Amph [MAD MEN] Guy walks into an advertising agency...

He was saying that he was obviously being sarcastic, given that the 60s weren't that long ago.

This is the experience of which I'm currently in the middle. I got through season one in two sittings, and now with a third sitting I'm five episodes into season two. Can't get enough. There's nothing more fun than heckling Pete through an entire episode.

Pete is a great character. He's an ass, but he's such a well-written and -acted and fully realized character that it's impossible not to feel bad for him at times. He's ambitious, but he can't quite figure out how to act on it. He resents being dependent on others, but he's so used to being handed everything that he doesn't know how to earn for himself and resents the fact that he can't earn it just by showing up. He's a kid desperately seeking approval and success, and the fact that he doesn't know how to get them is killing him.

My favorite bit of writing and characterization is the way that, unlike everyone else, he can't manage to conceal himself. Don is a master liar; he doesn't say too much, doesn't reveal himself to others. Roger can lie like a pro. Everyone else at the office knows not to say too much. Even Betty is great at not saying what she's thinking. But Pete can't help continually infecting his commentary with his petulance, narcissism, insecurity, and callousness. He tries for a compliment, and the unintentionally telling, "I'm giving up my life to be with you, aren't I?" comes out. My favorite example is when he tells Don, "It matters to me that you're impressed." He could have used a dozen other less revealing formulations, more appropriate to an era and workplace of reserve. "I respect your opinion." "It means a lot coming from you." But instead all that neediness and vulnerability just slips out. Tremendous.

Five episodes into season two.




"It's Mozart!"

Well, my favorite is Roger. Because he's Roger. But Don, Pete, Peggy, and Betty are clearly the most fascinating characters so far. Joan is great, too, and Cooper is fantastic whenever he's deployed. I also like seeing more of the supporting characters like Sal, Ken, and Harry.

What I'm saying is that this series has good characters.

That sounds about right.

I'm enjoying Lane now. But Roger still gets all the best lines. "You ever get three sheets to the wind and try that thing on?"

Also, Duck can go to hell.

PEGGY NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I hope season three ends with Ken riding his lawnmower over Duck.