My end-of-the-school year present to myself was a netflix subscription, and I have definitely taken advantage of it so far. One of the gems I have discovered is the television show Mad Men.
For the past few years I have been hearing wonderful things about this show from critics and friends alike. I started watching from the beginning of season one and now I can’t get enough of it!
The show begins in 1960 and takes place in New York City. It centers on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), one of the elite creative executives at Sterling Cooper, an advertising agency.
I have fallen in love with the world of Mad Men. The glamour of the high society that the characters live in is fascinating and fun to watch. It is definitely a time period that I would love to have lived in. The contrast between Don Draper’s work life and home life. In the Sterling Cooper world, smoking and drinking are indulged in, the men aren’t afraid to cheat on their wives and each day involves a cocktail party or working dinner. Don has a mistress, as well as a couple other women he sees regularly, however at home he has a beautiful house, a wife, two children and a dog. It is the stereotypical picket-fence, American dream lifestyle.
The cast is a talented ensemble, who has really embodied the early 1960s setting and culture. The characters are all strong and unique and I think it will be especially interesting to see the relationships play out. At the moment, I particularly like the characters of Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks), Betty Draper (January Jones), Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss), Don Draper and Roger Sterling (John Slattery).
This is the first time that I have begun watching a show without knowing anything that will happen, and for the most part, nothing has been spoiled for me. I encourage you to check out Mad Men on dvd or the season four premiere in July.
