Mad Men: Have you seen it?

14 years ago

I borrowed Season 1 from the library and started watching the first episode this afternoon. It's so realistic! Disturbingly, so, in a way, at least for me, because I worked in Manhattan (and lived there) during the sixties, and was in many ways a part of that scene. All the smoking makes me squirm today, but that's what we did--just about everybody.

And we drank. We often drank heavily at lunch, and then went back to work. The men usually kept bottles in their desks. Looking back, I don't know how we did that. Or why! It's not at all compatible with my present life, and not at all appealing. But it was standard operating procedure at that place and time.

I haven't even mentioned the rampant sexism! I think Mad Men is probably a good show, and I'll enjoy it if I can get over the squirming. :-)

Anyone else?

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Comments (13)

sooey
14 years ago
YES! Oh MY...I remember those days very well. I was a kid growing up in Westchester, N.Y. at the time and that was exactly how life was for lots of men and their families. I had an Uncle who was on Mad Ave during those days. He was the one who came up with the 'Give a Damn' campaign of 1969. I remember that I hated it at the time and, I still do today. Life was so different. It is interesting to me to think back on the men of those days...most of them were Vets of WW II and/or Korea. How did they do it? No wonder so many of them died young. I guess the better question would be, how did so many of them live so long?

I love the show and have been watching since about 1/2 way through the first season. Love those re-runs. I like it a lot. John Hamm is really good in this and, on SNL.

sooey
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maire_cate
14 years ago
I find the show intriguing - the writing, the story lines, the casting, the advertising lingo, the sets and fashion (actually I'm not sure which I like best - the absolutely realistic sets and clothing -- or -- the plot.) And the actors seem to be perfectly cast- my favorite is Joan. Don Draper is a conundrum - reserved, secretive, handsome yet I'm not sure he's ever smiled, really smiled.

I often find that I'm watching the show with dread - waiting for Don to get caught, for his world to fall apart.

If I remember correctly it took me a couple of weeks to get really involved with the characters. Stick with it and I think you'll appreciate it. However you'll have to put up with more smoking, drinking, sexism, carousing, and infidelities. John Slattery who plays Roger wants the show to stay on the air until it gets to the 1970's - so that he can wear wide bell bottoms.

I love the way Matthew Weiner gives us a glimpse back to those times. I could probably watch the show without any sound just to observe the sets, fashions and hair styles.
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magic_arizona
14 years ago
One of my Favorites and I've never missed an episode.

Okay now, There really was a Mad Ave? Is that why the show is called Mad Men because they work on Mad Ave?

I had no idea. Never really gave the title that much thought. Very interesting.
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glenda_al
14 years ago
thanks, just programmed it on my dvr
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bigfoot_liz
14 years ago
i just got thru season 1 on netflix and have disc 1 of season 2 to start tonight. i am DVRing season 4 so i will catch up eventually. last summer i was on vacation w/ my sis, BIL and niece & nephew at Warren Dunes and my sis mentioned the show and a scene at a beach and how much i'd like the show. the first few episodes i found myself rubbing my eyes and blinking alot LOL feeling like i was surrounded by smoke! the premise for the show is waaayyy before my time, born 1967 but there are things in it i remember. last aug i brought back (from my place in chicago) an ash tray i made as a child in school lol. it's one of those tiny grid tile things you set in a metal ash tray and fill in the grout. i made this when i was a CHILD how wierd is that LOL?!

my DH loves to see the way women were treated LOL, wishes he was alive then LOL. he's not at all like that just wishes he could be, he's not the pants wearer here ;-) i like the show, it's rare i keep up w any series tv ~ liz
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User
14 years ago
love it. My daughter got me into it.
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kacram
14 years ago
I caught part of one on reruns. It does look interesting, but I don't want to
get involved in another tv show.
i've given up GREYS ANATOMY, and the one that comes after it
I would have like to have watched UGLY BETTY... but DH
REFUSES to watch it! And there is another show
that we like that somes on at the same time.
I should see if it is on demand. lol

also, it comes on too late. I wish our shows were
scheduled the same as Central time. Instead of
starting at 8, I wish that our "prime time" started
at 7.
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cindyb_va
14 years ago
Okay now, There really was a Mad Ave? Is that why the show is called Mad Men because they work on Mad Ave?

MADison Avenue; the heart of advertising in Manhattan. Roger is my favorite character; he gets all the best one liners.
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magic_arizona
14 years ago
Got it!

Thanks.
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glenda_al
14 years ago
shoot, I can't find it.

will someone give me the channel? can't find amc anywhere
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glenda_al
14 years ago
found it FINALLY
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mitchdesj
14 years ago
I just downloaded episode one of season 4 on ITunes I'm a big fan also. I have the first 2 seasons in a box set . We don't get the show on tv in Montreal.

DH is not a big fan so I'll watch the episodes one by one on my laptop. That's
how I watched season 3.

I am fascinated by the clothing and the homes, offices, everything.
You get used to the smoking after a while, at first it's just so surprising to see them light up everywhere.

I like Betty, she's so confused, to say the least. Her daughter is a wonderful actress, she gets more and more storylines after season 1.
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oldgardener_2009
14 years ago
I watched one of the first few episodes. The sexism turned my stomach and I didn't watch it again. I might give it another try someday.
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Mad Men: Have you seen it?

Comments (13)

sooey

maire_cate

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