Mad Men Season Five Discussion Thread

[VANFLAMESFAN]

****This thread will contain spoilers. If you haven't caught up with the end of Season 4, don't read.******

Seeing as how the Season 4 thread was being bumped and I can't change the title, why not start a new one for this highly anticipated season.

2 hour premiere this Sunday after a 18 month absence. Good to have the show back.

I'm not really sure what to expect from this season. I can't seem to find any promos that have new footage in it, I can't seem to find a rundown on where the season starts. The promo on the Shaw box says Don will be greeted with a surprise. What will it be?

18 months is far too long without the best show on television.

4 time winner for Best Drama at the Emmys, can Mad Men go 5 for 5?

Here's a AMC promo with some clips from cast and crew.
http://www.amctv.com/mad-men/videos/a-look-at-season-5-inside-mad-men

http://media.amctv.com/photo-gallery/mm5-studio-photos/Mad_Men_2734_rgb.jpg

[MrMastodonFarm]

How the hell did they manage to go 18 months without being on?

I watched all four seasons on Netflix earlier this year, what a show, one of the best on TV. Next Sunday both this and Game of Thrones will have new episodes every Sunday, woot woot.

[Marcel]

I believe there was an issue with the actors, some negotiations around what they got paid as the show was such a huge success.. agreed, it's a great show and I can't wait to watch it again!

[VANFLAMESFAN]

How the hell did they manage to go 18 months without being on?

I watched all four seasons on Netflix earlier this year, what a show, one of the best on TV. Next Sunday both this and Game of Thrones will have new episodes every Sunday, woot woot.

On Sunday April 1st, my PVR is going to explode in the evening.

Mad Men, The Killing, Game of Thrones, Apprentice, Amazing Race, Spartacus

[malcolmk14]

Season 4 was my favourite so far in the series and I can't wait to see what they have in store for season 5!

[Flash Walken]

I can't wait to see more Megan.

Ooh la la.

[Lionel Steel]

Predictions for how long Don goes in the first episode before he cheats? I'm saying 30 minutes.

So excited for Sunday. Re-watched the entire series over the last few weeks.

[Joborule]

I love the tags. Yay for Joan.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

I love the tags. Yay for Joan.

My obsession for her is bordering on unhealthy.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/archive/2010/10/1_123125_123050_2240796_2270148_101012_cb_animated gifofchristinahendricksbutt.gif

[Sr. Mints]

We're having a Mad Men party, and I'm having a hard time finding bitters.

I hit four liquor stores, and no luck. One lady told me she's sold out and is either having a hard time finding it, or it's back ordered (I forget what she said.)

Makes me wonder if there are going to be lots of Mad Men parties? :lol:

[Hells Bells]

Christina Hendricks in tight fitted dresses is enough reason to watch this show on its own.

Throw in some very good writers and an excellent cast, great show.

[Regular_John]

We're having a Mad Men party, and I'm having a hard time finding bitters.

I hit four liquor stores, and no luck. One lady told me she's sold out and is either having a hard time finding it, or it's back ordered (I forget what she said.)

Makes me wonder if there are going to be lots of Mad Men parties? :lol:

I see it at grocery stores all the time, along with those syrupy 'tini' type mixes & such.

[malcolmk14]

We're having a Mad Men party, and I'm having a hard time finding bitters.

I hit four liquor stores, and no luck. One lady told me she's sold out and is either having a hard time finding it, or it's back ordered (I forget what she said.)

Makes me wonder if there are going to be lots of Mad Men parties? :lol:

I'm going to a Mad Men party too!

[Sliver]

Anybody know if there is a way to watch this on AppleTV or PlayStation 3 at the same time it airs on regular TV? I don't have cable but I want to watch it in real time.

[Cowperson]

How the hell did they manage to go 18 months without being on?

I watched all four seasons on Netflix earlier this year, what a show, one of the best on TV. Next Sunday both this and Game of Thrones will have new episodes every Sunday, woot woot.

The channel funding it wanted the producer to drop a few characters to reduce costs. He refused and basically said, "my way or no show." They eventually caved in.

Sally Draper's interview at the Huffington Post where she talks about the upcoming season:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/mad-men-kiernan-shipka_n_1374218.html

And an examination of the Sally Draper character at Slate:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/03/22/mad_men_s_sally_draper_the_precocious_naive_troubl ing_anti_betty.html

Cowperson

[Lobotroth]

^From the article

A lot of your castmates teased that this season feels like Season 1 again (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/mad-men-season-5_n_1214537.html?ref=tv) -- would you agree?
I definitely see that.


I was skeptical about this season but hearing this gives me great hope now. I might need to watch some of season 4 over just to get back into it. Can't wait for Sunday!

[CofR]

Awesome article from Grantland to help get everyone even more excited for Sunday
The Return of Mad Men and the End of TV's Golden Age:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7722573/andy-greenwald-don-draper-mad-men-twilight-golden-age-television

[Cowperson]

Don Draper and hockey talk.

http://www.thestar.com/iphone/Entertainment/article/1151025

Cowperson

[VANFLAMESFAN]

8 hrs away

[nik-]

zoobie zoobie zoo

[Joborule]

I want Meghan. Huba huba.

[gottabekd]

OMG Jessica Pare.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Can someone please gif all the dancing in the episode?

Megan made me pop wood, Sterling's dancing made me crack up.

The baby fart was hilarious.

[getbak]

http://jeremiahbostwick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/the_same_person.jpg

[rabenson000]

A brilliant season premiere and no appearance of Betty Draper makes it even better.

[Hells Bells]

http://jeremiahbostwick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/the_same_person.jpg

Really?

She looks exactly the same to me.

[rabenson000]

Can someone please gif all the dancing in the episode?

Megan made me pop wood, Sterling's dancing made me crack up.

The baby fart was hilarious.

Made some gif's enjoy


I apologize for the crappy quality

http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/dance.gif
http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/fart.gif
http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/dance1.gif
http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/dance2.gif
http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/dance3.gif
http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/dance4.gif

[-TC-]

beyond being hot...Megan was the best character in that episode, she stole it.

Good start to the season, very excited

[Joborule]

What Would Don Draper Do? - The Oatmeal.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/wwddd

[VANFLAMESFAN]

I like Megan's version better.

Un, deux, trois, quart!!

2vFOzG3GYqo

[Yeah_Baby]

I need to see it again but did Meghan...


...make an allusion to Dick Whitmen?

[Hells Bells]

The dance by Megan seemed really awkward and kind of goofy to me.

Her bent over in her underwear trying to clean, now that was special.

[3 Justin 3]

Having never watched an episode before (well parts and thought it was kind of boring), I just watched the Season 5 Premier and while it was entertaining I don't understand why this is the best show on tv (arguably).

Can someone explain to me why this is such a good show. I'd prefer a serious answer as I am curious about the show.

[Caged Great]

Actually, I found of all the episodes of the show, that that was one of the worst ones outside of Megan's hotness.

So it's understandable that you didn't really like it too much Justin, it was not at it's finest.

[Sr. Mints]

Having never watched an episode before (well parts and thought it was kind of boring), I just watched the Season 5 Premier and while it was entertaining I don't understand why this is the best show on tv (arguably).

Can someone explain to me why this is such a good show. I'd prefer a serious answer as I am curious about the show.

Mad Men is very cerebral and character-driven. I wasn't too fond of it at first, but the characters quickly grew on me and had me hooked. Some of the story lines seem to come out of nowhere and the show isn't predictable like so much of the drivel from the big networks: I'm always anxious to see what will happen next.

[Jimmy Stang]

Having never watched an episode before (well parts and thought it was kind of boring), I just watched the Season 5 Premier and while it was entertaining I don't understand why this is the best show on tv (arguably).

Can someone explain to me why this is such a good show. I'd prefer a serious answer as I am curious about the show.

Personally, my advice would be to PVR season 5 for a later date, and start watching from the beginning of the series. You can get seasons 1-4 on Netflix. There's a whole lot of character development that happens, and of course, a bunch of cheating and home wrecking.

I thought that the season 5 premiere was decent, but it didn't necessarily encapsulate why I like Mad Men. But knowing the characters and their history made it very watchable for me, although I can understand why someone just jumping in would find it a bit bland.

So, do yourself a favour and start at the beginning. By the time you're done 1-4, season 5 will probably be on Netflix anyway, so you can continue right along.

To answer your question more directly instead of giving fatherly advice, I think that the best thing about Mad Men are the characters. The show is very well cast and the acting is great. Also, I really enjoy the attention to detail in the set decorating, wardrobe, and storylines. It obviously romanticizes the era considerably, but for someone like me who never lived it for myself, I find that quite enjoyable. It is also filmed very nicely and looks great in HD.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Having never watched an episode before (well parts and thought it was kind of boring), I just watched the Season 5 Premier and while it was entertaining I don't understand why this is the best show on tv (arguably).

Can someone explain to me why this is such a good show. I'd prefer a serious answer as I am curious about the show.

I echo the things said about Mad Men being a character driven show. You're not going to have intense action/drama that goes from one episode to the next like other shows. Mad Men is just not that type of show. Yes, there are storylines that progress over the course of a season, but a lot of time, each episode is an isolated new story separate from the rest. To me, it's a period piece with amazing characters.

It's so hard to predict what's going to happen from one ep to the next. I seriously have no idea what the next episode is going to be about. I can't even fathom a guess, because any time that I do, the show goes off on its own tangent for an episode and will have Don going to California and have Don/Peggy stuck in the office all night(aka The Suitcase in S4, my fav episode of all time). You just never know and that's a reason I love the show.

Another reason is the feel. It's just a very clean show. The sets, the lighting, the costumes, the music, everything. I just love the feel.

And they definitely don't skimp on the historic references. In fact, sometimes it will take over an episode. Elections, Cuban Missile crisis, JFK assasination etc, I love watching those episodes as well.

[Yeah_Baby]

The Cuban Missile Crisis is one of my fave early episodes.

[Cowperson]

A conversation with Canadian Jessica Pare on the twitter-fluttering topic of "Zhou, Bisou, Bisou," her song and dance which is now all the talk of the blogosphere.

http://entertainment.time.com/2012/03/26/mad-men-stuck-in-your-head/

Cowperson

[Yeah_Baby]

Really?

She looks exactly the same to me.

It's not looks. It's how drastic they characters are from each other.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

I need to see it again but did Meghan...


...make an allusion to Dick Whitmen?

She did. I guess he must have told her. At the end of S4, when he was about to propose to her, he told her that he could himself around her. Or something to that extent.

[BigBrodieFan]

I love everything about Mad Men, especially Don Draper of course. I love the references to the 60s, I often wonder how my parents are still alive with all of that smoke. They were contributing factors too, how gross.

My favourite story line so far would have to be a choice between Peggy not knowing she was pregnant, Don finding his ex-girlfriend a vagabond drug addict 'artist,' and anything to do with Roger. This is the one of the funniest scenes in any drama in my opinion:

http://gifsoup.com/view4/1148163/mad-men-vomit-o.gif

And I can't stand Pete's character, he's such a weasel- the guy we love to hate:

http://gifsoup.com/view5/2443875/mad-men-o.gif

[RogerWilco]

Having never watched an episode before (well parts and thought it was kind of boring), I just watched the Season 5 Premier and while it was entertaining I don't understand why this is the best show on tv (arguably).

Can someone explain to me why this is such a good show. I'd prefer a serious answer as I am curious about the show.
You need to watch the first 4 seasons. I am new to the show as well and watched the first 4 seasons over the last 5 or so weeks. I remeber watching an episode in the middle of one of the seasons and thought it was slow and terrible.

I had a friend hownd me to watch from the satrt so I did on net flix. Glad I did because I love the show now. But you really need to watch from the start. The first 4 seasons are all on netflix Canada.

[Yeah_Baby]

She did. I guess he must have told her. At the end of S4, when he was about to propose to her, he told her that he could himself around her. Or something to that extent.

If that's the case I retract some of my anger at Don dumping Faye.

[MrMastodonFarm]

And I can't stand Pete's character, he's such a weasel- the guy we love to hate:

http://gifsoup.com/view5/2443875/mad-men-o.gif

Pete's great, weasel is such perfect term for him.

That gif makes me miss the old office though.

[Yeah_Baby]

Roger irks me. I mean sure, he is as morally bankrupt as Don, but Don I love, despite that I know I should hate him. But Roger is just a dick.

[Lobotroth]

I rewatched season 4 last weekend before the season 5 premier and I watched the first 6 episodes of season 3 this week. The thing about this show is that once you're hooked it's hard to watch anything else.

Sterling and Cooper are a dying breed and Pete and Don are the new generation. I have a feeling we'll see less and less of Roger this season which is too bad because he is one of the better characters on the show. Cooper is already expendable, he spent most of season four sitting around eating and doing nothing. Roger should be next, Lucky Strike was all that he had and now that it's gone he's desperately trying to find his place again in the company. Should be lots of drama in this new season.

[Flash Walken]

I rewatched season 4 last weekend before the season 5 premier and I watched the first 6 episodes of season 3 this week. The thing about this show is that once you're hooked it's hard to watch anything else.

Sterling and Cooper are a dying breed and Pete and Don are the new generation. I have a feeling we'll see less and less of Roger this season which is too bad because he is one of the better characters on the show. Cooper is already expendable, he spent most of season four sitting around eating and doing nothing. Roger should be next, Lucky Strike was all that he had and now that it's gone he's desperately trying to find his place again in the company. Should be lots of drama in this new season.

Jesus christ, watching a show in reverse order?!

Stop what you're doing immediately and watch from Season 1 Episode 1.

[Lobotroth]

Jesus christ, watching a show in reverse order?!

Stop what you're doing immediately and watch from Season 1 Episode 1.

I've seen 'em all already.

[jammies]

Roger irks me. I mean sure, he is as morally bankrupt as Don, but Don I love, despite that I know I should hate him. But Roger is just a dick.

Roger gets a pass because he is hilarious.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Roger gets a pass because he is hilarious.

haha yeah, pretty much. I always think Roger is the biggest jerk on the show, the character I like the least... then he does something hilarious and I crack up and like him.

Rinse wash repeat.

Sally Draper is one of my favorite characters on the show though, that little actress that plays her was amazing.

[Flash Walken]

haha yeah, pretty much. I always think Roger is the biggest jerk on the show, the character I like the least... then he does something hilarious and I crack up and like him.

Rinse wash repeat.

Sally Draper is one of my favorite characters on the show though, that little actress that plays her was amazing.

http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2010/09/BLACKFACE-ROGER-STERLING.jpg

[nickerjones]

Holy Crap... The first 3 episodes of Mad Men were slow so I thought this show sucks.... I started back 2 weeks ago because I ran out of stuff to watch while I was on the road. I am getting ready to finish season 4 ... Damn good show... Cant wait to watch season 5.

[BlackRedGold25]

haha yeah, pretty much. I always think Roger is the biggest jerk on the show, the character I like the least... then he does something hilarious and I crack up and like him.

How can any character be more hated than Betty? She's nothing but a straight up see you next Tuesday.

[wpgflamesfan]

Betty really let herself go. She looks like she'd be a good fit for the Cowboy's o-line.

[rabenson000]

Betty really let herself go. She looks like she'd be a good fit for the Cowboy's o-line.

Yes indeed. January Jones baby weight is very noticeable.

[Freeway]

Yes indeed. January Jones baby weight is very noticeable.

How many babies did she eat?

[nik-]

Must be pretty crushing for an actress who's really only employed for her looks to have to have an "oh, you're fat now" storyline written in.

[getbak]

The new season of the show starting shooting in early August and she had her baby in early September, so she either shot her scenes just before giving birth or just after. Also, in some of the scenes, it looked like her fuller face may have been augmented (either digitally or with make-up).

I've read some comments suggesting that Betty was lying about the lump being benign, but I can't see that. IMO, she's too immature and self-centered to try to go through something like that alone.

I think it's more likely that if her doctor won't give her the diet pills, she'll find someone else who will. Then, she'll become a speed freak and struggle with drug addiction by the end of the season.

[Mightyfire89]

Must be pretty crushing for an actress who's really only employed for her looks to have to have an "oh, you're fat now" storyline written in.

Well, not if she has a healthy sense of who she is as a real human being.

I dunno

[REDVAN]

The new season of the show starting shooting in early August and she had her baby in early September, so she either shot her scenes just before giving birth or just after. Also, in some of the scenes, it looked like her fuller face may have been augmented (either digitally or with make-up).

I've read some comments suggesting that Betty was lying about the lump being benign, but I can't see that. IMO, she's too immature and self-centered to try to go through something like that alone.

I think it's more likely that if her doctor won't give her the diet pills, she'll find someone else who will. Then, she'll become a speed freak and struggle with drug addiction by the end of the season.

I think she'll call Don next week or meet him for lunch, and tell him the truth- that she is actually sick. I really disliked Betty, but you can tell that deep down she does really love Don and can't let him go.

Interesting show last night.

I can't wait for the Roger/Pete confrontation, and when Joan returns to the office permanently.

I'm also looking forward to Don regretting being with Megan and then her announcing that she's pregnant. Haha

Just a few of my "predictions."

[nik-]

I think she'll call Don next week or meet him for lunch, and tell him the truth- that she is actually sick. I really disliked Betty, but you can tell that deep down she does really love Don and can't let him go.

Interesting show last night.

I can't wait for the Roger/Pete confrontation, and when Joan returns to the office permanently.

I'm also looking forward to Don regretting being with Megan and then her announcing that she's pregnant. Haha

Just a few of my "predictions."

I'm actually expecting something different. Megan really does seem to "get" Don and center him. Betty never did, Faye never really did. I thought it was a disaster waiting to happen when they were at the end of last season, but seeing their interaction, there's something on another level there.

[BlackRedGold25]

I think she'll call Don next week or meet him for lunch, and tell him the truth- that she is actually sick. I really disliked Betty, but you can tell that deep down she does really love Don and can't let him go.


The only person Betty really loves is herself. She's a self-centered child who has managed to skate by in life since she's pretty. But how is she going to deal with life now that she's fat and lost the sole thing going for her - her beauty?

[RogerWilco]

You guys do realize that January Jones is wearing a fat suit along with face make-up to make her look extra fat?

[REDVAN]

The only person Betty really loves is herself. She's a self-centered child who has managed to skate by in life since she's pretty. But how is she going to deal with life now that she's fat and lost the sole thing going for her - her beauty?

I guess what I mean is that she will stop feeling wanted by Henry and she will try to crawl back to Don. It will just make her look pathetic, which is generally her character type anyway.

[getbak]

Here's a photo of what January Jones looked like shortly before giving birth.

http://www-hollywoodlife-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/January-Jones-teaser120402161323.jpg


Here she is at the Mad Men premiere last week:

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/middle/2012/03/15/248663-january-jones.jpg


Her face was fuller when she was pregnant, but it's pretty obvious that it was augmented for the show.

I'm going to stick with my diet pill addiction prediction.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

whoah... hallucination?

[nik-]

That was messed up ... what the hell was that?

[nik-]

And what kind of ####ed up song was that at the end?

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

And what kind of ####ed up song was that at the end?

Fitting given the latent misogyny in that adultery / murder scene.

[Joborule]

Talk about a mindfata.

[REDVAN]

I've had those crazy dreams while very sick. Either that it he really did kill that slut.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Peggy owning Roger was highlight for me.

And again, I love all the historical references in this show and tonight was no different with the Speck killings.

[Yeah_Baby]

Halfway through Don's dream I was like this is A) When Mad Men jumps the shark, or B) A hallucination. I was hoping for B).

[VladtheImpaler]

Great episode. As Van mentioned, the Peggy/Roger scene was fantastic.

[malcolmk14]

That Peggy scene had me giggling, just wonderful!

Sally is starting to turn into her mother.

[Flash Walken]

Context:

In 1960, the $400 that Roger gave Peggy is the equivalent of roughly $3000 in today's coin. First, this gives us two points of context for Roger

1) That when he gave Harry $1100 to switch offices with Pete, it was roughly $8000 (hence Harry's exclamation of "you walk around with $1100 in your pocket?"

2) If it wasn't out of the ordinary for Roger to have that much money on him, only having $400 left at the end of the day seems pretty extravagant.

It also gives far more context to the scene where Peggy leaves her purse on the coffee table. It had potentially two months salary in it!

[Tinordi]

One of the best episodes in a long time. Amazing.

One of the questions I love that the show left open is, is Don having an affair with the elevator woman?

[malcolmk14]

One of the best episodes in a long time. Amazing.

One of the questions I love that the show left open is, is Don having an affair with the elevator woman?

I don't think it left that open at all. He admitted they had been together a few years prior (6 years?) to Megan, and then he had the dream about her.

I saw the dream as Don's own anxiety about that past part of him ruining what he has with Megan.

[Tinordi]

I don't think it left that open at all. He admitted they had been together a few years prior (6 years?) to Megan, and then he had the dream about her.

I saw the dream as Don's own anxiety about that past part of him ruining what he has with Megan.
But he could be having an affair with her right now as well, she was pretty upfront with him in the elevator for a guy she had slept with 6 years ago... Maybe I'm reading too into it but each dream has a sliver of truth.

[malcolmk14]

Loved everything about the scene in Peggy's apartment between her and Dawn as well.

Joan is just completely broken. I think she'll end up with Roger again. It was almost liberating for her though to rid herself of Greg, I bet.

[nik-]

Loved everything about the scene in Peggy's apartment between her and Dawn as well.

Joan is just completely broken. I think she'll end up with Roger again. It was almost liberating for her though to rid herself of Greg, I bet.

Almost? :lol:

[Mightyfire89]

Interesting episode tonight, Loved seeing Pete get his ass kicked. Smarmy prick deserved a comeuppance.

[Yeah_Baby]

I think Peggy ratted Ken out. I don't think it was Peter.

[Freeway]

I think Peggy ratted Ken out. I don't think it was Peter.

Even money says it was the wives.

[Lobotroth]

First the Canucks lose and then Pete gets his face smashed in, what a great night.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Three awesome lines, all in the same scene.

"because she caught him with chewing gum on his pubics!!"

"I know cooler heads should prevail, but is anyone else interested in seeing this?"

"I dont know about you guys, but I had Lane"

[BlackRedGold25]

Even money says it was the wives.

How? Roger's wife wasn't at the party and I doubt she is even social with any of the other wives.

[rabenson000]

http://imgboot.com/images/rabenson/punch.gif

[Joborule]

Nice KO combo.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Who amoung us hasnt been caught with a little chewing gum on the pubics?

[Flash Walken]

Roger Sterling to prostitute, "I won't do you the inconvenience of flattering you with compliments."

[Yeah_Baby]

I was quite impressed with Don's composure at the whorehouse.

[Flash Walken]

I was quite impressed with Don's composure at the whorehouse.

Don likes the chase.

A whorehouse isn't his bag.

[Yeah_Baby]

Don likes the chase.

A whorehouse isn't his bag.

Don't you recall his escort friend from last season? It's not like he's above it either.

[VladtheImpaler]

I have to say, I'm very impressed. Normally, after a few seasons, even great shows start inching (or rocketing) toward "jumping the shark" phase. You can see it with Dexter and, dare I say, Breaking Bad, to some extent - or, perhaps, "shark" is harsh - just get stale... But, with MM, I feel like the show is actually better - the 18-month layoff seems to have recharged the batteries. Great scenes this season...

[Yeah_Baby]

I still miss Kinsey.

[MrMastodonFarm]

I have to say, I'm very impressed. Normally, after a few seasons, even great shows start inching (or rocketing) toward "jumping the shark" phase. You can see it with Dexter and, dare I say, Breaking Bad, to some extent - or, perhaps, "shark" is harsh - just get stale... But, with MM, I feel like the show is actually better - the 18-month layoff seems to have recharged the batteries. Great scenes this season...

It happened with Dexter, it certainly hasn't happened with Breaking Bad.

Most shows seem to peak around the 3rd-5th seasons.

[Yeah_Baby]

It happened with Dexter, it certainly hasn't happened with Breaking Bad.

Most shows seem to peak around the 3rd-5th seasons.

Which is why that dream sequence had me scared for about 90 seconds.

[VladtheImpaler]

It happened with Dexter, it certainly hasn't happened with Breaking Bad.

Most shows seem to peak around the 3rd-5th seasons.

Still a big fan, but we'll agree to disagree. Maybe I just can't suspend my disbelief sufficiently...

[MrMastodonFarm]

The line of the episode was "You want some more, Mr. Toad! "

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Still a big fan, but we'll agree to disagree. Maybe I just can't suspend my disbelief sufficiently...

I like Breaking Bad seasons in the opposite order. I thought what they did in 4 was better than 3 which was better than 2 which was better than 1.

Breaking Bad is nowhere near stale, but at the same time I'm glad they don't wear out their welcome and am totally on board with 5 being the final season.

Totally agree about Dexter by the way.

[Tinordi]

Three awesome lines, all in the same scene.

"because she caught him with chewing gum on his pubics!!"

"I know cooler heads should prevail, but is anyone else interested in seeing this?"

"I dont know about you guys, but I had Lane"

"Reschedule the meeting"

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk 2

[Sr. Mints]

Funny video spoiler season 5

ulC0Lerkkbc

[Jimmy Stang]

^ That's horrible. But I laughed. And then sent it to my wife because we always watch Mad Men together.

[jdso]

Jaguar's actual advertising agency sent a fake letter to Don Draper

http://gawker.com/5903548/jaguars-real-ad-agency-sent-mad-mens-don-draper-a-fake-letter

[Weiser Wonder]

Season 5 has been the best so far. Season 4 it was getting stale but the break did wonders for the writing. I'm glad they decided to bring all the characters back down to earth. They were becoming to coniving and unrelateable.

As for the fat Betty video, way to pick up on the not so subtle anti-misogynstic themes of the show guys. The show goes out of its way to point out how body policing hurts people, yet here you are, going "haha fat women."

[MrMastodonFarm]

I thought season four was the best, and season five has only improved on that.

[RW99]

For those that like Mad Men, Nerdist and Weird Al Yankovic... who doesn't?

Game will air on Monday.

sley90TueZ8

[Lobotroth]

Mad Men poster graffiti: (http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/03/27/mad-men-funny-poster-graffiti_n_1381746.html?ref=mostpopular#s813276)

http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/217000/slide_217000_813276_large.jpg?1332771596

[nik-]

Guessing a lot of people missed the first showing tonight because of the Kings game?

Pretty awesome episode, Sterling on LSD had be laughing out loud a few times.

[Jimmy Stang]

I enjoyed that episode. Many things going on, and the three different perspectives over the same timeframe was quite well done.

[Lobotroth]

Pretty awesome episode, Sterling on LSD had be laughing out loud a few times.

Really enjoyed that sequence, I was giddy when he agreed to take it. This season is progressing nicely, glad to see the old Don coming back.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Peggy giving the guy the HJ while stoned in the movie theatre was my favorite moment.

I love that character, she's so awesome.

[Flash Walken]

Peggy giving the guy the HJ while stoned in the movie theatre was my favorite moment.

I love that character, she's so awesome.

You just like the idea of stoned handy's while watching Transformers ;)

[nik-]

Haha.

they make beautiful dishes, glassware ... napalm

[Flash Walken]

"Someone dumped you?"

Hilarious.

[Joborule]

That was a good episode last night. Loved the shot of all of them returning to the table at the end.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Sterling was hilarious in the last episode... and someone has to gif the look Don gave Cosgrove when Ken tried to steer the conversation away from Don's sales pitch.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Mr. Belding was on Mad Men. Nothing else happened in the episode.

[d_phaneuf]

Didn't like it that much, I thought it was up there with Fat Betty for worst episode of the season

the girl who played Beth is a really really really bad actress

Pete is headed down a bad path, and without Megan around all the time Don may be too

[Yeah_Baby]

Rory Gilmore was kind of a letdown.

[gottabekd]

Yea, pretty bad episode. Megan really wants to be a copy writer. She gets her break. Then next week, " I don't want to be a copy writer". She has been a pretty solid character, but now she's at least lost a step.

Loved "Tomorrow Never Knows" at the end, though. Surprised it took as long as it did for Don to turn it off.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Pretty bleh episode over all, it was kind of all over the place.

Mr Belding was fun and they licensed a Beatles song? Wow bet that cost a pretty penny.

[corporatejay]

Pretty bleh episode over all, it was kind of all over the place.

Mr Belding was fun and they licensed a Beatles song? Wow bet that cost a pretty penny.



How ‘Mad Men’ Landed The Beatles: All You Need Is Love (and $250,000)

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/07/how-mad-men-landed-the-beatles-all-you-need-is-love-and-250000/?src=tp

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Really surprised people didnt like this episode. My favorite of this year by far.

[Yeah_Baby]

Really surprised people didnt like this episode. My favorite of this year by far.

I didn't hate it. I think it will prove to be an important episode in terms of where Peter and Don both go from this point on.

I don't think it was Fat Betty levels of annoying.

[East Coast Flame]

Other than The Beatles, Mr. Belding and Pete carrying skis; I thought the episode was pretty lame.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Other than The Beatles, Mr. Belding and Pete carrying skis; I thought the episode was pretty lame.

....and I got to see that.
-Roger

[Lobotroth]

It's interesting to see how Megan's actions affect both Don and Peggy. IMO Don feels he is losing control; when he goes to run after Megan when she leaves the office all he gets is an open elevator shaft. Peggy too is probably starting to question what her role is at SCDP, she worked her way up but is still very much connected at the hip to Don.

The episode was a bit tedious but there were some interesting character developments.

[kermitology]

I was shocked to hear Tomorrow Never Knows on a TV show. That's my favourite song of all time.

[Flash Walken]

I was shocked to hear Tomorrow Never Knows on a TV show. That's my favourite song of all time.

Really!?

It's probably my least favourite Beatles song.

[nik-]

Really!?

It's probably my least favourite Beatles song.

Your least favourite? Have you not heard Being for the benefit of Mr.Kite

Tomorrow Never Knows is an awesome song

[sun]

Tomorrow Never Knows is an amazing song. Perfect closer to one of their best albums and was perfect in this scene. I thought the latest episode was one of the best of the season as well. Except for that Gilmore Girls chick. She couldn't act her way out of a paper bag.

I'm really liking this show lately. I always thought it was on a lower tier than Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking Bad, etc, but I am coming around.

[Flash Walken]

Your least favourite? Have you not heard Being for the benefit of Mr.Kite

Tomorrow Never Knows is an awesome song

Upon further consideration, my previous comment was made in haste.

[nik-]

Tomorrow Never Knows is an amazing song. Perfect closer to one of their best albums and was perfect in this scene. I thought the latest episode was one of the best of the season as well. Except for that Gilmore Girls chick. She couldn't act her way out of a paper bag.

I'm really liking this show lately. I always thought it was on a lower tier than Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking Bad, etc, but I am coming around.

It's a good show, I'd put an order of greatness at The Wire, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos

All have great stories with great characters. The Wire's social commentary puts it at the top, Mad Men lets you witness the changing of social norms, Breaking Bad is just a cool story with greatacting and Sopranos had a lot too, but too much filler for my liking.


Upon further consideration, my previous comment was made in haste.

haha yeah. The Beatles have a bunch of really crappy songs

[nik-]

The day Sally Draper learned who her mother was. There are storm clouds coming in general.

[d_phaneuf]

"I feel bad for you"

"I don't think about you at all"

should have dropped a mic and just walked off

[VANFLAMESFAN]

"I feel bad for you"

"I don't think about you at all"

should have dropped a mic and just walked off

Line of the year candidate.

[Yeah_Baby]

The day Sally Draper learned who her mother was. There are storm clouds coming in general.

The thing that scared me was when Sally confronted Meghan about Anna, how Betty she was in her manner.


Frig, I hate Betty. At least when I see her on screen now I have the 'Fat Betty' video in my head.

[KTrain]

I couldn't help but think about the Fat Betty song when she dug into the whip cream can.

[darockwilder]

Line of the year candidate.

Reminded me of the line in Angel when Wesley and Lilah were in bed after a bang session and Wesley was trying to get her to leave.

WESLEY:You still here?

LILAH: (laughing) I'm starting to like you, Wes. (serious) Don't go making more of this than it is. I'm not one of the doe-y eyed girls of Angel Investigations. - Don't be thinking about me when I'm gone.

WESLEY: I wasn't thinking about you when you were here



The delivery of the final line was just nasty.

/end nerdspeak

[BlackEleven]

The thing that scared me was when Sally confronted Meghan about Anna, how Betty she was in her manner.


I think that's because Betty acts petty and childish when she's hurt or angry. Sally was acting childish because, well, she's a child. That's forgivable. Using your children as pawns because of jealously and self-loathing is not.

I don't think Sally will turn into her mother though. When her mother prodded her for informaion about how her little manipulation had played out, her response was was perfect. She simultaneously took the high road and took away her mother's satisfaction by playing it off as nothing. Seeing the manipulation for what it was, and being able to deflect it right back shows a lot more smarts than her mother ever has.

On another topic, I thought the three elevator scenes in this episode were brilliant for building tension. The episode starts by showing the confrontation between Roger/Don and Pete, then in the middle between Roger and Peggy/Michael and finally toward the end between Michael and Don. I thought showing the hostility spreading around full-circle in three parallel scenes was very clever.

[Flash Walken]

I couldn't help but think about the Fat Betty song when she dug into the whip cream can.

Or when she Fat Betty'd into the lampshade.

[getbak]

"I am thankful that I have everything I want...and that no one else has anything better."

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Or when she Fat Betty'd into the lampshade.

Whether or not that was in the script or added in while filming, it was brilliant.

[Joborule]

Betty is sucking so hard on that Jellysickle.

[Yeah_Baby]

I hope Betty Francis dies of cardiac arrest.

But seriously, I don't get what Henry sees in here. He seems like a nice enough guy, sure he's boring, but still.

[dsavillian]

But seriously, I don't get what Henry sees in here. He seems like a nice enough guy, sure he's boring, but still.

I'm sure he regrets marrying her... he's just too nice to admit to it

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Very excellent couple of Don and Joan scenes... they captured the honesty / flirtiness of the "we're tipsy after work" dynamic perfectly

[nik-]

Don Draper is back in the mofuggin' house.

Also, Kinsey still sucks, but at least he seems to recognize it now.

[Lobotroth]

Megan needs to start serving her pasta dinners with sauce, that's twice now she's served plain spaghetti.

I had a feeling we'd see Kinsey again, poor guy, nothing seems to go right for him.

[Hells Bells]

Megan is getting every bit as annoying as Betty.

Nice to see Joan as the main woman again in this episode, been getting sick of Megan lately.

[nik-]

Really? I think Megan is awesome. Yeah she can be a bit whiny, but she's like a controlling element for Don, I think it's pretty cool.

[Hells Bells]

Really? I think Megan is awesome. Yeah she can be a bit whiny, but she's like a controlling element for Don, I think it's pretty cool.

Joan is awesome, Megan is tolerable IMO.

[Yeah_Baby]

Kinsey would write a Star Trek script.

[jroc]

My PVR didn't pick up the first couple of minutes. Why was Lane scrounging for cash so furiously?

[Caged Great]

He got a tax bill that he had to pay of 8000 within 2 days or he'd go to jail (considering the Jag cost 5600, that's not a small amount of money)

[getbak]

My PVR didn't pick up the first couple of minutes. Why was Lane scrounging for cash so furiously?
eIoygZ5L5Rg

Her Majesty wanted her money. Apparently, it was the days before there was a tax treaty between the UK and the US, so even though he had paid his taxes in the States, he still owed in the UK.

[Bunk]

This show really is masterful.

[Tinordi]

Yes I can't help but compare it to game of thrones because I watch them both on the same night and Mad Men is just so much better.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

oh pete...

[RougeUnderoos]

Wow.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Incredible scene where Joan gives it up to the Jaguar guy... the writers made it very meta / personal by having the guy say "let me see'm" because you know Christina Hendricks has been harassed that way in real life. Fabulous juxtaposition between real life and fiction.

Also a great ending sequence with Don and Peggy.

This show is still in the ascent.

[nik-]

That Peggy and Don scene was difficult to watch. It's incredible the emotions you invest in a character on a TV show.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

And with that episode, Mad Men locks up its fifth straight Best Drama Emmy. #What an episode. What a show.

[gottabekd]

I wanted to hate the episode because of the subject matter. I was cringing, squirming, and glued to the TV. So, I guess it was mission accomplished for the delivery of the episode.

Peggy will be back. Besides of course Don, she is a fixture of the show.

[sun]

Wow, great episode this week. Excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.

[d_phaneuf]

Let's pretend I'm not responsible for every single good thing that's ever happened to you


Draper killing it with lines lately

[Joborule]

Holy #### that was a good episode. Tears almost developed. Damn onions.

[VladtheImpaler]

I don't read entertainment blogs/websites, so I have no clue what is going on, but... there is no way Peggy is leaving is there?

[Yeah_Baby]

Just watched the episode tonight. I'm somewhat in awe and shock right now.


I love how Peggy was looking for Don to counter offer at first, hears Joan is now a partner, and then she's made up her mind.

[REDVAN]

I am rewatching the first episode right now- about 20 minutes in.

Amazing how so much of the character traits are the same, and how EXACT certain lines are.

For example: all the stuff Joan says to Peggy, and then the talk Pete and Don have while walking to the meeting- Don says to Pete "Campbell, we're both men here so I'm going to be direct... advertising is a very small world, and when you do something like malign the reputation of a girl from the steno pool on her first day, you make it even smaller. Keep it up, and even if you do get my job, you'll never run this place- you'll die in that corner office, a mid level executive, with a bit of little hair, who women go home with out of pity. Want to know why? 'Cause no one will like you."

Seems like that character dynamic never changes.

[Freeway]

I am rewatching the first episode right now- about 20 minutes in.

Amazing how so much of the character traits are the same, and how EXACT certain lines are.

For example: all the stuff Joan says to Peggy, and then the talk Pete and Don have while walking to the meeting- Don says to Pete "Campbell, we're both men here so I'm going to be direct... advertising is a very small world, and when you do something like malign the reputation of a girl from the steno pool on her first day, you make it even smaller. Keep it up, and even if you do get my job, you'll never run this place- you'll die in that corner office, a mid level executive, with a bit of little hair, who women go home with out of pity. Want to know why? 'Cause no one will like you."

Seems like that character dynamic never changes.

And it's amazing that Don was so damn right about that, eh?

[REDVAN]

And it's amazing that Don was so damn right about that, eh?

My point was that I like the attention to detail it seems like this show follows- the writers are consistent, and they follow what has been done before.

Obviously Don is always right.

[Tinordi]

There should be no doubt that this is the best show on TV. Amazing episode so engrossing.

[BlackRedGold25]

There should be no doubt that this is the best show on TV. Amazing episode so engrossing.

Meh. It's okay but it is no Breaking Bad.

This season of Mad Men I have yet to anxiously await the next episode.

[MrMastodonFarm]

There should be no doubt that this is the best show on TV. Amazing episode so engrossing.

It's a great show, almost pointless to get into a debate like that. It's certainly one of the best though.

[KTrain]

There should be no doubt that this is the best show on TV. Amazing episode so engrossing.

It's definitely top 5 dramatic show on television on any given week.

For me it's any of these 5:

- Mad Men
- Game of Thrones
- Breaking Bad
- Boardwalk Empire
- The Walking Dead

[Hells Bells]

It's definitely top 5 dramatic show on television on any given week.

For me it's any of these 5:

- Mad Men
- Game of Thrones
- Breaking Bad
- Boardwalk Empire
- The Walk Dead

Nice list.

For me personally, I'd add Sons Of Anarchy & Dexter into that mix.

[sun]

I would rank Mad Men over Breaking Bad right now. No, there are no cliffhangers, but that's part of what I like about Mad Men. The episodes are short stories that can stand on their own. It's engaging without being shocking. Thought-provoking. BB is a close second for me right now though - when does the new season start?

I only recently started watching Game of Thrones, and while it's good, it's not on the same level as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, etc. In fact, I'm a little confused at all the hype it is getting. I'll continue watching it, but I found the first season much more entertaining than the second. I've been avoiding the GoT thread because I don't want to see any spoilers.

Boardwalk Empire has its flaws as well, but I like it more than GoT I think.

Did not like what I saw from Sons of Anarchy or Walking Dead at all. Might pick them up eventually though.

Dexter is a flaming pile of poo now, but was once great.

Comedy-wise, to me, nothing compares to Louie. Archer is good. Parks/Rec is okay. I'm actually looking for a half hour comedy to watch. Suggestions? Preferably something with a couple seasons under its belt.

[Hells Bells]

I'm actually looking for a half hour comedy to watch. Suggestions? Preferably something with a couple seasons under its belt.

The League.

[MrMastodonFarm]

We're turning this into a random TV talk thread, which was just started and still on the first page of this sub-forum.

[nieuwy-89]

The last episode was amazing. The Peggy story came out of nowhere for me. I know she was overworked and underappreciated but did not see her leaving. No doubt she has set herself up for a succesful career elsewhere, but what does this do to SCDP?

Joan. Joan, Joan, Joan. Jaw-dropping scene with her and the dealer guy in the hotel room. My perspective - a sad but astute move by Joan, knowing her situation as a single mom in that era. She is now set for life. My wife's perspective was completely different. In her opinion she will be haunted forever.

Pete maintains his position as the unofficial villian of the show with his sliminess.

[Sopure]

Pete is necessary for SCDP, in my opinion. Everyone else isn't near as ambitious. I get this vibe that Don has it all, and is loaded. Roger just doesn't care. Bert Cooper is ancient and has his ranch, etc. Lane Price is only motivated to keep his own personal finances in check for the time being.

I loved the last episode, I thought the Jaguar pitch was one of the best that Don has ever done.

[nik-]

Holy crap. Insane turn of events, thought it was possible but didn't think they'd actually go there. Also, Weiner, stop putting your kid in the show.

[Sopure]

Who is his kid?

[nik-]

Glen.

[Mccree]

Wow

[kermitology]

Not surprised that happened, I knew what he was doing when he went to the car. I was, however a bit surprised that he didn't give up after that.

[nik-]

Yeah, it would have been a great bit of comedy if the Jag was such a piece of #### that he couldn't even use it to kill himself. Unfortunately he was persistent which took away any lightness.

[RougeUnderoos]

I guess the Free Love is over for Jaguar. First they talk about how rinky-dink it is then the damn car won't start when he tries to kill himself in it.

But then how did Lane get to the office? So many questions!

[nik-]

I guess the Free Love is over for Jaguar. First they talk about how rinky-dink it is then the damn car won't start when he tries to kill himself in it.

But then how did Lane get to the office? So many questions!

Jaguar was notorious for being unreliable pretty much right up until Ford took them over. I don't think Mad Men is telling any tales out of school.

[RougeUnderoos]

Jaguar was notorious for being unreliable pretty much right up until Ford took them over. I don't think Mad Men is telling any tales out of school.

Obviously.

The point is they had all their cool cars all over the cool TV show, and tonight they took a beating.

[Mike F]

But then how did Lane get to the office? So many questions!
Same way he got home that night, and to and from every other day, I imagine - other car or cab, more likely.

Gut wrenching episode, though. From the moment he walked out of Don's office you knew it was coming, and I was cringing in every scene, beginning with when he turned around to the window in his office and I expected him to recreate the opening montage of the mad man falling to his death.

In some ways he always felt like the rock at the centre of SCDP, anchoring it and calming things no matter what storm hit with his British stiff upper lip.

It will be interesting to see how Don reacts; taking blame for firing Lane rather than giving him a chance to make amends, or blaming Lane for being weak, both for the first transgression and for not being able to start over as Don had himself done.

Unfortunately, Megan continues to be a black hole in the show, sucking the life out of every scene she's in.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Two episodes ago, didnt Bert say something along the lines of "they're lemons, they never start" when talking about Jaguars?

[Mike F]

Ever since Jaguar entered the show, their lack of reliability has been a running theme.

[Yeah_Baby]

At the risk of sounding morose, I now know where Joan is going to slide into in terms of day to day operations as a partner.

[RougeUnderoos]

Here's a new article about this whole Jaguar thing.

http://jalopnik.com/5915516/how-it-feels-to-watch-mad-men-total-your-car-company


Apparently the car company has very little to do with it. No "editorial" input, they aren't paying them... they had a hand in getting them some vintage cars and decorating that dealership so it looks like an authentic 60's Jag dealership.

Cool story, bro. But really.

[Barnes]

Comment from the article:

For Sale: Barn Find! 1967 XK-E low miles, one owner. stored in NYC parking garage since 1967. All books, paper work, garden hose, needs work. Call 555-5435 ask for Mrs Pryce.

Lol

[d_phaneuf]

At the risk of sounding morose, I now know where Joan is going to slide into in terms of day to day operations as a partner.

Ya someone (think it might have been been Lane) has said on the show before that Joan could do his job

[Joborule]

It was Lane. One of the earlier eps of the season I believe.

[MrMastodonFarm]

What an episode, what a show.

[Mike F]

What an episode, what a show. Ooooooh, BABY!
Bob Cole-d yp.

[octothorp]

I don't care what Jared Harris chooses to do next, I'm watching it. Between this and Fringe, he's one of my favorite TV actors right now... Well, he was, but with both those characters dying within a month of one-another, hopefully he'll pop up in something else worthy of his talents soon.

[Caged Great]

Richard Harris' son definitely turned out to be a pretty good actor in his own right, and I agree I'll definitely watch whatever he will be up to next.

[dsavillian]

Poor Lane.

He was fast becoming one of my favourite characters.


[read that in a british accent for maximum effect]

[Joborule]

What is Regina?

[nik-]

Probably the weakest of the finales, but those last few minutes starting with Don walking away from the set was amazing. Classic Mad Men tone.

[d_phaneuf]

best line of the night for me was when Pete said Don I give you my proxy and walked out

"we can do that?"

last two episodes kind of reminded me of how the wire would end the season, the penultimate episode is basically the culmination of the season and the actual finale is characters reaction to it

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Weakest of the season finales, but still a strong season overall.

I don't see how this doesn't win its fifth best drama Emmy. Everything about this show from the writing to set design to the directing is always top notch.

[Hells Bells]

Megan acted like an 8 year old girl the entire episode.

I hope another Draper divorce is in the works for season 6.

[sun]

I thought the final two episodes were a step down from an otherwise fantastic season. Loved the Megan's mother's line about how "If every girl can get her fondest wish, there would be a lot more ballerinas." Summed up the season.

More than anything though, I was disappointed that the nudity disclaimer at the beginning of the episode amounted to nothing more than Roger's ass.

[Tinordi]

I don't get the Meghan hate. I think she's been a fantastic addition to the series.

[getbak]

More than anything though, I was disappointed that the nudity disclaimer at the beginning of the episode amounted to nothing more than Roger's ass.
Yeah, that sucked. When Don started watching Megan's film, I thought it was going to result in some awkward "casting couch" sort of thing.


I don't get the Meghan hate. I think she's been a fantastic addition to the series.
I also don't understand it. I think a lot of people like Don the cheating jerk, so seeing him as a faithful husband confuses them.

I like Megan, and think she's a good anti-Betty for both Don and Sally. Megan's mother though, mon dieu!


Poor Trudy deserves so much better. She should ditch Pete and go enroll in a Community College.


Good to see Peggy again. She's come a long way, baby...Hey, that would make a good slogan for something.


The two shots at the end -- the partners looking out the window and Don walking away from the set -- were both brilliantly composed.

[Tinordi]

Agreed, I think there's just some ambient sexism in the dislike of Megan, Betty, etc. You see it for the hate Skyler gets in Breaking Bad as well. Male viewers respond to these women holding these awesome men back. When in reality they are likely helping to save them or make them better people.

I like Megan because I like that she's a young woman to an old-school Don Draper and Don has had to adjust. It's been written very convincingly actually that Don just can't continue to be himself because Megan is young enough and capable enough to just leave him. Some of the best moments in the whole series are Megan standing up to Don in a way that he's never experienced before. I love it when she calls him out. This idea that Don needs to live up to her by being more of a honest man is a great pivot for the series.

[jdso]

I really liked having a woman stand up to Don and seeing Don staying faithful so that he doesn't lose Megan. I think their relationship might be done. The issue I see is that Don might have lost respect for Megan by getting him to get her the part or is completely out of his element in seeing his other half getting some success. This also seems to parallel Peggy leaving ("That’s what happens when you help someone. They succeed and move on.” ).

Anyone think the old Don Draper is back? (ordering an old fashioned, getting hit on by random women?)

[Flash Walken]

I think that's exactly what it was, jdso.

Don meets up with peggy, has that conversation, goes to the office and watches Megan's real. He realizes she's good, that he can help her, and that once she's successful she won't need him anymore.

When he's leaving the set, he's set her up to be a success, feels good about himself and now has justification to 'move on' from their relationship.

[gottabekd]

Hmm, I thought the final question at the end was a little cheesy. I also thought it had an obvious answer (that Don has a loving wife, so the cheating is done). But I see what you guys are getting at.

I commented before that Megan's character was going downhill. I just assumed they would fix it, but maybe not. She has been acting childish, and Don still likes to control her a bit too much.

Really, Peggy is the woman he has shown the most respect for...

[nik-]

Yup, walking out in the black, into a darkened scene of a hotel lobby, ordering an Old Fashioned and getting the attention of women. Don mofuggin' Draper. Plus You Only Live Twice was playing ... I mean come on!

[Caged Great]

Don was expecting Megan to be more like himself in that she was great with advertising and felt like he had an equal person that understands him. That's why he practically jumped her when she saved that account with quick thinking.

However, as he's learned, she is very much similar to Betty in that they are both immature spoiled children that don't really understand what he actually needs from them beyond just the physical.

It makes sense that he's increasingly becoming unhappy because he has a need for a partner, not just a spouse and he's not getting that. The only woman out of all that he's encountered on the show that would be the best for him personality wise is Peggy, and I could see them possibly making him more disenfranchised with Megan and in an effort to get Peggy back at SCDP possibly stuff might happen.

I don't really have any idea though because this season unfolded in a completely different manner than I thought it would.

[nik-]

Megan really is nothing like Betty ... at all.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

I think that is exactly what it was, he had found someone that he thought was a smart, empowered woman who could challenge him and he was left with is someone who is obviously as emotional fragile as Betty and the thought terrifies him. The entire plot reminded me a great deal of Betty being a model, and actually I thought that she was supposed to be at one point in time a strong, empowered woman who traveled the world and was well educated and had dreams and ambitions.

I think that Don was just disappointed that Megan limited herself to the advertisment, seeing it as a failure of her and by proxy a failure of him. I don't think it was a case of he was seeing her go, I think it was a case of he was seeing her crash. The dreams of being a ballerina were dashed and she had resigned herself to her position in life, of a wife of an ad man.

I could be completely wrong though which is why I love this show.

[Yeah_Baby]

Kind of hard to follow Lane's suicide with something as Earth shattering. But I defiantly prefer early season Meghan to current pseudo Betty Meghan. She's not as bad as Betty, but Don seems to be sliding back into old habits. That ambiguity at the end saved the episode.

[moon]

Agreed, I think there's just some ambient sexism in the dislike of Megan, Betty, etc. You see it for the hate Skyler gets in Breaking Bad as well. Male viewers respond to these women holding these awesome men back. When in reality they are likely helping to save them or make them better people.

Whoa whoa whoa lets not lump great characters like Megan and Betty with the pile of crap that is Skyler.

It isn't sexism that draws hate for Skyler but more the fact that she is such a wholly unlikable person. (Which considering the writing of Breaking Bad is what I would assume Vince Gilligan wants us to think.)

[nik-]

Skyler was pretty unbearable until she started the whole laundering thing. She was setting the world record for nagging the life out of her dying husband. There's been a lot of unreasonable better half's on TV, eg: Rita on Dexter, but Skyler took the cake, and then nagged the icing into an embittered disgruntled crust.

[Barnes]

Skyler was pretty unbearable until she started the whole laundering thing. She was setting the world record for nagging the life out of her dying husband. There's been a lot of unreasonable better half's on TV, eg: Rita on Dexter, but Skyler took the cake, and then nagged the icing into an embittered disgruntled crust.

Spoiler alert.

[nik-]

If someone's watching Mad Men they're watching Breaking Bad, it's unlikely I spoil something from 2 seasons ago.

[Barnes]

If someone's watching Mad Men they're watching Breaking Bad, it's unlikely I spoil something from 2 seasons ago.

That's a reach. Spoiled it for me, I'm just finishing up season 3.

[Joborule]

I haven't watched Breaking Bad yet.

[BlackRedGold25]

People who don't watch Breaking Bad deserve what they get!

[Caged Great]

I haven't watched Breaking Bad yet.

Watch it. It is as good or better than Mad Men

[Hells Bells]

My dislike for Megan has nothing to do with Don Draper. It has everything to do with Megan.

Her character is annoying. I don't care if she was Pete's wife, I'd still hate her.

Nevermind the fact that she's also a horrible actress IMO.

[Hells Bells]

Megan really is nothing like Betty ... at all.

True.

The only things in common is both are annoying and both are played by terrible actresses.

[nik-]

Her character is annoying. I don't care if she was Pete's wife, I'd still hate her.


Except no one hates Trudy because Trudy is an angel OK?

... an angel!

[Yeah_Baby]

I've never seen Breaking Bad. Now I don't have too. Thanks nik-!

[nik-]

I'm the worst kind of person :(

[REDVAN]

Well, this IS the MAD MEN thread, not the breaking bad thread... so if you have BB spoilers, use a spoiler tag and/or get it out of this thread.

[Yeah_Baby]

I'm the worst kind of person :(

I think revealing Cable TV spoilers on the message boards is Cardinal Sin of the Internet. I haven't you seen the Game of Thrones thread?

[nik-]

I think revealing Cable TV spoilers on the message boards is Cardinal Sin of the Internet. I haven't you seen the Game of Thrones thread?

See that makes sense to me, but I guess I just assumed if you're watching Mad Men you're watching Breaking Bad. At least it was just a minor spoiler. :confused:

[getbak]

v8IAhI-B6UU

[jammies]

Rosebud was his sled.

I know, I know - some of you haven't watched "Citizen Kane" yet! On the other hand, this is the 21st century: if you haven't watched something, and it was on more than a year ago, your expectation that everyone will refrain from referring to events in that show as though they were common knowledge is horrendously misplaced.

[BlackRedGold25]

Rosebud was his sled.

I know, I know - some of you haven't watched "Citizen Kane" yet! On the other hand, this is the 21st century: if you haven't watched something, and it was on more than a year ago, your expectation that everyone will refrain from referring to events in that show as though they were common knowledge is horrendously misplaced.

I'm conflicted. On one hand you've ruined Citizen Kane for me. On the other hand, I agree with who about whiners who bitch about "spoilers". I guess I better thank that post lest I be grouped in with the whiners.

[cDnStealth]

So I just finished powering through Mad Men seasons 1-5 and I have to say I am really impressed with the show. It was a real treat watching Pete get his ass handed to him by Lane. That smarmy ####### has had that coming for a long time. Sad to see Lane commit suicide but I saw that coming. Roger taking LSD was hysterical.

I loved the last episode, I thought the Jaguar pitch was one of the best that Don has ever done.

It was good, no doubt, but I thought his pitch for Kodak's carousel was easily his best. As for Meghan, I really don't get all the hate for her. She's nothing like Betty and I think she helps keep Don balanced.

[Yeah_Baby]

She's nothing like Betty and I think she helps keep Don balanced.

She wasn't like Betty until she quit SCDP. Now, I'm not so sure. I mean she isn't annoying. But now she's could slide into the housewife to provide for role while we get 1960 era Don Draper again.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I'm a little late on this one. And I actually wanna talk more about season 4. See I missed all of season 4 and for some reason watched the first 6 episodes of season 5 when they originally aired and only had a chance to catch up on season 4 in the last week and now I can watch the rest of season 5 that I have on my PVR.


Few things:

I'm really enjoying the relationship between Peggy and Don. It seems there aren't a lot of true friendships on this show but I think they may have something. I just pray that it never gets romantic between them, that would ruin it.

The sight gag when his secretary dies and they show us the meeting with Megan, Pete et al in the background trying to get rid of the body was hilarious.

The streak of episodes when Don finds out that the Cali woman (forget her name) is dying and his whole alcoholism thing with losing that whole weekend because he was on a bender to him breaking down in front of Peggy was probably 2 or 3 of the best (they kinda blur together because I watched so many in a row) episodes so far.

Betty is a grade A ####. They really made her into a villain.

Elizabeth Moss (Peggy) has gotten hotter and hotter throughout the 5 seasons. Interesting too the way her character has evolved because she's become more confident along the way and that may be it. I'm not sure if she's actually more attractive or if it is just that her personality is now more appealing and that makes her better looking.

Having already seen half of season 5 I'm a little, what's the right word here, confused? at the the way that the agency was in dire straits at the end of season 4 but to my recollection season 5 starts and money is no longer an issue. Maybe I'm just not remembering properly because when I first saw season 5 I didn't know about the fact their agency was in trouble so I may have simply not picked up on things like that.

That's all for now until I finish Season 5.

[Yeah_Baby]

Her name is Anna Draper. And Anna, was the only person (perhaps aside from Peggy) who really knows Don/Dick. The mask he wears to so many different people, Anna knew him completely aside from that. And while I'm still not convinced that Peggy can, I defiantly thinks she can see through the cracks.

[Hells Bells]

Elizabeth Moss (Peggy) has gotten hotter and hotter throughout the 5 seasons. Interesting too the way her character has evolved because she's become more confident along the way and that may be it. I'm not sure if she's actually more attractive or if it is just that her personality is now more appealing and that makes her better looking.

Or perhaps you just got drunker and drunker the more you watched and got overpowered by your beer goggles.

Peggy (Elizabeth Moss) and the word hot(ter) should never appear in the same sentence. Perhaps you meant to say she got less unattractive throughout the 5 seasons.

I'm just teasing you..... but I'm serious about her being fugly though.

[Hells Bells]

She wasn't like Betty until she quite SCDP. Now, I'm not so sure. I mean she isn't annoying. But now she's could slide into the housewife to provide for role while we get 1960 era Don Draper again.

I've found Megan's character to be annoying lately.