TV Series: Mad Men

Ever since I got streaming Netflix, I have begun to enjoy TV series in a whole new way. There is definitely a certain appeal to a growing storyline with character development, and no commercial breaks. There still is however a lack of quality in a TV series that can never quite match up to a movie production. And that still holds true for most TV series, with the exception of Mad Men.

Don Draper

I've had a desire to watch this series for quite some time, knowing that it a was period piece with cool looking visuals. Once I saw it on Netflix I wasted no time, to embark on the 4 seasons of which it offered. The story is set in the 1960s, in an advertising agency in New York City, called Sterling and Cooper. The main character, Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, is the backbone of the series, and brings a very suave, charming, and mysterious demeanor to his role. He starts off with a cliche middle class life; a hard-working business man, two children, and a beautiful wife, played by January Jones. Yet as the series goes on, Don Draper's personal life grows more complex, with the development of his mysterious past and his suspicious wife.

Supporting Characters

To add to Draper's intriguing story, are numerous other side-stories, played by a very talented supporting cast in this series. First there is the ambitious young secretary named Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss. Throughout the series, we witness Peggy defy the norms of female discrimination and quickly rise up the ranks of copy-writing.

Then there is Pete Campbell, also a very ambitious and young professional, played by Vincent Kartheiser. Throughout the series he is experiencing the early stages of marriage, yet seems to care more about his work as an account executive, and gaining respect throughout the office.

Roger Sterling is the senior partner of the ad agency, played by John Slattery, and has a smooth persona, similar to Don Draper's yet a very hot-headed temper. Throughout the series he begins to slip and constantly lets his party-lifestyle interfere with his professional work.

Then there is the office manager, Joan Harris, played by the womanly Christina Hendricks. She is perhaps the X-factor of the series, with an unquestionable visual flare of feminine style and confidence.

There are other minor characters in the series, both in and outside the office, who also contribute some solid performances.

The Appeal

While the storyline branches off into many directions, the setting always revolves around an office or some form of business, bringing it a serious and dramatic appeal. And as good as the story and drama are in this series, that's not even the best of it. It's the visuals of well-dressed professional's at work with one another, sophisticated and very composed, always drinking or smoking. It looks great on screen! It is an extremely fashionable show, with a retro touch to it, a backdrop of 1960s cultural history, great performances, and a very interesting story. It is unlike any series I've seen before, well deserving of it's 4 for 4 Emmy Awards of Outstanding Drama Series.

Current Politics: More Bad News for Obama

Last Thursday, President Obama gave an address on jobs to a joint-session of Congress, and nailed the delivery. He gave a very detailed plain of creating more jobs, with a fierce tone of urgency; "Pass this Bill Right Away"! It was a much needed tone from a president that has appeared quite weak in the past month. He had to even change the date of the speech in order to appease the Republicans, a total slap to the respect of his presidency. Yet the real problems began after the debt ceiling negotiations where he practically conceded to the Republicans' demands.


Turn in his Presidency

His presidency has now begun to take a terrible turn. Following the Budget Balance Act, the economy experienced it's first every credit downgrade, terrible news in Afghanistan, and very low job numbers. It wasn't long until the American public began to blame not only Congress but especially President Obama. And although the majority of the blame falls on Congress, Obama is the one with most to lose. At one point, his approval ratings dropped to a new low, down to 39%. So it appears quite clear now, that the public feel this economic crisis is no longer entirely President Bush's fault, yet the system of Washington DC in general.

Regain Momentum

This speech was the perfect chance for President Obama to once again regain momentum. The delivery was perfectly executed, strong and passionate, and seemed to instill some fear in the hall. Even after the speech, both Speaker Boehner and Eric Cantor agreed that his job's plan has some merit to it, and could be considered. President Obama then carried his push into the weekend, taking his jobs-plan to the public, yet also commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and the importance of American ideals. By Monday morning, it seemed President Obama was back in the game!

More Bad News

Then came more bad news... It began with a new poverty report on Tuesday, putting the nation's poverty rate at 15.1%, the highest since 1993. On Wednesday came a double slam to his presidency, with special congressional elections in New York and Nevada, both seats going to Republicans. The elections are a clear indicator, that the public are ready for a new direction, especially the New York Jewish population, perhaps upset with Obama's relations with Israel. This diplomatic tension with Israel will continue for the president next week, as Palestine takes their case of statehood to the United Nations. He and his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, will have to somehow play center-ground on this ongoing tension in the Middle East. To make matters worse for Hillary, a recent insurgency in Afghanistan has occurred with an attack on the US embassy and NATO headquarters.

The president finds himself once again extremely overwhelmed both domestically and internationally, and new reports are coming in today, that both Democrats and Republicans are beginning to pull at his jobs' plan. It seems the Republicans will once again play their ace, by controlling the house. They will appear to appease the public, perhaps agreeing on parts of the jobs plan, yet surely will not budge on tax hikes. Once again President Obama will have to sacrifice much, in order to get anything done. The question remains, will he be able to gain political points from all this and continue this centrist approach into the 2012 elections. As of now, it seems the American public may be leaning towards a new direction, and Republican contenders like Rick Perry and Mitt Romeny could be a serious challenge for him. President Obama needs to push harder than ever, and lose his cool demeanor, if he cares to be re-elected in 2012.