give me a call @
(650) 941-1760
One love, Joel "Goldie" Goldfus

Great show. Respectful question on possible anachronisms?

The writing on the show is excellent. I have questions on two possible anachronisms: The copy machine seems to be a model used decades later. And on the mother commenting on Gone With the Wind ("Remember what happened to the" other child on the horse)-I looked up the only close timeline for a re-release of the film in the U.S. There was one in '61, but it was in Atlanta GA. The NYC re-releases were Oct. 10 and Oct 14 years later, in '67. Unless mom took the kids all the way to Atlanta to see the film in '61 (were they old enough to go if they are young elem. students in the show's timeline) then Betty's comment would not be possible. I saw the comment also on the possible remote control for the hotel room TV. Was that possible in the very early sixties? It may have been, as I believe I saw an old film with Gregory Peck and I think he used one! I think the program is enjoyable to watch, and these little triva-like questions actually keep viewers on their toes. Please, if you can, will you let me know about the copy machine and the Gone With the Wind dates as well as the possible use of a remote control?
Thank you kindly for a show that gives us a very interesting look back on the time period. I was born in '54, so I'm curious about the triva too.
K

Why is AMC Mad Men picture quality so bad?

Mad Men and Breaking Bad both have extremely poor image quality on my TV. They look grainy and soft. Other channels that have regular resolution shows are much clearer.
I would think that AMC would use their very best image quality for these shows but it seems to be the opposite. It makes them very hard to watch. I may even have to stop watching, though I don't want to.
Anyone know why that is?
(I watch Charter Cable in Glendale, California)

Duck vs. Don Power Grab?

Could it be that Don will be the subject of an attempted power grab by Duck, abetted covertly by Roger? Duck clearly feels dealing with Don is a chore, that Don doesn't want to take Duck's direction "toward the future" by hiring younger writers, and that Don is a prima dona whose ego is holding back the firm? Will Roger, jealous of Don's partnership and greater power in the company, assist Duck in trying to unseat Don? What think ye?

My season 2 predictions

Based upon the 1st episode, the tone for the season seems to be ominious. Draper is feeling his mortality as he approaches middle age. Where he was once the master of his universe, we now see him slipping a notch. While not having lost control, he is not as much in control as he was. He has tried to make amends at home, but is unable to fully demonstrate his commitment. He has been challenged at the office, it has been implied that he is behind the times and in danger of falling farther behind. The support of his boss seems to be eroding. While we know that Draper is survivor, we can also see that it will not be easy for him.

I think Pete Campbell will become a more important character at the firm, and ironically for Draper. As the zeitgeist is is changing around them, Sterling Cooper will realize that Pete does in fact have insight into the youth demographic. This was crucially forshadowed last year- Pete intuitively understood the Freudian Death Wish association with cigarette smoking, he was the only one to get the VW Beatle ad copy and he immediately grasped that Kennedy was Elvis. It is significant that the big account that Pete brought in ( and the one that got him a larger office) was for Clearasil- a youth product. I see an uneasy truce developing between Draper and Pete, becasue Draper will come to realize that he needs Pete and that Pete does have value beyond his family name. The other ramification of Petes ascendancy will be that he ends up working with Peggy more and more. In essence the 2 of them will come to represent the firm's insight into the youth market.

Continue »

On Demand Problem

We caught up on the show this weekend by using the On Demand offered by Charter Communications. Unfortunately, only 12 episodes are available; the season 1 finale is not there. I talked to the cable company but they said I should contact you. Is this a mistake or a classic advertising bait-and-switch?

is don suffering the pete syndrome?

in some ways, it seems as if don might have campbellitis. he seems to have been subjugated a bit in the 2 year gap. remember in season 1 when he relished (quietly) roger's obvious show of age after the oyster and martini lunch while climbing the stairs. he was riding high, the young guy ready to set the ad world on fire. roger is now back, strong as ever, and now duck is also weighing in hard. suddenly, there is both renewed and bolstered strength at the senior level. in the way that pete is emasculated by his wife, don seems to be enervated by the senior ranks as he begins to show signs of getting older while still young. anyone?

Season 2 music

There are many different questions that might be raised about the season 2 premiere.

Through most of the episode, folks are watching Jacqueline Kennedy's famous "White House Tour" telecast, which reveals just how vapid Jackie was:
"Camelot" was hosted by a space cadette.

But what was Don watching toward the end of the episode, the TV actuality that ends with something like "I'ts a doctor's dream"?

More importantly--at least to me--there's a lot of great music that goes into the background of the show. For example, in the scene in the restaurant-lobby of the Savoy, which looks like the atrium of a railroad station, there are at least three pieces heard from the resident orchestra: second is a love scene from Khachaturian's ballet; third is the last movement from Franck's Sonata for Violin and Piano. But first is one of those salon pieces, vaguely oriental, that I KNOW I know, but I'll be darned if I recognize it! What the heck is it?

Authenticity

Obviously much work has gone into maintaining an accurate representation of the early 60s world...but (epsiode 1/season 2) when Don is greeted by his son with a hearty "hey Dad" the accuracy balloon quickly deflates. Except for Jack Brickhouse calling "hey, hey" for another home run for the White Sox or Cubs, the only hay in those times was that eaten by Roy Roger's horse Trigger. In the North, "Hey" was just not used ....."hi" or "hello" was the normal 1962 greeting. Any other "balloon" deflaters? TV remotes? Possibly using the sound clicker-type. Red & blue mailboxes? Maybe...Pointy bras....For sure.

Don: Why So Sad?!

Last night we saw a sad, somber, distracted Don. Whereas before he would be late for meetings due to a bed tryst or a multi-martini power lunch, now it simply slips his mind while he eats lunch alone at a declasse bar. His wife looks lovely but does not sexually excite him. He's been tamed into getting home on time. You can hear him almost cry in the voice over reading from that sad book and than sneaking out to mail it. Does Don feel his mortality? Is he saying, "Is this all there is?"

Did Don use a TV remote in the hotel bedroom?

When Don was in bed with his wife and she was ordering room service, it appeared as though he turned on the TV without ever leaving the bed.

Fake looking set

it was a shame to watch the end of last night's episode when draper walks to the mailbox and behind him was that utterly fake looking "outdoor" set.

Peggy/Joan

Joan put that machine there because it had to go somewhere where it would not disturb the clients and/or the other "important" copywriters. I see that Joan is going to be Peggy's biggest obstacle. It's a classic case of another woman trying to bring what she sees as a threat down. Joan is sending the message to Peggy that for all the strides Peggy has made she is still the HBIC (Head B in charge) EVERY office has a Joan - she keeps things running smoothly but is deep down jealous and devious, whether she even realizes it or not. She uses her charm and wiles and always comes out smelling like a rose. The convo she had with Lois about calling her "Ms. Olsen" and telling her it's unseemly to be so intimidated/unrespectful towards Peggy is classic HBIC behavior. Any thoughts? This site is still annoying to navigate

Season 1 encore schedule

So - in the info about season one it says
"If you haven't seen episode 1 check out the Mad Men Schedule to see when we're airing encore presentations"

The schedule is USELESS - MORE THEN USELESS ACTUALLY!!! There is NOTHING that tells you what episode it is - all the links do is take you back to the main MM page.

This site

This site is surprisingly annoying to navigate. Maybe it's just my computer (I doubt it) but I constantly have to go back to get to topics and read other commnets...

Where is Bert Cooper?

I thought I read he was supposed to return in Season 2, but he was strangely absent from the premier and in the trailer for the next episode. Although times are changing, and Sterling Cooper seems to be having trouble competing, could some of the unrest there be due to his absence? Also, at the end of Season 1, after Pete tried to blackmail Don, Bert told Don he could fire Pete if he wanted, but he wouldn't because "one never knows how loyalty is born." This was in direct contrast to his reaction when Don tried to fire Pete earlier in Season 1. How do you think Bert's statement could play out in Season 2? Please discuss.

Dale

I hope they bring back Dale for future episodes. He adds a greater depth to the office ensemble.

A Call Girl for Don?

Betty's old friend that they ran into at the restaurant was a call girl. Betty wrote her home phone number on Don's business card. Anyone else out there think the call girl will call Don instead?

amazon unbox

I noticed that season 2 is already available on iTunes. We had been getting Mad Men through amazon unbox on our tivo and prefer that format to using our computers. Is it going to be available on unbox soon or do we have to wait for the end of the season?

PLEASE TELL ME SEASON @ EPISODE 1 Was a Foundation for the season!

Boring, if not a foundation. Season 1 was great, every episode and I could not wait for season 2 - what a let down! Unless it was a foundation to build upon and bring it back to being a nail biter! Please say that was the logic behind it! Otherwise, you may have lost this viewer.

Paperback Book

From whence comes the book "Intimations on an Emergency"?

Season 2 episode 1

Does anyone know the date and time of an encore presentation of episode 1 of season 2? Tried checking under schedules, etc. but only see listings for episode 2. Thanks!!

The horse in Season 2, Episode 1

Just curious...I couldn't read the credits at the end of the airing of the premier on July 27. Who was the horse wrangler and who was the horse the man was riding in front of the barn? I used to own a horse who ended up in The Patriot (Mel Gibson's movie) and I saw him recently in a Farmers Insurance commercial. His registered name is Ilustrado but they now call him Ivan. Was that him?

open letter to AMC

Hi AMC,
any reason why season 2 episodes are not yet available to download? It's irritating, and other networks have their shows on view 24 hours after the episode airs on tv. You don't even have to give it away for free, just make it available- i don't care where- itunes, amc.com, whatever. I'm surprised that even with an ad campaign as big as it is for season 2, you couldn't put it together that people watch tv on the internet, and you might want to look into setting that up. Or do you want people to download the show illegally?

New Season?

I am not sure about season 2. I felt cheated. Will they jump time at the end of season 2? That is what cliffhanger is for.... you come back to see what happened. The first season was about Business Men thinking they were God. Let's not turn them into whimps.

BMW AD No. 1 (GSD&M)

I want to see more of this. Take me behind the scenes of what created BMW. Follow the tone, tenor and touch of BMW from back in 'The Day.'

Don't let me leave Camelot.

The other ads were boring. This ad - seeing the man behind the ad in a classic ad office setting was brilliant.

The other ads sucked in comparison.

Come on gets some balls. That first ad was great.

Big visual difference disturbing

Is it just me, or did the show look different? Diferent visually, I mean. Part of what I enjoyed last season was the stunning crispness and clarity of the production. The season premiere, while indeed enjoyable in many ways, looked, on my TV, frankly, crappy. Everything looked slightly out of focus, too dark, and there were digital jumps and skips. The TV
I'm watching is the same one I watched the first season on, and I do have digital cable, so I don't see how this could be a technical problem. Did anyone else notice the visual difference between last season's hows and this one?