Mad Men

This was some good stuff. The creators really let Betty confront the condescending Don Draper and watch him squirm. It added a nice twist to the story. While they didn't quite strike my favorite balance between personal and professional life this time, it didn't bother me much—I was still thoroughly satisfied. (06/10/2022)

Yet another compelling episode! Alongside the skillful portrayal of relationship dramas, the creators masterfully depicted the profound impact of the assassination on American society. What I give them credit for is how they manage to avoid melodrama, opting instead for a convincing approach. / Lesson learned: Want to put your nerves to the test? Try organizing a wedding in the USA. (06/10/2022)

I have to give it to the creators, had some great tricks up their sleeves for the finale. It was a fantastic episode that I couldn't find fault with. The uprising on the Bounty was superbly written, directed, and performed, and the cast's dynamic was, at the very least, intriguing. (06/10/2022)

Unlike the somewhat lackluster third season, the fourth season truly impressed me. Despite the creators having their weaker moments as the finale approached, I found this season to be the best so far. They often made me think about what wasn't on screen, and I really liked that. I've grown to love this show, and this season certainly hasn't changed anything about that. / Lesson learned: Even when life knocks you down, don't let it get the best of you. (06/13/2022)

I thoroughly enjoyed the start of the fourth season — the company's events, and that final outburst, were truly captivating. Plus, the events on the personal level kept pace, showing that the creators are building on the success of the previous season. If it keeps up like this, count me in as a satisfied viewer. / Lesson learned: Even the most laid-back person can snap. (06/10/2022)

Another great episode, even though (or maybe because of) the heavy focus on the professional side of things. The company party eventually got going but it felt a bit forced and was occasionally uncomfortable to watch, but not because of scenes with Christina Hendricks. Lesson learned: You gotta get along to get along: "Ho, ho, ho!" (06/10/2022)

As I began watching the episode, I didn't read much into the title, but by the end, I was convinced some cynic must have come up with it. The Anna situation? Sure, it's fine, but the topic feels tired (even though it's still relevant), and it didn't really strike a chord with me this time. Now, the storyline with Lane Pryce, that's a different story. It was brimming with such subtle pain and depression that I couldn't help but be captivated by it. (06/11/2022)

I was initially leaning towards a four-star rating but the creators managed to sway me with several standout scenes to give a five. I had a great time watching. / Lesson learned: Enough is enough. (06/11/2022)

While the third season felt a bit shaky in its first half, the fourth one kicked off very strongly. So far, I've found a reason to give five stars to each of its episodes, and this one was no exception. It's not just because I used to work for a Japanese company, but because of the well-balanced blend of humor and drama, along with the excellently written and performed characters. Nobody here is a flawless hero, yet even the biggest jerk isn't portrayed as the darkest evil. / Lesson learned: When you're masturbating, you're doing it with someone who truly loves you. In most cases, at least. (06/12/2022)

Initially, I felt like the series was suggesting that an ad writer should be a creative, resourceful person always ready to seize any opportunity. However, after a few seasons, I believe it's someone unafraid to risk their liver and lungs for their career. The series talks a lot about the need for cost-cutting measures, yet it seems like alcohol and cigarettes are delivered to the company in truckloads. The sixth episode didn't leave a strong impression on me, so I settled on a four-star rating. / Lesson learned: If your liver sounds hollow when you tap it, it might be time to cut back on the alcohol. Or maybe it doesn't make a difference anymore... (06/12/2022)

Once again in the fourth season, the creators delivered an episode that wasn't entirely typical, yet it oddly resonated with me. There was more to it than what appeared on the screen. This time, it wasn't about humor; rather, I saw how skillfully Americans can play with viewers' emotions without it being the central plot or descending into melodrama. / Lesson learned: Take a break from time to time and try self-reflection. (06/12/2022)

My feeling that I'm in the midst of the best season of the series is getting stronger. These incredibly somber episodes are speaking to me in a profound way. Since it's been a while since I first watched the series, I have no clue what the next episodes will bring, and that's exciting. It means I can eagerly anticipate each new episode, which rarely lets me down. / Lesson learned: When someone really gets on your nerves, threaten them with death. (06/12/2022)

This episode took a completely different turn this time around. Despite the tragic event and the ongoing destruction of Sally's psyche, there was still room for some humor and Joan Harris. Initially, I was leaning towards a four-star rating, but by the end, I realized there was no need to hold back. I decided to go all out. / Lesson learned: Watch out, troublemakers are on the prowl. (06/12/2022)

I understand that my ratings for each episode of this season might seem predictably consistent. However, even the tenth episode presented such a captivating plot and deep insights into the characters' inner workings that I couldn't rate it any differently. If anyone had doubts about the character development across the series, I could prove them wrong by pointing to Peter Campbell's arc. I was expecting anything but this. / Lesson learned: Steer clear of government agents at all costs. (06/13/2022)

This episode left me a bit perplexed. With what happened, I was anticipating a flurry of gripping plot twists, yet it didn't quite deliver. To be fair, there were intriguing moments throughout, it wasn't dull, and the creators have nothing to be ashamed of. However, I suppose my expectations were too high, hoping they'd really make the most of such an escalated situation. It ended up feeling somewhat subdued. / Lesson learned: Accept defeat as a new challenge. (06/13/2022)

I've been singing praises for the third season until I hit a bit of a snag with the last two episodes. Both had tremendous dramatic potential given the story's trajectory, but the creators either squandered or overlooked it in both instances. I'm left feeling a bit puzzled and let down, wondering why we didn't get a truly powerful moment that the creators are certainly capable of delivering. / Lesson learned: Turn your biggest weakness into your greatest advantage. (06/13/2022)

Well, the finale of the fourth season was one of the few less convincing episodes. Still, it doesn't alter the fact that I'm nitpicking something I'd likely give five stars to in other series. Mad Men's creators have set the bar so high that I always anticipate nothing but the best from them, which makes me more critical. I must admit, I expected a bit more drama in the end. / Lesson learned: When venturing beyond the ordinary, always pack some jewelry — you never know... (06/13/2022)

After the first four episodes of the season, I wasn't feeling too optimistic about where it was headed. Luckily, the creators seemed to remember what they were truly good at, and the rest of the season, with a few missteps aside, carried on in the right spirit. As a viewer, I'm a bit unsure if it's really necessary to keep adding new characters (although I understand the need for fluctuation), especially when some of the ones I was used to seemed underutilized or even disappeared. Despite these concerns, I'm still satisfied with the show. / Lesson learned: All is good as long as the money keeps pouring in. (06/22/2022)

The start of the fifth season felt painfully slow to me. It seemed like the creators were tiptoeing around, careful not to ruffle any feathers, sticking to safe and familiar ground. It was an episode of the 'neither here nor there' variety, with only a few moments that stood out. Overall, it was too much of a filler episode for my taste, which is a shame. / Lesson learned: When someone says they don't like surprises, don't try to surprise them. (06/14/2022)

If I were to repost my review about the previous episode here, no one would be surprised because this episode followed in its footsteps quite closely. No wonder as it was clearly the intention of the creators. The highlight for me was Joan Harris' visit to the company, but I'll admit I've always had a soft spot for her character. Overall, the plot once again felt uninspired and unremarkable, but at least there's hope for improvement in the future. / Lesson learned: Watch out, so your sense of humor doesn't get you into trouble. (06/14/2022)