Mad Men

Well, that was a letdown. After three episodes, I can confidently say that this is shaping up to be the worst season yet. It feels like the creative team was completely replaced during the break between seasons, and now we're left with the aftermath of that decision. The episode felt entirely pointless, and I'm quite disappointed that my favorite series served up such bland filler. / Lesson learned: Start eating before the others. (06/14/2022)

The disappointment of the fifth season continues, and once again, I'm giving it just three stars as the creators didn't offer much to evaluate. The most interesting moments were the Harris family's issues, the discussions about Richard Speck, and Peggy's storyline. However, it wasn't enough for almost fifty minutes. Well, all we can do is hope for a better future... / Lesson learned: Don't give in to fear. (06/15/2022)

Was it the gripping plot or simply the thrill of finally seeing a quality episode this season that made me give it a five-star rating? Probably a mix of both. For the first time in this season, I genuinely enjoyed the episode's storyline. There was humor, drama, and once again, a standout scene with Joan Harris. It's these moments that make her my favorite character in the series. / Lesson learned: Chewing gum and oral sex don't go together. (06/15/2022)

If the creators had solely focused on Don's storyline, it would have been a major disappointment, but thankfully that wasn't the case. I'm increasingly fascinated by the development of Peggy Olson's character, and despite not being a fan of drug-related plots, I found Roger's experiment and its consequences thoroughly enjoyable. / Lesson learned: What happens in the cinema stays in the cinema. Literally. (06/16/2022)

Normally, I'd rate the episode as a four-star one, but the awards ceremony scene pushed it up a notch. The tension at the table with five people, their thoughts almost palpable in the air, was fantastic. After an episode like this, it's hard to believe the third and fourth episodes of the same season had such weak plots. (06/16/2022)

The episode wasn't boring, but upon reflection, I realized the main storyline hardly progressed at all. Looking back, it felt like filler in a nice package to distract from the lack of content. I gave it four stars simply because the creators managed to mask this quite well, which I have to give them credit for. / Lesson learned: Don't push it. (06/16/2022)

Just like the last episode, this one had a polished presentation and quite an intriguing plot. However, as far as the main storyline goes, there was no significant development. Instead, the episode focused on minor family and work dramas, which I did find enjoyable (hence the four stars), but ultimately, they didn't add much to the overall plot. At this point, I'm still on the fence about the fifth season. / Lesson learned: Do you have a good idea? Make sure no one steals it. (06/17/2022)

I'm thrilled to finally give one of the episodes of this season a full five stars. Those who know me are aware that I don't mind different gods (though I don't believe in them), but I do have an aversion to their often fanatical followers. So, the group singing didn't particularly impress me, but I saw it as a nice addition to the period atmosphere. The plot continued to hold my interest, and this time around, the more frequent appearances of Joan (still Harris) were a welcome sight. The contract negotiations promise to impact the main storyline, so I was thoroughly satisfied with this episode. / Lesson learned: Try to be on time for meals. (06/19/2022)

After all those relatively uneventful episodes, two came in succession that really grabbed my attention, especially the eleventh episode which was so dramatic it was unsettling. The creators truly went all out, and the result was a storyline that had more to say than the entire first half of the season. I wish every episode of the series lived up to this standard. / Lesson learned: Be aware of your self-worth. (06/20/2022)

At first, it didn't seem like it, but in the end, the creators managed to craft one of the darkest episodes of the series. Throughout, it maintained the sophisticated blend of drama and comedy that I've come to expect from this show, but the ending took it to a whole new level of darkness. I actually really appreciated it because it showcased that even in the final season, the creators have still got it. / Lesson learned: Design is important, but it's safer to bet on reliability. (06/21/2022)

The finale of the fifth season wasn't bad. I particularly enjoyed the shot of the five partners of the company in front of the future offices. The episode did feel a bit lacking compared to the previous ones, though. I guess I was hoping for less Cinderella and lovesick infatuation, and more intense drama instead. But hey, I get it, you can't expect things to pan out every time. / Lesson learned: When someone offers you fifty thousand dollars, say thank you and take it. (06/22/2022)

The sixth season felt quite balanced to me; any occasional dips in quality were offset by episodes that were simply perfect. If the creators can keep up this level of quality in the upcoming seasons, they should be proud. I'm glad I could be there for this ride. The series continues to excel in its use of historical events and period atmosphere, which is fantastic. / Lesson learned: Even in life's toughest situations, cigarettes, alcohol, and a harem might just be your ticket out. (06/29/2022)

The episode didn't really bring anything substantial, unless we're counting the new fashion trend and the hairstyle change that went with it. Various subplots were introduced that seemed like dead ends to me. I can't see how these unnecessary plot lines could have any real impact on the overall story. / Lesson learned: When you've got the time and money, consider a vacation in Hawaii. 4*- (06/23/2022)

I won't deny that the creators made an effort to convey something, and I'll take the blame for not fully grasping what it was. However, I just didn't find it enjoyable. The entire episode seemed to drag, with certain plot points making little sense to me (like Betty's quest to find Sandy — seriously, who is Sandy?). I'd go so far as to say it was one of the weakest episodes of Mad Men ever. / Lesson learned: Don't try to have fun at a funeral. (06/23/2022)

I bumped up my rating to four stars for this episode, mostly because it was a definite improvement from the previous disappointment. However, I can't say I was thrilled with it. Once again, the creators did what I've criticized them for before: they packaged everything nicely, filled it with what seemed like an interesting plot, and left me thinking everything was fine. But then I realized it was just another ploy to distract from the fact that nothing significant actually happened throughout the entire episode. / Lesson learned: When you're always chasing for more, you might end up with nothing at all. (06/24/2022)

This time around, the four stars felt well-deserved because there was no beating around the bush — the events were directly related to the company instead of relationships, which I found really engaging. The series creators must have done something right to keep even a guy like me, who can't stand advertising, entertained. 4*+ (06/24/2022)

The fifth episode left me with mixed feelings. The creators did a fantastic job using significant historical events which had an impact on all the characters' lives, creating an almost tangible atmosphere. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit let down by the plot, which seemed pointless and didn't quite tie into the main storyline as much as I'd hoped. / Lesson learned: You just have to wait for the right moment, grab a crowbar, and head to the nearest electronics store. (06/25/2022)

Finally, a standout episode emerges. This time, the show moved beyond the usual focus on individual relationships and melancholic romance/drama. Significant issues were tackled head-on, directly impacting the main storyline with a fresh impact. It was a welcome change of pace. Plus, I've always been a fan of the Chevrolet Corvette C3. / Lesson learned: Some events are better left outside the family. (06/25/2022)

I gave it a solid four stars because the episode was far from bad, but it just didn't quite hit that fifth-star mark for me. I've got to admit, these trips into Donovan's inner world are not doing it for me. I wish the creators focused more on the merger of the two companies. / Lesson learned: Be careful not to break your toy. (06/26/2022)

I'd say the word 'weird' describes this episode quite well. Reminds me of a joke: A guy goes out onto his balcony, lights up a joint, takes a puff, and thinks to himself, 'That's odd. I'm not getting high.' Suddenly, there's a loud noise, and a fiery ball streaks across the sky. The guy jumps, and as he starts to calm down, he hears another loud roar and there goes another fiery ball. Now he's shaking, hiding behind the railing, too scared to move. Then, another roar and another fiery ball. Trembling, he stays put, and then he hears his wife's voice from inside, 'Honey, are you alright? You've been out on that balcony for three days!' That pretty much sums up this episode for me. / Lesson learned: Leave the door unlocked at night; family might pay a surprise visit. (06/27/2022)