I still enjoy Mad Men. But there are times when it does feel "stale." The Cali stay for Don in the past 2 episodes was a welcome change of scenery. Just like the emphasis being placed back on Sterling Cooper as opposed to these off-shoot stories about priests and horseriding.

Mad Men was never a show about lollipops and rainbows, but the first season wasn't as dark and gloomy as this second season, to me. Now, that doesn't mean I'd like to watch the show morph into some romantic comedy crap. Hell no!

As to the mention of Midge and Rachel, they were 2 female characters that showed women could be sexy, smart and tell-it-like-is last season. Plus, those actresses could act their asses off!! This season, so many female characters at the forefront were either whiny, bitchy or just plain vicious! It took way, way 'til the penultimate episode to show Anna, a female role that showed some inkling of "togetherness."

So is Mad Men "boring?" At times. "Blah?" Never!

Andy Denver, remember, you asked! ;-)

Andy: I think the people that are bored are the same people that wanted The Sopranos to whack someone every week or they were bored. They don't understand a good drama. They should watch a different type of show.

I'm a fan of MM because I grew up in the 50's and 60's and can relate to the situations and attitudes of the characters based on my experiences from those decades. I think the writers have done a fantastic job of realistically portraying "the way it was" back then for men and women. I think season 2 is as good as season 1 and look forward to watching season 3.

From an emotional level, you tend to become involved with the characters. I love seeing how Don's and Betty's relationship and their personalities have evolved up until now. I don't miss any of Don's mistresses as suggested above. I don't think what makes a man is how many women he can bed. I am looking for Don's character to eventually realize that happiness is not just about him - it is also about other people's happiness. Don coming back to his family, coming clean about all his lies and the reasons, working hard to get Betty's trust back, being a loving husband and father - that's the true measure of a man. I'd like to see Don's character come to that realization.

As for the other characters, I love most of them. Favorites being Joan, Peggy, Sal, Roger and even Pete. I think they each bring a different piece of that period in history to our TV screens. And some of us are looking back and reliving our own lives (to some extent); and the younger viewers are getting a realistic picture of what it was like to live back then. Thanks Matt and MM writers for a job well done.

The first season introduced the characters. The second season is giving us a look at their lives outside Sterling Cooper. We're also getting a look at their darker sides - the side not on display. I don't find this season stale at all. The storyline is certainly darker, but it is fascinating as the layers of each character are peeled back a little bit at a time!

Yes, this season is not as good as the first. Still, a bad season of Mad Men is still better than 98% of network televison.

I'm not among those who are bored with season 2 so I have no complaints. Only one episode this season, The Inheritance, was boring for me but it was necessary to show Betty's pretense at reconciliation and give Don a reason to escape to LA. The scenes at the office weren't at all boring. I enjoyed the Joan - Paul confrontation enormously and I felt like I was in on a sly secret when Peggy handed Pete the plate of baby-shower cake and he smiled back at her gratefully.

The plot lines continue to take surprising twists and turns; the character developments and interactions are fascinating. I liked Season 1 and I like Season 2 even better.

I am curious to hear other opinions.

The only thing I haven't liked about Season 2 is the firing of Freddie Rumsen. I loved that guy, mostly because he recognized Peggy's talent and went to Don about it, but also because he seemed to be such a gentle soul.

I'm glad Season 2 has spent time developing the personal lives of the characters. It looks like we're shifting back to the office now for next season, what with the merger possibility. Don had better skedaddle back to New York and save that company, or he'll have to open the Dick Whitman Ad Agency. Personally, I would like to see Don deck Duck.

Not boring at all. I think viewers who think it is boring are those who don't recognize the subtle nuances of each episode, of which there are many. Here is a great blog to read writer Dorothy Parker's excellent analysis of each episode. http://www.mediapost.com/blogs/mad_blog/

It'a different from the other shows; it's subtle and has pacing. I agree that those who find it boring are not seeing all the layers of the plot and character development. We're not used to anything like this. It's interactive, the plot is not just laid out for us.

I don't think the show is boring, it is just s - l - o - w in its pace. It's been established that creator, Mr. Weiner, is a fan of the "slow burn" - moving the story and character development at a slow pace (perhaps a more realistic pace) so that the view can savor it and reap the rewards at the end of the season. MM is definitely not like shows such as Lost or 24 where there's fast-paced action every week and big jumps in story development every week. It takes time (a whole season really) to see story arcs come to fruition, but I think it's worth it. Each episode has phenomenal cinematography and layers and layers of double entendres, symbolism, and irony. It's like a great work of literature; it makes you work for the enjoyment.

I look forward to watching madmen every week. I think it is one of the best shows on television!

Dorothy Parker, WOW. I'm sure it's not the one from the round table, but great name anyway.

Suz: Are you the same as MadManSuze?

Having watched since Season 1, Episode 1, I can honestly say I've never been bored. I have the feeling that the younger generations (30s, 20s, late teens) are so used to 1/2 hour or one hour format shows where everything is resolved in the time frame, that they may be just a little impatient with the way MMs story is unfolding. The story is in the details and the viewer must pay close attention. It's obvious by reading many of the insightful, remarkable posts on this board that some viewers are doing just that.

If MM were a book it would probably be like WAR AND PEACE - a cast of hundreds and a story for each character. I hope it goes on from many more seasons. I want to see Bobby (Draper) grow up!

.....Well, I'm from California, and have been waiting to see inside Dick Whitman, so the last two Epis have been a lovely vacation from The City, and from "Every Guy I Ever Dated With Committment Issues" Don Draper.

I am dismayed that season two is about to end?!? How long must we wait for season three to begin? -and why were there thirteen episodes in season one and only seven in season two?

ednamillay, I love your screen name. :-) It brings back memories of being a teenager, reading ESVM's wild, lustful poetry under the covers at night with a flashlight.

I have been hooked since day 1 of season 1. I don't think that this season is boring, however I would like to see Don go back to work. How could anyone keep a job like this? I still think that it's the fastest hour on TV, but would love to see Betty and Don come to "grips.