Two Mad Men Episodes

I had thought there might be some Mad Men in my future when I was writing up that last post, and alas I was correct.  We watched two episodes near the end of season three.  If you don't watch Mad Men, you should. First a few words on my favorite television program (maybe ever), and then my thoughts on the two episodes I watched tonight.

Mad Men: The best show ever created for television, hands down.  Reasons: innumerable.  Over time, I'll get into all the little things about the show that I love about Mad Men.  But for now the two biggest reasons: Feminism and Art.

Feminism: Extremely strong female characters. Strong in different aspects of life--which is hard to pull off in a television show. They show the struggles of middle and upper class women very well, and make you reflect on how it really was different for women back then, and yet very much the same. The story lines create such perfect fodder for my personal addiction to critical feminist thought. 

Art: What more can I say? I am in love with the fashion, the design, the style, the color, everything from this era. This is my perfect vintage. The color pallets alone make me swoon. I think this is a show that everyone should try to get into...and give it a serious go, 4-5 episodes.  It might not be for everyone, but its one of the most amazing things I've seen.

Warning: Spoilers Below

Season 3 Episode 11 - The Gypsy and the Hobo

This was a solid episode.  Not one that evokes a ton of emotion (except at the end), but one that really helps move the story line along and wraps a bunch of loose ends together.  Much appreciated.

There were a couple things that did stick out in my mind though.   The women seemed especially weak/vunlerable in this episode.

First, the whole Don/Sally's Teacher relationship. I just don't get it. I guess I'm not understanding what it is that she wants/what she thinks she's going to get out of this relationship, I just can't relate at all, and I'm very put off when I can't relate to a woman in this show. For some reason, she makes me very uncomfortable.

Next: I have a big problem with the way that the family lawyer treated Betty.  She had asked for his advice in confidence, and instead of giving her legal advice, she gets a paternal lecture about how she should just go home to her providing husband.  What I have a problem with most, is not the advice itself (which by the way does suck), but the way in which the lawyer treated her, not as a client, but as a child.  His words at the end, "what I would tell my own daughter" illustrate perfectly that he thinks of her not as a client, but as a little girl who just needs to be taken care of.

Now a few things that make me happy! Joan and Roger talking to each other! I love their relationship on the show, they are so much fun to watch.  They both thrive on the same attention, and give it to each other in just the right dose, it makes me happy inside! And Betty confronting Don about the desk drawer. It was important for Betty to see him cry like that. Just as it was important for Don to realize that he can't bully her forever.

Season Three Episode Eleven - The Grown Ups

The Kennedy Episode.

Pretty much says it all.

Done perfectly.

Everyone's reactions.

But yet the world still went on...in a fragmented sense at least.

I have about 8 minutes left to watch tomorrow. Until then.

Tweet

Media Consumption

So while on the path of my life that consists of me staying home alone during the day, I thought it would be a good idea to catch up on some of the awesome media that I might have missed over the last few years.  Coupled with the internet, as well as Netflix instant streaming. I've really gotten into the whole tv/movie thing again. I'm gonna try to keep a running list of what I've been viewing, we'll see how that goes.

Today's media consumption:

The Tutors - Season 2 Finale

Season Two was wonderful, Anne Boleyn is by far my favorite character, and it sucks that she had to die. But alas, Anne Boleyn has just been beheaded and we are moving onto wife #3 for King Henry. Can't wait to see what season 3 holds in store. 

The next two seasons are not on instant streaming, so I guess I'll have to download them tomorrow and finish up the series that way.  I'm really getting into this show. Its like a combo of AP European History and softcorn porn; absolutely fantastic. I've caught myself multiple times researching the actual history and comparing it to the things in the show. There are so many things to love, the dress is incredible, all of the women look so beautiful.  Its nice to get a little bit of perspective on how people may have actually felt during history; even if it might not be entirely factual.  It brings a whole new perspective for the way I have been looking at history and its makers. We are moving onto wife #3 for King Henry now, and he's not getting any younger. Can't wait to see what season 3 holds in store. 

Firefly - Episodes 1 & 2: Casey is in this! (from Chuck) and he's totally Casey! but IN SPACE! I'm geeking out and really enjoying this. I'm planning on episode first thing tomorrow.

Bones - Season 6 Opener: Such a comfort show for me. Episode was a little on the slow side, getting everyone back together and whatnot, but I'm excited for the season to come.  Its such a great show to put on while I'm scrapping or doing other things in the room.

Glee! - Season 2, Episode 2:

We forgot to record this on the DVR last night, so I had to download it this afternoon.  Mixed feelings. I hate that Terry was in the episode, she just makes me a little ill every time she's on the screen. I didn't love the music.  And the nitrous storyline with John Stamos? It all seemed a little contrived, like this was the only way they could say that they "made a Britney Spears episode".  Although it was nice to see Britney get some face time (Britney S. Pierce, that is), she's one of my favorite characters, she has fantastic delivery on those stupidass lines. And the show did end on a strong note with Lea Michele's version of You are the Only Exception by Paramore.  We'll see what next week has in store.

There might be a little bit of Mad Men later tonight, we're almost at the end of season 3, and it would be best to catch up all the way before this season's finale; which of course will get spoilered all over. Until then!

Tweet