Seldon's Blog

In acknowledgment of the recent Presidential Election, below is a list of my favorite movie and television productions about U.S. Presidents - historical and fictional: ( Read more... )

"MAD MEN": WASTED PARTNERSHIP

Looking back on Season Two of AMC's "MAD MEN", it occurred to me that the rivalry between the series protagonist, Don Draper aka Dick Whitman (Jon Hamm) and a supporting character named Herman "Duck" Phillips (Mark Moses), seemed like a complete waste of time . . . story wise. Do not worry. I am not criticizing the writing of Matt Weiner and his staff. At least on this subject. Instead, I am criticizing the behavior of two male characters, who I believe had the potential to be a winning advertising team. ( Read more... )

A LETTER TO MATTHEW WEINER

Dear Matthew Weiner,

I just watched the latest episode of "MAD MEN", (7.13) "The Milk and Honey Route", and discovered that Betty Francis was doomed for a quickie death from lung cancer. And all I can say is . . . ( Read more... )

Below are images from Season Three of AMC's "MAD MEN". Created by Matthew Weiner, the series stars Jon Hamm: ( Read more... )

"MAD MEN" RETROSPECT: (1.07) "Red in the Face"

Due to some sense of nostalgia, I decided to break out my "MAD MEN" Season One DVD set and watch an episode. The episode in question turned out to be the seventh one, (1.07) "Red in the Face". ( Read more... )

"MAD MEN": "IT'S HARD BEING A WOMAN"

The reactions to the recent "MAD MEN" episode, (7.03) "Field Trip" has left me feeling a little exhausted . . . and somewhat annoyed. After reading comments on various blogs, I am beginning to wonder if fans of the show really harbor an enlightened attitude when it comes to the major female characters. I an a little perturbed by the attitude toward Joan Harris, Peggy Olson and Betty Francis; I have encountered in other articles. ( Read more... )

Below is a list of my top five (5) favorite episodes from Season Five (2012) of "MAD MEN". Created by Matthew Weiner, the series stars Jon Hamm: ( Read more... )

Below are images from Season Five of AMC's "MAD MEN". Created by Matthew Weiner, the series stars Jon Hamm: ( Read more... )

"MAD MEN": THE WASTE OF A POTENTIAL CHARACTER

After the character of Dawn Chambers was introduced on "MAD MEN" during Season Five, some fans and critics had expressed disappointment at the series' failure to dip into her character. However, many of them - especially those writers from the SLATE online magazine, who with article after article, continue to defend creator Matthew Weiner's handling of race issues on the show. Even non "SLATE" articles such as this one get into "defend Matthew Weiner" game, claiming that "MAD MEN" is the wrong series to begin the topic of race. And honestly, I am getting sick and tired of it all. ( Read more... )

Below is a list of my ten favorite episodes that have aired during Seasons One to Three (2007-2009) on "MAD MEN": ( Read more... )