With this final episode of Season Three airing tonight on AMC, I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed in this third season of MAD MEN. Don’t get me wrong, I still think this program is the best drama on TV. But the writers or producers or both have made several Bad Decisions. Joan, the smart and sexy redhead, was allowed to leave the advertising agency. Bring her back! The compelling homosexual Art Director was banished from the ad agency. Bring him back, too! Peggy, the talented copywriter, seemed to disappear for episodes only to reappear and enter into a completely WRONG sexual relationship with Duck! PLEASE STOP THIS AT ONCE! And Don Draper and his wife seem to be headed for divorce. Not enough of the storyline involved actual advertising campaigns, which weakens the whole concept of the show. Quibbles aside, I’ll be watching tonight.
I agree with everything you said–and I bet they do bring both back. I think they’re heading in that direction. I also think too many characters got short shrift in favor of the Draper marriage. But despite that, as you also said, nothing else compares with this in its depth and complexity. And last week’s ep made me cry. That only happens once in a blue moon.
The first two seasons of MAD MEN were so good, this third season feels like a bit of a let-down, Patti. But, even Season Three had plenty of great moments. I thought the trip to Rome by Don Draper and his wife in an attempt to rekindle their marriage was moving. Of course, it didn’t work. And the John Deere riding mower accident was both black comedy and symbolic of the future of the ad agency.
If those comments were “quibbles”, I can only imagine what you’d say about a show that really bothered you.
Your comments are enough to keep me from ever watching this, though since I haven’t so far (I never heard of it, actually) there wasn’t much chance of me watching or caring. I did think about watching Fringe, but it seems every Friday I say “Oops, I forgot to try Fringe last night” so I’ve yet to see an episode. Before long the show will be too far into the story lines to be able to understand it anyway. Guess I’ll stay with watching college football (how about the Arizona Wildcats? Tied with Oregon at the top of the Pac Ten!) and Amazing Race and the rest of the time I can read or listen to music or do chores, or…
With most TV episodes available online or on DVD, it’s easy to get caught up on a new series, Rick. But, as you point out, given how busy our lives are something has to go if you’re going to add something else. MAD MEN is great, but it’s an acquired taste. I have tried FRINGE, but wasn’t impressed.
FRINGE was good until it settled into the routine that almost every show settles into. MAD MEN avoids a formula-the reason I like it so much.
FRINGE seemed like an X-FILES clone to me, Patti. You’re right about MAD MEN avoiding a formula, but sometimes the plot goes off the rails. Like Peggy in bed with Duck…that is so WRONG!