Eight years ago, I turned to AMC on a whim, and caught a pilot. It seemed nothing special at first, really got me to see the two pilots, but it stuck with me. The show was centered around an advertising agency in the early 60’s and had a hint of it that I hadn’t seen before. But I’m stuck with it. Immediately, television was must-sees, with the season one finale featuring among the best scenes in television history. The show, obviously, is Mad Men. Forget the Emmys and Golden Globes it is amassed, there’s an honesty connected to it every Sunday night. Our leader, Don Draper is a lady, a creative genius, a hypocrite, and an alcoholic. However, you still support it. You do end up rooting for the cast as a whole, most of the time. That’s an virtually unparalleled statement (unless obviously you are Game of Thrones or the Sopranos), when we’re talking about the dozen or so main characters that hold the story together.
It is set in the 1960s, but could be mistaken for contemporary times, with mild racism, and sometimes not-so-subtle misogyny. It was eye-opening to realize that not much has changed in fifty years, with women still fighting for equal pay, and respect. Peggy Olsen was the face of progressive women, breaking through the glass ceiling and toxic attitudes, finding herself at the peak of advertising fame. She was thwarted by Don’s ex, Betty Francis, who enjoyed being a trophy wife, living her cancer life typically with ease (until recently). In essence, they were no different from today’s career-driven, ass-kicking, or stay-at-home mom. Matthew Weiner (also the man behind The Sopranos) knows this, and slowly weaves stories we can relate to, sometimes revealing our inner soul. He attracted us to more than Don’s good looks or Roger’s intelligence, but to a familiarity that kept us coming back, over and over (hmm my own little ‘The Wheel’ tune).
With that being said, we had a good run. It’s been 92 deep and enthralling episodes, which have transported us to the tumultuous 70s. Even although I want to be disappointed that the event that inspired me to showcase my best work, is coming to an end, this is the right time. I keep coming back to single moments in Mad Men. Don was dating a hippie girl (beatnik), and would drop by his apartment every now and then. After a drug-filled night with him and his friends, he realizes he does not belong there, moves to leave. Another heard the police presence outside, telling him he couldn’t leave, for fear of being arrested. He looks at them and says an easy “No, you can’t”, implying there’s a difference in their stature. We’re still in the drug-filled room, coming right down to the top, and Matthew Weiner has left us, to consider another solid series, which has taken on its stature.
