Lionsgate Television, AMC Studios, 20th Century Fox, Edward Hopper
Despite the stunning imagery above, Mad Men is a fine example of what this site is not. If the words ‘critically acclaimed’ are used to describe a show, you will not find it here. If a show is featured on a premium channel, you will not find accolades here. That’s what the award shows are for. If such shows do appear here, it’s strictly an anomaly.
I am living 6-day work weeks, desperate for 3-day weekends. I don’t need the heavy, I need the fluff. I want to feel, but I don’t want to over-feel. Which brings me to Mad Men. I was implored to watch, ‘it’s soooo good! And sooo beautiful!’ Finally, in the desert of summer TV watching, I acquiesced. What I quickly learned, that while beautiful, Mad Men is all heavy, no fluff. No, thank you. However, I did proceed to watch three seasons at double speed so I could take in the set design and beauty. I gained an appreciation for the final lingering shots, all very painterly, lonely and beautiful, like an Edward Hopper or that shot of Marla Singer in Fight Club. Glorious.
Despite its beauty, I must leave Mad Men to their friends at the Hollywood Foreign Press, and move onto the underdogs that recognize my need for a 3-day weekend. Bring on the fluff. Bring on the fangirling.