VOD (4)
Seasons(7) / Episodes(92)
Plots(1)
In the glamorous and ego-driven world of advertising, everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems. Set in 1960 New York, Mad Men reveals the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue's "Golden Age", where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold. And no one plays the game better than Don Draper, the biggest ad man - and ladies' man - in the business. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews of this series by the user Necrotongue (100)
The New Girl (2008) (S02E05)
The episode felt somewhat one-sided. I mean, we followed Don's affair again and spent a lot of time with Peggy, the issue of the Campbells' childlessness was addressed, but there was hardly any focus on the company this time around. I prefer a more balanced script. Even though I'm not a fan of advertising, I'm interested in the Sterling Cooper company. / Lesson learned: It's best to get behind the wheel sober and alone.
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Maidenform (2008) (S02E06)
Another balanced episode, just the way I like it. Peter Campbell's affair was particularly interesting. If it happened in the 90s or after 2000, he'd undoubtedly face some public backlash. / Lesson learned: Are you exceptional in every way, yet struggle to fit in? Pretend to be someone else.
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The Gold Violin (2008) (S02E07)
The creators have definitely hit a nerve with feminists in previous episodes, and now it seems they've set their sights on raising the blood pressure of environmentalists as well. This episode hit all the right notes: advertising, relationship drama, a hefty carbon footprint, and Joan Holloway shining once again. It delivered exactly the mix of events I was hoping for, leaving me thoroughly satisfied. / Lesson learned: If they kick you out the door, find your way back in through the window.
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A Night to Remember (2008) (S02E08)
The eighth episode of the second season just reaffirmed for me that the creators of this series really know what they are doing. Sometimes, it's more about what a character doesn't say, allowing the viewer to piece things together themselves if they can. There's no spoon-feeding here; the creators don't backtrack to explain every thought process, and that's why I'm so pleased with the series. And as if that wasn't enough, the fantastic retro atmosphere elevates it even further. / Lesson learned: Only tread barefoot on shards and hot coals if you're an experienced fakir.
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Six Month Leave (2008) (S02E09)
I've mentioned in my reviews how crucial the balance between work and personal life is for me in this series. The ninth episode is a prime example of what that ideal balance should look like. The creators absolutely nailed it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. / Lesson learned: Eat and drink in moderation.
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The Inheritance (2008) (S02E10)
I was quite disappointed this time around. Sure, there were some decent moments in the episode, but they couldn't fully mask the fact that, well, not much of significance really went down. There was enough fluff to give you an allergic reaction. / Lesson learned: If a family member dies in an air disaster, try to look on the bright side. You're off the hook. 4*-
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The Jet Set (2008) (S02E11)
Well, I wasn't exactly brimming with excitement this time around. Not that I have anything against the lazy decadence by the Palm Springs pools, but dedicating a full episode to it seemed a bit much at the expense of more important matters. Luckily, the scheming in New York came to the rescue, preventing me from lowering my rating. Don Draper escaping from reality just doesn't do it for me. / Lesson learned: Are you invited on a free trip to Palm Springs with the promise of some sexy time? What are you waiting for?
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The Mountain King (2008) (S02E12)
Thankfully, this episode didn't just center on Don Draper, who's still lost in his own world. The storyline also delved into the happenings at Sterling Cooper, and I have to admit, they were both significant and intriguing for the overall plot. The atmosphere was top-notch once more, though I'm eagerly anticipating the end of Don's California trip, so we can really dive into what's brewing in New York. / Lesson learned: Pursue your goals.
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Meditations in an Emergency (2008) (S02E13)
The finale of the second season was a solid win for the creators. They once again nailed the balance between the company's dynamics and the personal lives of its employees, and it's fair to say both were on point. As anticipated, Don Draper's return to New York shifted everything into a whole new gear, especially with the added tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis looming in the background. / Lesson Learned: Worried about a nuclear war? Best investment might be in a fallout shelter... or just a really well-stocked liquor cabinet.
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Season 3 (2009) (S03)
Honestly, the first half of the season didn't quite hit the mark for me. The creators maintained their high standard, one that many can only dream of, but I was hoping for a bit more from this talented group. However, as the season neared its end, things picked up, and the finale? It absolutely nailed it in a magnificent way. And let's not forget the fantastic period atmosphere and stellar acting performances. / Lesson learned: Confidence is key, but you shouldn't overdo it.
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Out of Town (2009) (S03E01)
The beginning of the third season kicked off to my satisfaction. Despite the changes brewing within the company, which started in the previous season finale, things remain pretty much status quo on the home front. The creators opted to stick with what works, and honestly, why fix what ain't broke? / Lesson learned: Know how to make the best of the situation.
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Love Among the Ruins (2009) (S03E02)
Talk about a deceptive move by the creators. The episode gave off this vibe like it was packed with events, but upon closer inspection, you realize it was pretty much all fluff. What seemed like the most intriguing plotline ended up falling flat, it was just going around in circles. Yet, I ended up thoroughly entertained afterwards when I was looking for the original and stumbled upon this gem. / Lesson Learned: Always fight for true values.
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My Old Kentucky Home (2009) (S03E03)
I must applaud the incredible talent of the creators for their ability to ignite passions in more and more groups of fanatics. However, aside from this, not much significant has occurred; we're experiencing a bit of stagnation. / Lesson learned: Once it was a muse that assisted the creative mind, now it's a drug dealer.
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The Arrangements (2009) (S03E04)
The third season feels a bit slow after watching four episodes. Don't get me wrong, I was never bored during any of them. Each part felt somewhat standalone, and there wasn't much significant progress in the main storyline. It's a paradox because I actually enjoyed all those mini-stories, so I shouldn't complain. Still, I can't help but be bothered by the lack of development in the overall story. / Lesson learned: Choose your roommate very carefully.
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The Fog (2009) (S03E05)
Even though the fifth episode wasn't a whirlwind of mind-blowing scenes that left me in silent awe, it did prompt some deep thinking. Lately, historical movies and series have been trying to convince me that black people attained high positions or military ranks, with one series even portraying them as English nobility. However, it's a different story here. The highest-ranking black character holds the hard-earned position of a liftboy, showing that the creators took historical accuracy seriously. / Lesson learned: Think about your future.
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Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency (2009) (S03E06)
Finally! In the midst of the third season, we got an episode that hit all the right notes - interesting in every aspect, with just the right balance of humor and drama. It also played a significant role in the ongoing story development. When you factor in the two constants of this series - the period atmosphere and the stellar performances - I had no reason to hold back on the stars for this one. / Lesson learned: Don't get behind the wheel under the influence of anything.
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Seven Twenty Three (2009) (S03E07)
Yet another episode that cleverly presents itself as having a rich and intriguing plot, only for the viewer to realize by the end that it was mainly about signing a single job contract, with not much else happening. However, I must admit, the almost empty box was beautifully wrapped. Among the other shortcomings mentioned, I sorely missed Joan Holloway/Harris in this one. / Lesson learned: Trust, but verify.
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Souvenir (2009) (S03E08)
I'd say this episode followed a similar structure to the previous one, with a focus on Joan this time. I won't rehash the comments I made in the last review and instead, I'll give props to the creator for the trip to Rome. The one in Europe. It provided a nice change of scenery, and January Jones looked especially stunning. So, while it wasn't a groundbreaking episode, I still enjoyed it. / Lesson learned: All roads lead to Rome.
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Wee Small Hours (2009) (S03E09)
While a significant portion of the episode focused on Sterling Cooper's business orders, it was really all about relationships. Surprisingly, I found it quite intriguing. I enjoyed it, even though, once again, I missed Christina Hendricks. / Lesson learned: The customer is always right. Sucks, right?
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The Color Blue (2009) (S03E10)
I can't help but feel like the third season is dragging a bit. The fantastic retro atmosphere and meticulously crafted historical details are what keep me engaged in each episode, letting me dive into the 60s for fifty minutes. What's disappointing is that the story doesn't seem to advance much, mostly just treading water. / Lesson learned: Trying to bury your past? Opt for a cremation instead. 4*-
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