After spending the last four years immersed in an environment that deals with mass media, deadlines and advertisers it’s no wonder I’m addicted to AMC’s Mad Men. I got hooked on the show over the course of winter break thanks to Netflix. (It made an excellent way to pass the time during my Geology lecture.) Needless to say, the cultural and media styles of this period piece got me addicted from the very first episode. 
The 60s were such an interesting time, in some ways I can’t really wrap my brain around a world without smartphones, laptops and other modern media conveniences we take for granted. I don’t know how the ad men of the era managed to create such innovative and memorable campaigns back then without the assistance of technology. Working for several publications has taught me about the intricacies and importance of proper planning and well executed writing, but I don’t know if I would be able to to produce under those circumstances.
I have found that many of my friends within the J-School also share the same opinions. And tend to share them on Twitter. Yet here is a show that has come along that makes me long to have lived during this decade and work for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.
The sophisticated story of Don Draper and the lies, secrets, philandering and back door deals of the rest of the cast paint a picture that mocks the sense of normalcy and domestic happiness created by the ad men of that era.
The season 5 finale wrapped up one of the most interesting seasons thus far. The show has progressed Peggy Olsen come into her own and leave the firm, the epoch of fat Betty Francis, Roger Sterling’s new habit, Peter Campbell getting what’s coming to him in two different episodes, and yet another death “hanging” on Don’s conscience. And who could for get that number Megan Draper performed on the season premiere?
Personally, I identify with Don. He’s driven and passionate, speaks his mind even when it might not be popular to do so. I took AMC’s personality quiz and discovered I identify better with Roger Sterling, which really wasn’t all that surprising, but was kind of a let-down. Roger is just too much flash and no substance (except abuse).
I’m excited to see what the next season has in store for the agency. Will Peter Campbell leave his wife? What the hell is going on with that creepy Glenn and Don’s daughter? Will the firm continue to grow with the addition of a car? What will the next big campaign be? Who will fill Lane Pryce’s shoes? These are just a few of the myriad of questions creator Matthew Weiner has in store. I guess we shall see, but I can’t help but wonder if Mr. Draper will grow tired of Megan and return to his devil-may-care lifestyle.
If only your co-workers were this classy.
Tim Schrag 