Mad Men?

[photoshopgrl]

Okay so I downloaded the first season to try and see what all the fuss was about. It pains me to think I might be missing a good show. I've now watched episodes 1 and 2. I'm not really all that impressed. I mean it's okay but nothing I could see myself looking forward to watching.

Is it me or does it get better? I'm about to delete the rest of the episodes. :confused:

[toddvj]

Keep watching. It starts out kinda slow, but definitely gets better. That being said, I was hooked after one episode. But I can see how you might need a few eps to really get into it.

[cheesesteak]

Mad Men is all about the characters and the 60s time period. Don't expect action. There's very little.

[Cainebj]

I watched the first couple of episodes when they first aired and was bored to tears so I deleted the season pass.

Cut to right before season 2 aired and I accidentally fell upon a marathon of season 1 and watched the whole thing in one day and completely fell for it. I'd say keep watching.

[DevdogAZ]

It really depends on what kind of TV you like. It's very cerebral, subtle, deliberate and completely character driven. It's not the type of show where there are big plot developments each week. It's all about the characters and how they feel, how they act, how they react to what's going on.

I'd suggest watching a few more episodes before you make your decision. If you get through five and still are not sold, then it's probably not for you. But just know that because it's very different than other shows on TV, it's going to take you watching with a different viewpoint. It's definitely not 24 or Desperate Housewives.

[TiVo'Brien]

What the Arizonian said. :up:

There's a lot of subtlety. For me it helped to watch each episode twice to catch the nuances. The writers expect you to keep up with many of the details yourself.

[marksman]

Yeah I would give it more time. I have watched from the beginning, but I had the same problem with Dexter.

I rewatched the first episode like 10 times, and part of the second one many times trying to get into it, and never could. Finally I pushed through it, and I was hooked probably 4 or 5 episodes into watching the first season.

Some of these shows can take a bit to click.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay I'll keep watching. I want to like it, I really do... and I don't think it's bad. It just hasn't grabbed me yet. I like to think I have a wide pallet when it comes to TV. I watch everything from Fringe to Weeds to Friday Night Lights.

[bicker]

I'm not sure that the show gets "better". For most of the folks I've discussed the show with, they felt it was utterly brilliant from the start (and if anything is straining to maintain its original excellence over time). I think it is a matter of whether the show is "for you" or not.

[dianebrat]

I'm not sure that the show gets "better". For most of the folks I've discussed the show with, they felt it was utterly brilliant from the start (and if anything is straining to maintain its original excellence over time). I think it is a matter of whether the show is "for you" or not.

Add me in to this group, when I saw the first episode my jaw dropped and I was hooked by it's slow smoldering approach, by the 2nd there was no turning back.

If you're 4 episodes in and it's not got you hooked, you may want to give up since it really doesn't change the way it presents its story.

Diane

[Bierboy]

My wife's in the same boat. She watched the very first ep with me, didn't like it, and quit watching it. Now she's watching S1 on BD with me and enjoying it. It's definitely an acquired taste. And I disagree....it DOES get better. This past season was absolutely off the charts.

[brianric]

I'm paying over $100 a month for cable versus $40 just to see Mad Men, as AMC is a premium channel, and is on in HD. I also like Breaking Bad.

[MikeMar]

We've finished the first 2 seasons

I think it's an ok show, but not as great as some others say

We would watch like 3-4 and then not watch for a few weeks and just didn't care about going back to watch them that much, but we did.

It's an enjoyable show, but I could take it or leave it

[NatasNJ]

I started watching a few weeks ago. Halfway through season 3 now.
Show has its moments and I am interested to keep watching but I wish they would focus more on some of the secondary characters over Don Draper and family.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay I finally made it to episode 5. Now I'm totally in. All it took was a little mystery behind Draper. :)

[hapdrastic]

My wife and I just finished the first season last night. The season finale was really good. Looking forward to the second! It did take several episodes to really get what all the fuss was about, though. We only stuck with it because everyone kept raving about it. Glad we did.

[eMarkM]

It took me about five episodes to really get hooked. I remember watching the first few and getting frustrated that "nothing is happening". It takes awhile to get used to the slower pacing when you're used to so many shows that hit you over the head with plot exposition. Some plot threads, like the Draper Mystery, take a long time to pay off, seasons even. But when they do, WOW! Your patience will be rewarded.

[photoshopgrl]

I'm a Lost fan. Patience for plot payoffs is my middle name. :)

[photoshopgrl]

In keeping with the theme of the show, I'm up to episode 11 now and I must say Don Draper is a cad! LOL

[Mib2347]

Ive just started watching this show too and im up to about episode 6, for me its the kind of show I can only watch a few episodes of at a time, but I do quite like it

[cmontyburns]

I'm paying over $100 a month for cable versus $40 just to see Mad Men, as AMC is a premium channel, and is on in HD. I also like Breaking Bad.

FYI, you can subscribe to Mad Men on iTunes for about $30 for the whole season (that's the HD price; SD is about $10 less). You get the episodes a few hours after they first air on AMC.

[photoshopgrl]

Okay so I just finished season 2 episode 6 and I have a serious question. I really am loving the show but who exactly are we supposed to be rooting for on this thing? NOBODY has a decent bone in their body unless they are one of the Mad Men's wives, who I find just annoying to watch.

[dianebrat]

Okay so I just finished season 2 episode 6 and I have a serious question. I really am loving the show but who exactly are we supposed to be rooting for on this thing? NOBODY has a decent bone in their body unless they are one of the Mad Men's wives, who I find just annoying to watch.
Exactly why I love it, no one is ever innocent OR guilty, it's all about shades of gray and what lines are firm vs flexible.

Diane
p.s. glad to see you got over your initial concern about not enjoying it.

[RangersRBack]

There are a lot of great things about the show, but IMHO even if there weren't, it would be worth sitting through episode after episode to get to one particular (long) scene during this past season. Some of the best television ever.

[speedcouch]

After this show took the Emmy last fall, I asked for Season 1 on DVD for Xmas. Thankfully, my sister-in-law got me both Season 1 and 2. My husband and I watched a marathon of them right after Xmas and are definitely hooked. I've already "pre-ordered" Season 3 from Amazon and it's suppose to be out in March. Then can't wait for Season 4 to premiere. Just a shame that DirecTV doesn't have AMC in HD.

I like the show as a "period" piece and that it IS so different from all the usual police stuff on network TV.

Cheryl

[photoshopgrl]

Exactly why I love it, no one is ever innocent OR guilty, it's all about shades of gray and what lines are firm vs flexible.

Diane
p.s. glad to see you got over your initial concern about not enjoying it.
I don't agree with that at all. I think with almost everyone there are no shades of gray. Draper is a great character and makes for awesome TV but if he were real, I would not want a single thing to do with him. He's a great ad man but pretty much in every other way he's a pile of ****e. None of the men are redeemable, IMO and even Peggy is sketchy with the whole baby thing.

Like I said I am really loving the show, it's great fun to watch. I'm now on season 2, episode 9 and I'm so very glad to see some of his crap catching up to him. That scene in episode 8 with him and Jimmy at the coat rack was made of win. The look on Draper's face was priceless.

[markymark_ctown]

Okay I finally made it to episode 5. Now I'm totally in. All it took was a little mystery behind Draper. :)

the draper mystery was the hook for me - the characters are so much deeper than what they appear to their cow-orkers.

[Magnolia88]

I really am loving the show but who exactly are we supposed to be rooting for on this thing?

"Rooting for" to do what exactly? :confused:

I don't think the writers expect the audience to "root" for anyone really. The characters certainly aren't always likable (although I still like Harry, the one with the glasses, although even he's done some not very likable things), but I don't need that to enjoy the show. I find the characters totally entertaining to watch, even when I can't stand them, which is most of the time.

Don is a total cad (and then some), but I loooove watching him be incredibly caddish. (I laughed at Don Draper's Guide to Picking Up Women on SNL: Lie to everyone about everything.) I also love Joan, especially when she is being her bitchiest. I clapped when she finally [spoiler] her [spoiler], because he had it coming.

I also loved The Sopranos, but pretty much despised all the characters on that show too. I wasn't "rooting" for anyone, athough I didn't want Tony to get pinched, because I don't think it would have been fun to see him put in jail. I'm not sure I like anyone all that much on Lost either, maybe Sun and Jin on occasion, but I enjoy that show too. And some of my favorite episodes of The Amazing Race involve "real people" I can't stand, but find endlessly entertaining to watch on TV.

[brianric]

FYI, you can subscribe to Mad Men on iTunes for about $30 for the whole season (that's the HD price; SD is about $10 less). You get the episodes a few hours after they first air on AMC.
I got to look into that. Thanks.

[nyny523]

This is one of my favorite shows. :up:

I am happy to hear you stuck with it and are enjoying it!

[nyny523]

"Rooting for" to do what exactly? :confused:

I don't think the writers expect the audience to "root" for anyone really. The characters certainly aren't always likable (although I still like Harry, the one with the glasses, although even he's done some not very likable things), but I don't need that to enjoy the show. I find the characters totally entertaining to watch, even when I can't stand them, which is most of the time.

Don is a total cad (and then some), but I loooove watching him be incredibly caddish. (I laughed at Don Draper's Guide to Picking Up Women on SNL: Lie to everyone about everything.) I also love Joan, especially when she is being her bitchiest. I clapped when she finally [spoiler] her [spoiler], because he had it coming.

I also loved The Sopranos, but pretty much despised all the characters on that show too. I wasn't "rooting" for anyone, athough I didn't want Tony to get pinched, because I don't think it would have been fun to see him put in jail. I'm not sure I like anyone all that much on Lost either, maybe Sun and Jin on occasion, but I enjoy that show too. And some of my favorite episodes of The Amazing Race involve "real people" I can't stand, but find endlessly entertaining to watch on TV.

The thing about shows like Mad Men and The Sopranos are that the characters are so fully fleshed out, they take on a life of their own.

Like real people in the real world, the best fictional characters are not entirely good or entirely bad. Everyone is flawed in some way, and even the biggest villain often has some redeeming quality.

I find shows like these to be a fascinating character study. They reveal things about ourselves and the people around us. They make us THINK.

[BriGuy20]

This is one of my favorite shows. :up:

I am happy to hear you stuck with it and are enjoying it!

+1. Best show on TV right now.

[photoshopgrl]

I'm really glad for Season 2 Episode 12. I actually saw a good person... a respectable loving guy in Draper for I really think the first time. The way he was with the real Draper's wife was awesome. I was beginning to think there was no gray with him, just black. Great episode!

[photoshopgrl]

Also this show makes me want to smoke. I can only imagine how disgusting all their houses and cars smell. haha

[photoshopgrl]

Okay I am officially caught up on all 3 seasons. This might have been a slow starter for me but wow, I'm so hooked I cannot wait for season 4 now!!!

[nyny523]

Okay I am officially caught up on all 3 seasons. This might have been a slow starter for me but wow, I'm so hooked I cannot wait for season 4 now!!!

I knew you would love it! :up: :)

[getreal]

Gotta say, I've heard all the hype, and finally made time to check out Season One.
I laughed out loud many times. Especially at the contrast of 60s everyday stuff compared with nowadays. Constant drinking and smoking, drinking and driving, no seatbelts for the kids and having a car accident, the misogynistic attitudes of the men, the closeted gay guy, etc., etc., etc.

[BK89]

I love the scene in one of the episodes from a while back where the Drapers go on a family picnic. They just leave all of their trash on the grass in the park and take off. :p

[brianric]

Gotta say, I've heard all the hype, and finally made time to check out Season One.
I laughed out loud many times. Especially at the contrast of 60s everyday stuff compared with nowadays. Constant drinking and smoking, drinking and driving, no seatbelts for the kids and having a car accident, the misogynistic attitudes of the men, the closeted gay guy, etc., etc., etc.

The U.S. National Highway Safety Bureau first required automobile manufacturers to install lap belts for all seats and shoulder belts for front seats in 1968.

[kaszeta]

The U.S. National Highway Safety Bureau first required automobile manufacturers to install lap belts for all seats and shoulder belts for front seats in 1968.

My first vehicle didn't have any shoulder belts, and the seat belts were aftermarket.

[Regina]

Also this show makes me want to smoke. I can only imagine how disgusting all their houses and cars smell. haha

OMG-I know, so gross! :p:down::down:

I love how "slice of life" the show is-the pregnant women smoking, neighbors feeling free to discipline others' children, racist and sexist attitudes-and then you realize this was just over 40 years ago! :eek:

[4inziksych]

Something must be wrong with me because I would never call this show brilliant or compare it favorably to the Sopranos. I think it's ok as a soap opera type thing, but I'm bored enough with it that I have two episodes waiting to watch. Too much prop acting with the cigarettes and drinks. Although, as I think I've said before, I think the supporting actors are really great and their story lines are more interesting than Don's. Maybe that's my whole problem, I just don't care for Jon what's his name's acting (or maybe it's just the monotony of his character), so that makes it hard to like.

[getreal]

The appeal of this show for me is that I would be about the age of Draper's little boy, so I have sentimental childhood memories of the time period. It is really jarring to see how much technology and social morés have changed within my lifetime. Perhaps a younger audience has less in which to relate to in the story and character development, but it's working for me.

I just got through Season 2 and am looking forward to Season 3.

[Mr. Soze]

I watched the first two episodes of Season One. Given that I do kind of know a spoiler I think I'll stick with it.

[megory]

Something must be wrong with me because I would never call this show brilliant or compare it favorably to the Sopranos. I think it's ok as a soap opera type thing, but I'm bored enough with it that I have two episodes waiting to watch. Too much prop acting with the cigarettes and drinks. Although, as I think I've said before, I think the supporting actors are really great and their story lines are more interesting than Don's. Maybe that's my whole problem, I just don't care for Jon what's his name's acting (or maybe it's just the monotony of his character), so that makes it hard to like.Some of the props are little stilted trying to be genuine. It's difficult to do a period piece, but they do it pretty well. Things were so different then, and still, so much the same. Technology has changed, but many attitudinal changes are merely underground.

[stellie93]

I know I'm getting old, but I really don't remember having shoulder harnesses in my cars that early. I know I had at least 3 cars without them, and my first car was a '67 cougar. Maybe I'm just not remembering because I never used my seatbelts back then. ;)

[dianebrat]

I know I'm getting old, but I really don't remember having shoulder harnesses in my cars that early. I know I had at least 3 cars without them, and my first car was a '67 cougar. Maybe I'm just not remembering because I never used my seatbelts back then. ;)
It was also only an option for many years.

[megory]

Stellie, I agree. Although they might have existed in my 60s Saab, I don't think we really used them much until the mid-late 70s. I didn't wear one in any of my VW Beetles (imagine!) and I think my 80s Saab had them. I might have started wearing one with that car, but not before.

Perhaps they were added options for a price?

[IJustLikeTivo]

I know I'm getting old, but I really don't remember having shoulder harnesses in my cars that early. I know I had at least 3 cars without them, and my first car was a '67 cougar. Maybe I'm just not remembering because I never used my seatbelts back then. ;)

Our 67 Opel had only shoulder belts. Our 69 dodge had both in front and lap belts in back.