Anyone who’s a Mad Men fan has been looking forward to tonight’s big season premiere – and few were disappointed. I’m not sure what drew me to the AMC show to start with, unless the fact it’s pulled straight out of days past when women were only just beginning to consider other options besides being a wife and mother. I don’t think that’s it, though. Not really. It’s the mentality of the times, I think.
Men were aggressive and didn’t dance around anything, including conversations with reporters or women they weren’t married to, as evidenced by tonight’s episode. It’s the Don Draper effect, I believe. Rugged and handsome, aggressive and determined. Oh. And self-confident. That’s what it boils down to – that self-confidence of the the hit show’s lead character. It’s the first line of tonight’s premiere and the last line, which cleverly comes full circle. It starts with a simple question: “Who is Don Draper?” and ends with Draper telling a reporter of a conversation, a year old, that led to the creation of the new ad agency, Sterling, Cooper, Draper and Pryce. The reporter asked where the success comes from (keep in mind, it’s set in the mid-1960s – Civil Rights issues were big, the Vietnam War was devastating every aspect of life and the country as a whole was changing); the answer Draper gives the Wall Street Journal reporter is that he told his boss to “fire us”, referring to the new partners who all left their former ad agency to form the new one.
And yes, Don Draper is sort of a condescending and pompous jerk; but I’m telling you, that self-confidence more than makes up for it. The way he handles the ex-missus, Betty (played brilliantly by January Jones), his mannerisms with his co-workers and his children – he leaves nothing unsaid. If it’s on his mind, it’s on his tongue.
While tonight focused on Don Draper, who Jon Hamm plays with genius perfection, you can be sure the season will unwind with no shortage of secrets being spilled and imperfections coming to light. The entire cast is incredible, really, if you’re looking for that superb acting that seems to be in short supply these days, do yourself a favor, tune in for this season and once you’re hooked (I give it..oh…ten minutes), be sure to get your hands on the first seasons of the show so that you can really get a feel for the characters. One storyline left off from last season and sure to keep fans on the edges of their seats is the Draper’s true identity, which is sure to be a jaw dropper!
So what did you think of tonight’s season premiere? Hit me up on Facebook and let me know your thoughts!
Photo courtesy of AMC
It's All About the Right Writing 