Season 3 pre-order

Check out Amazon dot com to pre-order Season 3. No release date, yet.

What are they missing?

I was a child in this peroid and remember vividly nuclear bomb drills. Under the desks, heads between the knees. Two things missiong; kissing your a$$ goodbye and a Madmen eposode about it.

What else are they missing from the period? What say you?

Sal starting his own agency!

Wouldn't that be something for Don to recon with!

I was browsing thru the character profiles and noted this one for Sal's:

An ambitious employee, he has expressed an interest in starting his own firm, where art would be the driving force behind the copy.

Food for thought. Wouldn't that be an interesting story arc for Season 4~

PEOPLE MAGAZINE'S "SEXIEST MAN ALIVE 2009"......JOHNNY DEPP?????

Well, folks, I just can't believe he could beat Our Man Jon....anyone agree?

Johnny D. is an attractive man, sure....but, let's face it, not even in the same galaxy as Jon Hamm.

Sigh....maybe next year....

The Prisoner

Did anyone watch it? What did you think of it?

Reopen Investigation of Natalie Wood's death

Natalie Wood was a Hollywood icon, beloved by millions for her performances in such classic films as Miracle on 34th Street, West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause.

Her bizarre death near the yacht Splendour on a chilly November evening in 1981 off Catalina Island has remained shrouded in mystery.

Recent revelations, including admissions by Ms. Wood's husband, have shown that the initial investigation was seriously flawed and evidence ignored.

http://www.gopetition.com/online/31812.html

Anachronisms?

Three phrases I doubt the were used in 1960-1962:
1) The media is the message (Holloway to Paggy Season 1). McLuhan's book was 1967.
2) I'm good. Doug politely declines a glass of whiskey.
I'm good is much later (late 90s?).
3) Prix fixe menu. The phrase in US came much later (late 80's?)

I am open to any challenges here.

TIME TO PLAY..."MAD MEN" SPIN-OFFS!"

I can hear it now--Sal Romano starts a new life as the owner-manager of an art gallery in Sausalito. All goes well till his new housemate gets a new job...as a homicide detective. Laughs ensue a crooks and murderers are lured into Sals gallery! Andy Dick, as "Andy" the housemate.

Or: "I'm the Queen of France" starring, Bettes! Our number one whacko housewife/divorcee snaps completely in the farcical adventure through Europe, that has Bettes telling everyone she's Eleanor of Acquitaine! Laughs ensue as Bettes meets another psycho who believes he's Henry II!!! Herbert Marshall as the ersatz Henry II. Anne B. Davis as Bettes chambermaid.

Or, "Rumsen, P.I." -- Failed ad exec Fred Rumsen begins anew as a private Dick in Guadalajara during the Revolution. It's laughs galore as a zany group of misfits try to help Rumsen solve crimes! Zazu Pitts, Phil Silvers, James Gleason, and Monty Woolley, as the Chief Inspector.

Peggy Is In Love With Don

I was reading a previous post about why Don fought for Peggy and not for Betty. I kept wondering why Peggy stayed at SC even after several offers from other companies. I then thought about Don and Peggy's first meeting when Peggy came on to Don and Don quickly told her that he was her boss and not her boyfriend. In almost every scene with Don, Peggy wears this look like a love sick teenager. The people in the office even thought they were having an affair. They share a very strange, yet close sort of intimacy and friendship of shared secrets and mutual respect. Peggy stayed with SC because she is mad about Don even from day one. That's why she seems bored with other men that she meets because none of them measure up to Don. I hope they don't have an affair in Season 4. I really want Don with Rachel. Don may even have some unrecognized feelings for Peggy other than respect. He says that he sees himself in Peggy and remember Don loves himself more than anything.

Betty and Rachel

I see that a lot of people on the message board are defending Betty's action. Don had it coming. He didn't respect her. He was a bad father. All of this may be true to some degree. But what I find really horrible about Betty is what a snob she is. She wasn't leaving Don because he cheated on her or didn't respect her. After all of his philandering, she still took him back. Now, we see what Betty considers as ground for leaving Don. After he reveals his past, his mother who is a prostitute, his farmlife, etc. She had determined that he isn't good enough for her based on his past. Don quickly surmises this when he states in their bedroom fight that he gave her everything and all of a sudden he wasn't good enough for her and she yells back "That's right". There are viewers who are simply blinded by Betty's pretty face and can't see the ugly person underneath the Grace Kelly persona. She's leaving the unsuitable Don for someone she feels is "worthy" of her, Henry Frances. I hope he makes her life hell and Don moves on, runs into Rachel while on business and marry his true soulmate. When Don told Rachel his past, she gave him solace and a sweet kiss. Betty just placed a distant hand on his shoulder. She doesn't deserve to have love because she doesn't know how to give it.

Henry Francis IS Don Draper!

My husband actually pointed this out to me after the finale, and I think he is exactly right.

Henry Francis is exactly the kind of guy Don Draper is, just minus the fake name and identity.

Think about it. He is the kind of man who will hit on a heavily pregnant woman carrying ANOTHER MAN'S child and have no compunction about doing this. Also, he doesn't KNOW Betty at all. Not a bit. He is merely doing the same things Don did with Suzanne (and all the rest) which is to tell her exactly what SHE WANTS to hear. He is an expert and he knows what she wants to hear.

She says, "He's been lying to me for years..." And Henry responds, "I wish I could take you to the movies..what's your favorite movie?"

This is just like Don asking Suzanne to come away with him and saying, "I'll clear my schedule...." and they are ON THEIR WAY when Don gets caught - FINALLY!!

See, but Henry Francis pulls out the BIG GUNS. He says the MAGIC WORDS to Betty (that EVERY woman wants to hear) "I want to MARRY you."

That's it - game over - Betty's a goner.

What makes Betty think Henry is such an upstanding guy. He's divorced. Does she even know WHY he is divorced? I'm sure it's not because he such a great guy, or he would still be married.

Henry Francis is just another Don Draper, except in the sleazy world of politics instead of advertising.

Marathon? Next time on TV?

I have a friend who hasn't seen the third season yet, and in order to convince him not to pirate it it'd be nice to know when the next time it will be on TV in a marathon type form will be.

Anyone have any info?

Season 3 Episode 13 - Open Thread

Talk about Season 3, Episode 13, "Shut the Door. Have a Seat"

(Somebody had to ask) 3 in the books -- WORST episode ever???

My choice: I don't know the title but it was that silly trip to LA that Pete and Draper took where Don went off with a wealthy, tramp daughter of a millionaire. Very realistic. I still can't decide whether or not that was a joke or a fantasy on Don's part. Anyway, as great as the show has been, there have been clunkers here and there. Please share, or, at the very least, tell us the moment or seen you felt should never have been aired, for whatever reason. Thanks.

Suggestion : Pointy bras in Mad Men

I can't watch the third season of Mad Men, but I'm watching classic movies of the 50-60's; with Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day... Sad that Natalie and Marilyn are dead :-(
Do you like pointy bras ? Do you wear that kind of bra ? Will you see Betty, Joan, Trudy, wearing one ?

Pointy bras make a comeback as sales of 'Marilyn Monroe' underwear enjoy an uplift
"Sales of the 1950's pin-up girl 'pointy bust' bra made famous by Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe are seeing a remarkable uplift."

"John Lewis has seen a huge surge in sales of the bras, which it argues is indicative of a desire to celebrate women's curves that has followed previous periods of economic turmoil.
It represents a dramatic shift away from stick thin models with boyish figures who have dominated catwalks for a generation to the more voluptuous look of a Dita Von Teese.
The store claims the resurgence of the emphasis on curves even provides evidence that the worst of the recession is over and there are more optimistic times to come."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1224947/Pointy-bras-make-comeback-sales-Marilyn-Monroe-underwear-enjoy-uplift.html

January Jones on SNL Tonight

OK Madaddicts...Mrs. Betty Draper hosts SNL tonight...be there or be square!!!!

LUXURIA MUSIC.COM: Give your day a MAD MEN-flavored soundtrack!

Have any of you discovered the excellent online radio station called LUXURIA MUSIC.COM?

They play, 24/7, a steady diet of 1950's and 1960's soft pop, (not rock 'n' roll). Music that has been called "Loungecore" and "Space Age Bachelor Pad" music. Light Psychedelia, Tiki Exotica, Early Electronica, Bossa Nova and Midcentury Latin, Classic Midcentury Instrumentals, Italian Filmscores, Bebop & Cool, French yeh-yeh. Sprinkled with real vintage radio advertisements (for cigarettes, etc.!!) A good bit of this music treads that thin line between good taste and delightfully bad taste--- kitsch--- as only the 60's could bring us. I leave this station on, and let it bring a MAD MEN-flavored soundtrack to my whole day.
You must give it a try!

Christopeher Stanley - He Did It Again

The enigmatic actor Christopher Stanley managed yet again to reincarnate himself yet again and come to life in one of my favorite shows. For those of you who don't know his name, remember it. Playing the role of Henry Fancis, the phantom suitor of Mrs. Betty Draper, Stanley has appeared in many of television's most decorated shows and has not only held his own, but at times, has outshined even his better known co-stars. Playing a bigoted police officer on NYPD blue, Stanley managed to humanize a complex and conflicted character, a would be hero, fallen victim to his own prejudice. His arc on the show took place during its most award winning era and led to another Bochco appearance on the less successful but equally powerful Brooklyn South where he played another tragic figure undone by homophobia and rage. In one unforgettable scene, Stanley's character came absolutely unhinged while the entire cast stood spellbound; watching in absolute awe as he raged against his partner who turned him in for wrongs he had committed, and then ultimately broke down into tears. It was as if even the regulars understood they were seeing something extraordinary and didn't even have to act. Now Stanley has appeared as a loaded spring on Mad Men and I cannot wait to see what the producers and writers have in store for his character. Anyone familiar with this actors work would know that he is capable not only of the tenderness and sensitivity he has shown in the role of Henry, but also of explosive outbursts of emotion. Like all great actors he has the ability to walk the fine line between life and art. I have no doubt that there are big plans for his character so look out Mad men fans, there are bound to be fireworks when Don Draper inevitably confronts this unpredictable talent inhabiting a yet to be fully defined character. I for one cannot wait!

Epilogue S3

"Click"

Two Adams

I have been puzzled and confused by Adam's timeline. In Season 1 we see a flashback of an eight year old Adam waiting with Abigail and Uncle Mac for the arrival of Dick's body post Korea. When Adam meets Don at the coffee shop, a point is made of his telling Don that he was only eight years old but he knew he spotted Dick on the train. However, we have been repeatedly shown a photo of what appears to also be an eight year old boy with a young man standing beside him. Every time we are shown this photo, it is turned over and we see that it is inscribed "Dick and Adam 1944." This absolutely cannot be a mistake. Therefore, the only conclusion I can come to is that there were two Adams. Adam #1 was eight in 1944, and Adam #2 was eight in the early 50s.

I have always felt that there was a lot more to Dick Whitman's past than switching identities. Don reacted much too strongly to being found out for it to just have been an identity switch.

Of course, I have an idea as to who Adam #2 is, but for now I will keep that to myself and enjoy the opportunity to once again review Season 1. I need to check out a fact or two.

Earlier episode foreshadows that show up in episode 13

Now that I've had time to digest, there are some connections in episode 13 that have been foreshadowed in earlier episodes.

Episode 3.2 Love Among The Ruins:
When various characters talk about the destruction of Penn Station and the construction of Madison Square Garden, it parallels the destruction of Sterling Cooper and the birth of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

Episode 3.3 my old Kentucky home:
In the last shot, you see Betty and Don kissing. The shot is lit so low that don disappears in the shadows to Betty's white dress. This might symbolize Don not being apart of Betty's life any more.
And of course Grappa Gene saying, " all hell is going to break loose" after Sally read some of the book, Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire".

Episode 3.4 The Arrangements:
When Don breaks the ant farm. The same ant farm that Hooker is looking at when in an earlier episode he says, "This place is a gynocracy". This could symbolize the destruction of Sterling Cooper by Sterling, Cooper, Draper and Pryce.

Episode 3.5 The Fog:
When Betty is being rolled down the hospital runway. As she starts to hallucinate, she looks back and sees Don Disappear. Again this can symbolize Don no longer being in Betty's life.

Episode 3.6 Guy walks Into An Advertising Agency:
When Pryce receives a taxidermy cobra snake in a basket as a gift from P.P.& L., that can symbolize him getting bit by P.P.& L. when P.P.& L. and S.C. is sold all together by another company.

If you can think of any more, let me know.

Why did Don fight for Peggy and NOT Betty?

I think that the only way Betty would possibly be able to consider forgiving Don and reconciling with him after his MASSIVE betrayal would be if Don were to get down on his knees and issue an enormous "mea culpa." If he were to tell her that he was sorry he hurt her, that he has destroyed the family by his actions, etc. Something along those lines. And he would have to SHOW the remorse and contrition for his actions.

The thing is he never apologized to her for what he did, never showed any remorse, and worse yet after taking her for granted from day one, he also too for granted that she would stay with him because he assumed she was 'stuck' and that she would never find a "lifeboat."

But, of course, now we all know that Betty did find a lifeboat, and Don's lack of remorse made it all the easier for her to jump in Henry Francis's boat.

So, why did Don take all the "fight" he should have given to his marriage, and instead give it to Peggy?

There he sat with tears in his eyes (!) begging her and pleading with her to stay - even admiting he "could not do it without her?"

Why no such fight for the mother of his children?

What say ye, Mad Men fans?

Good time to fix this very bad blog design

OK, I went to open thread to search for something that is supposedly buried in the open thread of over 900 entries and counting.

Common sense tells you this is simply not a good formula. Over 900 entries with a vague subject title that includes the kitchen sink is not benefiting the posters or the readers.

To try and isolate specific comments by subject (even with time stamp) when there is no heading saying what is covered in comment is nuts.

Now might be a good time to clean up the lay-out. Why can't they divide ongoing threads into more manageable chunks based on character, home life, and company?

I personally would much rather see an ongoing Peggy thread, where I can just go and see the latest comments about Peggy, and all the other posts on Peggy from before...etc. Same with other main characters, SC, Ossining, etc. Have these threads prominently and permanently displayed.

So many comments are totally lost in the shuffle with a bad blog design. It's not benefiting AMC to have a layout that is not user friendly.

Maybe add a search feature as well?

Oh well. :(

ADT Recap 13

Link in the comments

Roger's daughter

Was there a change in the actress who played Roger's recently married daughter?

Homewrecking Henry?

HOmewrecking Henry? We report, you decide.

Armchair Astrologers: Your suggested Sun Signs per each major character?

I know there are some astrologers or students of astrology out there in cyber-land. Do you have hunches as to the Sun-Signs of each of the main MAD MEN characters? It's just for fun..... but how close can you come?

Don: Definitely a Scorpio/Plutonic type. Sex, secrets, handsomeness, serious passion, a blunt discursive habit. All point to Scorpio for me.

Betty: I'm thinking a Libra type. Natural beauty, poise and a certain indolence suggest Libra to me.

Joan: Virgo.

Roger: Leo

Bert: Aquarius.

Sally: Taurus

Sal: Gemini.

Peggy; Cancer

Pete: Capricorn

Kinsey: Virgo

Ken: Aries

Lane Pryce: Capricorn.

Connie: Scorpio.

St. John: Sagittarius

Trudy: Pisces

Greg: Leo

Carla: Capricorn

Bobby: Pisces

Duck: Leo

Henry: Gemini

Kurt: Aquarius

Miss Farrell: Aries

************************************

What say you? Am I onto something? Way off the mark?

SEASON 4 WHEN WILL IT START AIRING?

Your Post

Standard non-compete clause in contracts. How did they start own firm?

Hey, over at twitter @MadMenExaminer, I've been getting tweets about legality of their starting a competing firm. @jjensenRF noted: "When Don Draper signed his contract, a standard clause was a covenant not to compete. How does that work with new firm?

Wondered if firing negated it, but he said "Firing should explicitly be included in the provision. Esp. in early 60s. Mystified me."

I realize nowadays celebs have non-disclosures with hired help (when fired) but usually it is connected with severance pay.

Anyone have any knowledge of these 1960s ad contracts?

What about the children?

Betty is on a plane to Reno with the baby to wait out a 6 week quickie divorce. Don is living at a hotel? The two older children are left at home with the nanny/housekeeper ? Doesn't the housekeeper have her own life? Isn't it Christmas time? Shouldn't Betty have taken the two older kids with her? Maybe the teacher is available to help out?

Unresolved storylines

Before season 4 (which I hope takes place in '64 not '66 like some people have speculated) moves forward does anyone recall any good storylines that were abandoned in earlier episodes? How about directions characters were headed that you liked that were suddenly shafted? MY BIGGEST QUESTION would be Pete and Trudy's trouble over having kids. THAT WAS GREAT! Where did it go? Also, I would like to add Peggy and the father from the church. These two NEED to be revisited before The Beatles make their debut on Ed Sullivan. Anyone?

What happened to the little boy that first played Bobbie?

Your Post

Veterans Day 11/11/09

Let's remember those who have served and continue to serve, putting themselves in peril for us. Thank you to them!

Season 3 Episodes

I have a dilema. A few weeks back a co-worker loaned me Season 1 and 2 on DVD. My husband and I started watching and became hooked. We immediately set our DVR to begin recording Season 3 however we had missed the first 6 episodes. I have checked my Direct TV guide and am not finding any repeats of season 3. Does anyone know how I could watch the first 6 episodes of season 3. I am so anxious to begin the new season.

Ten Melos the Siren Would Watch Instead of "Mad Men"

Self Styled Siren has written a terrific piece on movies called "Ten Melos The Siren would watch instead of 'Mad Men.'" Though she is giving the uber popular AMC show a chance, what with its cocktail shaker/everyone smokes/has perfect hair period detail, its handsome John Hamm, its depiction of class, race, gender in the early 1960's ad world and beyond, she is not so convinced. She finds the show (and I agree with her on this) dour.
http://social.entertainment.msn.com/movies/blogs/the-hitlist-blogpost.aspx?post=1294103

Ten Melos the Siren Would Watch Instead of "Mad Men"
http://selfstyledsiren.blogspot.com/2009/09/ten-melos-siren-would-watch-instead-of.html

Men In 1960 Were Oppressed And Naive

Most were like Don. After living at home they joined the army or went to dollege first and then were taken into the army perhaps at a higher rank after some training.Few knew what it was like to live on their own as free independant bachelors and almost all then got married without even knowing the first thing about life. They went from one mother to the army mother then to the wife mother.Instead of acquiring some wealth they were thrown right into supporting a wife and her kids and were trapped into a life of servitude.It was all about what the female wanted and you'll notice that even today that a man going to his wedding acts like he's going to his own funeral.And I'll tell you something that you probably don't know but in psychiatry men planning to marry always have dreams of funerals.Women don't.

There's Something About Henry

The guy is totally nutz.You would think that a man his age would be smart enough to know what he's doing with women and know that one piece of ass is really not too different from another and of course when you marry them they change and it all becomes one big bore or aggravation.And that's not even considering any loss of assets by divorcing the former wife or the expense of taking care of a prima donna like Betty and her 3 kids.He should have just kept her on the side until he got bored with her. Much simpler.

Betty Can't Get A Divorce

I had previously mentioned that the grounds for divorce in NY at that time was only adultery and a couple of other grounds that Henry's lawyer mentioned. NYS did not recognise a Nevada divorce so it will do her no good getting one. Yes, some States like California may have but not NY.The situation is the same with homosexual "marriage" today and btw NY will not perform them or recognise them.Betty is also taking a big chance even going to Nevada with Henry. She can't prove that Don committed adultery but if Don were to hire a private detective he could get enough on Betty to sue HER for divorce and get everything including the children.And the sort of evidence admissible did not require that you have a picture of them in the act back then. Merely spending the night together whether in an apt. or hotel would be prima facie evidence that she's an adultress.Even being in two seperate rooms at a hotel and under the same roof might be enough since they were traveling together and are both married and didn't notify their spouses about it. Divorce is a civil action and it is decided based on the preponderance of the evidence a much lower standard than in a criminal case where's it's beyond a reasonable doubt.

Leonard Cohen Influence in Season 3

I just read an article featuring Abigail Spencer, who plays Suzanne. She shares that Matt Weiner based her character on the Leonard Cohen song of the same name. Check out the lyrics at the URL below. They paint a familiar picture and might offer some clarification to those who've questioned what could possibly have attracted Don to Miss F.

http://leonardcohenfiles.com/album1.html#0

Season 4 Predictions

Your Post

What's a "Jewish department store"?

In the cast descriptions I read the following:

"Rachel Menken is the head of Menken's, a major Jewish department store."

Now, I've lived in NYC for 55 years. I've never been to, seen, or heard of a "Jewish department store." What is it? A store that sells Jews? Sells Jewish products to Jews ONLY? A store that employs a "Jews-Only" staff???

Anyone?

Thanks.

The Revolution of December 13th

Just a thread to discuss odds and ends of the "revolution" of Draper, Sterling, Cooper and Pryce. There was, for example, some marvelous visual choreography in this episode. Like Don comes in and faces a seated Bert, convinces him. They go to Roger, sit down with him--he behind the desk, them facing him, forming a triangle. Then they deal with Pryce. Nice that building up of who's on board.

The second meeting with Pryce where Pryce admits PPL is being sold, too, is marvelous. Because the minute they get Pryce on board, the four of them sit, simultaneously, in four corners. It's a great visual indicating a kind of stability, like the four legs of a chair. It echos that feeling that every one of their brains is working and playing off each other--which hasn't quite been the case in previous meetings between them.

They're equals and together in the revolution, suddenly each of them is at the top of their game and they're a formidable team. Pryce was the last musketeer as it were, or the last member of the band. It all clicks into place.

And then there is that awesome moment when Don and Roger leave SC, together they open the doors and together they quite literally close the doors on SC, on their past.

Other things you saw, noticed or just want to chat about concerning this revolution--which, while not a youth movement or a civil rights movement, is still a blow, of sorts, for freedom and individuality?

podcast review of fabulous finale

6-mins on the revolutionary episode...

Roger Sterling cracks me up

Hey Maddicts, Who else got a kick out of Roger's lines this week ?
1) When he says to Lane: We're old friends "we've got tea".
2) Saying "Bye Trudy" in the apartment knowing that she was listening at the door.
3) When he told Bert Cooper that Don was doing better at wooing him into the new fold.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Please post more .

He has the funniest lines on the show

VELVEETA! The Cheese Box in Ep 13

I laughed at them packing some their stuff in a cardboard box with VELVEETA prominently printed on it. (product placement at its best) They were the mice stealing the cheese right out of the trap. A huge trap had been set for Don Draper and he found a way to steal the cheese and leave the trap empty.

Symbolic, as was Roger telling Don not to bother to lock the door. There wasn't anything left worth guarding.

"Shut The Door.Have A Seat" or "The Return of the CHIP'N'DIP"

Was that cool or what? Mr. Weiner I tip my 1960's fedora to you!

The Motley Crew

This was indeed the best episode of M.M. I've ever seen! I couldn't believe how Don and Co. decided to start their own agency. But what, praytell, will happen to Paul, Sal and Ken? Have they been written off the show for good? And poor, ol' Betty..."on the road to Reno" for her and Henry. My prediction is that he'll beat her up or something in Season 4 and Don will come along to save her. Here's hoping that the next season won't be the last. This show is worth missing out on a night of drinking!

Did You Cheer When Joan Arrived to Save the Day

I did! Even knowing that's who Roget called and that she'd be appearing, I still cheered. It was like the cavalry had arrived, or a superhero. Joan to save the day and tell them where everything is so they can steal it ;-D

henry francis seems a lot creepier now

while i have mixed feelings about e13, there's something that i noticed about henry francis last night. all of a sudden he seems a lot more creepy. maybe it's his double involvement with the whole divorce thing. maybe it's that he and betty haven't really consummated their relationship. they've barely spoken 100 words between them. what's his angle?
it doesn't seem to be love.

if don had any guts at all he'd fight to keep his kids.

Don't Understand Pete Campbell's Inclusion in the New Agency

I loved the season finale. There was one part, however, that I was confused about. How does it make sense, within the logic of the show, that they sought out Pete Campbell to create their new agency, and not Ken Cosgrove additionally or instead of Pete. For one, Don and Roger don't like Pete. Second, Cosgrove had just been promoted over Pete. Since they both started out with exactly half of the company's accounts, and neither brought in any new business, and Cosgrove apparently handled his accounts the same if not better than Pete, I don't understand why and how this went down.

This seemed like the rare instance where Mad Men follows one of the dumber, more conventional rules of television, and made a plot choice simply around the fact that it's character, Vincent Kartheiser, has higher billing and needed a reason to be on the show more.

Did I miss something?

Don has Borderline Personality Disorder

Throughout this season it has become apparent to me that Don has Borderline Personality Disorder. The key things that "sealed it" for me are:
- inability to form true intimacy with someone; relationships are idealized (think Rachel Menken)
- overwhelming fear of abandonment, usually stemming from childhood trauma (only after she kicked him out did Don admit to treating Betty badly and without respect)
- risky, impulsive behavior with sex and alcohol (and even drugs in one episode)
- projection of their bad behaviors onto other people (accusing Betty of destroying their family and calling HER a whore)
- dissociation and not remembering events, a la "This never happened."

Borderlines always blame someone else for their behavior. They push people away to avoid that person rejecting them first. Last season, when Betty first confronted Don about having an affair with Bobbie Barrett, he kept trying to change the subject and put the blame back on her. She didn't let him. Don has always done what he wanted without considering its impact on others. Borderlines' anger is usually in direct proportion to their sense of shame. Don's outbursts usually followed being called onto the carpet for things.

The official DSM description is:
A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image and affects, as well as marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:[18]
1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-injuring behavior covered in Criterion 5
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., promiscuous sex, eating disorders, binge eating, substance abuse, reckless driving). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-injuring behavior covered in Criterion 5
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, threats or self-injuring behavior such as cutting, interfering with the healing of scars (excoriation) or picking at oneself.
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness
8. Inappropriate anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation, delusions or severe dissociative symptoms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder

pete campbell - you revolutionary dawg!

just wanted to say how much i enjoyed watching the crew tear up SC and leaving it in "ruins". the icing on the cake was pete campbell walking out with his infamous gun propped up on his shoulder like a soldier!!! I just want to shout i love you Pete Campbell and i don't care who knows it! VK you are bomb diggity fresh!

Why is this so distracting to me?

I have noticed recently that three actresses share/copy the same "character mannerisms," specifically Peggy, Betty and Sally. They all seem to share that blank, deer-in-the-headlights look and a hesitant, haughty, breathless speech pattern. Peggy started it and then it seemed Betty's character has mirrored Peggy's and Sally is pulling up the rear. Has anyone else noticed this?

Pryce

Who does it stand for in the new agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce? The Englishman ? I thought his name was Lane.

Would Don Draper still like the industry?

Hello--I wrote a series of articles about the show for the finale yesterday in here is the last one (with a poll for fans). Hope you like it. Thanks :)

http://www.examiner.com/x-13521-SF-Workplace-Communication-Examiner~y2009m11d9-Mad-Men-and-advertising-today-Would-Don-Draper-still-like-the-industry

End title songs

I'm always impressed with the choice of song for the end credits......last nite,E13, what was the song?

Best Show

I am 50 years old and a pretty big TV watcher.....Mad Men is easily the best drama I have seen....

Don Draper: The Ironic Man

Don's preposterous notions just kill me (I posted this on another thread but figured I'd throw it out there for some thoughts).

1.) Don is still suggesting that Betty see a psychaitrist.....excuse me?? He's the one with the problems too numerous to mention. She sought therapy because of HIM, yet he still doesn't get it. His lousy background needs to be addressed.

2.) Don calling Betty a "whore". Oh...OK....so all his whoring around doesn't count. Again, Don needs the shrink.

3.) He accuses Betty of "building a life raft" to get out of their marriage...referring to his discovery of Henry Francis. Um, wasn't that what Don did in Korea? Didn't he adopt the identity of another soldier to escape and grab a new life?

4.)Don tells Roger that he never saw himself working in a (classy) place like Sterling Cooper. No kidding! That's because he's lucky to have gotten this far riding on the back of a stolen identity and he knows it.....same reason he isn't too too mad at Betty for jumping ship (he lied his way into her life in the first place, the schmuck)

5.) Don didn't like Conrad Hilton "playing" with him?? Yet Don fails to see how he plays with the lives of others, especially Betty's....yet she's supposed to suck it up like nothing ever happened. Now she's a "Mainline Brat" for speaking up against the lies.

"Westchester Syndrome" and Betty Draper

(Posted this to the open thread for Epi 13 as well)

I've never posted this, but from the first season it's bothered me immensely to read comments criticizing Betty for being cold and bitchy and a bad mother and wife. While she's far from perfect, I saw her from the beginning as the subject matter of "The Feminine Mystique," women of her era who woke up and discovered that the beautiful house and the children and the material goods they had been taught to define as happiness still left some hole in their lives, esp. if they had previously had some other source of personal satisfaction, like Betty's modeling career.

Betty did not marry Don for a fur coat. He swept her off her feet, with his charm and his handsome face and his awe of her. He pitched himself to her, and she bought it. Everything unraveled over time, but it wasn't until this season that she discovered the extent to which that pitch had been a complete falsehood. How can you love someone when you have no idea who he is? How could Don really love Betty, when he never allowed himself to know who she really was? She was up on a pedestal, the Madonna complete with babe in arms. When he found out about Henry, you could almost hear the gears grinding with that paradigm shift, and she became the Whore.

I do think that during the next season, Don will try to reconcile his new image of Betty, see that she's neither Madonna nor Whore, and try to let her see a little more of Don/Dick, the genuine person.

There's a "Westchester Syndrome" that people talk about today, in which women who had successful careers now find themselves stuck in the suburbs. Their husbands commute to the city, leaving before the children wake up in the morning and returning after they are asleep, so all the child-rearing is completely left to the moms. The stereotype goes: these women wait every evening till 5:00, then open a bottle of wine that they finish sometime after the kids are asleep but long before hubby gets home. What Betty and the women of their era experienced was far more difficult.

will there be a season 4 mad men?

Your Post

A Long Life

The best shows teach their audience something about storytelling. Before the season began, I expected 1963 to be entirely skipped over. But I'm so glad it wasn't. We needed to see this year in these character's lives. Unlike most dramas, especially those on cable, Mad Men could easily sustain itself for ten seasons. Given the proper support by AMC & Lion's Gate, the show is poised to become the comprehensive work of art on film about the '60's. The story potential in the years to come is endless. And they can't flash forward too much if for no other reason that we, the audience, need to see Sally Draper grow up. Kiernan Shipka is a fantastic little actress and has earned her place on the show for its life (I'm sure the writers agree).

This season required a little more patience, but I was never bored or disinterested. It was so equisitely-plotted that I didn't notice the pieces being put into place to facilitate the ending until it happened; and it was all the more resonant because it felt earned. It was particularly difficult to have so little interaction between Roger and Joan, but the scarcity just made every moment between them feel more precious. Can't wait to see what happens!

The writers on this show are rockstars to me. You've had such an impressive run that I keep waiting for the inevitable jealous-media backlash. But you've earned the my faith these last three seasons, and I'm ready to follow wherever you take us. Just keep doing what you're doing; being true to the characters.

Probably my favorite moment of a season full of brilliant moments was the last scene between Don and Peggy. Broke. My. Heart. When she said, "If I say no, you'll never talk to me again," and Don answered, "If you say no, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to hire you," I was fighting tears. Their relationship is incredibly important to me, as someone who believes in the power of mentorship. Well done. That moment was worth the wait.

Anyway, I just had to send out my love to the show, the cast, the crew...everyone responsible for giving us such a spectacular work of art. See you next year.

To Sterling Cooper Draper Price!

Everyone lift your glasses, please, and let us toast the launch of Sterling Cooper Draper Price! Throughout this season, we've seen a similarity between Don's Home and his Work. Everyone pretends that things are prospering, but the reality is that they're falling apart. No one was at their very best. No one was motivated. No one was happy. No one had what they really wanted. No one was allowed to be themselves. Everyone was merely an extension of someone else, trying to be what another wanted them to be. Yes, even Don, who was trying to be what he thought Betty wanted at home, and what SC wanted him to be at work.

It is only at the end that Don realizes that the power to have what he really wants rests with him. And what he wants most of all is to be himself. Gathering others who want the same, he creates a new family. And in doing this, he finally understands Betty and what she's after, and can let her go in search of that same thing. A new family, one where she can be herself and be her best.

They both have to start over, start fresh. Painful as that is, even if it means great losses and hardships.

So here's to Sterling Cooper Draper Price. May we see them in '64 harmonizing and hitting it big like that other Fab Four who are about to hit American Shores. And may they all find what it is they really want.

For divorced maddicts only

This episode brought back a lot of painful memories for me. I don't want to clog up the main thread with my personal memories on this subject. When Don got a little rough in the bedroom with Betty I was hoping he would put her head through a wall. This was exactly how I felt the day we(actually me) told our kids the same type of speech. The divorce was my ex-wife's idea, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was a terrible marriage I was willing to endure solely for the sake of the kids. I have been in a long time relationship with a wonderful younger woman since then, and both my children came to live with me although my ex had custody at first. My older son barely acknowledges her existence, not at my behest. Things have gone well for me the past 12 years and I do not have any regrets or anger over the break-up, save one. Having to give that speech to two kids who thought their family life was perfect and would go on forever. Of course I had to be the bad guy who actually told them while my idiot ex just looked on. For at least 6 months I daydreamed of putting her head threw the wall of a room that I had sheetrocked, but had not taped or painted yet. I am just wondering if other divorced Maddicts had similar experiences to the one in the Draper living room in episode 13

Good for Peggy and Betty: The Women Are Getting Bold

It was great to see Peggy stand up for herself and put Don in his place. She also told Roger "NO" when she asked him to fetch him some coffee. Betty also showed some backbone by telling Don she was leaving him and there was nothing he could do about it. Yes indeed, the women are getting bold and sassy! I wonder if this is a sign off things to come for next season.

THANK YOU Matt Weiner !

THANK YOU MATT WEINER, & everyone involved in this show. Just when I think it doesn't get any better than this, you roll out an episode like this.

I was cheering on the Sterling Cooper parts, crying during the divorce talk, & smiling ear-to-ear the entire hour. Matt, you & your team hit it out of the park tonight. You should be extremely proud.

And on specific notes ....

BURT - man, the look he gave Harry Crane when he said "... we'll have to lock you in the storeroom ... I'm sure you understand". That look was Emmy-worthy!

ROGER - I would follow you anywhere

PETE & PEGGY -- both know a little something about Don. Keep your friends close, you know ... Plus they are so fabulous to watch. I like Ken too, but Pete & Peggy are sheer joy. Plus with Pete we get Trudy - bless her Charleston & her sweet little sandwiches!

JOAN - love love LOVE that she's back! She is SO the woman who can put this new shop together. And for those late nights at the office, how about a little accordian!

SAL - will he come back, or will Lee Garner Jr have something to say about that? (did you catch Peggy's remark about "no art - there's nobody there"?)

BETTY - who knows is she & Henry will pan out. I like him, I don't blame her for leaving Don, though I do wish they'd get back together - at some point. As Roger put it, does Don value his relationship with his family, I wonder ....

And Don ... Don ... I thought maybe he'd killed his father. He was there, close enough. But there is still SO much more we don't know about him. I am loving these slow revelations. I've never enjoyed being in the dark this much, & somehow I think Matt & Co know that there is no one we'd rather be in the dark with.

And Peggy not getting Roger coffee ... Burt asking if people had washed their hands ... Lane making the leap with them (but what of his UK-loving wife?) ... I LOVE IT ALL. THANK YOU!!

Hated S3 with one exception

Episode 13 was awesome and what I had come to admire about season 1 and 2. To me season 3 was a waste of time except for this last episode which really makes me wish season 4 would start next week. Absolutely loved this episode and look forward to an energetic and hopefully more upbeat season 4. Getting sick of the "Whole world sucks lets all be depressed and miserable" crap that seems to fill every network lately. Not everyones life sucks, SOME people are actually happy and upbeat. (ok maybe not me, but some people)

satisfying, surprising, often exhilarating, superb

review of Season 3 finale

shahadaroba

Shahadaroba, Shahadaroba
Means the future
Is much better than the past

Shahadaroba, Shahadaroba
In the future
You will find a love that lasts

Where is Sal?

I was totally disappointed the season ended without him

Awesome I love it The Birth of the Sixties

Good Riddance Betty!!! Hello Sterling Cooper Draper and Pryce!!! And thank God the old Roger is back!!

Betty's a Piece of Trash!!! IAnd Don finally Looks Happy

The spirit of the sixties is budding in an upset rogue agency. I love it. Out with the old and in with the new. Betty deserves what she gets an old stuffy boring man. Good Riddance to that dry boring self absorbed brat. Yay Don Yay SC and for once YAy pete and Trudy. Even Coop seems to have gotten his second wind and wow was that teh old ROger spilling the beans on the home wrecking Francis. I hope that bastard gets his.

conrad hilton

who plays conrad Hilton?

The Sterling Cooper effect: How 'Mad Men' has changed contemporary advertising

Here is another story in the "Mad Men" series called The Sterling Cooper effect: How 'Mad Men' has changed contemporary advertising:
http://www.examiner.com/x-13521-SF-Workplace-Communication-Examiner~y2009m11d8-The-Sterling-Cooper-effect-How-Mad-Men-has-changed-contemporary-advertising

Season 3 Episode 12 - Open Thread

Talk about Season 3, Episode 12, "The Grown Ups."

My day on the set of Mad Men Part 4

Sunday, May 17th

"C'mon sweetheart, you can't keep staring at your phone," said Craig, as he lifted my eyes to his. "We're supposed to be enjoying our brunch, not worrying about a phone call..."

I interrupted him.

"No, it's not just a phone call. It's a phone call about Mad Men." I corrected him, with a tinge of irritation in my voice. "And this isn't just ANY call," I puncutated the ANY, and took a slurpe of coffe for emphasis.

Craig sank back in his chair and shrugged his shoulders.

"I dunno. Perhaps you should think about lying off the double lattes this morning."

"HA HA. Look who's a comedian this morning...."

"Whatever," snipped Craig, opening up his paper with a snap, "I just hope you don't implode by today's end, if they don't call you."

I narrowed my eyes at him dangerously, "I'm sorry, what was that about them not calling?"

He lowered his paper, and challenged my flashing eyes.

"I said IF they don't call. I never said they wouldn't call..."

"Craig, way to be supportive here...."

"Hey, I AM being supportive. I'm just trying to keep your feet on the ground, you've been so jumpy since yesterday..."

"How would YOU feel? I never wanted anything so badly in my..."

"I know, baby, and they WILL call. You just have to be..."

"(I have to be) PATIENT."

We both stopped when we said PATIENT in unisom. It was one of those couple's moments, when you're on the same wavelength, and though it takes time to land on the same page, you'll eventually get there. This happens to us a lot when we've had arguments. Three cheers for being together for 8 years!

When we both stopped, we looked at each other, exchanged an embarrassed glance, and started to chuckle. I gave him a playful snarl while I shook my fists at him, and laughed a bit more freely. Without saying anything, we clasped hands; I kissed his hand, while he reached over to smooth the hair from my eyes, and softly kissed my forehead. He then whispered in my ear, "They called you. They want you there. There's nothing to worry about."

I looked into his eyes soulfully, and trusted his words, though I couldn't fully be sure. In my gut, I felt something was wrong.

For the duration of my Sunday, I tried courageously to distract myself, and shuffle off any nagging doubts I had about working on set the following week. I worked, puttered around my office organizing a few things for my flight to Los Angeles in the morning, and combed through my closet, to select what I would wear for the next 4 days.

"It will happen," I repeated to myself, over and over, like a desperate mantra, trying the silence the quiet nagging in my gut.

"It will happen. It will happen."

It was now 7pm, and I was meeting with my last client of the day. I hadn't heard a peep from Central Casting, though I had made 2 follow up phone calls, to reiiterate I was available and making my plans to be at my costume fitting on Monday.

Yeah, well, nevermind that I had no idea WHEN my costume fitting would be, I just knew that I had one, and I would be on the 7am flight Monday morning, ready for my marching orders from LAX, as my flight was arriving around 8:45am.

"It will happen. It will happen."

My last appointment of the day went surprisingly well, as I had really pumped myself up in session, chatting happily with my client about my Mad Men opportunity. I had a double layer of inspiration during my session, as my client counseled me not to worry, that the agency was probably super busy, and wasn't able to get back to me. Now see? THIS is what I really needed to hear! Some good ol' fashioned horse sense!

What my client sagely counseled me on suddenly turned a light switch on in my craw.

"Of course! It's a huge agency, and you're just one tiny moving part. You have nothing to worry...."

But, what's this? As if on cue, my nagging gut returned, like a moth smashing itself against the white glare of a flame, safely shrouded in it's crystal orb.

I felt myself internally shake my internal nagging into silence, and I finished up with my client, and clean up my incall space for the day. I busied myself with my end of the day routine, did a bit of paperwork, locked up my office, and headed home. I was psychically exhausted from all the worry I was trying to suppress, and was further wearied, knowing I had a few things to tend to, before I could fall into a blissful slumber. I just knew the minute I sat down, my internal nagging would begin, thus my fears would roar back, and I would fight off the noise, just to fall asleep. My flight was leaving at 7am, which meant I had to be at SFO at 6am. All this anxiety added up to the stark reality that it would be very, VERY difficult to get some proper sleep.

Like car breaks squealing to a halt, I realized...MY PHONE! I haven't checked it yet! As I reached into my purse, I close my eyes, and did gave a silent prayer to the gods in the ethers (you know who you are), that Central Casting had called, to reassure me that my gut wrenching worry over these last 2 days has been utterly silly, and that I was still wanted on the set, to work on Mad Men this coming Wednesday. As I switched on my phone, my iphone screen alighted. I sucked in my breath, when I saw no call from Central Casting, beyond a call from my Mom and from Craig. I wanted to unleash a primal scream of frustration, but I was afraid I would terrify the neighborhood, and I certainly didn't feel like being accosted by the cops this late in the evening.

When I walked in the front door, Craig was waiting for me. I dropped my coat and purse in a heap, smiled tightly, and headed for the liquor cabinet.

"No word?" he asked, apprehensively.

I shook my head silently, as I poured myself a glass of bordeaux, and stared out the window. Finally, after a long moment, I sighed aloud. My nose was beginning to tingle, as I held back tears. You know that feeling right? When you're holding it together, your nose tingles, and your bottom chin begins to quiver from the stress of NOT crying? Yeah, that was me.

"I don't know what to do, Craig," I sighed again, as I shook my head with exasperation. My emotional floodgates opened wide, and I turned to face him. I had hot tears of anger rolling down my face. It was RANT time. I set my glass on the counter with a loud CLANK.

"They should've called, you know? I don't feel good about this. My 7pm client told me I shouldn't worry, that they're a big agency, but I've left SIX calls: 3 yesterday and 3 today. If they don't need me anymore, fine. But why not call me? This is insane...what am I supposed to do..."

Craig interrupted me.

"Ok, and I agree with you. But think this through: if they DIDN'T want you, they WOULD HAVE called. Don't you agree?"

I wiped my tears and squinted at him skeptically, not sure how to answer that. I silently wondered, with a sick tummy, if this is how the business in Los Angeles worked. And if so, did I want to be a part of an industry so disrespectful, that they couldn't even bother with a courtesy phone call. I realized I was no January Jones, or for that matter, Jon Hamm, but not to call someone, after six phone calls, and let them know what's going on? Really?

I took a healthy swig of wine, and felt it gently soothe my nerves. While I wasn't a drinker, by any stretch of the imagination, sometimes a girl needs a bold wine to temper the mood.

Breathe, LeAnne, BREATHE. It will happen!

Craig could see I was calming down a bit. He gently smiled, and continued.

"Look, I'll support you, either way here. Do I think it's disrespectful for them NOT to call? Absolutely. Do I think you should hop on that plane tomorrow morning, poised and ready for your costume fitting? YES. "

I smiled, in spite of myself.

"You think it's going to happen, and that they haven't called, because they're just busy, yes?"

Craig smiled wide.

"Yes, I do, Miss LeAnne. Have faith."

I looked at Craig, and I just wilted. He was wearing a big, toothy smile and the light in his eyes was luminous. I dropped my head and giggled in spite of myself, my frustration and anxiety. How could I NOT believe it would happen, when this man whom I loved so much, was SO sure? I felt silly to be so nervous, when Craig was so freakin' positive. Perhaps he knew something I didn't know, about the power of positive thinking, or he was putting on the best show ever, to shore up my confidence and belief in myself. Whatever he was doing, was working brilliantly, and I ran into his arms and held him to me tight.

Craig pulled away for a moment, and held me firmly by my shoulders.

"Hey, look at me," he said softly.

I raised my eyes to meet his.

"You are going to be on MAD MEN this Wednesday, May 20th, yes?"

A small smile was forming on my lips.

"My girlfriend is going to be on MAD MEN!"

My smile grew wide.

"Take that to bed with you tonight. There's no way you aren't getting on that plane tomorrow morning."

My smile was so wide by now, it was creasing my earlobes.

"I am. Damn straight."

Tomorrow, Part 5: Monday, May 15th, 2009.....

Wardrobe and it's meanings

We all love re-watching and catching new things the day and week after, especially the day before the finale now. I had posted in my own little open thread original post about wardrobe but I think there's something else.

I had said that Pete and Trudy looked surprisingly like Kurt and Smitty in the end where Mr. Company is now feeling like Mr. Rebel. I think that was MM attention to detail.

I also mentioned Jane wearing black to the wedding as I thought women weren't supposed to do. But that black to a wedding thing was debatable on the thread and that's ok. The point was about the MM attention to detail in putting Jane in black, whatever any of us think.

Now check this out. The finale last season opened with Betty in the Dr's office sitting on the table in a gray dress, not exactly thrilled. It was a scene that defined her future in a way, in a position to say yes or no, leave or stay if you will, regarding the obvious situation of hers.

Here, now, when she comes home to Don at the end of this episode and tells him she doesn't love him, I swear she's wearing the same dress. And if it's not, it's way too close to similar to be a coincidence. I think it's not an accident. And it's the same situation, she has a moment of leave or stay, a moment of decision-making as the end of last year.

Kind of like Pete and the rifle. Last season at a defining moment for Pete we saw him with the rifle by himself after Peggy's news. In the first cut this past episode we see Pete on the couch (in the fetal position before he's about to "grow out" of SC but that's beside the point and should be a whole new topic for another thread), and the rifle as a reminder in the background, of Pete who is about to again have a defining moment.

A dress and a rifle both making a reappearance at defining moments. Attention to detail. How do people not love this show???

It's De-Lovely

If you're staying home tonight and have nothing to do rent the 2004 film "De-Lovely." Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I'll post a link to one of the songs and hope Monty enjoys it too!

Decoding the Symbols of Mad Men Season Three

(Slide Show)

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/11/mad_men_symbols.html?mid=agenda--20091106

JANUARY IN GQ MAGAZINE

I didn't like the writer in the GQ article's tone towards our January Jones. She is brilliant in her role as Betty, and he kept dwelling on how much she had to drink. He wouldn't treat a male actor that way in a piece. Not very well-written article either...not much there there as Gertrude Stein would say. What do others think?

Any Maddicts getting together Sunday? The yahoo group?

Hi everyone!!

My guy and I don't have a TV, and have been watching the MAD MEN, the itunes-download way.

We would LOVE to watch the show with our fellow Maddicts...anyone have something planned? Also, I fear something may be planned in the yahoo forum, but I don't know how to get to the yahoo forum.
I've been under the weather off and on, and so, I've not been able to be online as much as I like to, and I feel I missed out on so much here.

I did want to mention, I'll be getting my Part 4 and Part 5, about my visit to the Mad Men set up, later tonight (FINALLY). This being sick, on and off, has been for the birds!

One Night in NYC...

Hey Maddicts! I posted a few weeks back looking for advice on things to do while in NYC for one night. You all gave me such great advice... THANKS. I went on 10/15 and, unfortunately it was very cold and rainy. But hey, I'd never been to NYC and I had the night to cram in as much as I could before my conference in the morning, so I made the best of it. First of all, I gotta tell you New Yorkers, I love your city! It is absolutely amazing. I was shocked at how large it was... Atlanta feels SO small to me now. I can not wait to go back for a longer stay!

For a photo journey of my night, you can check out my pics and story here http://www.flickr.com/photos/8395472@N05/sets/72157622630013269/

Warning, my camera battery died so I had to shoot with my cell phone all night. They're not great quality photos but, after a few old fashioneds I didn't really care...

Post Mad Men plans?

Your Post

Cute Parody: "Milk Men"

http://www.atom.com/funny_videos/milk_men_trailer/

Episode 13 - Predictions????

So here it is teh end of a very dramatic and well written season of Mad Men. What are your predictions as to how it will end - for now? The future of SC ? Don and Betty? Roger and Jane? Peggy and the Duck conspiracy? Where the hell is Conrad Hilton- on the moon?

Quick Poll - Did Dick Do It?

Those who have peeked at imdb know the young Dick Whitman will return in the season finale. The assumption is that the, ahem, sudden passing of Dick's father will be depicted. Here's the Poll:

Did Dick:
a: directly contribute to Archie's death
b. indirectly or inadvertently contribute to it
c. had nothing to do with it.

The answer will be shown Sunday night. Maybe.

Takes one to know one, and Don isn't stupid

Don knows Betty too well. He knows she needs attention, needs a man, and for her to tell him she doesn't love him any more must make him wonder. He knows the only thing that would make him not love her any more would be someone who could take her place. He knows this because he could imagine that with Miss Teacher. She's the only one who Don "played house" with.The only one who he actually slept with. He knows Betty has someone she wants to replace him with. Does Don have enough self esteem left, after Betty's discovery of who Don really is,to fight, to change her mind,to care? Or has it left him with enough spite and venom to be mean or cruel, determined find out what or who is behind Betty's change of heart.

ADT Recap 12

Have the prime rib AND the filet, and move on up the front of the theatre. Curtain's up. Link in the comments.

Win Season 2 DVDs

Hello--I am running a contest where I am giving away DVDs of Season 2. If you are interested in entering, you can find information here:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-13521-SF-Workplace-Communication-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Are-you-a-fan-of-Mad-Men-on-AMC-Enter-to-win-free-Mad-Men-Season-2-DVDs

Thanks! Good luck!

DVD Commentaries

I was lucky enough to win the box set of Mad Men Season 2 for my favorite Joan quote. "Your decolletage is distracting."
It's a beautiful box set BTW.I was just wondering if anyone else had it and listened to the audio commentaries in the special features section, and if not you should . I found them very interesting on many levels. They were very insightful about not only the characters but also the actors and behind the scenes people. It was a trip to hear who was the most interesting as a commentator and who was a little boring. I recommend watching all of the ones Weiner of course.

My six favorite words from Ep 3.12

Take a pill and lie down.

What 4 Films Would You Present?

TCM has a monthly feature where a celebrity, or just a TCM viewer, chooses 4 films that he/she wishes to present, watch, and them sum-up w/ the audience, after the film is over. This is not necessarily the presenter's 4 FAVORITE films, nor what the presenter believes are the 4 GREATEST films ever made. This is a choice of 4 films, out of all the films ever made, that the presenter would choose to share, by presenting the films to the TCM audience. Besides the 4 films you would choose to present, what 4 films would any of the Mad Men characters choose to present?

What are Your Guilty Pleasures?

What TV Shows and/or films can you watch over and over again, even if they aren't great art? And, what are the Guilty pleasures of each of the Mad Men characters?

JFK Assassination Memories

Please post and have anyone who remembers post their memories of the JFK Assassination. I am especially interested in memories of people born in 1956 & 1957:

Where is Attention Deficit Theater?

Kristen ?
Kevin ?

Crickets: Chirp

Season3 Dvd release?

Hello i am new on this site.
Does anyone know when the Dvd release of season 3 will be in Europe(Sweden) or when they will broadcast it?

THIS WEBPAGE

This webpage has my computer running funny and making vacuum cleaner sounds.

Memo To Matt Weiner From The Open Thread Madaddicts

"Believe it or not, some posters on The Open Thread have some suggestions and even some complaints, that they wish to pass on to Matt. Here they are:"

Questionable taste?

The lead-ups to Episode 12 mentioned "Peggy's taste in men proves questionable." But now that we've seen the episode, I fail to see how the episode depicted this. Duck didn't say or do anything that would make him seem bad or would have Peggy second-guessing her relationship with him, and aside from flighty roommate's comment on his aftershave, nobody else is questioning Peggy's taste. Perhaps the preview blurb is foreshadowing something that will happen later?

What was Peggy typing?

Peggy typically uses her dictaphone when doing work. So I suspect she was typing a personal letter...resignation letter maybe? Don kept trying to see what it was, moving ever closer, but then he got distracted by the AquaNet convertible image. Peggy looked awfully uncomfortable. Thoughts?

Music from Season 3 finale trailer

Hey everyone! I'm not sure if you caught the trailer for the season finale, but it features the song "Aphelion" from Moving Mountains' 2007 album, Pneuma.

The trailer is on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xylyhOLId60) and you can listen to the full song on the band's MySpace (www.myspace.com/movingmountainsmusic)

Trudy's New Perspective

I found the scenes with Trudy and Pete, hooked on the news, pretty fascinating. I'm curious about what other people thought. Here's what I saw:

It starts with Pete and Trudy falling into their usual pattern. Whenever Pete gets bad news, this is what happens (more or less):
(1) Pete throws a mini-temper tantrum in front of Trudy where he rants (justly or not) about how unfair it all is that he's not appreciated or promoted.
(2) Trudy checks to make sure he didn't commit a serious faux pas (like throw this same tantrum in front of his bosses). Assured that Pete didn't shoot himself in the foot, Trudy then lets him kevetch while saying something akin to "Poor baby! Those mean, nasty people don't know how lucky they are to have you!"
(3) Pete then makes some histrionic statement about quitting or doing something equally dramatic, and Trudy, while remaining totally on his side and sympathetic, talks him out of it. Return to status quo.

This time, however, it didn't go like that, did it? It went off track when Pete threw in comments (true or not) that made the people at work seem disrespectful of JFK's assassination. From that point on, Trudy's perspective on Pete's situation changes. The longer they watch the news together, the more it changes.

By the end, instead of trying to talk him out of doing what he wildly proposes to do, she's urging him to do it, even adding in modifications ("take your clients with you...").

What I'm curious about is (1) why do you think Trudy broke out of their usual pattern and became a revolutionary (as it were) in favor of Pete fighting the establishment rather than giving it another college try? Is this another case of JFK's assassination "waking" someone up? (2) Pete talks a good game, but we know he's not an alpha male however much he may want to be. He'd rather imagine doing radical things then do them (even in season 1 he didn't really want to go through with is threat to expose Don--Don forced the issue). Do you think, at the end when Trudy is urging him to leave that he's regretting what he said? I get the feeling that he expected the pattern to go as usual and is taken by surprise by Trudy.

Memo To Matt Weiner From The Open Thread Madaddicts

Believe it or not, we posters on the Open Thread have some complaints and suggestions. In your Emmy speech, you mentioed tha "writing [was] hard". Please read what we have to say, because we Madaddicts are only trying to assist you in making the show great!

view an episode

i want to view episodes without taping....help...where can i find episode 12

Stolen Glances - Betty and Henry

Betty and Henry? What is the attraction? As sneaky and whoremongering as Don is ( one referred to lovingly as a Ladies Man) it truly angered me when Henry told Betty he would marry her. (I assume that he was assuring her in 1963 speak of a safety net for a sexual affair) . What does she see in this guy? He's smooth and has a degree of power and position but he is twice her age and has a daughter that appears to be Betty's age. It's obvious she has had it with Don Draper. I would like to think there is something still there. I don't think it has as much to do with the affairs that Betty suspects. Perhaps it has more to do with the small lies (not that hiding your true identity is a small lie) that made Don's kiss meaningless. It was Betty's generic moment. In Italy she felt sexy and modern and I truly thought the fire was back for them but in the morning it was back to good old Bets -Here Bets it's a charm for your charm bracelet, Mother of my kids- instead of here is string of pearls and while we're here I want to kiss you at the coliseum. Betty has married well and lives in West Chester and wants for nothing but spends her days watching TV while Don unpredictably comes and goes. There is seemingly no interest at all in what is meaningful to Betty or a complete lack of comprehension on Don's part that his wife could require anything more than the home he has provided for her. She is a trophy and he (although I think he truly will be destroyed when she leaves) he won't get it until it is too late. It could be that Henry asks her about her and truly seems interested. I think she so craves being a considered human being that any man that gives her that becomes attractive (as women don't think, in terms of what attracts them, as men do). As an aside there are like 20 posts on here about trolls and bickering and alternative posting sites and blah blah blah. It's tedious to scroll through to get to posts about the show.

Things to notice in Ep. 12

1. Peter's Rifle: Some obvious foreshadowing, right in the first scene -- the rifle is shown prominently in the background while Pete whines about cocoa.

2. Peewee Herman?? Duck phones Peggy for a "nooner" under the name "Mr. Herman." Then he calls her "Peewee" (his nickname for her?) It's an obvious joke...but why?

3. Aqua Net: Everyone saw the assassination foreshadowing during Paul Kinsey Theater -- now we know for sure they'll have to change that ad. Don looks at Peggy's story board - two couples in an open top convertible...yeah, gonna have to nix that idea.

4. Don's Dressed Like Oswald: Who noticed that Don is wearing the exact same outfit Oswald was wearing when he was shot? Dark sweater over white collared-shirt. Ummm...so does that mean Betty 's Jack Ruby?

5. Black and White: Henry's white Ford(?) pulls up next to Betty's black Lincoln in the parking lot -- a nod to Civil Rights?

6. Betty and Carla: Distraught Carla joins sobbing Betty on the sofa and lights up a cig. Sally consoles Betty. Betty and Carla do NOT console each other.

7. Natalie Wood: At the reception, Henry Francis's daughter tells Margaret Sterling that she "looks like Natalie Wood or something..." The actress playing MS once played Natalie in a TV movie.

8. Pete is Fab: At the end, Pete is channeling "Meet the Beatles" as his face is partially covered in shadow and he wears that black turtleneck.

Seeking Comfort

One of the (many) subtexts raised in this episode was the theme of "Where were you when JFK was shot"? The characters sought comfort with who was either familiar or most convenient, to try and make sense of the horror and shock of the assassination. Peter and Trudy clung to each other in their grief for the death of the President, as well as the loss of his position. They seemed more like a couple than ever before this season. Roger called Joan. Duck hooked up with Peggy. Harry stayed in his office. And, Betty, having realized her marriage is over, ran to Henry. And then, there's Don, left with noone, pretending that everything's going to be OK, when nothing will ever be the same again. The end of national and personal innocence for everyone.

Henry Francis

Wow ...who is this guy? I bet he is on the cover of the next GQ mag! I hope to see more of him!!!

Divorce?

Ok, I am usually onlyt right on predictions about 40% of the time for MM, so I'll hedge my bets with a few options.
Matt Weiner doesn't do big cliff hangers, so we should have some resolution next Sunday.

Most likely: Betty's confidence will falter or she'll be influenced by that advice she's getting in episode 13 and not push for a separation or divorce this season.

2nd most likely: she'll ask for a separation and take the kid's to dads house (Don can buy out William). Don might agree as a stalling tactic. By the open of the next season, which would be a few years down the road, they could be divorced "off camera".

3rd (least likely) - she'll ask for the divorce. If she does, he'll agree will support her financially. His pride wouldn't allow him to try to win her back. He has trouble even admitting that he loves her.

What would Don Do???

Seems like a good number of people think that Don would try to leave Betty penniless and prehaps even take the kids if she asks for a divorce. I don't. I am no Don fan, but he does take pride in providing for his family and I think that even with his twisted morals, if she insists on a divorce, he will keep providing for her and would not want to take the kids from her. Underneath it all, he has a very low opioion of himself and there is no way that he'd think he could do a better job with them than she could . The $ in the drawer - lots of people assume it's the 500,000 dollars. I am sure most of that is in the bank. Don keeps some out as an escape fund for himself and proabably also becasue he is a child of the depression and doesn't trust banks. Remember, Betty said he dioesn't understand money. When he ran away to CA, he seemed willing to consider going back to selling cars. It's not all about the money with him, its the status family/wife.

podcast on The End of the World and Mad Men

7-mins of what was close to The End of the World for Don, and what may be the best fiction on the screen about the impact of Nov 22, 1963 on a slice of influential Americans...

close captioning

please correct your closed captioning.. It is sketchy at best and nonexistent most of the time. Some of us depend on closed captions!

Mad Men Season 3 Won't Win Best Show Emmy

It's not the acting - that has been outstanding. Jon and January have been great, as have the majority of the supporting players (when we see them!).

The photography as been beautiful, perhaps even better than last year, much of the dialog is spot on...

I think what we're missing this season is a well thought out plot, that is somehow connected to reality.

There is no way that all of these trials and tribulations could happen to a group of 5 people. Each individual situation (for the most part) could be justified based on character, the decade, etc... but all together, it seems impossible.

Here are few examples....

We are supposed to believe that over the course of the two years 6 characters (Roger, Joan, Betty, Pete, Sal and Peggy) have had these experiences:2 rapes (Joan and the one that Pete perpetrated), two unwanted pregnancies (Peggy and Betty), 2 floundering new marriages (Joan and Roger), 2 dead fathers (Pete and Betty), outted, sexually harassed, and fired (Sal). It's hard to believe that a group has so many unfortunate people in it - yes, all of these things could happen, but to ALL of these people on the show? And in such a short period of time? This is Peyton Place.

The second problem with the plot is the obvious use of tertiary characters to move the plot along. The draft dogger and his girl friend (let us know that Don is losing touch with his roots); the nanny (heck, Pete needs to rape someone), the teacher (Don is freaking out and needs an escape route), the teacher's brother (ode to Adam), Hilton (Don needs a dad to reject him, to justify his latest affair). Last 2 seasons, the writers really seemed to be more effective in weaving these characters into the plot in a more subtle way.

Just look at how we got the teacher this year - the hand on the grass at the Maypole Event, she blurts out that her dad died too, she happens to live 2 miles away and happens to jog along the route Don drives. Oh, and Hilton happens to give him an alibi because of the night calls. Jeese Louise, that is as subtle as a sledge hammer.

Betty and Francis...WTF?????

Ok..I am a Betty sympathizer. I have backed my home girl since day 1. I have understood her character and identified with her more than any other on a TV show. It almost makes me feel silly.

My issue this week is how can she just flip the switch "I don't love you, Don" so quickly? As soon as Francis says he intends to marry her, she jumps the fence and all of a sudden wants to ditch DD.

I will give further comments in the posts....

Roger and Joan

Will Roger tire of his child bride and realize that Joan is a real woman?

The End of the World

review of 3.12

The End of Camelot Episode 12

This episode concerned the assassination of JFK and the end of Camelot, as Jackie christened it.
"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot! "
For one brief moment in time, there was a president who seemed to be a knight in armor, a young King Arthur to the American. But death could not contain the soiled garments beneath the armor. The tales of sordid affairs and election corruption came to view.

For one brief moment, Dick Whitman costumed himself as a knight, found himself a princess and created his own Camelot complete with a suburban castle.

Tonight Don Draper was shot down by the bullet of Betty's words. Tonight was about the end of Camelot for Don.

Whimsical too that, the son of Richard Harris, a previous star of Camelot on Broadway should be a prominent member of the cast this season and that his words ended a lesser Camelot for Pete Campbell.

I give up, EP 12 Open Thd alternate posts here:

If you can't get on the 12 Open Thread, post here and let's chat. Remember your comments aren't beholden to any one thread, and we all want to hear what everyone has to say. Talk here if you can't get on, and don't be afraid to re-post them on the open thread if you get on it later in the week. But for now, since most of us can't get on, talk here. I'll start it:

Outside of the emotive aspects, it still was a great episode in it's own otherwise as well.

What terrific writing. The dialogue between characters in every corner was so perfectly funny, smart, deep and poignant. Give them credit. Regarding the crafting of this episode I think it's a shame the dialogue writing may be overlooked, this was great.

I'll spare the repeating of lines but Peggy going for the nooner with Duck, saying she'll be, "at the printers" was terrific. Gotta love Peggy being one of the guys pulling Don's favorite excuse.

Speaking of Peggy and Duck, last week we had a parallel with 2 men dealing in their own way with younger women, at the same time. And we have it here again.

Even further speaking of young women, you have 2 young women fighting over the same older man, Jane and Margaret competing over Roger. Different ways obviously, but still competing.

Competition as a theme this episode:
Pete vs Ken, Pete lost.
Don vs Henry, looks like a loss in this round for Don.
Jane vs Margaret

Pete: Pete was told by Pryce that the clients' needs are feeling met with Pete. Pete hates that, however, this is the best we've seen him meet his wife's need for comfort and attention and togetherness; i.e., ironically meeting his client's needs if you will.
And if you notice, at the end Pete and Trudy are dressed a little more like Smitty as they're both talking rebellious about "the man" i.e. Sterling Cooper. I think that could end up being a big visual and foreshadowing for next year. Hmmm. We'll see.

Ok here's a thing for the women here:

I know nowadays we basically have almost no rules when it comes to appearance unfortunately, but I was under the impression that a woman is to never, ever, wear black to a wedding, at least back then if not now. Jane wore black. It fits the profile of Jane to be accidentally rude like that, and I'm almost positive that's the way it used to be. So, you tell me....?

I think Betty will get caught in her Henry business. In prior episodes we've seen her take on, in her own way, some parallels with Don. Know what else I think she's parallel with Don? Her sloppiness regarding her extracurricular activities. Taking a drive to go see someone who is not the spouse? What had Don been doing in the early mornings? Taking a drive to see someone who is not the spouse. Also, being shady in the meeting, wether it's him sneaking up to Farrell's place, or Betty meeting Henry in a parking lot. Both shady and sloppy. They deserve each other.

But back to a structural thing, Betty feeling grief over the events of the day is pretty much in conjunction with Betty feeling grief over her marriage and situation. And those two things colliding make for a bad marriage, pun intended.

Is there anything to Don, when he's chatting with Peggy at the end, looking at the Aquanet sketches but he flips them upside down back upon her desk?

Near the very end, Don coming downstairs to the disgruntled Betty doing the morning thing, looking right at Betty and you hear that cold wind, allegedly, from outside. No accident of audio.....

The obvious will get all the attention but this really was a great episode, give them credit.

Brilliant and Poetically Sad Episode

Hats off to the writers and actors of this beautifully somber and compelling episode. . Aptly titled "The Grown Ups" we see adults acting as children and children acting as grown ups and a country in various degrees of shock and mourning. There was a great deal of stock news footage (maybe too much) in the episode but the manner by which differing characters "heard the news" was indeed interesting. (After a Nooner - at work - etc) The lack of people at the wedding reception ( and the surplus at the church) was also a very subtle yet powerful statement. I should have guessed that the Aquanet add would be foreshadowing - they won't be using that storyboard. Why is Betty interested in that old man? Is it because she just lost her Daddy and she can't trust Don? I know Don is a lying cheater cheater pumkin eater but I feel bad for him. He can't lose Betty. Would the world shut down like this should something so tragic happen today? I wonder.

This episode was filled with gut-wrenching drama!

This was one of the most tense episodes of the entire series. Everyone was so emotional. Betty is distraught. Pete is having a nervous breakdown. Don is losing more and more power at Sterling Cooper. Carla is deeply sad. Roger's daughter almost lost it before her wedding and on and on. This was an epsiode of gut-wrenching drama.

Season 3 Episode 11 - Open Thread

Talk about Season 3, Episode 11, "The Hobo and the Gypsy"