Mad Men - Season One

The 60's was my era with it's cigarettes, music and clothes. Watching Mad Men brings me back to my teen years and thoughts. Very true to life and a nostalgic time.

The world of the early 1960s ad men in New York City is brought to life in this classy and fascinating series. The acting is suburb from every player, the dialogue stays with you, and the cinematography seems like it's from a film of a bygone era. The series focuses on the mysterious life of Don Draper, the head of creative for the fictional Stirling-Cooper ad agency. Don's secrets unfold as this first season goes on, surprising the viewer with each new bit of information. It's a slow burn, but dark humor and subtle nuances in the acting and dialogue make it well worth it. This is quality television at it's best, and very deserving of it's Emmy wins! I'm completely addicted to this show and I recommend it to any fan or person who wants to catch up on the series.

The extras make the DVD set a great value. EVERY episode has at least one set of commentaries (most TV DVD sets only have a couple of episodes with commentaries). In addition, there are a couple of short documentaries that fans of the show will enjoy. The simpler packaging of this set is also preferable to the novelty packaging (in the shape of a big cigarette lighter) that has also been released.

Mad Men begins with such promise - interesting characters, good writing, colorful costumes, great setting -- and it maintains that quality through 2/3 of the first season, but then it begins to turn into a fairly routine soap opera, with some predictible twists ands turns. I would recommend the series, but the high hopes I had based on the uniqueness of the early episodes remained were deflated by the end of the season.

Baby Boomers will love this show as they will feel comfortably familiar with the decor (being the early 60's), the attitudes (omg,how these businessmen treat their female workers....we've come a long way, baby!) and the story lines are not far fetched. I chuckle at the "smoke in your eyes" and all the other double meanings!

it is really an amazing show, especially compared to all the terrible programming on tv now. it is highly recommended.