I'm assuming you've probably seen Mad Men. In fact, I'm guessing you may even be addicted to its
The AMC Series won "Best Drama" for the second time at the Emmys a couple of nights ago, and on the same night aired its most... shocking... episode to date. One that culminated in copious blood spatter, wrought by an inebriated office party reveler at the wheel a John Deere tractor mower.
I won't reveal any additional details... so as no to spoil things for those who'll watch the episode at a later date... except to say that a number of reviewers have agreed that the best line of the night was: "He'll never be able to golf again."
Suffice to say that the writing team's ability to merge melodrama with high comedy is a huge part of what makes this line... and the show... so unique. The thing that's most remarkable about Mad Men however, is how clearly it demonstrates the changes in American moral values that took place in the second half of the twentieth century... epic changes in the way we look at family, career and the respective roles of men and women. And interestingly, these changes seem to be responsible for at least some of the challenges facing golf today. After all, "shifting family responsibilities" is one of the factors most often cited for the decline in the number of golf rounds played each year and the fact that we can so easily imagine these Mad Men spending endless hours on the golf course without criticism or guilt is proof that their family responsibilities were quite different from those 21st century men routinely assume.
Whether or not you agree with this conclusion, the show is extremely entertaining and you should watch it if you don't already. Just prepare yourself for possible addiction.
"a number of reviewers have agreed that the best line of the night was: 'He'll never be able to golf again.'"
ReplyDeleteMulligan. Funniest line: "Just when he got his foot in the door."
Is it correct to say that any TV or movie production clearly or even correctly depicts anything ? If there was ever a place where it is ok to use the word "always" it would be Hollywood and the statement that they ALWAYS exaggerate what really happened.
ReplyDeleteI've only managed to get through one Mad Men episode and it honestly bored me to tears. The world wasn't really a melodrama as it is portrayed - and offices weren't filled with low cut blouses on large breasted women with their legs propped up on the desk waiting for the boss to do a little...dictation ?
AMC should've done a promo with that John Deere scene. Would've made a great tractor trailer.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the 60s in the suburbs of Chicago and I find the show very realistic at showing how life was then, minus the melodrama of course. The Moms in our neighborhood didn't work and the Dads went into the city on an early train, came back on a late one and often spent Saturday or Sunday playing golf. Everyone accepted it and no one felt guilty, because rolls were so well defined. Now most women are working and most men play golf less frequently, rush home and probably still feel guilty. I don't think we'll ever go back to the way it was so golf will need to find new ways to grow.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Golf Growl, but that scene a number of episodes when, after a picnic, they intentionally tossed the garbage onto the grass was over-the-top. I mean, it was pure rubbish, no?
ReplyDeleteI Love the show and the thing that has been most surprising is how 1960's Man Men fashions are all over the place now. I was at the mall today and that's all I saw! Nice though. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think my TiVo(s) can hold anymore. Hubbie has them clogged up with Aussie Rules Football and regular Football (soccer).
ReplyDeleteGreat show and great line.
ReplyDelete