http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/MAD-MEN----Nixon-vs.-Kennedy.aspx One of the hallmarks of great drama, whether it be a film, a play, a novel or a T.V. show is that revelations often lead to more mysteries. A good revelation is at once satisfying and thought provoking. This is certainly the case with MAD MEN. The more we find out about the enigmatic lead character Donald Draper, played perfectly by Jon Hamm, the less we know, and more we want to find out. Who is this guy? Tonight we learn something huge. Donald Draper was originally a Lieutenant in the Korean War. A different Don Draper then ours. He was a certain Private Dick Whitman’s Lieutenant and was killed when Dick dropped his Zippo lighter on gas. Bam! Blown to bits. Dick switches the dog tags with the corpse, becomes Lt. Draper and gets a new life. Pete Campbell discovers Don’s charade after stealing a box from Don’s office, and tries to blackmail him. Don denies everything. Then, feeling trapped like a fox, he runs to a lover and tries to get her to leave with him, forever. She calls him on his cowardice, without fully knowing the circumstances that brought him to this. Watching Don struggle with himself is absorbing. He pulls himself together, and like a man, calls Campbell’s bluff. And when Campbell turns out not to be bluffing and tells Bert Cooper what he knows, Don gets his reward. Silence is a powerful device not much seen on T.V. these days, what with the nattering doctors of GREY’S ANATOMY, and the chatty terrorists on 24. Heck there’s even a show about talking, called GOSSIP GIRLS. Don keeps silent as Bert thinks. Bert’s verdict is astonishing: “Who cares?” He asks. It doesn’t matter who Don is as long as money is made. Brilliant. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/MAD-MEN----Nixon-vs.-Kennedy.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/MAD-MEN----Nixon-vs.-Kennedy.aspx#1781 Best show in TV in Years. Dare I say even better than the Soprano's. At least more consistent. This better get renewed. Finally intelligent TV for adults. BrackAttack http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/MAD-MEN----Nixon-vs.-Kennedy.aspx#1781 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:42:33 GMT