People tell you who they are, but we ignore it – because we want them to be who we want them to be.
There it is, my favorite drama series of all time. Created by Matthew Weiner, writer and executive producer of The Sopranos, Mad Men unfolds within the dynamic environment of New York City, primarily at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency located on Madison Avenue. The series spans from March 1960 to November 1970, providing a meticulously detailed backdrop that captures the era’s societal transformations. The show’s creators have ensured authenticity by reflecting the actualities of the 1960s, with the narrative arc sculpted around significant events and cultural shifts prevalent during that decade. The series centers around the enigmatic and complex anti-hero protagonist, Don Draper, portrayed masterfully by Jon Hamm. Draper epitomizes the duality of the American dream, success, and personal turmoil wrapped in a mysterious veneer.
Don Draper is the linchpin of Mad Men and arguably one of television’s most enigmatic characters. Draper’s complexity stems from his dual life as a high-functioning ad executive and a man haunted by his past. Don’s character is a deep dive into themes of identity, self-reinvention, and existential dissatisfaction. His alcoholism, frequent infidelities, constant changing of personas, and struggle with inner demons make his arc particularly compelling. Throughout the series, viewers witness Don’s attempts at redemption, whether through his professional achievements or relationships. Season 6, for example, showcases Don’s psychological disintegration as he grapples with his crumbling marriage and business pressure, providing a profound commentary on the era’s moral ambiguities. In the show’s finale, Don’s moment of enlightenment during a meditation retreat represents his complex reconciliation with his inner turmoil, although it remains ambiguous whether genuine change has taken root. A central theme in Mad Men is the concept of identity, masterfully personified through the storyline of Don Draper. Draper’s real identity as Dick Whitman plays into the show’s overarching exploration of deceptive appearances and the struggle for self-acceptance. Throughout the series, Matthew Weiner dives deep into how memory and past experiences shape one’s present self. Through Don, we discover that one’s professional success and societal status can often be a facade masked by deep-seated personal insecurities and unresolved past traumas.
The 1960s was a decade marked by significant shifts in gender roles and sexual norms. Mad Men is lauded for its unvarnished depiction of 1960s gender dynamics, incorporating themes of feminism and misogyny. It astutely portrays the struggles women face in the workplace, balancing professional aspirations with societal expectations of femininity and domesticity. The character arcs of Joan Holloway, Betty Draper, and Peggy Olson are particularly illustrative of the challenges and triumphs women faced during this period. The journey of Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss) from a secretary to a pioneering copywriter mirrors the evolving role of women in the workplace during the 1960s. The series effectively uses her character to explore themes of gender equality, ambition, and personal growth within a male-dominated industry. Peggy’s relationship with Father Gill in Season 2 is another poignant aspect of her character arc. This subplot delves into her struggle with Catholicism and the consequences of her previous pregnancy, adding layers to her identity as she navigates the societal and religious expectations placed upon her. Notably, Peggy’s development is marked by her resilience and determination. Her bold move to leave Sterling Cooper for Cutler, Gleason, and Chaough epitomizes her quest for professional empowerment. Ultimately, Peggy’s transformation culminates in her iconic entrance to McCann Erickson with sunglasses and a cigarette, symbolizing her hard-earned status and self-assured competence.
I’m Peggy Olson, and I’d like to smoke some marijuana.
When it comes to other essential female characters, Mad Men went to great lengths to depict the tragedy of Betty Draper (January Jones). Betty is a character often embroiled in controversy regarding her lack of progression. However, her arc is deeply reflective of the societal constraints faced by women of her era. Betty grew up being taught the ideology that beauty should come before everything and that marriage is the ultimate goal of women. Betty’s life, marked by emotional and psychological struggles, illustrates the confines of domesticity and the search for personal identity within a stifling environment. Betty’s arc might seem cyclical, marked by repeated patterns of dissatisfaction and malcontent, yet it is also rich with moments of poignant introspection. Her battle with cancer in the final season forces her to confront her mortality, providing her character with a tragic yet dignified closure. On the contrary, other female characters like Joan Holloway, brought to life by Christina Hendricks, epitomize strength and resilience in a male-dominated world. Starting as the office manager, Joan’s character undergoes significant transformation as she confronts and eventually overcomes systemic sexism and personal setbacks. Her trajectory from managing office dynamics to establishing her production company illustrates her evolution from dependence to empowerment. Joan’s arc challenges conventional gender roles, as she navigates her career with both shrewdness and grace.
Mad Men delves into the theme of capitalism by scrutinizing the very nature of advertising, which is centered around creating needs and desires. The series often juxtaposes the polished veneer of advertisements with the complex, often messy personal lives of the characters who create them. Episodes like The Wheel, featuring Don Draper’s iconic pitch for the Kodak Carousel, showcase the emotional manipulation inherent in advertising, effectively critiquing a consumerist culture. The theme is further enhanced by the setting of Madison Avenue’s high-stakes advertising industry, a world where status and success are measured by material acquisition and professional achievements. Yet, the show underscores the hollow victory in these pursuits, demonstrated by characters who, despite their material success, grapple with existential emptiness and moral compromise. Thus, Mad Men offers a nuanced exploration of capitalism’s impact on human values and relationships.
One of the defining features of Mad Men is its commitment to period accuracy. The production team approached the show’s historical setting with an unrivaled level of meticulousness. The show doesn’t just aim to re-create the 1960s; it immerses viewers in the decade through painstakingly crafted set designs, costumes, and props that span multiple seasons. This attention to period detail is exemplified through the transition from the early 1960s conservative style to the more liberated and colorful late 1960s, mirroring the major cultural shifts in American society. Also, the series underlines significant historical events and their impact on the characters and plot. The death of Marilyn Monroe, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War are key events that shape the narrative. These historical markers are not simply referenced but are intertwined with the character’s lives in a way that underscores their personal experiences and evolving perceptions of reality. Experimentation, particularly within the socio-cultural upheavals of the 1960s, also features significantly. This is depicted through characters exploring counter-culture movements, experimentation with drugs, and evolving social norms. Don’s interactions with hippies and his skeptical attitude towards their ideals provide a contrast to the conservative values held by some of his contemporaries, thus enriching the show’s commentary on generational conflicts and evolving societal values. Additionally, the show delves into issues of homophobia in the 1960s, as seen through characters like Salvatore Romano, whose struggles provide a poignant commentary on the era’s attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
As Mad Men concluded nearly a decade ago, the series’ intricate exploration of human nature and the relentless pursuit of identity amid cultural change ensures its timeless appeal. The echoes of Mad Men can still be felt in contemporary television, making it my all-time favorite drama series and a cultural touchstone deserving of its extensive acclaim and analysis.
We’re flawed, because we want so much more. We’re ruined, because we get these things, and wish for what we had.
