My Prejudice

Did anyone else not like that guy just when you found out his name was Sinjin? lol

My Prejudice

Did anyone else not like that guy just when you found out his name was Sinjin? lol

"Christmas Comes But Once a Year" Cleveland Plain Dealer blog entry

"Mad Men" (10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, AMC): Set around Christmas of 1964, the fourth season's second episode finds the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce agency landing a new account, adding staff and, of course, throwing a party. Meanwhile, Sally Draper (Kiernan Shipka), rocked by her parents' separation, runs into an old friend.

========================================
Any guesses as to Sally's friend?

Value of Money, then and now!

Don's salary is $45,000 a year. Calculated for inflation that'd be $322,671.52. What was considered wealthy back then?

Theory for S4 - Cosgrove/Crane dynamic?

I'm a first time poster but longtime fan of the show, and I have an idea as to how the role of Ken Cosgrove will unfold as season 4 progresses.
I don't know if American digital cable providers carry the same on demand content as Canadian ones (I assume they do, and more), but in the Mad Men OD section on Rogers Cable in Canada there's a 19 minute featurette called Mad Men Rules where cast members are interviewed on set in costume. All except January Jones do their bits in pairs or groups (probably because many Betty scenes in this season won't involve other regulars). Here's where I come to my point.

Rich Sommer and Aaron Staton do their interviews as a pair, from which I gather they were likely filming Cosgrove/Crane scenes together. And given Harry's storm-out during the S4 premiere over the loss of jai alai having just sold a special to CBS, perhaps Ken comes 'round to try and poach him over to McCann?
I'm likely dead wrong, but it's not as unbelievable as some plot suggestions I've read.

Chicken Kiev Recipes

Yo, yo, fellow Maddicts! Inspired by the Premiere episode, I'd like the make Chicken Kiev. Recipes that I'm reading look easy. Also, a bit confusing. Some say use powdered garlic in the crust, others not. Some say mix chopped parsley with the butter, others not. Some say use dill or tarragon with the butter. And many say use dried herbs rather than fresh...which just seems wrong.

Anyone got a really good recipe for Chicken Kiev? Preferably one that might come from that restaurant where Don took Bethany?

Roger and Joan

I find it interesting how much Roger changes when Jane is around. The "relatively young love" scene. Those few episodes in Season 3 when he's trying to find her a job and you can see how much he's thinking about her. How satisfied he seems when he brings her in on the conspiracy. The scene at the end of Season 3 when they were going through the records. "I can't read you writing Red." "It's perfectly clear." Him with his glasses on his nose looking very confused. Joan taking care of him and looking at him like he's "just the the living end." (Added because I'm just so very good at mental dialogue.) She seems very good for him, but I'm pretty sure he's not nearly as good for her. I'm almost certain she could do better but I would suspect he would have trouble doing any better than her. But that's almost never how people think about those sorts of things and I guess that's good.
What a tall order to let someone you love go. I'm pretty sure I would be less likely to love someone the, "I know you can have the best life without me, so go." amount. I'd be much more likely to tend toward the, "I love you just enough to rather you'd stick around." amount.

Roger and Jane

Towards the end of Season 3, it looked like some of the shine was starting to come off of the marriage of Roger and Jane, and Joan's last few appearances with Roger in the last season certainly got me thinking that Roger and Jane weren't meant to be (surprise, surprise.)

And yet, here we are, a new season, nearly a whole year has past, and their marriage is still going, without any major signs of discontent. Yeah, we didn't see Jane at all, or much of Roger, but to me, the very idea that Roger entertains thoughts of Jane playing matchmaker for Don -- and to actually be complicit in it -- makes me think that bloom isn't entirely off the rose.

Thoughts about this couple in Season 4?

O'HENRY...

Imagine Henry as a really good guy! Let's imagine that Henry has all good intentions. That he is in Betty's and Don's House only because Betty wants it that way. And, he'll do anything to please her. He is...well....there's a word for that, but let's not go there. What good points would you pick out about Henry. Be imaginative and let's see how long we can make him the good guy, pointing out examples and all!

Is it safe?

Is it safe to start reading the Season 4 Episode 2-Open Thread? I am trying very hard to avoid spoilers, and appreciate the warning on Auburn Annie's Spoiler Thread. I am trying so hard to resist peeking! I don't want to know, but I do want to know. Oh God, please keep me strong until Sunday at 10PM. It's only 49 1/2 hours!

Season 4/Episode 2 Opening Scene Predictions (woops!)

The very opening scene including characters & location

Season 4/Episode 1 Opening Scene Predictions

The very opening scene including characters & location

If I were Betty I'd SO be calling him Dick

What would you be doing if you were her?

Don's portrait for his Wall St. Journal story

If I recall correctly, they do pen-and-ink dot illustrations, not photographs, for those corporate bios in the real WSJ. Should the 'Mad Men' art department make a mockup of the Don Draper WSJ story and portrait for a future episode, any chance that AMC can persuade the folks-that-be to make it a wallpaper download for us digitally minded fans? Am I assuming too much?

Season 4 Premiere - Open Thread

Talk about Season 4 Episode 1, "Public Relations."

MAJOR spoiler: Christmas Comes But Once a Year

Do NOT NOT NOT NOT read the spoiler in the Orlando Sentinel "preview" of this week's show unless you don't mind - and then please do not share, for the rest wo don't want to know ahead of time:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/07/this-weekend-christmas-on-mad-men-conspiracy-on-rubicon-return-of-shark-week.html

Sheer Socks

I finally got view Epsiode 1 recorded on my vcr and noticed the men are now wearing either regular nylon or cotton socks as opposed to the sheer thick 'n thin nylon dress socks they have been wearing in the previous seasons. So let me be the first to say how disappointed I am and hoping whomever is in charge of wardrobe will bring the sheer socks back. I grew up in the 50's and 60's and sheer thick 'n thin socks were the dress socks of choice for most men in those days. Someone had suggested to me while they were more popular earlier in the 60's regular nylon dress socks including over-the-calf socks had become popular by the mid-60's. Men tend to be more creatures of habit and were in the 60's and would have continued to wear the type of socks as well as underwear they had always worn. I still wear sheer thick 'n thin nylon dress socks with garters holding them up with my suits as well as sportswear just as I did back then. So please, please, please bring back the sheer dress socks so many of us love to see on the male characters. That will satisfy us as well as have an impact on those who are wearing the 60's styles again that are being sold because of Mad Men today.

ADT Where are you?

Calling Kristen Ament... I can't find Attention Deficit Theater anywhere? Please write and let us know if you're still writing the funniest recaps of MadMen we've seen. Hope so!

Betty never eats

Seriously, I have watched all the re-runs and never have seen her eat one bite. It's always wine or a cig. I wonder how she did at Thanksgiving?

Limiting the number of posts on the main thread?

No one can possibly read the 2000+ posts on the main thread, resulting in much repetition of topics and questions.

What would you think of limiting the discussion on the main thread to the three hours immediately following the first airing? After that time, posters could start separate threads to discuss specific topics.

rejected posts

Is anyone else having trouble with the site not accepting post?

Joan??

Has Joan's background ever been mentioned? We know about 'Roger,Peggy,Pete,Betty,and of course Don....

Jon Hamm sighting...

Imagine my surprise as I watched my recorded episode Old Home Week of THE UNIT and who should appear but the one and only Jon Hamm. He is portraying an anti-war protester, 7:00 shadow, shaggy hair and all. What a treat!

Anyone else have a sighting?

Anchor unable to form a sentence in the presence of Christina Hendricks

All she did was say "bath," and the poor guy was toast:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/news_anchor_unable_to_speak_af.html

Also, she looks amazing (not surprisingly) with her hair so long and down! Gorgeous!

Just how much is a conference table?

Wow you would think that the first thing that SCDP would invest in would be a Conference Table (Paging Mrs. Harris?) come on even a tripped out dining table would do!

Mad Men To End in 2012

I'm sure a lot of you have already read Wiener's comments (just Google Mad Men to End in 2012 and you'll find them, if you have not already done so) that he sees the end point of the show as 2012 (season 6).

What a wise move! I hope he sticks to this. I think his point is that he does not want a show meandering all over the place until some stuffed shirt pulls the plug on it. His words (or some other wise person's) not mine. Of course, the front-men of other shows have claimed they will end a show after a particular season, only to come back for another season or two after that. And it's usually a mistake in my opinion. I always like to see a show go out on top, still fresh and fabulous (kind of like an entertainer), rather than see it limp along to some tired, dreary conclusion. For instance, I thought MASH went on about four or five seasons too long and became tired and predictable. One thing you can never say about Mad Men (at least at this point) is that it's predictable! Of course, Wiener ran Sopranos a bit longer than he should have, and I hope he sticks to his plan to end Mad Men in 2012. After all, who wants to see Don dancing Disco with his latest mistress, or Pete with shaggy hair and a wide polyester tie!

Mad Men Talk Forum Is Looking for Moderators

As of this season, AMC's Mad Men Talk Forum is now moderated in part by the fans themselves. With that in mind, the site is currently looking for Maddicts based in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. If your passion for Mad Men extends to obsessively reading, guiding and starting conversations about the show, drop us a line by sending an email here. We want to hear from you.

Skirts and...

One of the features on the main page of this website is "Mad About Style". The current entry is actually about skirts and accessories but the title reads "Mad About Style: Skirts and Access..."

Which would also be appropriate for the show with the return of the pencil skirt and all.

Griswold Inn

My favorite reference in the season 4 premiere was when Henry tells Betsy he'll take her to the Griswold Inn. That's in Essex, CT, and I used to go there all time. I'm wondering if anyone else watching heard this reference and is aware of the place:

www.griswoldinn.com

The owner has commented that it caught him totally by surprise; they didn't tell them it was going to be in the show.

Don's Tragic Flaw

I was wondering if anyone else saw what might be the root of Don's downfall in the Season 4 opener? His success is leading to more public interest in him and that will almost certainly lead to reporters looking more deeply into his past. If I remember my Greek Civ. course isn't a hamartia (tragic flaw) supposed to be all the more poignant if it is also the trait which is the source of the character's strength?

Then again, I saw a deus ex machina in the end of Toy Story 3.

Will Betty Draper become Carmela Soprano?

There are obvious parallels between these two characters in that they both are provided for quite lavishly yet both have a cheating husband.

My question for the Maddicts out there is:
If Betty goes back to Don, do you lose all respect for her ala Carmela Soprano?

Carmela chose to stay and I know most Sopranos fans lost all respect for her when she threw her self-respect away for a spec house.

Joan and Peggy

I was wondering what you think of the relationship between Peggy and Joan? They really do like and respect each other I think but there is also an undercurrent of jealousy - Peggy of Joan's confidence and beauty, Joan of the professional respect Peggy gets from the men in the office and clients. How does this fit into the larger situation of women first reaching higher positions in the workforce as a whole? How do you think they might relate differently if they weren't "in the company of men" so to speak?

Get ready for Season 4 Promo Music

I'd like to figure out what song is being played during the recap of season 3/season 4 teaser on amc's website. Any ideas?
http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/?bcpid=101546270001&bclid=82069251001&bctid=221278117001

Roger Dodger

LOVE Roger and his crazy wit. What is your favorite Roger"ism"???

Footnotes of Mad Men

Sorry if this has been posted before but I think this is one of the MOST interesting sites devoted to Mad Men out there...

http://madmenunbuttoned.com/

IS DON WAITING FOR BETTY TO COME BACK?

When Don told Henry Francis that everyone thought the situation was temporary (subtly referring to Henry and Betty's new marriage) was he indicating that he thouht Betty was playing games and will want to come back? It's been a year and he's living in a run down apt. when he could afford a nice high rise like Pete and Trudy or another house. Is he waiting to make a move to see what Betty does next? If so, he must really loved her more than I originally thought. Maybe he's accepting all of the blame for the marriage failing and feels that Betty deserves to "act out" a little.

I pity the Don

Okay Mad Men has no good guys but I felt so sad for Don, and wanted to throw snow boots at Betty and Henry for their gloating. Is this sane? Does anyone else feel the pain (no pun intended) for Mr. Draper?

Matthew Weiner on "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross

There's so much to read these days about Mad Men. I almost feel guilty about posting one more link. But this interview is SO good -- probably one of the best I've ever read. Matt Weiner really gets into what's behind the characters and what was in his head when he came up with different situations (such as the slapping scene).

The "Fresh Air" transcript is VERY long. But it's worth it, especially to the folks here who have a need to know every detail:

http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=128770109

There's also an audio link here (almost 40 minutes long):

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128770109

Casting Contest

WHAT!?!?! All the pictures and votes for the AMC Mad Men Casting Contest have disappeared! What happens now? Are all the efforts lost?

"Little Things To Love"

I miss the little things to love posts-So I,m starting one!!!
Season 4 - Episode 1
(In No Particular Order)

1. It's Thanksgiving!!!(Yummy)
2. Snowflake Pyrex
3. A Canned Ham For All Involved
4. Bunk Beds At Don's
5. Sally's "John Waters" Moment At The Table
6. Joan Has An Office
7. The New Logo
8. The Ostrich Dress
9. Joey
10. The Line About "Another Mans Dirt"
11. Prozac Pete

Please Add!!!!!!!

Atthention Deficit Theater, Where Are You

Waiting breathlessly to hear from you. Can't wait for your reenactments of Don Draper and his dates with Marilyn and Jackie (how interesting that this time the Jackie clone was the trollop and Marilyn was the good girl). Give us your version of Betty's T'giving Day love-in and Peggy's John and Marsha routine with Joey.....c'mon, ADT, chop, chop......we Maddicts are waiting.....seems like that is what we Maddicts do, mostly, is wait....sigh.

The Women of Mad Men Interview-Backstage

http://www.backstage.com/bso/news-and-features-features/mad-for-the-women-1004106354.story

Mad Smoke!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtMfzasLbu8&feature=player_embedded

Lost without a Compass

Probably my biggest surprise is to discover that Don actually seems directionless without Betty! For me, that is a stunning bit of news. I'm beginning to think that it wasn't just the glitzy advertising pictures that Don so heartily believed in, but also that Betty played a pivotal role in keeping Don Draper and his identity on track. She was useful as a boundary line between his duality as Don and Dick and a yardstick by which to measure his business and life success. Could Don/Dick find a Betty replacement to play that role again or would it be impossible since so many elements of his life have disintegrated? Or will he search for a "different" kind of Betty to reshape his self-image and possibly his changing wants and needs?

previews: Sally & Lee Garner Jr.

Thinking about the previews/commercials for next week ("Christmas Comes But Once A Year"), the one that was shown on TV after Sunday's premiere focused a lot on Sally's unhappiness at home. Maybe Sally will try to run away, catch the train into the city on her own, and turn up at Daddy's office unexpectedly? Could she even be the surprise visitor? Of course, I'm also intrigued by the appearance of Lee Garner Jr. in the second video clip, available here on the AMC website.

An episode summary states:
"The agency's Christmas party is nearly spoiled by the late arrival of a surprise and not-so-welcome visitor."

Lee Jr. won't be a surprise now to Roger, who heard him basically invite himself to the party over the phone. Unwelcome, sure. Also, isn't Lee's presence in the teaser video kind of taking away all of the surprise? At least for us viewers. I wonder if perhaps there is yet another last minute surprise in store. Thoughts?

Don's Apartment

Many people in both the press and the talk forum have described Don's new apartment as dark, drab, and depressing. But Matt Weiner states quite a different opinion in his interview on NPR's Fresh Air. Weiner says that he sees the place as a typical guy's apartment: simple and comfortable.

My own opinion is that Don has always lived in a place like this, at least metaphorically. Even in the Draper house, he was alone in many ways. He's a reflective person and works best when he has time to ponder the latest ad campaign. We've often seen him solo in public, as in the opening scene of the series.

I also think of the similarities to the lighing in Midge's apartment in Season 1--the contrasting dark and natural light with very little artificial lighting, a quiet place. The darkness and light of Don's pad suggests the dualism in his character: protector of women in the elevator at SC, but chronic philanderer; defending the integrity of his profession while parading as a dead man.

I believe that Don's apartment suits him just fine. What do other Maddicts think?

Diversity of Perceptions

I'm not sure about this since I've never blogged any other TV show before, but my feeling is (and I've said it before) that the intelligent bloggers on this show are so important to the success of the show that they have taken on a life of their own. It's almost a little creepy, but when we think Monty is back under another name (and call him on it) we regulars are laughing out loud. It's too funny.

Sometimes I get a little frustrated when I think someone like, "Thirteen" for instance, may be Matt Weiner himself or one of his staff. (The reason I say this is because whenever anyone says anything slightly negative about the show, "Thirteen" is always there to defend). But even if that is so, there are so many other wonderful, intelligent people on board that reading the blogs should be required reading for all. Not for answers, but to realize the diversity of perceptions.

"This Week in Mad Men": Episode 1

ThisWeekIn Network is proud to present the debut of our new series, "This Week in Mad Men," discussing all the goings-on in Season 4 with our panel of "Mad Men" aficionados and experts. See it here:

http://thisweekin.com/madmen

Our first episode dealt with the Season 4 premiere, as well as our predictions for the rest of the season, our Don Draper-style slogan pitches and, of course, copious amounts of drinking.

Topics discussed include:

- Who is Don Draper?
- Peggy and the Ham
- Betty's marriage to Henry...will it last?
- Where's the rest of Team Sterling Cooper?
- "Tobacco Road"

Don started the series all effortless cool, a guy who had it all - the envy of all men and irresistable to women. He's pretty much the complete opposite now. Awkward, volatile, depressed (and depressing). It's hard to imagine first-season Don wanting a woman to slap him in bed, or awkwardly moving in for a kiss on a first date, or misfiring during an interview so badly that his attempt to be humble and gracious makes him look "like a prick." It's like he's back to being Dick Whitman and has to start the transformation into Don Draper all over again, from scratch. Maybe Betty and his relationship with her, and his family, was more integral to the Draper persona than he realized?

The episode ends with him basically deciding to fake it, to try to be the old Don Draper even if he knows he hasn't got it any more and can't just slip into the character effortlessly like he once did. There was a twinge of desperation to the act, particularly how he felt the need to add in the lie about having a second story.

Draper's Identity Crises (A Tale of Two Interviews)

Many of us (myself included) assumed that Don's guardedness in the first interview had to do only with his habit of protecting his "secret identity." I still think that's a factor, but I no longer think that's the only factor. In interviews, Matt W. keeps saying that Don no longer knows who he is or is supposed to be. And it occurs to me that if Don had given that interview 18 months prior, he'd have known exactly what to say: that he was married to a beautiful wife, had beautiful children, lived in a nice house, had certain awards and was in charge of creative at Sterling-Cooper.

But he's lost almost all of that. So, yes, part of the reason he says nothing is because in in the habit of playing coy when it comes to his background. But he also stays silent because all that used to give him identity is gone. He used to know who Don Draper was--or at least who he wanted Don Draper to be. Now he doesn't.

Which brings us to the 2nd, bookend interview. The one where he realizes that being free of that old identity (husband, father, surburbanite), means Don Draper can be whoever he wishes to be. He can take the truth and spin it into a myth, making himself this maverick hero of the advertising world; he can even tell outright lies--like SCDP having a second floor. Is this the start of Don (and us) finding out who this man really is? Or will the new Don be as much a fantasy as the old Don?

Other thoughts on being trapped or freed from identities?

Congratulations Matthew Weiner for a Great Premiere!

You are just Genius! Thanks to you and your family who allowed you to explore your talents!

Coincidence?

Other posters have mentioned that the first reporter was a Korean war vet and that this connection to Don may rear it's head later on. I was wondering if the writers knew that the day after the S4 premiere was the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War. What do you think?

Peggy and Don's relationship season 4

What were your thoughts about Peggy and Don's relationship in season 4? is she still the eager poodle that he kicks around? he is still yelling at her like one of his kids or is it more of a mentor who expects more of his student? What are the panels thoughts?

Matt Weiner interview on NPR

Awesome interview with "the man"!!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128770109&sc=fb&cc=fp

What was Don writing?

Does anyone know what Don was writing on the steno pad during his ill-fated interview?

Don throwing out a client!

Wow. Who would have thunk Don would get so fed up with the "prudes" that he would tell them to "get out" of his office? Unbelievable. But, I kind of get it. You have to play with the big boys and they are not seeking "modest" clients. Jantzen was a huge brand in the 50/60's and their 1 pc. swimsuits sold well. But for them to sneer at the trend towards bikinis seems unbusinesslike. The height of hypocrisy - shown again on Mad Men with great irony. Especially telling was the younger client, who thought there was nudity beneath the black comment bar across the model's chest. What you can't see is "somehow dirtier" was his admission. Great scene. But how does this impact on Don's career. Is he headed for a breakdown of some kind?

Cowboy Draper

At the beginning of the episode we see Don' s floor wax commercial, which he says he wanted to be like a movie. So people would think they were in the middle of a movie and want to keep watching it. At the end, he uses that trick on the 2nd reporter, presenting his story as if it's a movie so everyone will want to find out what happened.

What I find interesting is that both the floor wax movie and Don's own "movie" are Westerns (he talks to the interviewer about having a choice of "holstering his gun" or drawing it). We assume, of course, that he was inspired to use the cowboy metaphor for the interview because he's taking inspiration from the floor wax commercial..

But this is Mad Man and I'm interesting to know what more there might be to this cowboy theme. In the floor wax commercial, a little boy who's been playing at cowboys and tramped dirt through mom's kitchen, is in "jail" (behind an inverted chair) for his crime. Contrariwise, at the 2nd interview, Don presents himself as a cowboy hero preparing for a shoot-out. A lone gunslinger or sheriff.

I'm curious about what people think about Don's self-image as a cowboy.

Mad Men Blog

I've been seeing lots of blogs out there about last night's show. If you're interested, I've started one of my own. Follow the link below.

http://whatimwatchingnow.wordpress.com/

A New Pilot

Last night reminded me so much of the original pilot. A quick smattering with glimpses of characters rather than the in depth study that we are used to. It had the shocker of Don being slapped by a ho instead of the surprise that he was married. This is very much a beginning and you know what, if people REALLY didn't like it, I don't think they get it anyway. Or, are we going to whine and mope and talk about the same old missing characters forever? Life changes! There are people I worked with and loved, but they moved on, or I did and that becomes that.

Don is in the process of discovering "who is Don Draper?" He is closer to coming to terms with Dick Whitman. He lost his wife to another man (and that is a blow to anyone, even if he didn't like her much, she was HIS trophy wife!). He has lost his financial and business security, these are huge adjustments. In most advertising agencies, your job hangs on whether you lose or gain a client. Considering that, I think it was positive that he treated Jantzen badly (considering they were idiots) rather than licking their shoes like everyone else wanted to do. That will stir talk and catch people's interest in their work. But it is going to be up and down for a while and tensions run high with such insecurity.

Will we see more of the Barbizon doll? She is definitely wife material, not mistress. It is SO much harder to have a mistress when you don't have a wife. It would be ironic if he ended up with a friend of JANE's.

Betty has successfully emasculated two strong men. Way to go Betts! Her bad choices have brought this on her. No, I don't feel sorry for her. Not one bit. She didn't deserve a lying, cheating husband, I'm not saying that. But she married Don because he talked a good line, he was handsome and MYSTERIOUS. When Dick Whitman "came out" she traded up pronto. To another man that she didn't know, that had never met her children. He says he wants her with the kiddies (OK, that was quite a coup on her part) and he says he won't take Don's money and she melted like butter. Now she can be angry because Sally isn't thrilled with an instant new and different daddy and grandma. Wow. And people think DON is a sociopath? Betty has no conscience, none at all. We have never once seen a sign of her having one. Remember Mary Beth and Arthur?

So now the man that wouldn't let her take Don's money is living in Don's house for free. And not happy that Betty isn't taking care of changing that for him. Henry, get with the program, you are supposed to buy a mansion (palace) and PRESENT it to Princess Grace. She is not going to be bothered with doing it herself. Until then, you will be living in Don's "dirt". I loved that line and all of its implications. Mom might be a terror, but she has some keen insights. Betty is not going to appreciate this woman who is not charmed by her loveliness. There are benefits to marrying a man without people, in spite of what your Dad thought about it.

How to Use the New Site

I don't know how! I used to be able to click on my name, and it would bring me back to where I commented last. But now it just brings me to the main thread from the newest post. Any help?

Mad Men Casting Call Contest~What would Don Draper Do?

Now, this is when Don would come in handy, to tell me how to put a spin on my contest entry and make people not only want, but feel the need to vote for me. "Advertising is based on one thing: happiness. And do you know what happiness is? Happiness is having you take a moment to look at my photo." Votes greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! ~Drena Bathemess
http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/PKC7TV

Times Square Mad Men Premiere Review!

A very sizable crowd arrived by 7 pm. There were drinkable freebies - a variety of flavored water, well welcome after a hot day like yesterday.

As I approached the venue, a family was in back of me. "Are they filming a movie?" was asked by one of the youngsters.

There was a riser in the back for viewers and also chairs that flanked each side of the venue. The late comers grabbed a seat on the floor or off to the side.

The curtain was held for ten minutes and then the trivia contest was held.

There were 3 rounds of trivia held during the evening. ("What part of Brooklyn does Peggy come from?" "What was the sex of her baby?" "What is the nickname that Don has for Betty?" "What part of Manhattan do Trudy and Pete live in?"). Each round was dedicated to one Mad Men character: Peggy, Pete or Betty.

An array of viewers seated near me were at a loss for answers!!! Are you guys sure you're Mad Men fans??

Mad Men Rules was held shortly after 8. This was a montage of quips and comments from Season 1 through Season 3.

There was also a unique feature called the "green screen" that was available to those who attended the premiere, which turned out to be immensely popular, even with the youth viewers that turned out for the premiere.

Stand in front of the green screen, have your photo taken and it generates a Sterling Cooper background.

The pics can be seen on line; as of today at 6 pm, no photos were available. Will provide the link when the pics are up and running.

The costume contest was held; there were about 30 entrants culled; several of them were brought on stage. One entrant mentioned she bought a Betty look-alike dress from a seller on line.

The judge provided reviewed each entrant's style of dress and assessed its appropriateness (and, I guess, authenticity). The winner was a woman in a calf length dress, worn with a scarf.

The attire was fun to see. They were mainly Betty-type sundresses with voluminous skirts; there was a woman who wore a brocaded sleeveless sheath dress; another contestant wore a dress that was modeled after the type of dress Joan would wear.

The host announced that there would be a surprise and cast members would be appearing next. He vanished from the stage and there was a 10 minute lull - don't know what was up with that - and about quarter of nine, January Jones and Elisabeth Moss appeared on stage. They discussed the show and mentioned how unlike life as Betty or Peggy was, compared to their real lives.

During the appearance by Moss and Jones, a festive and large birthday cake was presented in honor of Moss' birthday (I believe her birthday was last Friday).

My camera hasn't got the most grandiose of technical features; the gent sitting next to me very kindly provided me with his viewfinder so I could take a photo of the cake with my camera. The pic came out pretty good.
I did the same for his up-close shot of Moss and Jones.

When I have photos, I will post the link.

The premiere itself was shown on a large screen in back of the stage; another screen was provided to the folks that were in the back, sitting on the rosters.

The crowd cheered when each cast member appeared during the opening scene; the hollars were loudest for Joanie...who finally got her own office.

I was also interviewed by one of the staff; I was asked what I liked about Mad Men, how long I was a viewer and if I was a viewer of any other AMC shows ; don't think the interview will be used; it was fun to be interviewed and glad they thought of me.

One small complaint: the venue was a little noisy for the event (on Times Square between 46th and 47th Street) so the occasional bit of dialog was lost, due to a noisome crowd, a passing bus or other large vehicle. There was also a good amount of light pollution from the surrounding ads, marquees and other electrically-run contraptions that surrounded Times Square.

In addition, the risers could have been free of the occasional puddle of water. A rainstorm occurred earlier that day; there were large plastic bags provided for people to sit on (and not enough of the bags on hand).

At the season premiere's finale, we were very graciously thanked for our time and participation. It was a lot of fun; I'll definitely be back next year.

New and Improved Pete

Pete, like Peggy, has certainly relaxed and found his niche, and I appreciate that. Many here were wondering how or if he'd mature and here we see it. Pete always seemed tense at the office, a plucked wire vibrating. Always asking and wanting (sometimes demanding), never getting, and, thus, always dissatisfied, angry, fearful and frustrated.

Now, however, he's been given his chance to shine and he's not only shining, but content. He gets along fine with Peggy. There's no more competitiveness between them, rather, they're on the same team and they know it.

What I most like is Pete with Don. We've always known that Pete wasn't the alpha dog--even if, at times, he thought he was or should be. And from first season we knew that he wanted to be beta dog to Don's alpha. But self-made Don's always had a resentment/fear of Pete's rich/college educated sort, and wouldn't give Pete a chance. Don's finally acknowledge Pete and given him that place as beta dog. And whadda know? Pete's is Don's wingman. What do you think? Has little Peter finally come of age?

Sal

bring Sal back! He was the most compelling character on the show, the one who really pulled me in.

Mad Men Imitating Unimark

That opening shot of Draper looking out over the skyline has a real-life counterpart. Unimark International began in 1965, opened an office in NYC Seagram Building, and didn't have a single client yet! They had founders with egos, guts, and big plans and from that start they became the largest design firm in the world in the early 1970s. Read the book "Unimark International: The Design of Business and the Business of Design" by Jan Conradi for some insights into a real design firm of that era.

Is Don or Betty the Better Parent?

Sally and Bobby (probably Gene too) are obviously happier with Don, but Betty is the one who is more constant as a presence in their lives. Who do you think has more of a parental instinct? http://www.lilsugar.com/Mad-Men-Don-Betty-Draper-Better-Parent-9393072

One year was missed...unfortunately

Welll, the first episode was disapppointing. I for one believed they should have picked up where they left off last season. The show ended pretty much right after Kennedy was assasinated. However, other big events took place from January 1, 1964 - November 1964 that impacted America and could have impacted the new advertising firm positively and made the show interesting. Like for instance the Beatles! Look, you have a brit dude named Price who has connections in England. Now Ia ms ure PRIce new about the Beatles even in late 1963. Did he do annyhting to promote this phenomina to America as their popularity grew? DUH..British promoters were lookling for investors in Decemeber 1963 and Janaury 1964 to bring the Bealtes over. Now how the heck did the producers let this story line from escaping is beyond me. The Beatles were the biggest thing to hit the US since Novemeber 22, 1963. Couldn't such a story line be blended in to the series which would have made it that more interesting? Peggy I think would be a Beatles fan. Fire Price for neglecting this. The Civil RIghts Bill was signed in July 1964..again another story line escaped the grasp of AMC which in the past racial issues were story line topics on MAD MEN. The first episode has lost past from past episodes and has jumped way ahead in the future. As for Don.well all the women he had in past...where are they now??? He must hire a prostitute/ What about the school teacher from last season??? I guess Don is really a lonely person for which no one really cares about, except for his kids. I guess we need to watch the rest of the season.

Freud On Madison Avenue

"In 'Freud on Madison Avenue,' Lawrence Samuel delves deep into the consumerist 'Mad Men' of mid-century, explaining how the subconscious mind could be imprinted for commerce, which laid the foundation for consumer insights, brand imagery, and disruptive creative ideas. A terrific read! "
John Gerzema
Chief Insights Officer, Young & Rubicam, and author of "The Brand Bubble"

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-Madison-Avenue-Motivation-Advertising/dp/0812242513/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271902830&sr=1-1

Harry's hair

Anyone notice that Harry's hair was longer and styled in what they called the "dry look"?

Will he be exposed this season or next?

I am interested in how much stealing a dead soul was necessary for Dick Whitman and how the rigidity of class made it attractive. Perhaps Dick, living at home, joining the army, going through basic training, thought to himself, "I wish I were someone else." If he put it like that, instead of thinking something like, "How can I get away from the past?", it would make sense that he'd become Don Draper.

But if he's going to successfully head an agency, eventually someone will do more than interview him and try to do some journalism. "Is he going to be exposed as having stolen a dead man?" is a question that needs a "When" in front of it.

Sally Gets A Mouthful!!!!! Don Can Sew A Button.....

Gee-Whiz Golly Gosh - I know its obviously comedic !!!!! But that was so sad...Betts just jams those yams right in....Bobby will learn to sew a button - by Don's teaching hand...a bit corny, but he loves the kids.......

Goodbye to Ken Cosgrove and Kinsey?

So are never going to see the folks left behind at the old agency again, like Cosgrove and Kinsey? I hope we do, they added so much to the show. And I miss the old office too :(

Welcome Newbies and Oldies to the blog!

After last night's fabulous premiere, I came across this video this morning. Check it out.

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/catch_up_on_the_first_three_se.html

Help...I can't get through all the posts!

Hi Maddicts, old and new!
I must apologize up front if these topics have been covered already...
Did anyone else think the "ham" thing was funny? Remember when Don told Bobby his fathers favorite food was ham? And, of course, Jon Hamm.
Did people have ham for Thanksgiving? We were always a turkey family.

I loved "Tobacco Road" playing at the end! That IS Don's theme song!

Did anyone else wonder about the first reporter? The reference to his leg injury happening in Korea???
Will this come back to haunt Don? He seemed a little annoyed that Don didn't give him a good interview. Maybe he will do his own investigation about Don, and find out the secret?
Enough for now...

authenticity

I am new to this scene, and so I am probably raising an item that has been addressed before: where is the swearing? I was a teenager in the early 60's and can vouch for the fact that swearing was ubiquitous. They replicate, accuartely, the smoking & drinking, but no swearing. Without swearing, especially in a men-only setting, the programming lacks the teeth of stark reality.

4th season sucks

I did not like the start of the 4th season, all of the people were out of character for the 60's, it was like I was watching any other tv show modern day. The character Peggy did a 360 from last season to this season, if this is the way the rest of the season is going to be, I probably won't watch it. Judy

Don is Still a Sex Addict!

We have seen that Don is still as honry as ever. I realize that he is now a single man and is not engaging in adultrey, but I wonder how he never has come down with a veneral disease.

The guy is a sex addict !

Greg Episode1 Season 4

I really felt it was about a finishing, a denouement, of last season; the beating of Don, and then married with Don rising now this season at the end of this episode. Yes he won at the end last year with the new agency etc, but the whole season was more of a loss than winning by the always-winning alphamale.
To me this began as a conjunction between last season of Don's beating, and it continuing here, and the rising beginning now at the very end of this episode. I felt that was the theme, finishing last season till the end of this episode, and now the new season and maybe Don's rising again begins. But...

First: The Piet Mondrian. The office background/influence is Piet Mondrian down to the color, down to the frames behind Pete where Peggy is asserting herself, down to the frames of the walls surrounding the Mondrian squares, down to everything of the feel of the new office; lots of really stark white background with solid quadrilaterals of Mondrian color tones overtop as definition. The whole office is like that, that's the difference you see vs past years. Similar to the idea in general of Bert Cooper and the Rothko introducing the idea of art into the office; except here art goes further and is part of the architecture.

However, Don's office is still very SC in visuals; the horizontals of the blinds, the verticals of the buildings outside, neutral color etc. Very SC. He's still Don even though his company is Mondrian. Contrast that with Don's apartment joint: dark, stark, bad whore, bad sex. The office is bright new moving forward. Don's place is dark, dank, sad. Where Don is right now. The upbeat office, the beaten down Draper; sad with a whore.

Don and the whore: Two different good-looking people who are yet similar in their desperation. For what exactly? Hmmm?

The first meeting in the office, Don, Pete and Roger are like the 3 musketeers Peers. Unlike the first 3 seasons. But the first 3 seasons petty alpha-male issues do come forth here as well. Some things change, but never really do change.

At one point Don gives in to Roger, part of his again remaining down. Another symbolic Don Draper line, to keep us all in line, Roger saying to Don, "who knows who you are? " One of the base Mad Men themes in stone here in the first episode.

Did you notice Bobby is suddenly disciplined?
And did you see the globe in the black and white old tv clip we quick saw? We saw lots of globes last season. One is here again tonight.

Globes, Earth, spin round and round with no beginning and no end; like a carousel. (to paraphrase, it travels like a child travels, around and around, backwards and forwards, cough, cough, Kodak personation ahem) I still maintain the motif of carousel is underlying in this series as we visually saw with the maypole dance last season, and lots of globes last season, and we saw a globe here in episode one already. But that's just me. We'll see.

Don at the end, his pitch. After being beaten so down, at the end here, we see him rising from some ashes. He was beat down in the work meeting, he was beat up last year in many ways, and this season began with him somewhat wretched, wasn't he in some ways. So what does he do? He has another "it's toasted" moment. See the similarities from the first ever episode? He talks about the competitors, less than the product. He has his Don (rising back) moment.

Is this foreshadowing?

Peggy telling the new guy we haven't seen, "Chop. chop Joey" --- Peggy telling a man what to do.
The office is bright, geometric Mondrian, yet in the end Peggy's skirt is geometric in pattern....but bland, earthy, dull. Along the same lines, but different, which is a metaphor of Peggy herself. Peggy in line with, yet against, the office.

Speaking of Peggy, Don saying to her, " Spit it out, honey." Probably one of the more important things of the episode. Doubt it's foreshadowing of romance bc that would be too simple and network tv untalented hack cheesy.

We saw Peggy start calling Draper, Don, first name, before this season. No one does that. But Peggy did. There has always been a triptych of Don/Betty/Peggy, and this is one of the more important developments of it.

It's not about cheesy soap opera possible ro
mance; it's about Don taking her more seriously, personally, calling her by a term of affection; something this man never does...

What say you, Maddicts......

Season 4 Premiere - Tobacco Road

I was rattled by Don's character in the season premiere. I found him to be jaded, conflicted, and arrogant, and while we've seen glimpses of this in Don's character before, tonight it was all on the surface. I'm not sure what he was trying to achieve by being so personally offended by Jantzen's prudishness to have to respond by giving them exactly the opposite of what they had asked for. Is he trying to set the path for the future of advertising or is he becoming so unraveled that he can no longer separate his personal opinions and feelings from business? Why was he so nasty with his housekeeper? He has such a short fuse. Is it because all of his dreams and fantasy about being a family man and successful business man are falling apart?
I found it interesting that the prostitute he was with reminded me of Joan a bit. And the whole 'punishment' fixation goes not only with his guilt about his past but is common among successful men. What then are we to make of his date with Jane's friend? It's obviously a mismatch, but at the same time, our Don rarely turns down a challenge, does he? Is he testing the waters to see if he can have something real again or is he planning something sinister?
Why when the divorce lawyer came was he not willing to sell the house, yet later when he was made to wait for Betty and Henry to come home he threatened to charge rent or kick them out? Conflicting. Confused.
Henry I think is starting to see Betty's true colors. That she is not this prissy perfect wife and mother. That she likes unconventional sex (bathroom, car) and that she doesn't find it 'tawdry' at all. I think he is also starting to see what a rotten mother she is and how mean she can be, especially to Sally, but at this point, he doesn't seem to mind much. He may also be catching on to how manipulative she can be when they comes home late and he sees her admit that she did actually say 9pm when she responds with "I've waited for you plenty of times".
What was Don doing when he decided to talk to the wall street journal? Is this more advertising genius? Is he being self destructive? Is he going to show his feathers and go somewhere else? I don't know, but the Don in this first episode really disturbed me. What say you MM friends?

TOBACCO ROAD
The Nashville Teens

I was born in a trunk.
Mama died and my daddy got drunk.
Left me here to die alone
in the middle of Tobacco Road.

Growin' up rusty shack,
all I had was hangin' on my back.
Only you know how I loathe
this place called Tobacco Road.

But it's home, the only life I ever known.
Only you know how I loathe Tobacco Road.

Gonna leave, get a job
with the help and the grace from above.
Save some money, get rich and old,
bring it back to Tobacco Road.

But it's home, the only life I ever known.
Only you know how I loathe Tobacco Road.

Bring that dynamite and a crane,
blow it up, start all over again.
Build a town, be proud to show.
Gives the name Tobacco Road

Roger and Jane Playing Matchmaker for Don

I would think Don would be just a little annoyed with Jane trying to fix him up with blind dates. He thought she was too pushy and got to personal when she was his secretary and bought him shirts. He was furious that she broke up Roger's marriage, and he never seemed to warm up to her after Roger married her. He may be friends again with Roger, but I doubt he feels that cordial towards Jane. Especially if the girl is going to thank him for a lovely evening and send him home in a cab with just a kiss good night. I doubt we see Miss Daphne again. We will probably hear about her from Roger "Jane wants to know why you haven't called Daphne", but I think she is a nonstarter.

The New office Rocks!

I don't care if it's small and hasn't got a second floor. It's energetic and hip. And the secretaries come with beehive hairsdo's :-D

You've Come a Long Way Peggy!

Wow! I like the new Peggy. Still some of the old Peggy there, but boy, has she come a long way. Snappy dresser, confident, playful, taking chances, holding her own--even to giving Don a taste of his own medicine. I especially like how comfortable she is with her creative process. Color me impressed. Go Peggy.

Why Does Betty Have To Be So Damned Vindictive?

Don ended last season telling Betty he was not going to fight her over the divorce. She has the children and has been allowed to take her time over finding a new home. She has Henry. She apparently got what she wanted. Why is she giving Don grief over seeing his kids, and why is she holding on to the house for dear life. One would think she would want a new home without the unpleasant memories. I forgot to notice....are she and Henry sleeping in a new bed or the old one Don and she slept in?

I had some sympathy for the woman in previous seasons.....now I consider her a warped, vicious woman, and clearly Henry's mother sees her for what she is. Poor Sally and Bobby.....is she keeping baby Gene away from Don because she feels the baby is more her's and Henry's child than Don's?

I am thus far of two minds over Henry.....he sometimes comes across as a decent, reasonable man, but sometimes there is a definite ick factor where he is concerned. I hope he will start standing up for those kids once in awhile. His own daughter seems fairly normal. I look forward to future scenes between Betty and Henry's mother....here's hoping Betty has met her match.

Bad Move, AMC

Umm... for the last three years, we've all grown to expect the season premier to run again after the first run, albeit with more commercials and a few things clipped. GUESS WHAT??? When I'm still trying to digest the new season opener and expecting to see it again, I DO NOT WANT ANY "SNEAK PREVIEW" of some show I don't have any attachment to at all. I want to immerse into what I just saw and pick up on subtleties I missed. Big FAIL on AMC's part. I'm watching CNBC now about the BP oil rig disaster special. Very disappointed.

Don Snapped Like a Dry Twig

Wow ---- Who was that guy? Don has a whole new edge....what did you think?

Sacramento - watching parties?

Anyone in Sacramento hosting or attending a Mad Men - season 4 watching party? My lady friend and I are interested joining other Maddicts in the Sacramento area. Thanks.

Follow Don & Betty on Twitter

Hilarious!! @misterdraper & @bettydraper

Chat about Mad Men Season 4 Premiere!

If you want to chat, post links, music during the Premiere episode: go to cover it live.com click on live events then go to Mad Men 4 Season Four Chat. I'm just a fan of the show and welcome anyone to join me....

bring back Sal

bring back Sal bring back Sal bring back Sal bring back Sal

Complete Music of Mad Men

Check out http://mediocremusicblog.com/2010/07/the-music-of-mad-men/ to stream music from 1st 3 seasons and a pandora station for the 4th!

Hi fellow Maddicts!

The anticipation is killing me! I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve!!
Enjoy tonight's Season 4 opener...I know I will!

Last minute predictions for Season 4

Solely for the purposes of keeping myself busy for the next few hours until the season premiere tonight, anyone have any predictions for this season? I'll start:

- I think Dr. Greg the rapist will get wounded or even killed in Vietnam (which was where they were shipping him off to at the end of season 3).
- Henry Francis will end up to be not such a nice guy to Betty and things won't work out between them.
- Jane, Roger's wife, will have an affair with one of the young guys at Sterling Cooper (formerly known as, anyway)
Of course, none of these predictions will probably happen, since the storylines are so original and unpredictable. But it's fun to speculate. Any other predictions?

Top 6 teasers for Season 4 of Mad Men

http://theweek.com/article/index/205202/top-6-teasers-for-season-4-of-mad-men

How would Don Handle the BP Crisis? What slogan wojuld he use?

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/vulture_contest_win_a_compete.html?f=most-commented-vulture-7d5

COUNTDOWN TO SEASON 4

Are you counting the minutes until Season 4 begins? I am! Here's a link to keep track of every second. (Based on Eastern time zone... after all, SCDP is in New York City, right?)

http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=7&day=25&year=2010&hour=10+pm&min=00&sec=00&p0=179

Why I watch Mad Men

Matthew Weiner said to Charlie Rose in 2008: >> I really wanted to concentrate on the fact that, in a very literal way, it's very hard to know another person. And they way they appear to you when you see them, is one thing; then when you get to know them, it's another thing; then what you really think about them -- and it's all about how you're perceived -- This sounds like a very abstract, intellectual idea, but for drama it's amazing, because there's so many layers to a human being. And part of what we get to do on the show is show private moments, show people be duplicitous in a very non-violent, non-exciting way, but this is the drama of our lives: "Where were you? Why were you home late?" "Well, I had to stop by the store." No, I was on the phone talking to some woman at work. Well, I was just talking to her, but I still told you I was at the market.

Mad Men is beautiful in showing us a character behaving in a certainly way we may judge to be bad, and then show that character in a different setting that reveals his fears and influences which caused the behavior. This allows us to examine the characters and situations, and the different reactions from different viewers show that Mad Men is an inkblot test, and our reactions to the different characters reveal a lot about ourselves.

(This is the thrust of a post on my blog over at
http://manlaughing.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/why-ill-be-watching-mad-men/ )

How does someone receive 1000 votes on the casting call site when i have trouble even finding my friend to vote for

Your Post

December 13, 1963 Time Magazine

An article named Moving Out: The Capital. Jaqueline Kennedy moves out of the White House with her 2 children!
I wanted to add that the political background is what broke the camel's back sort of speak for Betty!

I'm looking for a bracelet that Betty is wearing in the third season?

I am looking for a picture of the bracelet Betty is wearing in the third season (I think!) with a large flower charm on it. It is not her charm bracelet, but one that she is wearing as she tries to open the drawer in Don's office. If any one can tell me the exact episode she is wearing the bracelet (I think it may be 'The Color Blue') or where I could find a picture of her wearing it I would appreciate it! Even better, if anyone knows the jewelry designer of the bracelet - but I know that's a stretch since it's most likely something vintage. Thanks!

Civil Rights & the future of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce

We all know some pretty monumental changes were set in place during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. That being said, this is a new firm with old roots. Don and Pete might have no trouble adapting to Affirmative action, which became law in 1965, but how will Bert and Roger "blackface" Sterling fare? Also, do you think Peggy might actually have to face some female competition in the office?

Mad Men Speak - Ben Zimmer interview

WCBS segment on the language of Mad Men:
http://www.wcbs880.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4820098

Ben also gives example where the script language was perhaps not quite accurate for the period.

Follow your favorite Mad Men characters on Twitter

Can't wait for Sunday! In the mean time, follow your favorite character and see what they're up to when they are not on the show.

@MisterDraper
@TheJoanHolloway
@PeggyOlson
@_Pete Campbell
@Roger_Sterling
and a recently new find, @_BettyFrancis

Madison Avenue: Fact vs. Fiction

An interesting article from The Wall Street Journal that explains what really went on.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703720504575377034262345468.html?mod=WSJ_topics_obama

The Periodic Table of Mad Men

http://flavorwire.com/107329/the-periodic-table-of-mad-men

January Jones on Jimmy Fallon tomorrow night, Friday!

Christina Hendricks was on Jimmy Fallon tonight. He showed her Barbie Doll and it is adorable. Enjoy yours 60'schild! CH was lovely as ever. Did anyone see it?

Mother and Child Reunion

Most of the reviews and January Jones herself says that our Betty is straight up C-R-A-Z-Y - Grace Kelly mommy dearest composite. SO if Don's double life catches up with him will Betty Draper Francis' mama skills catch up with her ? could she end up in a home like her brother wanted Grandpa Gene to be dumped?

The New and Improved Pete

Before Season 4 starts I wanted to hear others' input about Pete, and especially his behavior around (and attitude) toward Peggy.

I guess it slipped past me that even though Pete seems to have matured some and isn't quite as flamboyantly childish, he's very neutral and maybe even cold toward Peggy.

It made me wonder a few things about him ever since Peggy told him she gave his child away. Does Pete hate Peggy? Does he feel diminished by what she did (throwing his child on the trash heap of the unwanted as his mother referred to orphans) or enraged that she didn't value his progeny? Has he placed himself in direct competition with Peggy in advertising to shore up a battered ego? To beat her accomplishments down? Has Pete been chastened? Did Peggy's actions directly affect Pete's renewed and closer relations with Trudy?

For whatever it's worth, what Peggy did seems to have made Pete mature. I've haven't seen any chickens landing on the street lately......

Special Section on MM Site Tells Us Where They Appear!

In an ideal MM Site, we can find out in advance where all MM staff will appear!! Here's Christina Hendricks on "The View" right now!
OMG, I'm getting chill bumps again, the theme is on, she's coming out wearing a colorful dotted black silk blouse see through black bra, black straight skirt and red pumps! The View gals are crazy over her. Christina's hair is long and wavy with side swept bangs. Ali Wentworth is coming on to her! So funny and she is such a sport! She's all giggly, so fun! Yet, another little birdseye view of MM!

Chicago Tribune's Coverage of Season Four

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/07/mad-men-jon-hamm.html

Sorry - I'm not great at inserting links on this forum! Anyway -
Includes a photo of Peggy's new hairstyle. The writer contends that Betty and her storyline are the weak spots of the show. I don't agree, but then I don't agree with many of the writer's reviews.

I'm so negative, I'm thinking about 11:00 pm on Sunday!

Finish this phrase (in relation to MM):
I'm so negative...

Don Draper story

How did Matthew Weinstein come up with the Draper storyline about taking the dead soldiers name tag. I ask because my great grandfather Turin in Russia did that after he ran away from the Russian army. Did Weiner's family have the same experience

I'm Watching January Jones on Regis and Kelly Now!

She looks so moderne! Beautiful! She's got those skinny jeans and a black lace blouse and black pointed heels (a little retro). Wavy scattered hair. OMG, Regis talks about his prior interview with Jon where he asks Jon what to say to JJ and sneaky Jon says to ask her if he is a good kisser!!!!!!!!!!!! She laughs and finally answers laughing: "Yeeehahaes" (yes). They have another clip of new show!!!!!!!! That I rewound 3 times! Ok 5 times!.....and I'll go back and watch it again..........

First clip from season 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TA-5dG7l6w

Jump to 4:00 into the video. It's the opening scene of the episode, which involves Don's secretive response to an interview's question.

Peggy's Hair Portends Best-Ever Season of Mad Men

"I was super, super, super-happy to have my bangs swept to the side rather than straight in front of me, which I dealt with for three seasons. I'm very, very much done with that. So when I showed up and we did it to the side, I thought, 'This is the greatest day of my life, and this is going to be the greatest season ever.'" --Elisabeth Moss on her character, Peggy Olson, getting a new hairstyle on Mad Men [AV Club]

Divorce Ranch photos

http://www.slate.com/id/2261131/pagenum/all/#p2

Football hero?

When Betty confronted Don about his past last season she said: "I knew you were poor but you were a football hero".......or something like that. Don has either a SW PA accent of "C-Moan:"..when saying "come on!"...or is it the actor's accent from Missouri?

NY Times / restaurant in S4 Ep 1

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/mad-men-city-jimmys-la-grange-2/?hp

MW interview in 'New York' magazine

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/matthew_weiner_on_the_new_seas.html

'Those Madison Avenue Men!' comic strip

This comic strip was mentioned in an article from The Atlantic, and some of the old comic strips are available from the Vanity Fair website. Here's a link:
http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/07/mad-men-comic-strip-201007?currentPage=1

mad men game

Has anyone seen this before?

Freud on Madison Avenue

"In 'Freud on Madison Avenue,' Lawrence R. Samuel delves deep into the consumerist 'Mad Men' of midcentury, explaining how the subconscious mind could be imprinted for commerce, which laid the foundation for consumer insights, brand imagery, and disruptive creative ideas. A terrific read!"--John Gerzema, Chief Insights Officer, Young & Rubicam and author of "The Brand Bubble"
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-Madison-Avenue-Motivation-Advertising/dp/0812242513/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271902830&sr=1-1

Do I need to catch up?

I have never watched the show and many of people have told me that it is a most see. Will I be able to watch Sunday and understand or do I need to watch all the seasons on dvd first?

Season 3 finally!

Ha. I'm sure that got your attention since actually Season 4 is about to start....but, not for me. I just finished watching Season 2 a few weeks ago and now my cable company has finally put up all of Season 3 "on demand", so it looks like I'll be glued to my chair for awhile. Keep your fingers crossed that I'll be able to finish the marathon before Season 4 starts. Hope S3 is just as good as S2 was!

Nicky Blue Pants Altosaxophony

Jon Hamm is doing voice work for The Simpsons, playing an FBI agent with Homer (aka Nicky Blue Pants Altosaxophony) as an informant. See http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/07/the-simpsons-mad-mens-jon-hamm-guests-mmm-hamm.html for more.

Is it time for Don to 'Grin and Barrett'?

While Don is going through the most radical change we've witnessed yet (what? with creating a new company, the separation between he and Betty, his identity and secrets found out), is it too out of school to beg the question, does Don need a little help? Perhaps this would be the best time to recruit his equal, Bobbie Barrett, to build him up.

Season 4 : A couple of episode if we're lucky???

I wonder what they can manage. Unlike Lost or 24 (though not in the same cerebral class as many may instruct if they lower their noses long enough), Mad Men has so many difficult, costly, and time consuming special effects, action sequences, exotic locations, plots of situations that have never happened - oops, the 60s. What exactly IS the challenge to producing a decent season?

Peggy vs. Margaret Olson

Okay now that Ms. Olson is a force to be reckon with sophisticated suit, hair and title at SCDP should she go with Margaret or Peggy Olson - as Joan said if you want to be taken seriously stop refering to yourself with a little girl's name

Art Department

One of those obscure meaningless things:

Watching the season finale, when the new fledgling SCDP is gathered together about to steal what they have to from the office and Don kicks in the door to the art department, did anyone else notice on the door there's a huge letter F in front of the word Art? Fart Department?

Those wacky Sterling Cooper ad guys never stop.

Watching Bryan Batt on the View Now!

He's promoting his new book, She Ain't Heavy, She's My Mother. His hair is loose and sexy falling over his forehead. Loafers with a navy with a red stripe. No socks and showing his bare ankles! He says he was told that "Sal is not dead?" He says he may come back! But, added, "so could Maddona"...and says we just have to watch! He has a shop in N.O. names "Hazlenut". He named it after his grandmother, Hazel, who was a nut!! Nice to see Bryan. I love his enthusiasm!

video: Diane Sawyer interviews Matt Weiner

No major spoilers, very minor spoiler regarding where Don is currently living:

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/mad-men-season-premiere-interview-matthew-weiner-world/story?id=11204182

Story Matters Here

Loved the commercial last night in which our favorite cast dressed as their everyday selves discuss the show. When Jon Hamm said "Story Matters Here," I said "Yes it does!" Lord have mercy if he doesn't look as good as Jon Hamm as he does as Don Draper!

I know these people

Born in 1951 I lived this and know these people as well as having relived it via my own marriage to an "old fashioned" man (his terms) so I think I know where these characters are headed and whats next. I hope you don't rush it too much as they will age beyond our own time too quickly and I like to savory it all - over and over agan. Need a writer? Jo

Duck Phillips - HELP!!

Ok, am I nuts or in one of the earlier episodes of Season 1 or 2, didn't Duck have dinner with Sal at some point and it was suggested that he was making a pass at Sal, by touching his hand while Sal was holding a glass? I mean, I cannot find it anywhere on line and my obsessed coworker who is a huge fan doesn't recall. Anyone?? Help!!!

Is Joan 'the one" for Roger?

I was watching Season 3's The Gypsy and the Hobo during the marathon, and was curious about Roger's conversation with his former flame Annabelle when she told him, "you were the one." Roger replied, "you weren't", and we are meant to assume that he was talking about Jane or his first wife. But later in the episode, when Roger calls his friend to recommend Joan for a job, he says "she's important to me" and then he says, "Jane is fine, thanks for asking." This made me think that maybe Roger was referring to Joan as "the one." And he kept telling Joan on the phone how happy he was that she thought of him when she asked for his help finding a job. Think there's anything to that...does Roger still have a thing for Joan?

What props do you recognize from the sixties?

I'll start with the Drapers' kitchen. The wooden knife rack with the rooster is part of a set my mother had that included canisters, salt and peppers and a cutting board. The curtains with the pepper grinders we had in our kitchen. My mom had the same Revere cookware and tea kettle.

What have you noticed that you remember?

Completely Gratuitous Jon Hamm Link

Jon Hamm appears on the Star Tracks feature on people.com today with the caption:

"'HAMM'ING IT UP. Look who's all dressed up! Mad Men's Jon Hamm smolders on the set of a photo shoot in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday - a week before Draper and Co. return to AMC with new episodes on July 25."
Follow the link for the picture and enjoy!

http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20402645,00.html#20812280

Season 4 * SPOILER * SPOILER * SPOILER *

If you do not want to know anything about Season 4, Episode 2, STOP READING NOW. I mean it. STOP. RIGHT. NOW.

Otherwise, see my comment below. You must scroll down to see my comment.

Maybe Mad Men fans help named these babies

Take a look at the boy's names: we have a Sterling and a St. John.

Hmmm....

FASTEST-RISING BOY'S NAMES
1. Castiel
2. Bentley
3. Eoin
4. Easton
5. Lucian
6. Aarav
7. Zion
8. St. John
9. Kaiden
10. Sterling

LoHud.com article, video and map of Mad Men's Westchester connections

http://www.lohud.com/article/20107180329

Enjoy!

spoiler for a future episode

I was looking through google news and randomly found a blog from a guy who recently filmed a role on the show. I'll put it in the comment section -

The Big Shocker?

Okay, we've all seen or heard about the spoilers, but who can guess what the big shocker will be in S4 episode one or even the entire season?

Season Four update from ny times

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/arts/television/18mad.html

'Mad' About the Girls...Forget Carrie Bradshaw -- today's women are trying Betty, Joan and Peggy on for size!

Good article!

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/mad_about_the_girls_ugiORqZfkQHKaCx45D6g0M

I am having a Mad Men Season 4 Premiere Martini Party

"What would Betty Serve" appetizers...suggestions? I do think a Manhattan martini would be appropriate...other choices?

What or who don't you want to see in season 4 ?

So what or who do you not want to see in episode 4? I'll start - no more Duck and Peggy that whole thing served its purpose - Peggy now knows that her talents are valued. Comments from the panel?

Roger and Don - What happened?

Watching Seasons 1-2 Roger and Don are quite cordial but Season 3 they're about to have a fist fight. What gives? was it Jane? the fact that Roger hit on Betty in the Red in the Face episode? or just the fact that Roger is like a big Brother to Don or now that Don is destined to be Roger ; Alone, close to middle age and paying for Lady (ahem) company? What gives? Thoughts?

music from season 2, episode 6 (maidenform)

Does anyone know the name of the song playing in the background when the gang is at the gentleman's club near the end of the episode?

Trouble posting on some threads

Hi everyone!
Has anyone else had trouble posting comments on some threads? It seems one or two lines are OK. My longer posts don't show up. This has been happening on and off for a few weeks.
I keep trying, refreshing the post, no luck.

How about Chelsea Ross, Connie Hilton?

Is he coming back? I do hope so. I liked him too!

Marten Weiner!!!

Such a good little actor! Is he coming back you think??? He was so interesting!

Betts, Betty, or Elizabeth? or no more betts?

I wonder what Henry Francis will call the former Mrs. Draper? could Don be so crass as call one of the ladies he (ahem) lets into his bachelor pad Betts in the heat of passion?

Kiernan Shipka promises 'exciting' season

http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/news/a245099/mad-men-star-promises-exciting-season.html

"[The fourth season is] a very dramatic season for Sally. I feel like her soul is beaten down in this season. There's a lot of scenes where you really just want to reach out for Sally and you really feel bad for her." says Shipka.

Sneak Peak at sseason 4

I got an advance copy of The first episode of season 4. If you'd like to see my impression. http://elisesramblings.blogspot.com/2010/07/mad-men-season-4-sneak-peak.html

Lets try again - Theme Songs for Season 4

I trried posting this earlier and got broken links. Anyhoo!, What theme song would be appropriate for Don in his time of transition? Lots of songs come to mind. Our Mr. Draper's life resembles a country western and blues song

Theme Songs for Draper/Whitman in Season 4

Okay so we know that Don's world has gone topsy turvey now that there is no Betty, House in the Suburbs and the huge expense account and that swagger, So in that vein what theme song is appropriate for Mr. Draper? What comes to mind?

Aaaaawwww! The Mad Men Premiere Party is Off!

I just got off the phone with C. Carol Adams, PhD., and the party is off! The house and the friends who gather for the yearly bash have encountered a marital split. Dr. Adams never told me their names, of course. The two teams of friends have split too. I know how that can be! But, oh well, at least, At&t is up and running. And, that's good!!

A spoiler from Baltimore Sun

Tried to post this earlier but Baltimore Sun's David Zurowick gives us a hint about Donnie Darko Draper and Season 4. Dude has money, career and lady drama plus an unforgetable Thanksgiving http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/bal-zurawikaudio-0714,0,3103479.mp3file

Don Darko Draper - or Draper hits rock bottom or another spolier Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

Its like making loaf of bread from crumbs but "c'est la vie"
If you're one of those "Draper gets to do what he wants types" I can't wait to see what happens! Regardless our Donnie Darko Draper has money issues, love life issus and career issues.
Check out David Zurowick of the Baltimore Sun's audio commentary regarding Season 4 Premier something happens during a Thanksgiving scene apparently (although I don't understand since the season starts Christmhttp://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/bal-zurawikaudio-0714,0,3103479.mp3fileas hmm?)

A Mad Man on Mad Men

Jerry Della Femina on Don, Peggy, and the art of the sell: http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/jul/17/jerry-della-femina-mad-men

Lonliness and the Mads

I think its interesting how the Lonliness is a constant theme in mad men. In the first episode Don warns pete that if he disrespects the secretaries he will end up middle aged and alone . Ironic this is just where Don ends up - Pete has Trudy and Roger has Jane). Kind of sad. Comments from the panel please!

Mad Men A to Z

We haven't played this game in a LONG time and hopefully it will carry us through for 9 more days.

Here's how it's played:

I will give a word starting with A that relates to Mad Men. The next person will repeat that word and then give a B word, and so on. When you respond, please include the "letter word" before yours with the new one. When we get to Z, start over at A. Let's see how many times we can get thru the alphabet.

A = Advertising (sorry, obvious)

NYT: Back to Work For Mad Men (contains mild spoilers)

New York Times review of "Public Relations":
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/arts/television/18mad.html

There be SPOILERS ahead

so don't click on the link if you don't want a few additional hints about the first episode: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/arts/television/18mad.html

BTW the columnist consistently gets Lane Pryce's name wrong (Bryce, she calls him) but I'm sure several readers will point out to her the error of her ways, lol.

'Mad Men' Hamm: 'Don reinvents himself'

Says MW on Digital TV...
"For Don, most notably, he has lost his co-ordinates," he said. "He fought very hard for an identity that was defined by wealth, marriage, children, location, a certain kind of job, and that has been stripped away. He might start looking inward, I think. I felt the theme of, 'Who am I?'... I thought this man might have to confront what that means, especially someone who has constructed who they are."

So... who is Don Draper really

Roy Orbison songs for S4

He was at his peak of popularity in the US and UK during the 1964-65 period. I loved the use of Shadaroba at the end of S3, and can't help but speculate if any of his songs will be used in S4. Here are my best guesses for use in S4: 'Pretty Woman',
'It's Over', and 'Pretty Paper'.

Divorce Ranch

I came across this story about a 'divorce ranch' that was used by NY divorcees to establish residency for a Reno divorce. I wonder if we'll see Betty and Henry at the 'ranch' in S4.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128545233

TV Appearances

Has anyone posted yet on upcoming talk show appearances by MM cast members? If so, please point me there ..... but if not, I'll take the lead.

TUES - July 20 - Jimmy Kimmel Live: Jon Hamm !

New Madmen Paper Dolls! Print, Cut, and Play with your favorite characters!

I'm a graphic design student living in Austin. I created these dolls as a school project/fan tribute. You can print the dolls out and really play with them. Just thought other fans might enjoy...
http://www.jrsmithdesign.com/madmen/madmenindex.html

Season 4/Episode 1 Opening Scene Predictions

The very opening scene including characters & location.

Yikes! We don't know anything about Joan!

We don't have any info on her background and why she's such a martyr to men! I just realized this watching "Babylon". She says to Roger she wouldn't eat because it reminded her of a hospital. Can we come up with bits and pieces and form a background scope to Joan? Is she another Don/Dick?? What is her background?

PIC IS A YEAR OR MORE OLD....BUT TIMELY----BACKYARD BBQ!

I expect most Maddicts have seen this one already, but it's cool....A Backyard BBQ at the Drapers! Dig those Cousin Eddy white loafers!

New Book out about The Real Mad Men Behind the 60s Ad Revolution

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/15/the-real-life-mad-men-behind-the-60s-ad-revolution.html?from=rss

Many references to AMC's Mad Men - interesting!

Freddie Rumsen

Does anyone besides me think we'll see the return of Freddie Rumsen to the new SCDP? Gosh I hope so!

Switchboard Lois... as you've never seen her

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/07/15/2010-07-15_actress_strip_down_memory_lane.html

Casting Call Question!

I think the casting call and partnering up with my favorite store, Banana Republic is a great idea. I have been debating with myself whether or not to participate and was hoping you could help me out. Before I decide to submit the code, and photo of myself dressed to impress, would my Indian ethnic background not harm my chances anyway? In the interest of the show, I am sure it is important to preserve the authenticity of the period, and the likelihood that an Indian American would be a part of an advertising agency in that time is very low. Wouldn't it be exceedingly difficult to work that into the script?

I really hope you can help me with my dilemma before I spend half my salary on Banana Republic clothes to look the part and submit my photo!

1965 is...

Well, we seem to have confirmation (as best as we are going to get before 7/25) that most of Season 4 takes place in 1965. With that in mind, I thought we'd remind each other about that year. Some events and the characters most likely to be affected.

I'll start

1965 is...

The year the United States completely committed to the ground war "police action" in Vietnam. This will affect Greg directly, and Joannie.

YEs, there is a Times Square S4 Premiere Party!

http://www.lippsisters.com/2010/07/13/s4-times-square-premiere-event/

Exclusive: Mad Men Cast and Creator Tease Season 4

http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/423337_tvgif13.html

The framed letter from President Obama hangs in the hallway outside Matt Weiner's office. "He wrote to say he enjoyed Season 3," the Mad Men creator says, giggling in disbelief. "He was congratulating me on my and the show's success, and I wanted to say, 'But wait, you're the successful person.'" The president was merely speaking for the quality-TV nation. In three seasons, Mad Men has gone from being a cool retro diversion to one of the most stylish, seductive shows in TV history. Last season ended in a mushroom cloud of hope and despair. Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and his most trusted companions in advertising walked away from the Sterling Cooper agency to launch a risky start-up. But Don's personal life imploded as his wife, Betty (January Jones), slapped down divorce papers and flew off to Reno with political aide Henry Francis (Christopher Stanley). Last we saw, Don was moving to Greenwich Village to start over.

The Mad Men crowd is notoriously tight-lipped, but Weiner and several cast members agreed to tease what's ahead for Season 4.

"It might have been impulsive, but making this break from Don made Betty feel stronger and more powerful than she ever has," Weiner says. That doesn't mean she's any closer to asking "Who am I?," the theme that dominates the new season. As the show moves into the more turbulent part of the '60s, "all the characters are seeing consequences to their [past] actions," says Hamm, though not everybody's ready for the era's consciousness raising. Says Weiner, "There's a feeling on the writing team, about Betty, that she's a woman who will learn as little about herself as possible."

Marriage, Mad Men style

Pete and Trudy started off quite typically for a young couple, she put her family before Pete EVERY time. (And he put himself first.) Her fit over the chip and dip being returned? It was from her aunt (or great aunt?) Wahhhhh! I can't blame her for wanting the apartment and it did turn out to be quite the investment, but she totally disregarded Pete's feelings about taking the help from her parents. And yes, her dad DID call that chip and expect him to do as he was told although, at least mercifully, he didn't refer to the financial assistance. Leaving Pete (and taking the silver) during the missile crisis pretty much summed up that she was her parent's daughter more than a wife. Pete's attitude toward his wife has been unfavorably shadowed by his misogyny, thank you to Mommy rhymes with witch. But, I think they have both grown up a good bit and are ready to consider the other. I just rewatched the au pair episode and see a lot of hope for them by the end of it. Plus, when she brought sandwiches to the new agency, he seemed pleased by this and that is a big change.

Betty and her Daddy were even worse. Daddy's little princess expects every man to carry on over her like he did. Betty to Don: "I don't see why you can't make my family your family." Really, Betty? Gene to Don: "The man has no people!" Her abrasive father was horrible to Don and she gave it zero consideration. She was Daddy's little girl and I guess Don was supposed to like being treated like dung. As for Grandpa Gene, I thought it interesting that he told Sally she could be anything and don't let your mother tell you any different. He seemed to think that Betty could have married anyone for her future, but Sally could make her own.

As for Don, when they flashed back to him telling Anna Draper about Betty, didn't your heart break for his expectations? She's so...HAPPY! Awww, Don, you are in for such a rude awakening! He wanted a beautiful happy young woman and he got a beautiful child who was looking to him to MAKE her happy by treating her like a princess always. Whoops.

I think Don made the largest effort he could have ever done when he had Gene move in with them. He placed his happiness aside for her needs in a huge gesture and then did not complain or hold it up to her. She seemed to appreciate it for a minute, then took it for granted. And finally thanked him by naming the baby after her father, so he was never to forget which one of them was more important. But, even though, when she gloated over the reservoir victory, I actually saw admiration in his eyes for the first time really. She was becoming a woman he was attracted to, (partly because of her infatuated kiss with Henry) she was happy and she sounded so intelligent when she spoke about the water study. Then he romanced her in Rome, and was enchanted with the elegant beauty speaking Italian fluently. More than that, and this is a biggy for Don, he was still enamored of her when they got back, that morning and STILL that night until she pushed him away and thought so little of his gift. By that evening she was back to her resentful poor me self and for once you couldn't fault his distant behavior for it. I've read a lot of people thought his gift of the charm was really lame, but I thought it was touching and painfully rejected. Later their last glimmer of hope for a marriage came with her acting adult and giving him what for over the desk drawer. As hard as it was for him, he deserved every bit of it and he needed to beg for her understanding after coming almost completely clean. And she was being a woman he could admire again, I think he could have stayed in love with her as she was then. If she could have stayed that person, which I think ultimately she could not, it took a lot of anger to bring that strength out in her. Then in the end he lost out to an older man who thinks she is a princess. After she lost her Dad, hmmm......

I think Betty will marry Henry Francis and I think they will do alright aside from issues with her older kids. Henry is a rescuer, I think he is attracted to her uhh, Nordicness. I don't think her self pity will wilt him the way it did Don, I think he will take the time and pay attention to her to draw her around. He will definitely use her at dinners and functions and they could be a team in the way she wanted with Don. What happens with the older kids is anyone's guess, but I think they could be better off with Don. I don't think they will fit into the Francis household so well.

MadMen Premiere Party Suggestions?

I'm going to have some friends over for the Premiere and I want suggestions on what to serve. Chip-n-dip is a must...but what chips and what dip? Caesar salad for sure. However, I can't decide on a main course (or courses) or dessert. Any thoughts?

Mad Men Barbie

Well fellow Maddicts, I have said I will never grow up...I have proved it once again.
I received my Joan Barbie today!! I can only afford one at a time, and Joan is my favorite character.
She is beautiful! Very authentic looking, right down to her pen necklace! She is in a box with the Mad Men logo from Saeson 1 on the cover.
I haven't been this excited since I got my first Barbie as a kid in the 60s!
Has anyone else bought the Barbie collection? I would love to know what you think about them.

When did Don Draper have power in his life? Nowhere!

That's what MW said during the S3 Marathon. I always saw Don as having the power in whatever room he was in. But, I guess not - MW set this up. Your thoughts?

Jon Hamm on what makes women sexy

Here: http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/07/12/jon-hamm-w-magazine/

Sigh....

Best lines in poor taste?

What is your favorite tacky line from MM? For example, in S1, Kennedy vs. Nixon, when Kenny teases Harry about what Jennifer will be doing at HER party at the phone company. Harry gets very offended and reminds Kenny, "That's my wife you're talking about." There are loads of others, most of which are probably spoken by Kenny. Roger's count, although not as much since he KNOWS the lines are in poor taste!

The Evolution of Pete Campbell or the End of Kenny and Pete Show

Okay watching Season 1 you think that Mr. Campbell is some legacy spoiled brat. But I don't think that does him justice.. Its not about Pete not having to work hard from what he wants but rather Don stumbling onto opportunity (you can't really control your childhood but you can control how you end up as an adult). Ken and his haircut on the otherhand is able to glide through life without a care in the world. I think that Don underestimated Pete big time. Say what you will about him Pete is a survivor that kid has a tenacity.

Dirty Looks Part 2

Yes in the honor of the topic from June Here's a great one: Season 3 at Margaret Sterling's wedding when Roger's wife tells him that there is no cake and Roger looks at Don and Don gives him a look that says "You talkin to me, I don't give a (you know what), or And your problem is...?" all at once. It brilliant and it says so much!

What is this about AT&T Uverse!

Does anyone know about this? That AT&T is going to drop AMC before the MM Premiere????

Well, I've Met My First Maddict!

He doesn't like to be called a maddict, but all signs pointed to a hard core Maddict. That twinkle in his eye when he spoke about the show told me he is a full fledged Maddict. From acting to production to advertizing, he has a world of knowledge! Yes, I met C.Carroll Adams PhD., but I was the only one at the Sizzler to sign up for the very exciting premiere party he is putting on! There are a group of regular Maddicts who will be there. Gracious enough to ask others to join, he will be putting up an unbelievable production of videos of the show on several screens and even my little 'ol video of me singing Shahdaroba which I did by the way last week and dedicated to all the Maddicts out there. It's a real exciting production he is putting together on the 25th! I certainly can't miss it!

Mad Men Pick-up Lines!

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/07/07/every-mad-men-pickup-line-montage/

Ring Tone

Does anyone have the Mad Men theme as a ring tone? Where'd you get it? (I have Verizon)

Was this scene cut???

Does anybody remember the scene where Peggy went to the bar (or was it a strip club) where the guys were meeting with that client -- she walked in and Cosgrove (I think) said to the guys, "There's Peggy"?

That was S2, I think -- I swear that scene isn't on the S2 DVD.

Or did I miss it? I've watched S2 clear through about three times and I'll be danged if I can find that scene.

Anybody?

New Episode Summaries Reveal Approximate Starting Point of S4 (Spoiler)

40.Public Relations: "Don makes a mistake that jeopardizes the new agency." (December 1964)

41.Christmas Comes But Once a Year: "A last minute visitor threatens to spoil the agency's Christmas party." (Around Christmas of 1964)

42.The Good News: "Don heads off to Acapulco; Joan and Lane fight." (Early 1965)

Episode 2 effectively does take place around Christmas time, Season 3 ended on December 21st, 1963, Since it's been confirmed by Hamm and Slattery that we aren't starting off immediately after the events of S3, and since December 1965 would simply be too far of a leap ahead in time for many reasons, it's safe to say that the first 2 episodes of season 4 will be set in December 1964, and the remainder - including Don's trip to Mexico - in 1965.

Betty vs. Don and the box: 2 different environments

Ok gang I still can't view or make comments on a post, yet I can read any original post beginning a thread and that's it though, and make my own post; as part of the ever ongoing problems with this site. So I'm going to post to see if somehow magically things will change.

I'm beginning the Mad Men marathon gearing up for season 4. And as ever you can always see something else that catches your mind that you didn't see before.

Betty confronting Don on the ever mysterious box: did you notice how they broke that scene up into 2 parts? I'm thinking now that was an interesting decision to do so.

It begins with Betty getting the balls to confront Don, first in the home office and then in the kitchen. It's basically the same environment. The downstairs. The business end of the house. Then, it's broken by the baby crying once Don starts telling facts. A little emotion, but emotion isn't driving this portion of the scene; it's information gathering married with exposure. He doesn't actually go into the box though.

The powers that be could have kept the scene there to resume the confrontation, but they moved the confrontation, physically and mood/emotionally. It moves to the bedroom.

In the bedroom, what's supposed to be an environment of intimacy, is where it's no longer a confrontation. It's Don now being deeply emotionally intimate. He began in the kitchen giving her the basic facts (like how you read a recipe or answer the phone or give instruction. Just the facts, even though yes his voice was tinged with emotion, but archaeology to me was the motivation, not emotion). But in the bedroom, it's not just answering questions for info gathering. He's intimate emotionally. Here in the bedroom, is where he goes into the box.

In that important scene, the kitchen is the facts. The bedroom is the emotional result of the facts, the environment of intimacy.

Looking back, I think they made it like that on purpose. The bottom line with the scene to me is this: there's no structural reason to break the scene up and have 2 different environments. But they did. It's one event, yet with 2 different sides. (kinda like Don)

What say you?

Mad Men In-Season (4) Required Reading

For all fellow maddicts, I thought I'd list the websites, blogs, etc, I like to read after every new episode. Every episode of Mad Men is so rich in narrative detail and thematic complexity, that I find it useful to supplement my viewing by reading the thoughts of some other voices across the internets that I find interesting.

In no particular order:
Alan Sepinwall (now at hitfix.com)
This site, of course,
Basket of Kisses (www.lippsisters.com)
and the slate.com TV club.

Please recommend any others. I'm sure there are some other good ones out there.

DD: Single Man About Town

(tried to post this in response to Sunnra's question but couldn't due to rather silly character-length restriction by AMC website).

This question has been of concern to me too. But not so much about Don's specific partners. I think we can be assured that Bobbie and Rachel are long gone. What concerns me with this issue is the impact of Don's being single has on the show. Without the moral imperative (marriage), Don's partners become a series of more or less serious relationships. But it would take some time to be invested in these new female characters, as we were in Betty. There's the concern that a series of flings makes Don appear a caricature, not James Bond but Austin Powers (good grief if Don ever says, "Groovy, baby"). The concern with Don getting a serious "girlfriend" is why we should care about her, or invest the time in getting to know her. Given how temporary his flings are, we might well be angered initially by any long narrative space devoted by MW and his staff to a new "serious love interest." Look how many still chafe at the mere mention of Susanne Farrell. Was it the fact that Don and Susanne really appeared sympatico, a good match, that angered people?

Midge and Bobbie were flings, pure sex. Rachel and Susanne were more serious. But the Rachel relationship was based on the relatively unexamined belief that because they shared a traumatic event from birth, they "got" each other. The last scene between them shows how poorly suited they were to each other despite the "accident" of their births.

On the other hand, the last scene between Don and Susanne certainly suggests, at any rate, that they may well see each other again. The question is really how. With Don living the life of a bachelor in the city, he might of course see Susanne when he goes to pick up Sally and Bobby. But, with all that has happened, and no doubt the guilt he still has over leaving her out in that car for hours, it's doubtful that they could start over again. Plus, wasn't she important to married Don for a reason? Didn't she represent something about freedom and idealism that was important to him while he was married to Betty?

Betty insisted on being the child in their marriage, therefore Don had to be the adult. On the other hand, in each one of his affairs he appears to want to be juvenile, irresponsible: fly off to Paris with Midge (in '60? Really? How's that going to not sent off alarm bells with the wife?); runaway with Rachel (forgetting all about his kids); have a sexual encounter with Bobbie in the restroom of the restaurant while their respective spouses are waiting at the table. And Susanne was the clearest example of this tendency, being a school teacher, a teacher of adolescents.

Now, not being married, not forced to be "adult", what would Don seek in a sexual or relationship partner? I'm concerned that all the answers MW and gang come up with to this question, will pose thematic risks to the show. Now, don't get me wrong, DD and Betty could not have stayed married. She never really forgave him for Bobbie. But a single, man about town, Don Draper. Well, be careful what you wish for.

On Demand hint for Season 4?

Hi gang!
I was watching Season 2 episodes on demand on my cable, and noticed the intro. to episode 213 shows Peggy opening up her apt. door with a Christmas wreath on it. The person at the door from behind looks like Don. I was thinking about that clip of Don with his suitcases getting out of a NYC cab and going to some brownstone type buildings. There were Christmas lights in the windows, so, I assume Season 4 will begin Dec 1963?
I had to rewind and stop the Peggy scene a few times to check it. I don't remember seeing that clip from any of the 3 Seasons so far.
Could Don be knocking on Peggy's door in the beginning of Season 4?
What do you think?

"Mr. D and the Women" or the Bachelor of 1964?

Okay I think that our Mr. Draper has some serious attachment issues. For all of Roger's hang ups and Pete's slimeness, Draper appears to be more of a James Bond kind of guy a serial cheater. But now that he is soon to be a divorced father of two will Don be a serial dater or find that special one from seasons past - will it be Bobbie Barrett?, Suzanne "Miss" Farrell?, Joy that weird teenager from California?, Midge that beatnik Chick, or Anna the real Mrs. Drapper?, or someone else? (remember Rachel Menken is suppose to be happy and married right?) Thoughts from the panel please...

PREDICTION TIME for S4

I think it's that time of year! Come on, what's yours?

New Season Anticipation- All About the Girls

All this new collateral has me salivating for the new season....I cannot wait. A few things to consider before we kick off in a few weeks...
Do you think Betty will come back to Don? Or just head out for a quickie with her political paramour?
Who will be the first traitor to the new agency? History always points to Pete - but I think our girl Peggy is growing a huge set of ....well, you know what it takes sometimes. And Joan, she knows how to own her power, but will she ditch that awful spouse of hers or just start another footsie campaign with Roger?
I have a feeling the new season is going to be all about the women....and I can't wait!

Emmy Nominations

Emmy Nominations are out and if my count is correct, Mad Men garnered 16 noms this year. The complete list can be found at http://www.emmys.com/nominations

Congratulations to Jon Hamm, January Jones, John Slattery, Christina Hendricks, Elisabeth Moss and Robert Morse for acting nods (lead, supporting and guest.) Episodes featured in one or more categories include "Shut the Door. Have a Seat," "Souvenir," and "Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency."

Almost a do-over!!

Matt Weiner is probably the only series creator who has ever gotten to re-start a series while it was still in its first run. Imagine the possibilities. The Maddicted audience already knows the characters so there's no need for background; It's a fresh start in a new office at the true start of a new decade! I'm sure there will be some new characters who will take some getting used to, and some old ones (Sal) who will be missed, but I for one, cannot wait for Season 4!

Also, just given MW's choice of a closing song for S3, I think there may well be a new love that will last for Don. Now will he stop cheating? Who can say. It is the swinging sixties after all, and I do believe that despite everything he did in the first 3 seasons, he really loved Betty. Remember the final "End of the World" scene or the darkened bedroom scene in The Grown Ups? I guess we will see in S4.

Suzanne Farrell

For those who don't know, Suzanne Farrell was one of the greatest ballerinas of her day, and George Balanchine's greatest muse in her more than 20 years dancing with New York City Ballet. I don't imagine that the character's name is a coincidence!

MM Filming Locations and pics from a Season 4 episode

Season 4 shoot pics: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1273739/Mad-Mens-Jon-Hamm-cruises-vintage-convertible-shooting-new-series.html

Also, if you're looking for where they film the show, they film a lot in LA at Caseys Irish Bar (downtown), the Prince (Koreatown) and have filmed at Cicada downtown many times as well as the Biltmore for a few episodes.

Season 4 Viewing Parties?

I live in LA and can't seem to find any. Regardless, if you know of any anywhere open to the public, please post here. I'm sure lots of fans would like to know where they can watch with fellow fans! :)

Clearinghouse of unanswered MM questions

Does anyone have a burning question - simple or complex - they would like to see answered before the premier of S4? Lots of smart and insightful Maddicts ready to help. Jump in!

Mad Men School of Seduction

Mad Men School of Seduction
http://gleamingcubes.com/2010/07/06/need-some-pickup-lines-mad-men-will-school-ya/

A Real "Don Draper" moment

Spoilers are no fun, and we're too close to the start now of the season to bother with speculation.

We live in a hot part of the country. No, not the East which is experiencing hot temps, but on the West Coast, specifically Southern California, specifically the San Fernando Valley. In the summer, we can expect temps around 100 for much of July, August and September. Oh, I know, it's a dry heat. So anyway, we finally bought a pool, an above-ground pool. We have a young son and he just loves to swim. Assembly required, of course, and as I stared at the box and contemplated putting together that pool, I had a real "Don Draper" moment. What would DD do? I immediately flashed back to the Season 1 episode about Sally's birthday, "The Marriage of Figaro." He would get drunk, of course. Well, I have to admit up front, that I only had two beers in the few hours it took to get the pool up and running. And my wife helped anyway. Also, afterward we all jumped in to celebrate. I did not drive off and steal a neighbor's dog.

Have you ever had a DD or a "Betty Draper" or a "Joannie" or a "Peggy Olson" moment?

more new photos!

A few of these stills have already made the rounds, but there are also some I haven't seen anywhere else yet, including shots of Betty (wearing that mint green suit featured in the Janie Bryant video), Joan, Lane Pryce, Sally, and Bobby!

http://screencrave.com/2010-07-07/mad-menseason-4-photos-don-drapers-back/

NY Times Article + Cool Poster!

No spoilers revealed... but I envy those members of the media who received Season 4 promotional packages on Tuesday.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/spoiler-free-reasons-to-get-excited-about-the-new-mad-men-season/

Poster is here:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/07/07/arts/madmenbig/madmenbig-custom1.jpg

Anna's sister

I haven't been able to post on Mark E.'s thread for some reason. One of the theories I have is we are going to see Anna's sister again.
I think Anna's comment about her sister with the "good legs" and the real Don was interesting. Were they having an affair? And will Anna's sister show up looking for Don, and find Dick? Hmmm....

First Seasons Nixon VS. Kennedy

I was surprised that Matthew Weiner considers Richard M. Nixon a war hero (like JFK). No where in Nixon's bio does it say that he received any medals for valor or heroism. The closest Nixon got to combat in WWII was playing poker.

new Entertainment Weekly article

Gorgeous brand new pics of Peggy, Don, and Joan in S4 costumes, the same ones they are wearing in the recent teaser video "The Rules of Mad Men" (i.e. Peggy in a yellow/gold/orange/white paint stroke print dress, Joan in a tight red sheath dress with lots of gold jewelry). Plus, even better, Matt Weiner tells us some of their favorite movies, books, and music! It's only for those 3 characters though. No idea why. Could there be S4 hints buried in here? Maybe so...

Excellent clear scans and bonus Youtube clips of all the songs can be found at:
http://community.livejournal.com/madmen_tv/336942.html

(I'm going to reserve my thoughts and comments for another post so this doesn't take up the entire front page. )

Looking At Betty Draper

From Open Letters Monthly: An Arts and Literature Review, an interesting article about Betty and the show from an academic feminist point of view.

http://www.openlettersmonthly.com/looking-at-betty-draper/

Sarah Beth's later career

Sarah Beth Carson, after being divorced by her husband Raymond and shunned by her too-fat-in-her-leotards daughter moved on and later had a career as a songwriter for the group ELO. What is the name of her most famous song?

Is it July 25th yet?

Aaaaaaaaaah!

Times Square Screening for Season 4 in New York?

Has anyone heard of any planned events for Season 4 as they did for prior seasons? (Promotional events such as a premiere screening on July 25th in Times Square, windows at Bloomingdales, 60's artifacts at a museum, 60's cocktails at hotel etc.) Thanks in advance!

Is it possible?

OK, I'm just getting a chance to catch up. I just saw some of the Season 4 photos...did Jon Hamm get better looking? I didn't think it was possible!

Props

Who makes the "whiskey" glasses that they all drink out of?

Happy 4th of July Maddicts and Cast and Crew!!

God Bless America!!!!!!!

Getting caught up, very confused, can you help?

I've just got into Mad Men recently, and only just finished watching Season 2. After episode 12 titled Mountain Men, I'm very confused. Don Draper is in California and calls a woman who he needs to see. Then we see him coming to the door of a woman named Anna, who we find out is the real Don Draper's husband. Don (Dick) explains to her what happened to her husband and she says she has a sister who looks just like her and who has two good legs who wanted to marry him. Did she mean this sister wanted to marry the real Don Draper but he ended up marrying Anna instead? Then, to add to my confusion even more, Don is being welcomed into this woman's home (the sister?) and apparently is staying with her (in a flashback) and tells her he has fallen in love with Elizabeth (his current wife). But this woman's name is also Anna. So what's going on here? Who is this second Anna? Help!!!!!!!!!!!!

1964: A Year Brimming with Milestones

As we're all assuming that Season 4 starts off in 1964, I thought it would be interesting to list and link the major events that take place in that year. Several have mentioned the Beatles. I was surprised to notice that Ronald Reagan gave his first speech at the GOP Convention in this year (foreshadowing the next 30 years of change in the Republican Party and the nation). I linked to the video of that here.

I'd like to know what other forum members have noticed takes place in this year, and also which events anyone is guessing will make it into the episodes based on the posted titles.

Bear in mind, I was born in 1976 and therefore not the best authority on this. Boomers, please chime in!

Yep, the cig ad really did say "it's toasted"

Have a look at these vintage ads -- the ad with "it's toasted" is about halfway through the list!

http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2010/06/10/vintage-ads-thinking/?test=faces#slide=1

draper seeks out peggy

not exactly sure what draper was eluding to when he said to peggy.."people buy things" and then if i remember said something about people becoming lost and that peggy got it . I think I know what draper meant but I could use some help on the jist of what went down between draper and peggy in that scene and her agreeing to come on board with the new company.

Mad Men Marathon!!!!

Starting tomorrow night, July 5, the MM Marathon begins with season 1, Next wek, Season 2 and then Season 3, AND THEN.......SEASON 4 BEGINS!!!!

Going Incognito

Although Dick Whitman became Don Draper to change his circumstances, I wonder if any copywriters of that era changed their names due to the McCarthy blacklist? Some screenwriters had to lower their standards and settle for writing ad copy.

Have we EVER seen Don laugh?

The only time I recall Don ever laughing was the time Roger told Pete, "Goodnight Paul" We've seen him smile, smirk and amused - but, have we ever seen him laugh out loud?

Elisabeth Moss says S4 "a whole new world"

Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss has revealed her excitement at reading scripts from the show's new season.

The actress - who plays Peggy Olson on the show - told Collider that the fourth season opens up fresh possibilities for the series.

She said: "It's a wide open field [...]. We can go anywhere at this point and I think that's really exciting."

"It's a whole new world for us and I think that is going to be something that is going to carry through the whole season."

Moss claimed that there was "nothing more exciting" than receiving a script for the next episode.

"It's like being a Twilight fan and getting the next book - you're just so excited to see what happens next." she explained.

http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/news/a236968/moss-new-mad-men-is-whole-new-world.html

Come see Wonderwall's Recast of "Gilligan's Island"

Christina H as Ginger and Jon H as The Professor!

http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/fantasy-casting-gilligans-island-7212.gallery?GT1=28135

New episode titles available!

MSN and Zap2it have added the titles of episodes 2 through 6 on their sites! Here they are:

2 Christmas Comes But Once a Year (8/01/2010)
3 The Good News (8/08/2010)
4 The Rejected (8/15/2010)
5 The Chrysanthemum and the Sword (8/22/2010)
6 Waldorf Stories (8/29/2010)

http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/mad-men/episode-guide/EP00935777

http://tv.msn.com/tv/series-episodes/mad-men/?ipp=40

S4 costume video

Has everyone seen the new video clip with Janie Bryant talking about the S4 costumes, walking through the wardrobe trailer and showing its oh-so-tantalizing contents? It's on the video page here at AMC and also available at the following link:

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/06/30/mad-men-season-4-costumes/

The video includes the following rather intriguing statement from Bryant: "We get to see characters not so done up. [It's] a more mod lifestyle, youth culture... There will be more memorable costumes, more glitz, and then there's going to be moments of not-so-glitzy. It's all amazing. Just wait."

Music That Takes You To Season 4 (1964!)

I've enjoyed the mix of period songs and original music in the first three seasons, and even built a playlist in my iTunes called "Mad Men Music." What songs would you load into your MP3 player in anticipation of the new season?

A Male Version of the Maidenform

Okay so I just finished watching a repeat episode of the Maidenform and I was thinking what would a male version of the episode the Maidenform look like? The episode tells us that women are seen as either Marilyn Jackie but what about the men? Given that Season 4 is in 1964 (Beatles, British Invasion etc) will the issue of masculinity be explored next?