'Mad Men:' The Second Best Drama Series Ever!

By: Dan Jones

The first is "The Sopranos." There's no discussion needed. We don't need to look back to make sure we haven't forgotten "M*A*S*H," "Star Trek," "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," or "Dallas." It isn't necessary to compare "The Sopranos" to anything recent like "The X-Files," "True Blood" or anything else that's come out since "The Sopranos" ended in 2007. Not one television show comes close to "The Sopranos."
Unless, of course, you're talking about "Mad Men," in which case you'd be talking about the second best drama series ever made.

"Mad Men" is not for everybody, but who cares. "Everybody" doesn't matter. Only "Mad Men" matters up until the last episode airs. Then, you may continue living your life until graced with next season, and that's RIGHT NOW!

Season four airs this Sunday, July 25th at 10 p.m. on AMC

"Mad Men" are the self-titled ad men in the early 60's. Their empowered lives were radically changing with the times, and so were the lives they did and didn't touch. The morals involved with society-changing events are absolutely relevant today, and "Mad Men" seldom draws attention directly to these events. Episodes are not made to show their takes on the past, nor do they ignore significant history. It would be just as wrong to dismiss the influence of the past as it would to draw extra attention to it. If the viewer happens to make a connection, it can be gratifying; if not, one may be taught new lessons from characters effected by their times fifty years ago, and in turn, recognize its value today.

Matthew Weiner, sole creator of "Mad Men" and one of the brains behind "The Sopranos," has not developed the series to show off clever set designs and fashions, but developed an accurate depiction of the era he chose. The first episode, or the first viewed, may put you on guard, believing that you've seen the hip 50's/60's period setting before - jazzy music, flashy-colored fabrics, excessive smoking, scotch and highballs drunk by the gallon. But after finishing an episode, one forgets the setting.

Let's start at the end. Third season's finale episode could have ended the entire series and still be the second best drama series to date. In fact, since the premier in 2007, each year continues to pull us in with curiosity. First season instantly developed characters, an outright attitude, and a not-so-distant epic world of advertising. Second season tilted our foundation and put our household characters at risk. Third season slipped into fantastic and dreamy days where the audience is enlightened and perceives the depths of any basic situation.

Minimal, carefully executed surprises do occasionally hook the viewer, but they're never unnecessary or used as ploys to reach more viewers. There are drama series that have mastered the genuine cliffhanger (for instance, the third best drama series "Dexter"), but these other series are still giving reasons to tune in next week to see what happens. "Mad Men" succeeds this without trying (or appearing to). The cameras of "Mad Men" can sit still and allow a scene, or characters' emotions, to naturally unfold. Revelations or shocks stylishly emerge.

As many of these drama series go, there is a large writing/directing/producing team; and the best teams come in first. The extreme care and detail applied to "Mad Men" is expressed by creator Weiner's seasonal departing where he has chosen to direct only the final episodes of the past three seasons. (This is like "The Sopranos" dedication where creator David Chase directed only the first and last episode of the "The Sopranos" series, signifying the birth and death of his creation.)

"Mad Men" has created characters we love to hate, should never have loved, and shouldn't hate. Simply, we shouldn't judge. We can blame our speculation and doubts on the performances depicting such intricate personas. Piercing stares of certainty; mysterious, deep-rooted heart breaks; accurate pompous remarks; and stifled ambition are not your average characteristics. They are, and always have been, a part of life; and we marvel at the demonstration.

"Mad Men" does not try to compete with the dramatic world of advertising or marketing ─ real or fictional. "Mad Men" simply is the competition.

~ The Frame Rate ~

"MAD MEN" (2nd best)
"THE SOPRANOS" (1st best)
"DEXTER" (3rd best)