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.