Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Jazz Inmate (R) on January 10, 2013 at 00:48:32

In Reply to: RE: Catching up on season five of 'Madmen' . . . posted by mr grits on January 09, 2013 at 18:45:05

The element of Don that keeps me mesmerized is his ability to reinvent himself. He just doesn't let his past define or limit him in any way. There's something very zen and compelling about that, despite all his character flaws, conceitedness, self-absorbtion, etc.

I love how the season ended, with him at a photoshoot of his wife, as two hot babes hit on him, echoing what must have been his experience with Betty, who also started out as a childish model. Deja vu all over again for Don. Just what he didn't want. Season 6 will either be the winter of his discontent or a return to form in extramarital fornication. Oh well, at least the new agency appears to be picking up steam as season 5 drew to a close.

Also interesting subplots with the other characters, most notably Joanie's failed marriage and her decision to use her body to become a full partner. And then of course there was poor Laine. Won't be seeing him again, which will no doubt haunt Don in ways he doesn't want to face. He's so logical about the people around him who have failed, and how he turned them away--including his own brother--but emotionally he just never dealt with the loss.

Roger is a crack-up. He always has the best one-liners and this season was no exception. His acid trip was hilarious, and he finally divorced that 20 yr old, which somehow inspired him to get his mojo back both personally and professionally. Then there is the new guy, Ginsberg, who seems to have a stroke of genius and became Don's new muse and whipping post, replacing Peggy who was fully justified in jumping ship. She seems poised to make her mark in branding Virginia Slims as the advertising campaign of the century. Hopefully Don will regret letting her get away.
-------------

We must be the change we wish to see in the world. -Gandhi