The second season of Mad Men is out on DVD today, with some nice featurette extras about the era in which this sleek, addictive series exists. But the element fans are going to really zero in on are the commentaries provided by a number of the show’s actors and behind-the-scenes people. Most important, of course, is Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, whose commentaries on the crucial season premiere and season-concluding episodes are fascinating on a couple of levels. First, let’s relive the great moment in which “Duck” Phillips (the magnificent Mark Moses) at once triumphs and implodes in the season climax: the takeover of ad agency Sterling Cooper and what should have been Duck’s vanquishing of our hero, Jon Hamm’s Don Draper:
In his commentary, Weiner speaks eloquently about what he calls “Duck’s downfall.” He also points out how he wove TV and radio mentions of the then-current Cuban Missile Crisis throughout that episode, which is entitled “Meditations in an Emergency,” a reference to the title of a collection of Frank O’Hara poetry that (coming full circle) Don read in the season’s first episode.
It’s engrossing to hear Weiner and actress Elizabeth Moss, who plays Peggy, do the commentary on this episode. That slightly awkward relationship between boss and employee is nicely captured. Clearly, Moss has a lot to say about how her character evolved over this season, but as often as not, she’s overridden by Weiner, who from his comments seems to oversee pretty much everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if he said he counted the cigarette butts in the ashtray to make shots match.
As I say, fascinating stuff; if you’re obsessed with Mad Men, Weiner will match your obsessiveness and more.
Are you looking forward to this DVD collection? And can you believe the new season of Mad Men finally starts next month?
Comments (1-8) of 8 Add your comment
I’m counting down the hours until I can get out of work and stop at Best Buy on the way home to pick this up.
I recently started this series when it came OnDemand. I watched the whole first season. I admit that it’s interesting, especially seeing the difference in times…but I just can’t get into it. Especially with all the hype surrounding this show.
I’ll watch Season 2, but I’m just saying, I’m not totally sold on it.
http://tvdonewright.com/
Can’t wait for the new season!!
I find True Blood a lot more entertaining than Mad Men. But my favorites are Damages and Fringe!
I’m pretty psyched. I followed the second season on twop so it will be great to finally see it. I finally had my john slattery fixation mostly under control and now, here we go again. I haven’t thought too much about season three, but there are so many characters I care about on this show and the world they live in is about to be turned upside down, so I worry that they won’t be able to adapt or that they will fall into the chasm just as Don’s silhouette does in the opening sequence…….
Season 2 starts slow but really delivers. Except for the CA episode. January Jones is amazing. I could watch Jon Hamm just sit in a chair for an hour. I cannot WAIT for season 3.
It tastes toasted. http://www.datingsportsfans.com/
I just received the first 2 discs from Netflix. I’ll be watching over the weekend. I want to get Season 2 done with before Season 3 begins. I understand the first episode takes place in Baltimore circa 1963. I grew up there during that time, so I’m excited about that.