Watching a show like Mad Men in this manner is a bit of a rollercoaster. The buzz that has surrounded this show from day one has been high, despite my lack of interest. But, when I go into an effort to experience a show in a Virgin Diary for the first time, I try to do it with as clean of a slate as I can. When I enjoy a group of episodes, as I did with “Marriage of Figaro” and “New Amsterdam,” I feel like momentum is building … but here we are four episodes later, and fire has still not catch. I almost feel like I’m “watching it wrong.” Tell me, is there another approach I should be taking?
“Red in the Face” Season One, Episode Seven
“I don’t know … You know who else doesn’t wear a hat? Elvis. That’s what we’re dealing with.” – Pete
“Drinking milk … I never liked it. I hate cows.” – Don
There was something odd about this entire episode. The pacing just felt different that what we’ve seen so far. I kept looking at the clock, not to see how much time was left in the episode, but because I couldn’t tell how much time at past. Neither a good nor bad thing, I just couldn’t tell where I was any given moment in the whole timeline of the hour.
As much of a scumbag that Don is, he hasn’t (at least not yet) stooped as low as hitting on his friend’s wife. I didn’t exactly see Betty throwing her self at Sterling, but apparently that was the 1950’s version. And to think: the best apology that he could muster Don was a bottle (albeit a nice one bottle) of hooch. Don’s payback made even less sense, considering the risk to the potential Nixon campaign account.
I’m quick coming to the conclusion that Pete is much more weird than he’ll ever be mean. I’m sure that there is a deeper meaning to the conversation he had with Peggy about hunting … but it was lost on me. Not to say that I’m weirded out by hunting … but laying all that out seems like a weird way to chat up a lady, even in 1950. And what was with Peggy’s reaction.
I’ve been looking forward to the Betty and Glenn story to circle back around. When Helen ran into Betty in the market, I had no idea what was coming next. At first, I really thought that Glenn would be the weird part of this particular storyline, but I’m quickly figuring how little I either A) “get” or B) care for Betty.
Which begs the question. Who are you supposed to “root for” on this show?
“The Hobo Code” Season One, Episode Eight
“There is no big lie. There is no system. The universe is indifferent.” – Don
After all that kerfuffle with the elevator being out in the previous episode, having Hollis mention the service elevator in the first scene just felt a bit off.
It is hard not to feel happy for Peggy, despite the eventual unpleasantness with Pete. When I asked the question before about whom to “root for,” Peggy is the only natural answer. Despite her obviously crappy taste in men, hers in the only real character worth connecting to in the entire cast (and for all of you oversexed folks who are thinking that they could connect with Joan, that’s not what I meant).
So, Don/Dick was a kid in the ‘20s right? Was communism the big scare that it was 30 years later? His flashback, as a whole was weird (A word I have used too much to describe these two episodes). Whereas I was once very interested in where Don Draper came from, now, frankly, I could care less.
I feel like this just might be the last of Midge. She served her purpose for Don, but Rachel is a much more interesting story. Truth be told.
Take a look at previous entries in my Mad Men Virgin Diary.
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Jun 21, 2011 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
*head shake*
*shrug*
*POST AUTHOR*
Penetrating analysis, that is, my friend.
If I said, “ditto,” would that be too mean? :oP
*POST AUTHOR*
Ouch.
I’m eagerly waiting the appearance of the show on Netflix streaming next month because these 1st season episodes are too old for me to remember enough to substantively comment.
. . . . .
Wonder Woman!
*swoon*
It’s interesting for someone who has been watching from the start to read these reviews from someone watching the show for the first time, knowing what’s coming up in later episodes.
Though I wonder if you’ll ever truly love the show like a lot of people do if you don’t love it by the end of the first season.
*POST AUTHOR*
Bob, I’ve truly tried to come in with an open mind, but I am admittedly quick to jump on something I don’t like. I originally committed to getting through the first two seasons this summer, and I don’t like to quit :)
I think to sum up my problem thus far is complexity for complexity’s sake in Draper, and have been given no reason to like him or any other character on the show. Since I’m the character guy, if I can’t attach to anyone on the show, I’m unlikely to attach to the show itself.
I’ve never had to “like” a character to appreciate the depth and complexity that the writers put into him/her. Draper, while not likable — and you should probably get used to that fact — is incredibly interesting to watch.
However, like real people, almost all the folks have things to like about them and things that will annoy you. I think that goes to the comlexity of the characters again. Even Peter (particularly later in the series) has some likable qualities.
I guess what I’m saying is that if you consider yourself such a “character guy,” you should be loving it!!! But seriously, if you’re looking for a bunch of likable folks, you’re not going to find them.
I usually find with any new, established series, it takes me about 10 episodes to get over any preconceived notions or fawning praise from others and find my own relationship with the show. Try to put everything else behind you.
*POST AUTHOR*
Don’t have to be a “good” (in the sense of good vs bad) character to like them. If you watched ER, I always point to Archie Morris, especially early on, as the example of a character that you’re not supposed to “like” but I enjoyed. Romano was another example from the same show.
Maybe “connect” is a more appropriate word.
But here’s my point. Compare and contrast Jed Bartlett, Tony Soprano, and Don Draper. All three were relatively complex dudes. Loved Bartlett, loved the show. Loved Tony, didn’t ever really love the show. And the polls are still open on Draper. Complexity for the sake of complexity isn’t a positive.
And like I said to Bob, I really am trying to go into Mad Men with an open mind. As I mention in the post, I thought, after the fourth episode, that I was really getting into it.
I suppose what I am not understanding is “complexity for the sake of complexity.”
*POST AUTHOR*
I guess if I could be shown why he’s a complex character without falling asleep, I’d be in good shape.
And, for what it is worth, I’ve not seen that much depth. I know that statement would disagree with, but at this point he’s a guy that just can’t settle on what he wants in life.
. . . . .
Wait. Wait. You’ve “… been given no reason to like … any other character on the show” … ???
Hello!
JOAN … !!!
*POST AUTHOR*
I guess we have to explain to Mike the difference between an actor and their role?
:P