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A fond farewell to Mad Men
- Posted at 5:17pm
- 30 April 2009
- by AlisonGraham-RT
- 28 comments
Well, it's nearly over and I am bereft. No more Mad Men. It ends on Tuesday (5 May) - what are we Madettes to do? The final episode is a doozy, so completely wonderful I wanted to wrap it round me like a blanket and never let it go.
Of course, I realise that a fair chunk of you out there, wherever you are, probably haven't even heard of Mad Men, let alone actually watched it. Its viewing figures have been pitiful, despite a huge marketing push from BBC4, and it's ended up being watched by 13 people and a stoat called Colin.
Well, more fool anyone who hasn't bothered, because you have missed one of the most delicious TV treats since, oh, I don't know when. It's luscious and decadent and unlike anything else, ever. Which makes me laugh whenever anyone makes extravagant claims for pulpy trash like Heroes or Lost. I mean, really, these are kids' shows, and not for proper grown-ups.
Mad Men, on the other hand, is for TV viewers who don't have milk teeth and who don't need a diet of homogenised, pseudo sci-fi pap. It's been the slowest of slow burns in a way that borders on impudence. Whole sequences show characters apparently doing nothing - in one memorable shot, Don Draper (Jon Hamm) was filmed taking a bottle of milk from the fridge, and drinking it.
In any other hands, this would have been patently pretentious, but in Mad Men, as its tiny band of devotees has come to learn, every tic and mannerism counts for something. Thus its effect is cumulative as we gather odds and ends of details here and there.
The whole picture is pretty much completed by the final episode, though there are still questions to be answered and much to look forward to in series three. What will become of Don and his wife Betty now that the power balance in their relationship has irrevocably shifted? And what of girlie-voiced pocket dynamo Peggy, the former secretary who by sheer grit, talent and determination realised her dreams of becoming an advertising copywriter with her own office?
People who don't understand dismiss Mad Men without seeing it, on the grounds that no-one is interested in a Madison Avenue advertising agency in the early 1960s. But this misses the point. Mad Men isn't about advertising, it just happens to be set in that world. At its heart it's about people and the secrets we keep and the lies that we tell.
**
Alison Graham is TV editor of Radio Times - read her column in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale now.
Comments
- Posted on 23 August 2009
- at 8:59pm
- by idigmadmen
Mad Men is hands down one of the best TV series of all time. Great storytelling, smart and sassy. Alison said there's a great marketing push, but for whatever reason I completely missed it. I only found out from friends in the US during the hiatus between seasons 2 & 3 .. I'm now trying to catch up on DVD. But the show's been getting a lot of attention in the US recently, now that's it's gaining momentum surely that helps awareness in the UK too? So yeah, BBC please bring in Season 3!
- Posted on 14 August 2009
- at 3:46pm
- by binty
I totally agree with Alison Graham.MadMen is completely wonderful.So subtle we discuss it for ages after each episode.Why the fact that it is broadcast on BBC4,then BBC2 should make a difference I cannot fathom.People have listings details at their disposal.I tend to agree with others that the programme appeals to an intellectual minority,but I am so glad that I am one,and if the Beeb does not buy series 3 then I will just have to buy the DVDS.
- Posted on 10 August 2009
- at 12:14pm
- by alex
Pretty stupid to write their for they're don't you think?
- Posted on 06 July 2009
- at 1:24pm
- by rob
super intelligent tv, absolutely gripping, have to give credit to the writing team for referencing Ayn Rand and Frank O'Hara. Totally agree with the above comment on Roger Sterling's classsic one liners. Not being watched by the masses because the general population need instant satisfaction, or their just stupid, haven't decided yet.
- Posted on 16 May 2009
- at 7:21pm
- by Pakistani Fan
I am so sad to see Mad Men go off the air, I loved watching it on TV and on the BBC iPlayer, I too am a Copywriter:)...Oh BBC please bring Mad Men back to our screens…It still has loyal fans.
- Posted on 14 May 2009
- at 1:16pm
- by Kayla
Best series ever on television! So happy to have series 3 to come--but when??
- Posted on 13 May 2009
- at 6:00pm
- by LauraPledger-RT
BBC4 have confirmed that they have now secured the rights to show series three of Mad Men. No word yet on when it will air, though.
- Posted on 11 May 2009
- at 2:18pm
- by big_game_charlie
Well Alison, there's more than 13 viewers posting on here, but what I want to know is who owns up to being a stoat called Colin?
I like the fact that it's been on BBC4 and we appear to be in the select minority.
Plenty of plots to ponder on before series 3, but I hope that the Silver Fox, aka Roger, doesn't get written out with the pending merger, as he lightens the mood with his one liners. I bet he'd be good company on an all night bender !!
- Posted on 08 May 2009
- at 5:34pm
- by Griffin
Perfection televised. Bring on Series 3, although it wouldn't matter if it all ended now... the story lines left dangling just add to the delicious feeling of longing for more and not knowing whether we'll get it.
- Posted on 08 May 2009
- at 1:16pm
- by stephanie
got hooked from the first episode onwards. Couldn't believe there could be something so good and... mature, intelligent, that doesn't take viewers for imbeciles, and without crime! (don't mind graphic violence and bodies, love ncis, laws and order svu, the shield and all that, but there didn't seem to be any consistently good program without a murder or a cop in it! I mean, I only watch Desperate Housewives to maintain my understanding of the american accent). We can only hope that series 3 keeps it up to its very high standard...
- Posted on 08 May 2009
- at 8:38am
- by Ian
It is indeed a stunning series and I've been hooked from the 1st episode, having been a fan of The Sopranos - Producer Matthew Weiner's previous work. I slightly resent being labelled a 'Madette' though... I'd like to think there's plenty for people of all persuasions to find in the deep rich characterisations and inspired plots... far more than just the window dressing of the impossibly handsome John Hamm!
- Posted on 07 May 2009
- at 4:07pm
- by Linda
Mad Men has had me in its thrall since the first viewing of a man in a suit falling to earth.
In the penultimate episode, the boy playing "In the Hall of the Mountain King" very badly on the piano sent me to investigate the legend of Peer Gynt where I discovered many parallels with Don Drapers life and conduct.
Such references , fleetingly thrown to the viewer demand attention and if followed through, allow for a richer,deeper appreciation of the series as well as revealing the genius of the writer.
One such reference was the Meditation in Time of Emergency poetry book that Don, many episodes ago, slipped into a post box with the tantalisingly enigmatic inscription "Saw this and thought of you". This riddle (Who? Why?) was allowed to lie unanswered until the penultimate episode, but so casually it took your breath away.
Peggy broke my heart with her gentle stunning revelation to Pete. I am bereft. I could hardly breathe my throat was so tight.- Posted on 06 May 2009
- at 10:37pm
- by Pamelanne
I absolutely adore Mad Man and especially Jon Hamm - (he is absolutely gorgeous)- I came to watch Mad Men halfway through the second series and I have never been so hooked on a TV programme such as this for a long long time - please god in heaven keep it on the telly! love it - love it!
- Posted on 06 May 2009
- at 5:40pm
- by Phil
I understand that they have just started filming the third series with our own Jared Harris (son of Richard) so the BBC has to let us know, as soon as possible, if it will be shown by them.
- Posted on 06 May 2009
- at 12:18am
- by Katzki
Every word Alison Graham writes in her final precis is exactly what I'd have written. Don't change a thing! Not since 'Six Feet Under' has there been a WOW show like this. Roll on the days to Series 3. oooooooo, John Ham! what next.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 11:26pm
- by rob
Not much of a TV watcher but came across Mad Men and was immediately captivated by it. The likes of Heroes, Lost & Desperate Housewives are utterly drab compared to the richness of this show. Personally, I love the array of psychological broodiness throughout the entire cast. Can't wait for the third series
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 10:11pm
- by Jade
Totally agree - proper grown up tv. One of the few programmes I watch without being distracted - totally gripping. Amazing how attractive Don Draper (or whatever his real name is) can be with all those bad boy faults!
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 9:15pm
- by SalLifely
Wouldn't miss it for the world, lead character Don is frankly edible, great characters all round but what I enjoy most is the attention to early sixties detail - hair, customes of course but fantastically authentic New York 60's office environment, subtle 60's male/female behaviour traits, blatent but totally accepted at the time chauvinism and little reminiscent gems like ie. Don and family enjoy an afternoon picnic lying on grass in the park, pack up, drive off but leave all their rubbish on the grass - ah the good old days!! Love it, will miss it.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 7:27pm
- by Cliff (Wirral)
Mad Men is the finest tv i've ever seen and your superb review Alison en-captures the every little detail of it's excellence. I only hope the BBC take heed of your better knowledge when deciding on airing Season 3 over the easy forgettable much hyped likes of 24, Lost etc.. Maybe in this age of viewing figures are the only criteria that counts (Sky, ITV etc). It's refreshing that the hidden gem that is Mad Men, is a reminder that the licence fee should always cater for an audience whom desire a slow burner of utter brilliance.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 7:11pm
- by Dougal
Absolutely sublime, roll on series 3.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 7:10pm
- by Brad
@catherine - only James Bond style 'sex' scenes (and poor Joan in Don's office) but nothing like Sex in the City stuff. Awesome script and casting. Don coolest thing on TV (apart from the futute lung cancer and heart disease - innocence is bliss).
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 6:37pm
- by Matt
It's hard to describe how good this is. It's better than anything I've seen and totally agree it's a mature and wonderfully produced show. The attention to detail (i.e. human character) is awesome.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 4:16pm
- by big_game_charlie
Total devotee of the programme, I've seen every episode in series 1 & 2 and this is the best news available - series 3 to come. Counting the days already.............
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 2:49pm
- by Jess
@brad - are you crazy? No sex? did you SEE what happened in the restaurant?
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 1:30pm
- by Catherine
Brillant.... it ought to be on BBC1; then maybe more people would watch it.
- Posted on 05 May 2009
- at 11:50am
- by Brad
A complete cracker. I too have missed the first series but have been completely absorbed by the second. No sex, no violence, no swearing...just pure cool.
- Posted on 01 May 2009
- at 5:33pm
- by Rhiannon
I came late to Mad Men, having missed series 1 (on too late for me, having school the next day) but it very quickly grew on me and I will definitely miss it when it finishes next week. Roll on series 3!
- Posted on 01 May 2009
- at 11:01am
- by putneytony
Quite agree. Magnificent program for people with a few little grey cells.
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