Mad Man Returns to AMC

Tonight (April 13th) you can catch the premiere of the seventh season of AMC's Mad Man.  This is technically the last season, though it will be broken up over the length of a year with seven episodes this year and the final seven next year.  It is frustrating the way this show has been stretched out, but unlike most shows it can get away with this behavior because we all want to know what happens to Don Draper (or whatever he calls himself these days).

And that's the point.  The perfectly presented and packaged Don came unraveled last season disappointing his daughter (again), friends (if he really has any), and firm (he is now on extended vacation).  What will the new Don do now?  Even his retreat to California has been cut off.  He has been cornered and exposed.

Since Matthew Weiner, the creator of the series, shares little about the upcoming show, all we can do is mine the backstory of the actors themselves.  Jon Hamm luckily has none of the Don drama in his background, as he stated in this AMC interview:

Don’s pursuit of happiness has been a big part of the thematic structure of the show. I usually refer to it as his pursuit of peace. He’s coming from such a crazy, damaged childhood/adolescent life that it’s hard for him to find peace in any way shape or form. It’s easier for me. I come from a relatively stable existence. I, certainly — and everyone — have their stuff that comes from growing up… It serves to define us in many ways. I think I’m a much more happy and peaceful man than our Mr. Draper.

In a day of movie trailers that give away the entire plot and discourage us from spending two hours watching less interesting scenes, maybe this is the better approach.  And unlike House of Cards, we cannot binge watch these episodes but instead experience the slow unwrapping of the story.  Just as well.  Mad Men represents a different time and Mr. Weiner still respects the need for suspense and weekly discussions in the office to discuss the latest episode.  I tend to agree.