Mad Men
I’ve enjoyed this season of Mad Men a lot - probably more than season 2, if only because the show has finally abandoned the idea that Don is a sympathetic character, and the show is more satisfying for it. In general, there’s been such a tangible darkness to the show. I love how subtly the 1960s are encroaching on the 1950s way of life. It’s wonderfully unsettling.
I also have to commend a show that takes on board its criticisms: critics have been saying ‘oh, it’s great on everything but race’ for the past two years, and now that the show is openly addressing the racism of its characters, it’s become even better. Other shows could learn from this. *cough*Supernatural*cough*
However, I wish the show would stop trying to simultaneously be an ensemble AND a drama that focuses on just one family.
If you’re going to spend all your time focusing on the Drapers, don’t bother to give the rarely-seen ensemble players such complex and fascinating character arcs!
The Don stuff this season has, admittedly, been great, but my interest in Betty is seriously beginning to wane. I don’t caaaare about her affair; I don’t care that she hates her life; I just don’t care! In general, Mad Men absolutely excels in a workplace setting and anytime we’re away from the office, I immediately find my interest dipping. Yes, January Jones is a Director of Photography’s dream; yes, Betty Draper has resonance as both a character and an archetype. But she’s not the only damn character on the show!
There was a moment, last week, when Peggy was in a single scene and, as she exited the board room, the camera lingered on her for an insanely long time. It was like I could hear the Director whimpering sadly, Peeeeeggggggyyyyyy… come baaaaaaaaack. That’s how I feel all the time.
I’m bitter about Joan’s exit, obviously, but at least we got some explanation of what she’s doing for a job, what Greg’s doing, etc. It makes sense for the character to (figuratively) hang around in stasis, because that’s exactly where her story arc has taken her: to a big dead end.
But Peggy! Peggy’s finally going places, doing things! And we’ve barely seen her since (shudder) she slept with Duck.
Sal, similarly, has a huge (and hugely interesting) storyline this season and yet, he’s barely in the show at all.
Okay, rant over. I’ll get back to finding the show gorgeous and poignant now. Swooon.
I also have to commend a show that takes on board its criticisms: critics have been saying ‘oh, it’s great on everything but race’ for the past two years, and now that the show is openly addressing the racism of its characters, it’s become even better. Other shows could learn from this. *cough*Supernatural*cough*
However, I wish the show would stop trying to simultaneously be an ensemble AND a drama that focuses on just one family.
If you’re going to spend all your time focusing on the Drapers, don’t bother to give the rarely-seen ensemble players such complex and fascinating character arcs!
The Don stuff this season has, admittedly, been great, but my interest in Betty is seriously beginning to wane. I don’t caaaare about her affair; I don’t care that she hates her life; I just don’t care! In general, Mad Men absolutely excels in a workplace setting and anytime we’re away from the office, I immediately find my interest dipping. Yes, January Jones is a Director of Photography’s dream; yes, Betty Draper has resonance as both a character and an archetype. But she’s not the only damn character on the show!
There was a moment, last week, when Peggy was in a single scene and, as she exited the board room, the camera lingered on her for an insanely long time. It was like I could hear the Director whimpering sadly, Peeeeeggggggyyyyyy… come baaaaaaaaack. That’s how I feel all the time.
I’m bitter about Joan’s exit, obviously, but at least we got some explanation of what she’s doing for a job, what Greg’s doing, etc. It makes sense for the character to (figuratively) hang around in stasis, because that’s exactly where her story arc has taken her: to a big dead end.
But Peggy! Peggy’s finally going places, doing things! And we’ve barely seen her since (shudder) she slept with Duck.
Sal, similarly, has a huge (and hugely interesting) storyline this season and yet, he’s barely in the show at all.
Okay, rant over. I’ll get back to finding the show gorgeous and poignant now. Swooon.