Comments on: Mad Men Finale Review: Shut the Door. Have a Seat.

By: Sukimaerodriguez

Sukimaerodriguez — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:27:17 +0000

LOL, I wouldn't go as far to say that Betty is “villainous”. Betty has been unhappy for plenty long, and this season she realized how undervalued by Don she really is–she finds out about his double life as an adulterer living under stolen identity. So she names their baby Gene… I would say its a cheeky move on her part, but its not uncommon for American's to name a child after a relative. Unfortunately this is something that Don wouldn't understand since he “has no people”. If anything, Don Draper's actions are much more villainous than Betty's… he's a conniving liar, two-faced, and he “undervalues relationships” as Roger told him.. which poisons the lives around him. Betty begins unraveling as she realizes this, and responds lightly as compared with how most women would respond. Unlike Don, Betty shows more restraint and tact… she has a one night stand when she first separates with Don, although not morally sound, there was a clear separation between the spouses. The second time she seeks a man, the marriage has clearly failed. I liked the addition of Henry Francis… I got tired of Betty being lied to and bamboozled. Unfortunately, it will probably not end up nicely since this show thrives on the misery and confusion of its characters hah

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:08:35 +0000

You want MAD MEN to be like it used to be? Fat chance. You cannot recapture the past. You can only go forward. MAD MEN will never be what it used to be back in Seasons 1 and 2. Come to think of it, those first two seasons were not mainly centered around Sterling Cooper. Don, Betty, Peggy and Pete's private lives played a strong role in those seasons, as well. And I think you have forgotten this.

Don's relationship with Suzanne Farrell was more realistic than Betty's relationship with Henry Francis? This comment does not make any sense to me. Human beings tend to be chaotic and unpredictable. How you can deem one situation “realistic” and the other not, astounds me.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:12:33 +0000

Mad Men is a good show. But cannot condone the actions of Don Drapper. Granted he is a good creative director and good mentor to his staff but he is not a good father to his children and a good husband. Agreed that season 3 shows Don under stress and in bad moods but I wish that in season 4 (if there's one), he can patch up with Betty and show to viewers his creative skills and him trying to be a good husband & father. The past seasons did not tell me why he behaves in such a way, he does not try to share his thoughts & work with his wife yet claim that Betty does not understand him, etc. What he has with all his other flings are just that. Make Don be a better man in the new season. As for Betty, she can also try to reach out to him instead of being a kinda flat personality ... acting like a "princess". Develop her character.

Joan is great, hope to see more of her in the new season and she taking on a bigger role.

Definitely not like Miss Farell. A teacher who is to educate the future generation actively lures a man (husband) to her bed? Not sure we want our children to be under her care & nurturing.

All in all, a great TV series with good scripts and dialogue. Looking forward to season 4.

By: Lester

Lester — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:10:10 +0000

Still on a high with the season finale. And the show just keeps churning out gems.

I agree with your take on Betty Draper and getting blind-sided by the Henry Francis story line was disappointing. Although I do see the need for someone like Francis to counter what makes Don Draper appealing. I don't know how I'd feel if they allow Betty's character to do a 180 but it does open up intriguing possibilities in the next season.

The Joan-to-the-rescue scene was apt and something every fan was waiting for. The success of Joan and Roger's characters in the season finale were pushed further by their low-key presence through the majority of the season. It's almost like the forgotten sidekick pulling through at the end. Of course neither deserve such a demotion. Claps all around.

Ultimately, what made this finale endearing was the renewed excitement for possibilities. Throughout the 3 seasons, everyone in the Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Pryce team has been weighed down either by social constructs or by their own devices. We've seen them individually breaking away from their shackles but the excitement of having all of them start anew blends effectively with that specific part of America's 60s milieu.

Things are never going to be same.

By: Lester

Lester — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:10:10 +0000