After two of the best seasons (4-5) in show history, the Sixth Season of "Mad Men" starts off a bit slow. For the first 3-4 episodes it doesn't really seem like anything is happening, or when things do happen they don't seem all that consequential. In short order, however, as only a show like this can seem to do, all of a sudden the drama comes together again to make for marathon viewing.
(Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead)
As this season of "Mad Men" begins, many changes are keenly evident. Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) now works at a different advertising agency, while Donald Draper (Jon Hamm) is struggling to lead HIS company to the heights they would like to reach. Just when it seems like Don & Peggy have hit their respective low points, though, a unique opportunity arises that could be mutual beneficial...as long as both sides can swallow a bit of pride.
As usual, this show is best when centered around Don and his family(s). Megan Draper (Jessica Pare) plays a significant role in the proceedings, as does young Sally (Kiernan Shipka). An entire episode is even devoted to Don's relationship with his now-growing son. Even Betty (January Jones) returns again for a key character arc towards the back end of the season.
Of course, the ensemble cast is still a delight. Viewers are now so invested in the characters that we want to "see how it all turns out". I won't list all the names here, but suffice it to say that the "old gang" is still as present as ever. Personal favorites for me include Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser), the guy we all love to hate, and Roger Sterling (John Slattery), who cracks more jokes this season than perhaps any previous (and that is quite a feat!). Even Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) has some meaty scenes.
My only knock on this season is that it starts out very slow (thus the four-star rating). The first 3-4 episodes feel a bit scatter-brained and disjointed. I have never seen a show quite like "Mad Men", though, with its ability to suddenly "throw a switch" (I'm sure it's more difficult than that) and suddenly, in a one-episode span, start producing top-notch drama and character development again. That is exactly what happens here...after those meandering 3-4 efforts.
Overall, I don't see why this season gets such shaky reviews here on Amazon. It might be not quite as good as, say, Seasons 1, 4, and 5, but it is high-quality viewing nonetheless. If you liked the five seasons previous, I can't imagine you'll finding anything here to dissuade you.
(Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead)
As this season of "Mad Men" begins, many changes are keenly evident. Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) now works at a different advertising agency, while Donald Draper (Jon Hamm) is struggling to lead HIS company to the heights they would like to reach. Just when it seems like Don & Peggy have hit their respective low points, though, a unique opportunity arises that could be mutual beneficial...as long as both sides can swallow a bit of pride.
As usual, this show is best when centered around Don and his family(s). Megan Draper (Jessica Pare) plays a significant role in the proceedings, as does young Sally (Kiernan Shipka). An entire episode is even devoted to Don's relationship with his now-growing son. Even Betty (January Jones) returns again for a key character arc towards the back end of the season.
Of course, the ensemble cast is still a delight. Viewers are now so invested in the characters that we want to "see how it all turns out". I won't list all the names here, but suffice it to say that the "old gang" is still as present as ever. Personal favorites for me include Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser), the guy we all love to hate, and Roger Sterling (John Slattery), who cracks more jokes this season than perhaps any previous (and that is quite a feat!). Even Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) has some meaty scenes.
My only knock on this season is that it starts out very slow (thus the four-star rating). The first 3-4 episodes feel a bit scatter-brained and disjointed. I have never seen a show quite like "Mad Men", though, with its ability to suddenly "throw a switch" (I'm sure it's more difficult than that) and suddenly, in a one-episode span, start producing top-notch drama and character development again. That is exactly what happens here...after those meandering 3-4 efforts.
Overall, I don't see why this season gets such shaky reviews here on Amazon. It might be not quite as good as, say, Seasons 1, 4, and 5, but it is high-quality viewing nonetheless. If you liked the five seasons previous, I can't imagine you'll finding anything here to dissuade you.