This season of MAD MEN sparkled with the energy of the first season. Once again, Don Draper is threatened. First, his false identity was almost revealed when his advertising firm attempted to do business with a defense contractor. The security check put Don into conniptions. Then the entire firm teeters on bankruptcy when their biggest client, Lucky Strike, dumps them. In a desperate move, Don Draper takes out an advertisement in the New York Times with the headline: “Why I Gave Up Tobacco.” Don sees the problems the cigarette companies are going to be facing before they do. Of course, Don’s partners think he’s insane. And, in Don’s personal life, plenty of women sleep with him. His wayward daughter, Sally, tests everyone’s limits. It’s going to be a long wait until next summer before anything this good appears on TV.
Don’t you know it, George. It started out a bit slow, but picked up speed and though it proved to be a train wreck for many of the characters, it was a compelling roller coaster ride for the viewers. It proves you can do a great show that is not about crime.
Drama is compelling, Patti, crime or not. Great acting, dialog, and suspense trump special effects and lame humor.