newcritics - Latest Comments in Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

retractable awnings — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:12:19 -0000

Mrs. Draper is just too dense here.. But I also like the wrap party..

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

steverino — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:24:16 -0000

Finally got around to viewing the final episode (strangely, was at the 2007 installment of the very Al Smith Dinner that Tom led his post with...). In any case, apart from the unnecessary melodrama of the unnoticed pregnancy (heh-heh - Pete's got got a l'il whore-child of his own, now!), I thought it was the strongest episode yet - certainly the best ending. Any male viewer who's been married more than a coupla years had to get a little misty watching Don's slide show...I did, anyway.

M.A. and Tom - thanks for leading us through the season. I'll be back next year if you are.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Steve Paradis — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:45:34 -0000

Not sure why everyone seems to think of 1960 as the Dawn of a New Age, with everyone facing the Light in the East. Must be those piles of old Lifes and Looks in the summer place. A look at all those novels written by copywriters don't exactly paint a bright picture, and iconic figures like Howard Gossage were hardly the rule--that would be Rosser Reeves. It was Nixon's decade, not Kennedy's.

That having been said, the occasional melodrama jars badly with the near perfect mise en scene. I can understand Peggy not knowing she's pregnant--but not for nine months. Or Don's Monte Cristo bit--it may be hyperdrama, but not everyone can do what Sirk can do.

I enjoyed the wrap party--about the only time I've seen these actors having a good time since ep 1.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

ghosh — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:09:17 -0000

what a stupid show. As someone who was around during that period I feel mocked by it.
Very good introduction, Tom.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:05:48 -0000

Jack Lemmon could have sold Don Draper, but he may be the only one who could have.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:03:58 -0000

It did get better toward the end. I have to say, the big hole at the center of this series brings it down - the lackluster character of Don Draper. He's thinly written, inconsistent, and a less-than-arresting presence. The supporting cast is far superior to the lead couple...indeed, the ensemble cast around the agency has really found its rhythm. As we get to know them, it becomes much more compelling television.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Jon Swift — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:00:22 -0000

I was planning to just lurk here in the corner sipping my scotch and smoking my Lucky Strikes. Anyway, thanks for introducing me to this compelling but not always very good show, which has actually gotten better toward the end. The Dylan seemed a bit anchronistic, though. I was hoping for more Yma Sumac.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:57:57 -0000

Not surprising at all - and the Dylan, well...it's early. Dylan is still Bobby Zimmerman and still in Minnesota.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Claire Helene — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:56:02 -0000

I couldn't watch it due to a phone call, but will watch it later. The "after show" though is obnoxious.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:53:54 -0000

The fantasy of Don as Father Knows Best. Dylan, the furthest sensibility possible from Don Draper. A strange ending, but not surprising

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:47:59 -0000

I take that last comment back!

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:44:57 -0000

Yeah, it's the triumph of Peggy episode...

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:44:10 -0000

It would be interesting for the actual person who came up with calling Kodak's slide thing "Carousel" to come forward

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:41:52 -0000

Ah the family slide show - an emotional Don Draper.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:39:49 -0000

Ha! the statue on the window sill of the psychiatrist's office

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:38:15 -0000

This is certainly a women--of--MM centric episode.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:30:58 -0000

Yeah they do - I recall this happened with Lance's swingin' Studio 60 scene as well....holy crap, a real exterior shot. I feel liberated!!!

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:28:33 -0000

You know, things go out with a whimper. . . This is the most engaging episode to date.

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:25:45 -0000

Quiet here tonight, eh Ms. Peel?

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:15:52 -0000

I miss the commercials...(a tribute to the real Mad Men, I guess)

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:12:15 -0000

I hope Rachel runs in to Cary Grant on that cruise, and then they visit his grandmother

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

Tom Watson — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:09:54 -0000

Oh brother, young Mrs. Draper is pretty dense - so what's the point?

Re: Live-Blogging Mad Men: the Final Chapter

M.A. Peel — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:06:27 -0000

I never remember who the guy with the glasses is. Is it too late to get their backstories straight?