Happy Halloween!!

To all my fellow Maddicts...have fun! And remember what Linus said: "There are three things I've learned to never discuss...religion, politics, and The Great Pumpkin!"

Mad Men Halloween Style

CJRW an ad agency in Little Rock, Arkansas has a lot in common with Mad Men. CJRW's originated in the 1960's and has been one of the top advertising agencies in the Mid-South ever since. The Woods brothers, Wayne and Shelby, are still working in the office and were surprised at our attention to detail with the period costumes. We are big fans!!!

Wise Guys New Series anyone?

I read somewhere either AMC, SHO, or HBO doing this project? A series from the doo wop generation in the 1950's? Anyone hear about it?

Don's absent wedding ring...

I must admit that I have not seen season 1 yet. But I began "tivo-ing" Mad Men beginning this season. Do we know why Don doesn't wear a wedding ring? Just curious....

Jon Hamm on 30 Rock this season!

From my fav entertainment news guy, Michael Ausiello of EW, I hear that our Jon Hamm is going to be on 30 Rock this season for "multiple" episodes. His character may be a love interest for Tina Fey's character. Sweet! More Jon is a great thing. :)

Here's a link to the article (copy and paste if it doesn't work.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-gue.html

Catharsis as the theme for "Mediations..."

Catharsis as the theme for "Mediations..."

Don/Dick admits his affair and begins to renew his life...
Peggy is cruel but kind, baring her soul by underlining the end of her affair with Pete and letting him know of the existence of his son...

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A few of my favorite things

Here, in no particular order, is a list of some of the things I loved about Season 2:

1. Betty versus the dining room chair
2. Sally Draper's bar tending skills

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Elizabeth Moss in Broadway play

There's a wonderful article on Elizabeth Moss (Peggy) in the Wall Street Journal 10/28, by Joanne Kaufman, entitled, "Again, She's Portraying a Fish Out of Water in the Steno Pool". Ms. Moss is currently in David Manet's "Speed-the-Plow" at the Barrymore Theatre and if anyone has seen it please post your experience for us. The lovely Ms. Moss also enjoys traveling the subways and streets of the City but is decidedly mum on any talk of MM's future plot lines. She's a wonderful and warm and mega-talented woman and the MM cast is so happy for her, as should we all be. Bravo Ms. Moss, our MM Wonder-Woman!

Is Ken Cosgrove deeper in the closet than Salvatore?

I keep getting this sense that perhaps Ken Cosgrove could be in the closet with Salvatore, except he will admit it to himself but tries very hard to project the opposite to the outside. I am not fazed by his loud comments, " So did you hear Kurt is a homo" " I knew they existed..." One of my friends in high school in the 70's did the same thing only more obnoxiously, -turns out he was gay. If the Ken character was really so repulsed by gays, why would he go over to Sal's house for dinner alone and enjoy himself. Do you think Sal's gaydar is working and that's why he is worshipping the K.C. engraved lighter he kept? Call me crazy but I wonder if we are getting set up for a big shocker scene between Ken and Sal next season or later.

Priest character

Is he Catholic or Episcopalian? In the 1960s he would have worn a preaching stole over his cassock and surplice while giving his sermon. Also I didn't notice any holy water stoops in the vestibule or stations of the cross in the nave. These missing items make me wonder if he is a protestant minister? Any ideas or this a big oversight on the set dressers part?

All Maddicts who haven't already read this AP article will enjoy it.....

http://tv.yahoo.com/news_print?id=urn:newsml:tv.ap.org:20081023:ap_on_tv_mad_men__ER:55003

The Romance of Pete and Peggy

Mad Men has not had a real heart-wrenching love story yet. After viewing Pete and Peggy together on last week's show they could make it happen. They have the magic ingredients of restraint and longing (and the acting ability) to tug at your heart strings.

Here's Pete Campbell (John Barrowman) singing "I Won't Send Roses" to Peggy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuFIzHifuu4

It's taken 46 years!

Clearasil is finally ready to hire an agency after dumping SC.

http://thecycle.prweekblogs.com/2008/10/29/clearasil-plans-first-major-pr-push/

On a more creepy note - I realized that Don and Betty basically just conceived me. I was born in 1963...

Character Arcs of S-1-2-3

Season 1 concerned Don Draper. Who he is and how he got to be where he is.

Season 2 concerned the growth of the women around Don Draper; principally Betty, Peggy and Joan.

In the final episode of S-1 (The Wheel), the arc of Season 2 was foreshadowed. Similarly, I believe the arc of Season 3 was foreshadowed in S-2.13 (Meditations in an Emergency).

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MM BOOK CLUB - Nov 16, "Meditations in an Emergency"

Frank O'Hara's "Meditations in an Emergency" garnered the most votes for the first book selection.

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Did Betty Ever Cry?

Episode 13 was so moving for me in that so much of Betty's experiences brought back so many memories of just how life was for young women in the late fifies, early sixties. I was a young woman then, working as a private secretary on Fifth Avenue, above 34th Street. I say that because it did make a difference. Growing up my mother's mantra to me was "Little girls should be seen and not heard".

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Four Dippy Doctors

Doctor one - the chain smoking, male chauvinist guy who put Peggy on the Pill and practically called her a whore. He must have forgotten to tell her some of the directions?

Doctor two - Don's doc who put him on BP pills and tranquilizers without warning him of the consequences of drinking. Almost got Don killed in the car accident.

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Don & Duck as the U.S. & the U.S.S.R.

Excellent parallels between what was happening in the SC board room and the Cuban missile crisis. Just as the U.S. did, Don called Duck's bluff, and it seems pretty obvious that Duck will skulk away with his tail between his legs. Apologies if someone posted about this already.

Mad Men contest winner

Hi Maddicts!
Has anyone heard anything about the MM contest winner (can't remember the guy's name), and what episode he will be in next Season?

(D'oh)n Draper in new opening sequence

I just thought this was hysterical! Enjoy!
http://videogum.com/archives/parodies/breaking-video-the-simpsons-s_031281.html

Replacing Weiner

This would be the worst thing possible.http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/lionsgate-must-be-staffed-by-mad-men/

Mad Men on "The Simpsons"

This Sunday night: check out a preview:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/10/simpsons_spoof_of_mad_men_reve.html

Duck's Detonation

Well, Duck blew it again, this time not only for the Brits but for himself. As if Duck hasn't racked up enought losses on the toteboard, he actually managed to self immolate with no assistance from anyone! Will Duck be selling insurance or working at a liquor store next season.......

JUST HOW FAR HAVE BLACKS COME SINCE 1962?

Sometimes I think how wonderful it is to live anywhere that I can afford,but what was the real price for that privilege? Does having the choice to live next door to Whites mean that I have "arrived?" Was the Black community as a whole sacrificed for that right?

Season 3 and The Feminine Mystique (Hopefully)

Season 2 ends in the middle of 1962. In the following year, Betty Friedan's book "The Feminine Mystique", is published. Considering how the writers like to keep the setting for this story somewhat historically accurate, I'm hoping big things are going to happen with the female characters.

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A more nuanced view of blacks in the 60's

Although the depiction of the all-white environment at Sterling-Cooper, not counting the elevator man and service workers--is fairly accurate for the times, because it IS a private agency,--Matt Weiner's view, according to interviews, of where blacks were in the 60's is not. -Not entirely!
The season ends in 1962, the year before I started teaching. My mother was a secretary, however not in the private sector. It amazes me that the smart young writers hold the belief that there were were NO middle class or college educated blacks at the time and maintain this patronizing view of "how bleak it was". I'm not saying that the options for women and blacks were nearly what they are today. Otherwise Matt Weiner and his writers seem to have researched the period very well. Perhaps they don't know or have talked with older blacks.

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Visan where are you?

Miss your spicey commentary...have you bailed on us???

Who Was that Man Betty Slept With and Will We See More of Him?

I'm thinking he will come to work for newly merged ad agency.

I Have the Hardest Time...

What do you tell someone when they ask you about our favorite show? Is Mad Men too complex to explain in a few sentences? I've given up trying to get my friends to watch. It's impossible if they've not seen Season 1, and they get discouraged after one or two shows without certain information about the story and its characters. How much of the story do you tell them, and what do you leave out so they experience it like we did? If you've recently become a fan, what do you wish you had been told?

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Swason finale closing music

Does anyone know what the music is that comes on at the end of the Season 2 finale when Don is holding Betty's hand? It continues through the closing credits.

Why did Don and Betty (finally) reconcile?

Did Betty call Don back home because of his letter of admission or because of her pregnancy? What made Don 'man up' and come back home to confess after weeks of denials and hotel living? And what are the chances that it will last?

Don & Peggy

Hi- newbie here....
Love, love, love this show! i can't believe that the season is over. That being said,I have had a thought running in the back of my head throughout this whole 2nd season that Peggy & Don had been involved previously. Just certain scenes trigger the thought: when Don visited Peggy in the hospital & told her she must get out of there; Don calling her after his car accident; Peggy flippantly saying she's sleeping with Don. Anyone else have the same thoughts?

Places With a Mad Men Vibe

There are places, both old and newer, which have that indefinable sense of cool. Places in which you can imagine Don Draper walking through the door, or one of his women slinking in wearing a wiggle dress and stiletto heels - you get the idea. Which places have it? Which are wannabes? I'll start with a few places I know.

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Carla

I noticed that this season, the Draper's housekeeper, Carla, was given an interesting position in the Draper household. Obviously, she witnessed Betty's breakdown over Don's affair, and she was with Betty after Betty sent Don away. In the one episode, Don offers her a ride, but Carla refuses because Don has been drinking. She says nicely that she likes the fresh air. Any comments on Carla? Do you think we will be seeing more of her?

The British Invasion?

Someone mentioned it in another post. Think they'll jump two years into that? Certainly, the British have invaded SC. And it occurs to me that by 1964, Don's daughter will be 10 and just about the right age where girls fall for cute boy bands....

Why doesn't Pete drive?

Why doesn't Pete drive? It seems as though Trudy knows how to drive. Is it because he is the quitessential Manhattanite?

Suggestions for Season 3

It would be nice for season 3 to open with Don and Betty still sitting at the kitchen table, and have Don finally admit his whole life story to Betty. I do believe that Don and Betty have a deep love for each other, even after all that has happened.

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Peggy's baby adopted out...Yep, it's Don's Baby - Article attached

Peggy's baby on 'Mad Men': Clearing up that confusion

There seems to be some confusion over one aspect of "Mad Men." In the show's Sunday finale, Peggy told Pete that she had had his baby and had given it away.

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Is Peggy & Pete

Your Post

Pete and Peggy - Future Relationship?

After last night's episode, where Pete confessed his love and Peggy seemingly rejected him (I could've had you - but I didn't ect) and told him about the baby, what do you think their relationship will be like in season three? Will they keep things proffessional? Will Pete be angry? Or may there be a rekindled romance?

Yes, it's Don's Baby

There is no way it isn't.

Don's Strategy

Did anyone else relate Pete's comment about the (Commies) backing down once they saw the US's strength, to how Don handled the merger conference?

Pete's comment was made as he was leaving Don's office - after he told him that Duck was going to President of SC. Don just sat there looking as though he were thinking very deep thoughts.

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Season Finale Party - Did anyone go?

The Basket of Kisses girls hosted a party last night. Did anyone go to it? If so, please fill us in!

Money Talks

Here are a few figures to put the money in perspective for those of us not around in the 60s:
1. Don's 12.5% partnership share in SC netted him ~$500,000, which is approximately $3,622,000 in 2008 dollars, according to the inflation calculator at www.bls.gov. His salary of $45,000 per year as Creative Director would then be about $326,000 in today's money.

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Is it curtains for Mad Men?

I've read a couple of different articles that mentioned AMC and Lionsgate have no contracts with Matthew Weiner or the show's actors. I don't know much about how television contracts work, but based on what I've read I have concerns that Mad Men may move to a premium station (like HBO) or even worse, last night's episode could have been Mad Men's swan song. Additionally, despite all the great press and awards Mad Men has received, ratings are still low. Does anyone have more info on this topic? I NEED my Mad Men fix!

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Fishermen sweater pattern

Does anyone know where I can get a pattern for the fabulous fishermans sweater worn by one of the two men who interviewed for jobs at the advertising agency. I think it was the most attractive pattern I have seen. I have not been able to get it off my mind. thanks

Incredible Beauty Shop circa 1962

Really great job on the part of the set decorators! re: the beauty shop where the women were arguing about the missile crisis was perfectly 1962 in an upscale fashion. Really good. Extra points for the art directors/set decorators.

November Mad-ness Film

"The Apartment"
"C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) has his future mapped out -- all he needs to do is cozy up to the top feeders in the corporate food chain. But his fast track to the executive suite gets short-circuited when he falls for one of the bosses' girlfriends. The Apartment features top-notch performances from Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture."--Netflix synopsis---

Join with us as we pass the months during the hiatus by stepping back and viewing Hollywood as our favorite characters saw it. Come back to the forum the last week in each month to post comments on the movies selected each month until the premiere week of Season 3! I'm in! Are you in?

Please go to the first post below to review the ballot and place your vote for future month selections.

Harry and Jennifer Crane's Baby

Your Post

Why is the storyline of Peggy's baby so hard for some people to understand?

I've been biting my tongue all season as I read comments about Peggy's baby. Peggy had a baby--Pete's baby--and gave it up for adoption. That's it. Why is that so hard? I keep reading things like, "Wait? What happened to the baby she gave her sister?" and "Her sister was pregnant. What happened to THAT baby?" Huh?? Her sister had her own baby and kept it. Why wouldn't she? Peggy had a baby and gave it up for adoption to a random family. It's not rocket science. Sorry if I sound mean, but I just don't think every storyline on this show has to have some secret twist. This one seems pretty straightforward, especially after Peggy's confession last night to Pete.

Betty's baby

Of course it's Don's...... Who else would have impregnated her? What if she has Twins???

Don is leaving Sterling Cooper

At the end he told Joan that he wouldn't be needing his briefcase. That is a sign that he isn't coming back.

the character Pete

may be a jerk at times but at least he alerted Don about the merge and Duck's plans ... why did he do that? he must really have respect for Don

Cuban Missile Crisis

Who is old enough to remember "The Missiles of October" ? I was very young, about Sally's age, when it occurred. We were very aware, even as children, of what was happening. My father was an engineer at Vandenberg AFB ... launching missles was his job. However, my grandparents and family in NJ and NY didn't seem to be as concerned. I don't think they understood how close we came to disaster. I'm curious as to who remembers what ... and were people in every region of the US actually expecting / fearing armageddon.

Pete's Discards

All I could think of when Peggy told Pete about having his child and giving it away were his mother's words about adopted children: "discards". Now this is the fate of Pete's progeny, and that it was a son, makes it even more tragic.

And yet, there seemed to be an element of hope and renewal in Peggy and Pete's confessions. All the hurt and sins were washed away, too, even though Pete's suffering has just begun. As traumatic as Peggy's history with Pete has been, the gentleness and compassion and forgiveness she had for Pete and herself was truly both amazing and healing. Peggy was neither hateful or indifferent in her confession, and I felt that left the door open for a possible future......

Duck too big for his own britches

I loved the part where Duck thinks he's going to reem
Don and pushed way to far, criticizing creative and not talking about the work for the clients. He made it all personal and it's going to come back and bite him in the ass. People come to Sterling Cooper because of Don and he cares about his clients. He's a salesman too but he felt so bad when he had to let go of the airline account and felt they should keep the loyal account they had instead of going for the glory of American

Mr Cooper caught and so did the British. can't wait to see next season, anybody have an idea when???

Jon SNL

Darn i missed it! Forgot it was this week and I could only find the 2 sketchs on NBC's website. Is there a place to watch the whole thing, I'd love to see him. I've never even seen him doing an interview

BEST SHOW OF THE SEASON TO BAD THEY ALL WERN'T THAT GOOD!

Finally, an episode that made sense, and was engaging for the entire hour....wish they had all been that way.

Meditations on one heck of an Emergency

Thoughts on how this episode, and everyone's meditations on their personal emergencies as well as the big emergency reflects any part of the whole of O'Hara's poem?

Confessions, Confessions

Don confesses the affair, Pete confesses to Don what Duck is up to and then confesses to Peggy his love, Peggy confesses that she had that baby, the telephone girl confesses to the office what's happening....And interestingly, only Betty is left unconfessed at the end. Everyone gives up their secrets, and Betty, alone, keeps hers. Rather like she's keeping the baby. Interesting, no?

Revisiting that Tarot Reading!

Remember that Tarot reading? Well, not only did we have the Wheel of Fortune, with people rising and falling, rising and falling, the question of who will win this world crisis spinning round and round...but we also had a the 9 of Wands card. This card shows a lone soldier holding the fort. The fort is well defended, but he's still alone, holding out till morning. And there was Pete at the end with that shot gun, seeming to hold the fort. Against what was he defending the company? Russians? The British take over?

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The priest's advice to Peggy

The priest was advising Peggy to confess. She didn't confess and clear her soul with the priest. His advice was heeded when she confessed and cleared her soul with Pete. She had a look of incredible relief after she told him. Thoughts?

Music fortells the story

Betty Draper is in a bar walking toward the ladies room. The music being played is Stranger on the Shore. Moments later she is having sex with a stranger.

Saving the Very Best for Season's Last on Mad Men

complete of season finale .... (and, hey, I predicted in my review last week that Betty was pregnant)...

Betty Was on the Sneak!

I guess Betty was mad, hot and horny! She took up with a stranger in a bar. While I do not condone what she did, I can understand why she did engage in an adulterous affair. Betty is a fragile soul. She was probably looking for some sort of affirmation. It's a psychological thing.

Episode 12 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 12, "The Mountain King".

Season 3?

There will be a Season 3, right? What else do I have to look forward to on a Sunday night?!

Place your guess now...hurry!

Okay, 30 minutes until the east and central times zones get to see episode 2.13. I do not know what time the other zones will get the show. Jsut for fun, post how many posts there will be an hour after the show ends. Remember, Clayton or someone will put the topic up when it is time. The prize will be bragging rights.

What Are Your Plans For The Break???

Will you join the Mad Men book club, or the Movie Mad-ness discussions?

What other plans do you have? Exploring other Mad Men forums? Attending Mad Men parties? Madly picketing on Pico Boulevard or Avenue of the Americas?

Mad Men Book Club:
http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/talk/2008/10/mad-men-book-cl.php

Movie Mad-ness:
http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/talk/2008/10/movie-madness.php

PETE AND PEGGY BABY??

How old will Peggys baby be before Pete finds out that it is his? We went practically the whole season without much to do with the baby. I believe the baby is 2 yrs now. Is the priest trying to get Peggy to take care of the child? There doesnt seem to be a connection to Peg and Pete anymore. Has this story angle died?

OMG...I feel like im the last one to know!

I first heard about this show when it won so many accolades at the emmys. Being in fashion i had to watch, i just started watching 3episodes ago and im in LOVE!!! Although im a little lost with whats going on, im hoping their will be some re-runs soon so i can catch up and understand. But all in all im in love with the "vintageness" of the show. This is how men should dress all the time, hopefully this show will help people get some manners back in their daily lives. Mad Men is going to do to mens fashion what sex in the city did for women. The writing is very smart, and the actors are amazing. Im hooked, and teling all my friends about it...Trust me!!
Im only 29, but im an old soul :)

thoughts on the show & the 60s

I was 'alive and kickin' in the 60s, and i enjoy ManMen time trippin' Me back to my younger days. just some comments for Mr, Matt, and the writers; (1) The wardrobe for this period is 'right-on'. (2) Your mixture of background music is very good, and symbolic - great job,

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My "Maddiction" is complete!

My husband and I have inconsiderate, noisy next-door neighbors. Last night while they were acting up, I said to husband (I was kidding of course), "Wouldn't it be great to be pull a Betty Draper and just go over there start shooting at pigeons?" Husband said to me, in a grave and serious tone, "You know that MM is just a TV show--right?"

And I looked at him like HE was the crazy one.

EW.com soty and cllip

Sotry on EW.com Pop Watch about Jon Hamm on SNL. With clip of Don Draper's Guide to Women
http://popwatch.ew.com/

Mad Men on CNN.Com

Here's the link. Nice story.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/24/mad.men.splash.ap/index.html

To Tell or Not to Tell

Should Betty have told Sally about the marital troubles? Is eight years old too young for that kind of information? Will Betty begin to lean on Sally now, the way that she did with Glenn?

Jon "1"dimensional acting Hamm

Jon Hamm was LOUSY, but I loved the political skits. Truth be told.... he ain't even that good looking! He definitely needs lighting (nose). but he has good hair, and a sexy masculine voice. I knew Don Draper would show-up on the show (SNL) because Hamm has nothing else in his repertoire.

Jon Hamm on SNL

Thread to discuss Jon's hopefully successful role on SNL. It will be different for me personally to see him in such a setting. On Mad Men, he's mainly serious, then on interviews he's really laid back. However, by the promos, this should be an awesome SNL. We'll see how it goes (especially those on the east coast)

Do you remember...

The first time you heard Rock and Roll?
I was standing in a movie theatre line with my best friend Carolann Long, and they started playing Rock Around the Clock. We all just grabbed each other and began to dance. I didn't know what it was, but I knew I had definitely heard something important.

Dick's Recovery...

Dick's recovery...

So Dick has had an angel watching over him all this time. And a female friend he treats with respect and admiration to boot...Amazing. And just in time, cause a little more of Don's antics and he would have lost many of us. I thought the only one who could retrieve things was Dick and it's now looking like if and when he finishes his "therapy" in CA, he will.

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Can our Joanie be saved?

Joan's only hopes-Paul and Peggy...

And not necessarily in that order. But, only they can save her from that miserable cad. (Roger should but he is "preoccupied".) True, Paul is a bit of a broken reed but we can hope on learning of her desperate fate he'll rouse himself. Peggy is probably the one who will first learn of the situation if Joanie can only bring herself to seek counsel. Trouble is Joan is so strong in her way it will take a lot to bring her to seek such.

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Another Closing Credits Song Suggestion: For Don Draper - The Song "Lost Boys Calling" by Roger Waters from "The Legend of 1900"

Beautiful lyrics for all lost boys and their fathers. If you never got a chance to see this 1998 film with Tim Roth, you should rent it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ufYvXeEKs

"So This Guy Walks Into A Bar".......

Let's all post our favorite (preferably) "bar jokes"
Here's mine:
This guy walkes into a bar and tells the bartender "Give me a shot of "Old Squirrel"
The bartender says "Don't you mean "Old Crow"?
"I don't want to fly...I just want a few drinks and to hop around a little."

Duck's Downfall

"Campbell...I called you in here early because we're having our first meeting with me as President. I need to know who are my friends in this office." Duck downs third drink.

"Ah. Right. Well, I want you to know Duck that I'm one hundred percent behind you." Pete nods firmly, pointing decisive right forefinger at Duck. "100%."

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AMPTP Has agreed to meet with federal mediator and SAG

This is really just an announcement, but would love hear your comments too!

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Telephone Switchboard Operator/ Stephanie Courtney

Did not see any mention in all the posts of anyone recodnizing Stephanie Courtney. She plays one of the 3 telephone switchboard operators on Mad Men. (the tall brunette one with horned rimmed glasses) It took me a while to figure it out, but besides being on Mad Men, she also plays the quirky salesperson, "FLO" on the most recent Progressive Insurance Commercials.
I do not know her character's name on Mad Men, but she seems very talented and it would be neat for the writers of Mad men to expand her character more. It was neat to finally put 2 + 2 together to figure out where else I had seen her!
Good Luck, Stephanie!

A Salute to Clayton!

Now that Season 2 is coming to an end, I say Clayton deserves a HUGE round of applause for his work as moderator--let's all clink our beverage glasses of choice together in gratitude for his Herculean efforts!!

Mad about booze

Chhttp://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/mad-about-booze/707594/contenteck out this blog from the Huffington post:

Don Draper

I love this show. Don Draper reminds me of the early James Bond played by Sean Connery and he talks like Rod Serling of Twilight Zone.

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MM RENEWED FOR SEASON 3

its official MM has been picked up for a 3rd season by amc. although matt weiner is still in negoitations to return, the show and all it's main characters will be back in '09. my advice to amc- pay the man!

PEGGY ON BROADWAY!!!

Here are some photos from last nights' opening of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, starring Jeremy Piven, Elisabeth Moss and Raul Esparza.

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Pete is Peggy's true love

I think Peggy and Pete were a couple prior to her arrival at SC. They were in love and probably would've gotten married except that Peggy was from a working class family with no name. Pete's family would never have accepted her, and he was too spineless to even try. Thus he dumped her for a rich girl from a well-named family. Peggy was heart broken. She knew Pete worked at a firm on Mad Ave called Sterling Cooper so she decided to get a job there. Pete couldn't let himself be associated with a SECRETARY from BROOKLYN so he acted like a total ass - yeah, that'll keep 'em guessing!

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Mad Men the Movie

Exactly how long is a season of shows 4-6 episodes? Is MM a summer fill-in thing?Or did Jon Hamm's acting put me to sleep for an ENTIRE "real" season? Well, I was thinking since MM has such a dedicated following like "Sex in the City" then why dont they go the movie route? I'm sure the actors would make more money, and get movie credit on their resumes, (that some may not have) People were talking about Sex in the City " the sequel" opening weekend of the movie! Most importantly, I thinking with a larger budget, and good editing, the show might make a little more sense.

Renew Mad Men

I keep hearing that Mad Men has not had the best viewer turn out. If Mad Men is not renewed I am canceling Cable. It's the only reason we keep it. The show must be renewed AMC.

Memories from early 60s

I recall that in 1961 there was only 1 classmate who had a working mother. This came out after we watched a filmstrip about Russian communist countries. The scary thing about communism was that both parents were expected to contribute to society and their children were put in day care centers and raised by strangers. Our teacher asked if anyone had a working mother and that is how we found out that only Kenny had a mother who worked out of the home. I remember thinking "that's why his clothes are wrinkled and sometimes dirty.' I had a crush on that guy because he was cute and funny, but that day I felt sorry for him.

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John Slattery on Regis Show

I just finished watching John on the Regis show this a.m. Did anyone else see it? Hopefully, this will draw in more people to watch our favorite program.

Secrets

Mad Men is filled with people who have secrets. The last episode brought many of them to the surface. Don has kept Anna secret from his NY world, Anna has kept secret that she is a widow and not a divorced woman. Betty is keeping secret that she doesn't know where Don is and that they aren't together. There are many more. But, Betty took a first step in revealing a secret. She told Sally that Betty and Don weren't together. I thought Sally's reaction was interesting. Betty was fearful of telling and Sally was acting out because she was fearful of knowing what was going on. Once the truth was said, the secret became much tamer. What do you think about secrets and their impact when revealed?

Mad Men Costume Party in Chicago Halloween NIght

There will be a big Mad Men costume party in Chicago on Halloween NIght, Friday October 31st. Here is the website address for the party. Please pass it on to your fellow Mad Men fans in or around the Chicago area. This party will be a blast, there is no admission other than it will be strictly limited to 21 and over dressed in the appropriate Mad Men era clothing. The name of the party is Ghosts of Election Past and will be staged as the party on Election NIght, 1960 that Cooper and Sterling went off to and left the kids to play at the office.

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Matthew Weiner Interview in VARIETY (10.22.08)

Lots of good info in this interview...it's a bit long, but very informative! Check it out!

http://weblogs.variety.com/season_pass/2008/10/mad-men-qa.html?loc=interstitialskip

Love is a Losing Game:

Your Post

Movie Mad-ness

Hi Fellow Maddicts:
The final episode for Season 2 is coming up, and the loooong wait 'til Season 3 will be easier if you join in our second 'during-the-break' activity: Mad Men Movie watching.

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John Hamm on SNL this week?

I heard a rumor that Hamm will be hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, How do I find out if it is true?

What did Mr Cooper say to his sister about her stockings?

when she came into the office??

The Simpsons Do Mad Men

Nov. 2 the simpsons [cartoon] will re-do the mad men opening credits! MM has finally made it big time. see screen caps:
http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/10/23/exclusive-the-simpsons-do-mad-men/

John Slattery on Regis/Kelly Friday

His name does not appear on the website as a guest, but I'm fairly sure that's what RP said this morning. I was in busy waiting room - perhaps someone else can verify.

Money Matter$

Will the merger solve Roger's money problems and catapult Sterling Cooper to the upper echelons of advertising firms?

Roger mentioned that as a Junior Partner, Don is up to recieve over $500K. Is this money a lump sum sweetener, or the result of his percentage of ownership? If so, would it be logical to guess the other three partners lump sums would be bigger than his?

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STD'S

With all the various fornicating going on, who do you think will end up with the clap first? Or will this issue ever even be addressed on MM?

I hope Bert Cooper does not die!

Sterling Cooper is his life. Now that he begrudgingly gave the go ahead on the merger he said he would feel useless "Like the Queen of England." Presumably meaning just a figurehead with no real authority. Sometimes when people live for their work, then retire, they feel they have no sense of purpose and die soon after. His sister Alice did mention that he is older than her and she looks pretty ancient (no offense to the actress who plays Alice). Alice says to Bert "You aren't well." I don't recall any story line about Bert's health. He obviously has somewhere to go, his cows in Montana, but he chooses to be in New York at HIS company. Another thing that leads me to believe this is when Joan tells Roger "One day you will lose someone you really care about." There is a lifelong history between Roger and Bert. Bert has a picture of Roger as a child in his office. Alice used to baby-sit Roger. Bert's mother introduced Roger to Mona and made Bert promise to take care of Roger. If Roger does care about Bert and loses him, that would be pretty devastating.

I hope I am wrong. I was just getting over the whole Chauncey situation when the writers went and gave poor Freddy Rumsen the boot!

"Lookism: the only "ism" that has grown, rather than lessened since the 60's

Ever notice that not all the secretaries at SC are "lookers" in the Joan/Jane league? Betcha' you walk into a MAD AD Firm today, and you'd find percentages would be reversed --with the overwhelming majority of secretaries being movie-star pretty, and a few fewer number being average to plain. Why is this? Why were the 60's less beauty obsessed?

Why did Betty want Don on her parents floor that night?

And not want him to move back in....

Dr. Greg showed he's the "Mountin' King"

I've been thinking a lot about Joan. Without Roger in bed with her, her power at SC has seriously declined. I think she actually loved/loves Roger and is heartbroken to seem him actually leave his wife for JANE when he would never do it for her. He offered and she always told him no, and maybe now she regrets it (?). She had a chance to move beyond the ranks of secretary and was not appreciated, even though she did a fantastic job. (Poor Harry having to stare at an orangutan!)

I noticed last night, as I watched it for the 3rd time, that while Dr. Greg was showing her who was boss that there was the subtle sound effect of a train whistle. Wow.

What is the significane in the writers' having Anna be lame?

Is her lameness a plot device to explain away her apparent lack of emotion over the loss of her husband--as in "...he wanted my sister"...but got me instead?

Is it meant to show that she's resigned to being the "left over" choice, and thus has "reduced expectations" from life?

Who is Joan really in love with?

This just occurred to me as I was reading the 'Joan's Complicated Engagement to Greg' thread. I think Joan is really in love with Roger. As I said on that thread, Roger is really a horn-dog, but he's charming, witty, handsome and wealthy. He always talks to her with an almost wistful or tempered fondness. She's worked for in the office for 9 years and spent a lot of time with him.

What are your thoughts?

EP 13 Ending ?

3rd to last scene-

Bert Cooper- Duck come into my office.

Duck- Do you want to discuss the merger ? When do you leave for Montanna ?

Bert- Duck, I haven't informed our English counterparts yet, but we have decided to withdraw from the merger. We want to continue running SC in its current form. During negotiations we realised that our vision for SC is vastly different than what the Brits envision.

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Where is SHAMU when you need him?

I has hoping for a killer whale attack while Don was "staring out," and wading out in the ocean, I'm sorry, but like Tom Cruise, his looks ain't enough anymore. I've grown bored with Jon Hamm's "staring-out" method of acting (what is that? mugging for the camera?) take some classes!

Losing respect for the Joan character

In the begining, Joan was sharp! and the kinda together chick most women dreamed of being.Now she's an insecure idiot that rambles on about her boyfriends accomplishments. I can't see her character getting back the respect and admiration she had initially.......MISS HENDRICKS "if your listening" now would be a good time to leave this show. "You've Played Your Part" , Now find something else.

The First Mrs.

Doesn't anyone remember the 1st Mrs. from the Soprano's? She was the russian house keeper that helped Tony's mom. She had a fake leg then. She must really have a problem because they show her limping.

Where did Don meet Betty?

Episode 12 was fantastic! The true grit of the show is really evident. The flash backs were amazing. I only have one problem. In a prior episode Betty said that Don worked writing copy for a fur company. In this episode, while he was in California in 1951 he said to his 'wife' that he's met Betty a model. Should I assume that Don traveled back to California to have Christmas with Anna? I guess I have trouble thinking of Don as a California Boy. The ending scene was great; I can't wait to see who comes out of the waves. I am concerned about Peggy, I hope she is not having a drinking issue. She really was dark and brooding in episode 12, but she is still my favorite character.

Joan's Complicated Engagement to Greg

The rape scene with Joan was very difficult to watch. It has taken many days to digest and accept what happened to her. I am now prepared to discuss the varied reasons why Joan has accepted this man's proposal for marriage.

Can we... Discuss her life as single, (31+ year old) college graduate in 1962. Acknowledge her as a working woman, never married, no children, having called off more than one engagement, living independently in New York City and working in Manhattan at a small advertising firm.

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Don or Dick?

Does anyone have a speculation to share about who we will see emerge? Is Dick Whitman going to be done with Donald Draper or will we continue to witness struggle between the two (more double life)?

The Mountain King

Truely enjoyed this episode. Especially in light of the fact that it is, sadly, the next to the last episode of this season. (Please, please AMC can you give us more episodes next season?!?) One of the things I really appreciated about this episode was that it gave us such a good insight into so many of the characters before giving us the last episode of the season. I enjoyed seeing Dick's emersion; being able to finally be in a safer and more comfortable atmosphere. That place where we really got to see a softer, even happier self. And I smiled at the end when Dick Whitman finally began to wash Don Draper away, even if just a little bit at a time.

Hopefully, Joan will wake up and tell that asshole fiance of hers to f--- off. She is so much smarter than that. And go Peggy! I've been so proud of her for moving on (so to speak) and pushing forward for what she wants. Even Pete seemed happy for her.

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Corporal Punishment

Were you and/or brothers and sisters punished as a child? If so, how? Do you punish your children now? If so, how?

Is Betty pregnant?

In Episode 12, Sally notices that her mother is bleeding.
Perhaps Don and Betty's bedroom floor encounter foreshadows 'The Inheritance 'of 'The Mountain King'.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

What is up with Dick Whitman having a TOTALLY different personality from Don Draper of 8 years later???

Dick of 8 years ago was earnest, expressive, fey, shy, unguarded, very kind and crazy in love. (KUDOS to Jon Hamm for portraying the same man in two radically different ways.)

We know what happened BEFORE to motivate Dick/Don to this point, but what on earth has happened SINCE being in love with fiance Betty that would make Don Draper so dark, nihlistic and self-destructive?

(Forgive me if this has been covered somewhere. I'm trying to keep up and not doing a perfect job.)

Is Joan going to break her own rule?

is she going to get caught crying in the ladie's washroom?

Pete's insecurity about adopting a child

Why is Pete so insecure about adopting a child? I thought the way he treated Trudy was terrible! And he caused a problem with his father in law! He already has a child with Peggy, so he knows that all of his parts are in working order!

EPISODE 11 REVISITED

I just viewed The Jet Set again on Demand TV. I completely missed something the first 2 times I watched it. When Don introduced Pete to the Odd Rich People, Pete asked Willie if they had before, Newport? Then all 3 of them, Joy, Willie and the tall female, starting back away immediately and took off. Then later Joy mentioned to Don while they were in bed and she reading The Sound and the Fury that she took a Survey of Am Lit at Pembroke when they were in Rhode Island.

I hope the writers complete this story line for us in Season Three. I wonder if Willie and friends had some connection with Pete's dad. Maybe they were responsible for some of misspending of Pete's mom's money.

This show is well written - like the Sopranos, every time I watch an episode I pick up on something I missed before.

Boring?

I see a lot of posts from people who complain that this season is boring. I don't feel that way, and I'd like to hear what people are comparing it to, what do they expect? Loads of stuff happens every episode, certainly at a similar tempo to last season. I'm suspecting that it may just be that the kind of thing that is happening isn't what people want? Is it Rachel and Midge missing?
Sound off, let us know.

Thanks.

Fatherhood

A couple people in the open thread mentioned Ibsen's story of Peer Gynt and how it related to Don's character. I was also struck by the connections between to the two. Peer Gynt is the story of a man who, due to his father's neglect and drunkenness, spends his life running, pretending to be what he's not, and trying to redeem what his father so carelessly lost. Specifically, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (the piece of music played by the boy on the piano at the beginning of the episode) comes at a part in the play where Peer sneaks into the Mountain King's home, insults his daughter, and then must run for his life. The end of the piece of music is loud and crashing because the mountain falls, killing Peer's pursuers, and Peer ends up free.

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Mad Men as Abstract Expressionism

OK, so I'm in the school library today looking for a copy of Meditations in an Emergency and lo and behold they don't have it. So, I pick up another book about Frank O'Hara called Frank O'Hara: Painter among poets by Marjorie Perloff. As I'm flipping through the pages I come across some interesting info; Frank O'Hara was a curator at the MOMA and was critic and friend to many painters from the, get this, New York school of abstract expressionism. In fact his poetry has often been classified as such.

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desperate housewives connection

Does anyone realize the shared actors from MM and Desperate Housewives? Duck Phillips (Mark Moses) was a key character in season I, Roger Sterling (John Slattery) played Eva Longoria's politician husband, and Anna Draper (Melinda Page Hamilton) played a nun in love with Eva Longoria's first husband Carlos. What's next - Marcia Cross as Joan's sister? They're both tall redheads...

Draper

Master of being quietly effective. Would have thought he'd be Klaatu in 'The Day The Earth Stood Still". Remake will have difficulty being better than the original.

Name some good Take Offs from Mad Men!

Example Viola and Betty: a la Gone With the Wind. Salvatore and family and his struggles. Help me think! Then we could basque in Mad Men Characters all week long!!! What do you think??

The Mother Daughter Dynamic

Earlier in the season, I praised Sally Draper for her many positive features (not the least of which, she makes a mean Bloody Mary), and in "The Mountain King", my esteem for Sally deepens. OK, eight years old is a bit young to be sneaking cigarettes, but you had to give her credit for knowing exactly how to push Betty's buttons and how she masterfully guilted Betty into buying her the coveted riding boots so she could be "just like Mommy." But Sally is not one to be bought off with a present or two. That little girl is very smart and well ahead of her eight years. I predict we will see many more mother/daughter clashes in the seasons to come, and Sally's teenage years (and I pray the series lasts well into the 1970s) are bound to be rocky. She is the daughter of two very different people, each of which has a volatile streak. Wonder what Sally's tarot cards portend?

Mad Men Nedds to Start at 8 pm, Have a Bigger Add Campaign, and a Two Hour Episode explaining the whole storyline and characters!

No wonder some people are saying they fall asleep watching the episodes. Ten O'clock is Bedtime especially if going to work next day! It needs to be earlier. What is this with these movies at that time, Philadelphia! and Twice! Also, MM needs more billboards and advertise on sides of buses with clever quotes from the show! And, It wouldn't hurt to have a 2 Hour show explaining the whole show for new viewers!!!! What do you all think? Any other ideas? We need more viewers. Maybe that it plays another night. 10 o'clock has "Army Wives" and another popular show at that time slot. There are some very competitive shows!!

Don/Dick

Why did Dick assume the life of Don Draper

How does Betty pulling her daughters hair and putting her in a closet make her a "concientious mother"?

Really, I'd like to know. So Don is sleeping around. How does this make abuse okay? Everyone seems to think this is acceptable behavior, regardless of the era, so I'd really like to know how it's justified.

Joan and the Bra Strap

To Pete's Blue Pj's.....Joan was rubbing her shoulder becasue her bra is digging into her shoulder. It was showing you the price she pays for the figure she has that everyone wants. It is not fun being Joan. It is painful and lonely. It was not that she had been hit by the Dr.

Mad Men fashion trends

According to this, we must all wear plaid. I'm so happy to see "our" show have an impact!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nour-akkad/mad-men-fashion-report-th_b_136325.html

Flying Fowl

When Pete had his meltdown,did anyone wonder WHERE the projectile chicken ended up, after he threw it off the terrace? Yikes! We can only hope that maybe Chauncey found it and had a nice meal...(sorry, just a little levity...folks have been very intense on the site this week!)

Season one

If you are a new person to the show and you can't figure out what is going on...and judging by the open thread for episode 12 there are many of you.....I suggest you either rent or buy season one. That's what I did. The open thread ffor #12 is already WAY to long to get through unless you sit for hours and besides the time stamp is off and almost evry time I post my post ends up way up the thread. Annoying but I love it here and I love MM. I see where a few have tried to start anew open thread fro episode 12.. It is so good tp see so many people now are watching and contributing.....I love it!

POSTS MODERATOR NEEDED?..........

LETS VOTE FOR A POST MODERATOR SINCE SOME HAVE TAKEN ON THE JOB ANYWAY. THE JOB DESCRIPTION WILL ENTAIL : READING EVERYONES POST AND REPLYING TO EACH POST IN A CONDESENDING ARROGANT MANNER, ALSO YOU MUST TAKE MM SO SERIOUSLY THAT ANYTHING SAID CONTRARY TO YOUR OWN VIEWS WILL BE SHOT DOWN, AND NIT-PICKED TO DEATH! NOMINEES FOR THIS POSITION MUST ABSOLUTELY NOT KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN, AND LOVE A GOOD VERBAL SCRAP. ANY NOMINEES?....

Tarot Reading for Don

Did anyone catch what the other cards were in the layout and where they were? It might be a clue of what is to come?

AMC Hates When You Make This Many Threads

Use the open thread - you wonder why it's so slow? Because you make all these stupid threads! Dying for attention, all of you!

pete's father - in - law

Interesting note. Camp Dudley was mentioned - which is where my son went AND the actor who plays Pete's father in law was a counselor there the year he was there. I recognized him right away. the year I met him he had a big long running Dorito commercial on the air. I wonder if Mathew Weiner went there - alot of boys were from the Baltimore area.

Congrats Peggy!

Love the fact that she had the guts to ask Roger for a "real office." Few people could do that even today. Though if I had my "office" in the copy room, I'd freak too. In 2008, the copy machine STILL isn't quiet (it's worse if you're at an office where it doubles as the printer).

Love your show

sometimes the "back and forth" story especially regarding Don Draper gets a little confusing. Was he actually legally married to the "real" Mrs. Draper. Did they ever mention it?

Just got it: it's the GAY WORLD-VIEW!!!

I am a fan of Mad Men, not for the scripts so much as for the fine acting and the opportunity the show provides to glimpse into a world I knew, a world I find much preferable to today's: a world without PC (and P.C.) , I-Phones, text messaging, etc, etc. But something has always bothered me about the show until two things happened: I heard several of the creative team interviewed and then watched last nights episode. Now I see (and I hope this doesn't sound like I know it will sound), that this show presents us with the Gay man's view of a world dominated by the "straight white male." Look at what we see: victims and victimizers. Who are the victims: well, women, mostly. They are portrayed as helpless sufferers or power hungry sluts. Think about it. How about blacks? Well, we sadly, have not seen many but they are portrayed as victims with staggering wisdom, dignity, and a personal commitment to right over wrong. White men? Fools, pigs, drunks, and bastards. Topping it all, last night's introduction of "what's her names" fiancee. A young, handsome, doctor, who, of course, is a rapist! What else? Couldn't be some nice guy, who loves her for her, and is committed to helping the sick, now could he? No, just another white male oppressor.

Please think on this.

In episode #12

What was the closing song and singer? It was bluegrass and i loved it. To the show producers, please statr giving credits at the end for the songs....?

SEASON 3

I want to know what people think will be the cliff hangers from season 2 that will force you to watch season 3. Here are some of my predictions for the end of season 2 and the beginning of season 3.
1. Don will come back to a job that is almost sold down the river and he will have to save it...so dramatic
2. Pete will find out about his kid with peggy...then he can adopt it making his wife and job happy without getting out of the family riches

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Anna Draper & Svetlana (From The Sopranos)

Did anyone else notice any similarities with these two characters? Don/Dick and Tony S. both seem more comfortable and open talking with Anna & Svetlana than with their wives. They both have issues with their legs (I assume Anna had polio?). Their faces are also similar.

Popsicle Image

The guy from Popsicle said that there was something familiar about the woman in Peggys artwork. She had mentioned something religious in her office with the guys as there were brainstorming about religion and Catholism. In the art work that she presented, the mother in the picture looked to me like the Virgin Mother or maybe Mary M with arms outstretched. It looks like a familiar Catholic iconic image to me, but I need to do more research. Anyone else notice this?

Episode 12 - Changing of the Guard

I saw episode 12 as almost entirely about the "changing of the Guard." The title, The Mountain King, Roger's recitation of lines from the Pooh poem titled, Buckingham Palace, Anna's Tarot reading with Don as the Sun King, all frame the changing of the guard theme.

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John Hamm to host SNL October 25th

Guess this week when I DVR SNL I'll actually have to watch some of the painfully unfunny skits instead of FF to the Weekend Update segment. Should be interesting to see if they pull off a MM send up. Mad TV did a shout out to MM with this skit a few weeks ago- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUr1CBbQbM

Anna Draper

What a wonderful loving breath of fresh air in the life of Don/Dick. The story of their meeting, relationship and affectionate bond was very healing. I was glad to see that Don/Dick had someone in his life who could understand his troubles, and be very reassuring, and offer him positive support. It was kind of funny that he had to marry her, but it kind of seems like circumstance gave them both a chance to heal when they met. He got a family of sorts in Anna, and she got a "husband" who was probably kinder or more interested in her welfare than the original Don Draper.

Tarot Reading!

Did I mention that I read tarot cards? The problem is that there are many different types of Celtic Cross (the spread Anne is using) and they each have different meanings for the card positions. However, the story is generally clear.

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Pete & Peggy

Is there romance in the air? Towards the end of episode 12 the friendlyness was a bit softer than normal. We mustn't forget, that couple wouldn't need to adopt.

OH HELL NO !.... HE TOOK MY GIRL JOAN'S COOCHIE!

Is nothing sacred? I WILL CUT HIM WITH HIS OWN SCALPEL!....NOT MY GIRL JOAN?.....DID YOU SEE THE HORRIBLE RESIGNED LOOK ON HER FACE? IF I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH THE SCREEN HE WOULD HAVE SWORN HE GOT BEAT-UP BY SOPHIA IN THE COLOR PURPLE! I'M UPSET.... I NEED SOMETIME ALONE........

Dick Whitman as Peer Gynt

Someone on this forum last week pointed to the play Peer Gynt, containing "In The Hall of the Mountain King", in their predictions for tonight's episode. Clearly, they were right on the money, and Matt Weiner winked to all of us by having the piano lesson kid play that very piece as Don walks into Anna's house - the home of his very own "mountain king".

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Alice Cooper

Even though her appearances were short, she was wonderful...BTW, does anyone else find her name amusing?

The Day the Earth Stood Still on Mad Men

review of episode 2.12

Joan's Fiancee is a freak! and a rapist!!!

Joan's husband to be may be a good looking, successful guy, but he is sex freak!!! As far as I am concerned , he raped her!!! The fact that he would force her to have sex right there in the office against her will was beyond belief to me. I bet she is reconsidering marrying him now.

Betty

Everything has been commented on except for the "New Betty". I love her new attitude. The first season was all about Betty being a child in an adult body. I think this second season is about her growing up. This growing up can be symbolized by her period coming on in this episode and also with her mood swings and gossiping. She is being a teenager. I think the third season we will see an adult Betty. Does anyone agree with my logic?

Mad Men Renewed

But will Matt Weiner be back?

Click here for more details.

Doctor Rapist, Don's "Ex-Wife", Don's New Life

We just saw Joan forcibly raped by her horribly jealous, sexually inept, egomaniacal fiance. I think she's been raped before in her past. Will she realize the disaster that marriage will be, and run for the hills? Next...

We saw "real Don Draper's" wife from the 1952 flashback, who became Dick/Don's "ex-wife" so he could legally marry Betty as Don Draper; she counsels Don that it's ok not to tell his wife everything about himself, because surely there are things he doesn't know about Betty....such as her setting up a fried to commit adultery?

Finally, we saw Dick immerse himself in the ocean. Was it a baptism, or rehearsal for suicide? Is he rising to a new life, born again from the ashes of the life of Don Draper he created and abandoned in NYC? Or will he end it all?

Joanie PLEASE don't marry the doctor...

The man is a controlling, egotistical SOB. You don't deserve that kind of treatment. Besides, you won't see him very much - he'll be too busy operating and/or playing golf. He doesn't love you - he is in lust with you. You don't have to marry him or anyone for that matter. PLEASE don't be a doormat for him and/or a slave to his wants and needs. You deserve so much better.

I KNEW he was in San Pedro!!

I KNEW he was in San Pedro!!

Episode 11 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 11, "The Jet Set".

Could a mod please correct the time stamp?

All of the posts are horrifically "out of order." TIA!

OMG!!! MR. SHEFFELD FROM THE NANNY!!!!

ITS 10AM SUNDAY MORNING, AND I'M WATCHING THE REPEAT OF MM CAUSE IT WAS SO BORING I FELL ASLEEP LAST SUNDAY NIGHT....AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF IT WASN'T MR SHEFFELD FROM THE NANNY! WILL SOMEBODY SEND ME MY DAMNED SCRIPT PLEASE! ....WHOS NEXT? THE "SHE BANG" MAN FROM AMERICAN IDOL?

Anyone else unable to record AMC?

Was unable to record AMC Comcast Stockton Ca channel 62 now all the time getting protected errors on the DVD recorder. Anyone else having these kinds of problems?

WHY ARENT WE SEEING MORE OF CHRISTINA HENDRICKS?

COME ON SHE IS THE STAR HERE! THREAD AFTER THREAD PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THIS WOMAN, YET HER PART SEEMS TO BE GETTING SMALLER. I'M SICK OF ALL THESE NEW CHARACTERS, AND MM NOT USING THE TALENTED ACTORS THEY STARTED OUT WITH ORIGINALLY.THE CHARACTER OF JOAN IS WHY I STARTED WATCHING THE SHOW, AND IF YOU DON'T START GIVING CHRISTINA HENDRICKS A LITTLE MORE AIR TIME YOU CAN HAVE THIS GETTING TO BE "BORING" SHOW

Mad Men Book Club

[On behalf of jamm54 due to technical difficulties]

There are so many literary references in the Mad Men series, and someone suggested a possible virtual book club over the winter.

It's come up in one of the other discussions, but would anybody be game for a virtual book club in the off-season relating to 1950's-1960's books? For example, reading some of the books referenced in the series that the characters were reading or upcoming books from the latter half of the sixties.

Also, what about possibly setting a schedule for every couple of weeks to "meet" back on the Mad Men forum. Maybe Clayton Neuman could help set it up. Nutty or what.........feedback, thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZ

I hate to admit it , but the show that I wait all week to watch is "killing me softly" I couldn't stay awake past Don's conversation with Pete, as Don smoked and stared out (where? who knows) I initially loved the show, but now that the format has been cast in stone, the bone or two that they throw the viewers each week is getting harder to stay awake for. The truth is, the threads are beginning to be a more interesting then the show, and don't move at such a snails pace. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: MAD MEN IS NO MORE THAN A "TREATMENT" THE VIEWERS ARE THE SHOW.

Did anyone see the Mad Men characters on Jeopardy?

I just watched the show and saw Don, Pete, Joan and Peggy on the show. Alex Trebec mentioned that the last show of the season. Hope this gets more people to watch!

Heisman Trophy in Pete's Office?

In season one on the credenza behind Pete's desk appears to be a Heisman Trophy. Is this ever addressed? Pete doesn't seem like the football type. Maybe to bet on games but not to play. :-) Thanks!

Mad Men Facebook application?

Has anyone received permission to develop a "Which Mad Men character are you?" application on Facebook?

The MADMen

Having survived 30 years in the Ad Business, and having lived 10 years with the "Clone of Don Draper" (who died much too young...)...I can't wait for Sunday night to see what will happen next! There's an insight there that helps me understand more than I knew of what was 'going on' at the office....and during those long lunches.....

European Temptations?

In another post, OldFashioned brilliantly mentioned that Don's foray in the desert is very much a "last temptation" moment. There seem to be a lot of them in this episode. Duck's temptation not only to drink again but to sell his soul and SC to his British friend in exchange for power, and Sal's expression when Kurt reveals himself as openly homosexual.

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'Mad Men' close to pickup

From The Hollywood Reporter:
'Mad Men' close to pickup
AMC wants Matthew Weiner for third season
By Kimberly Nordyke
Oct 16, 2008, 10:22 PM ET
"Mad Men" is inching closer to a third-season pickup.

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The Doorknobs Have Diamonds on Them!

Looks as though Roger is seriously trying to convince Bert to go for the Merger in the preview. He seems deluded, though, to think that nothing will change at SC. Bert's face looks like he's not sold on the idea. News today indicates that the third season is up for grabs. Matt Weiner is not signed on beyond season 2 and since the finale is coming on the 26th is it possible there will NOT Be a 3rd season? Here's hoping I'm wrong.

What the hell just happened?

OK, this episode has some serious shit going on, and I can't figure it out. I found the 'nomads' boring as hell, but I don't want that to get in the way of understanding what just transpired. Clearly this episode brings us a few steps closer to understanding the fractured heart/mind of Don Draper/Dick Whitman. The writers clearly enjoy heaping on the allusions, and this one seemed to put all of their liberal arts degrees to work: Direct or indirect echoes of Kubrick, Faulkner, Nabokov, Lewis Carroll, David Lynch, Raymond Chandler, Homer and Fellini. But to what end?

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The Mysterious Disappearance of Don Draper as Reported by Peter Dyckman Campbell

I would assume that when Pete returned to the office someone would want a report on how he and Don did at the convention. Who is Pete going to report to, and what will he say about Don's absence?

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Can You Stand One more Thread about Peggy's Pregnancy?

'Cause I have new info: last Sunday (Oct. 12th) on the Discovery Channel they had a show called something like "Pregnant and Didn't Know it." - It was about several women who were in labor before they knew they were expecting. One of them was on the pill, just like Peggy, but got strep throat and took a strong anti-biotic. Apparently it nullified the effects of the pill and she conceived. She also had a strong placenta that sort of padded her from feeling the baby's kicks, and not all babies are very active. So she went off to a cabin in the woods, her husband went off somewhere and she went into labor. Happy ending, all was well, but the show impressed me that these women were very shocked, disoriented and had a hard time dealing with the fact that they were suddenly mothers.

"Can we split a lobster" Harry asked fishingly

Does anyone remember the old Tom Swifties game? It was based on the Tom Swift books for boys. According to Wikiepedia, "A stylistic idiosyncrasy of at least some books in this series was that the author went to great trouble to avoid repetition of the unadorned word "said", preferring alternative verbs as well as heavy use of adverbs and phrases describing the manner or circumstances of speaking. The game involves the use of puns, and since many adverbs end in "ly" this kind of pun was originally called a Tom Swiftly, the prime example being "We must hurry," said Tom Swiftly." I wonder how many "Tom Swifties" we could get from actual Mad Men dialogue or making some up. Care to try?

Can anybody explain this to me?

I'm not a business person, so I don't quite get what Duck is trying to do to Sterling Cooper. I understand that he is trying to get his old company, the English guys, to buy 51% of the stock at a bargain price because Roger is in a bind because of his pending divorce. That part is easy. But what is the deal Duck is offering Roger and Bert? Why would they want to lose a controlling interest in their company? And, having alerted the English guys to the situation, why would they need Duck as president? They could just go ahead and buy it up, his place would not be assured at all.

Mad Men Word Association Game #3

The Mad Men Word Association Game is back! I've been asked to start another word game thread, so here it is....

Remember, this is how it works: a word or phrase related to MM that starts one letter of the alphabet is posted and the next person posts another MM-related word or phrase that starts with the next letter of the alphabet. The list continues through the alphabet, and when we get to "z", we'll start again with "a".

Our rules:

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