That's why I believe this is such as good show. None of the characters on it can be viewed as either black or white (i.e good or bad), there are different shades...

Honestly, that's why I also think the show deserves an Emmy for best Drama. Not since the Sopranos (the comparisons continue) has there been a show that gives both the good and bad aspects of its characters and does it in such a subtle fashion.

Don is sensitive - even as a child he is portrayed as sensitive - and observant - he is an observer of human inclination - human behavior - these traits of character and personality along with the attributes of old fashioned handsomeness - relaxed and unaffected charm - keen intelligence - and strength of character and will - are what make him so appealing to viewers.

Sexuality for him is not an addiction to relieve anxiety - for that reason he has to be attracted to the woman he makes love with.

Lust is an addiction that has nothing to do with love - as a matter of fact - lust precludes intimacy - it also precludes satisfaction - it is akin to a raging beast within that is constantly looking for fresh meat.
The vogue today seems to be to endorse lust and rampant sexuality as if it were a highly rewarding way of life - but the opposite is true - it binds - it burns itself out - it never nets enough - it brings the consciousness lower rather than higher - it's on a par with eating junk food endlessly - but the consciousness has to see that before it can step away from it.
Perhaps that is the secret bounty of the current obsession for making rapant and virtually indiscriminate sexuality so much a part of everything we see and hear these days - that in having it be so ubiquitous - its ultimate emptiness will be more readily perceived than when it was tantalizingly hidden - tantalizingly taboo.

All the characters have their flaws, which is what makes this such an exciting drama.

Don and most of the men on the show are common b/c cheat on their wives, either out of lust or "love"...either way it’s disrespectful and undisciplined. What separates Don from the rest is his exploits involve emotionally being attached as well as sexually. I think that makes him "worse" b/c he is involved with these women on several levels, not just physically. He is also separated in moral inaptitude by his exploits in Korea. Don is truly a man I love to hate. I think the appeal for me is the anticipation, or fascination, that at some point his strength of character and strong will be overcome by his vices.

I think Don is simply a discriminating man who doesn't "succumb" to feelings or situations, but chooses what he wants. He also has the survival skills to remain aloof from that which is beneath him without offending his less discrete associates. Jon Hamm has mastered the art of letting the audience know he feels disdain without making his feelings a part of the scene. This is a great characteristic for the role because it is not one that is normally expected in that profession. Betty behaves in a similar way, but it is easier for her to be removed through a coolness that men find sexy and women find charming. Both are great characterizations and well-acted.

I think I would dislike Don if he weren't essentially a poet and if there had not been scenes of his formative years - and then the suicide of his half brother after Don rejected him haunting him, all to protect his assumed ientity. He is complex, not merely a "Dick." (his earlier name was Dick). I didn't like Don till I saw his vulnerabilities - they make me root for him. Everybody has to juggle strengths and weaknesses. I can't stand Pete or Duck because I haven't seen any redeeming qualities yet.

I just love it when Don Draper wears his fedora ... he looks so much like a 50's person

My dad had a fedora exactly like the one Don wore to go mail the book of poems...red feather and all. Plus he had the same sort of classic handsomeness as Jon Hamm, the square jaw, gorgeous voice, "cool" masculine manner. So many memories are brought back by this show!

I think all of the 'other women' we have seen Don with have a similar straight. They appeal to him on a primitive level. Don goes after what he wants. And I think he is intrigued by strong, aggressive women (traits Betty doesn't display). You're only getting him if you know the score. He's not looking for someone that is even remotely close to what he sees in Betty (and definitely not an office girl). even when he is emotionally attached to the other woman, he moves on without looking back. For all his cheating, and lying past, I find it hard to NOT like him. They definitely did a great thing when they hired Jon to play this character because he is able to portray Don with strength and vulnerbility. And from some strange reason you just can't hate Don even when you know he is so wrong. Now that is great acting folks.

I agree with you about Don's choice of woman. They are powerful and sexy. They are woman who know they are sexy and like it. While Betty is beautiful and demure. Yet she does not portray her self as sexy, but she wants to be thought of in that way.
Also the other woman he is with are strong independant woman, while Betty seems to be the exact opposite. It is like she doesn't know who she is inside. She blames herself partly for him cheating on her. Where other woman would probably blame him.

Yes, in some ways Don is a man ahead of his time.
I'm noticing now that he is attracted to strong independent women. In season one he could be harsh with Peggy sometimes, bur when he found out that she was ambitous and talented he supported her. I'm just not sure why Don married Betty. He obviously likes a career woman.

I believe Betty confided to her shrink once last season that she and Don "had to get married" because she got pregnant when they were engaged. I think I recall that anyway.