I decided to
re-watch Mad Men before the new season comes out and I decided to do it right.
I researched extensively (i.e., I did a brief Google search) for a "Mad
Men study guide", some sort of written guide for viewers who know the
characters and the themes, and want to make new connections while they
re-watch, and didn't find exactly what I was looking for. THUS, I present you
with just that: a viewing guide for the Mad Men lover.
If you:
- Have already seen all the released seasons of Mad Men (1-6)
- Have a good understanding/memory of what's gone down in Mad Men
- Have a great love for Mad Men
Please, read on!
If you:
- Have only watched parts of Mad Men and hate spoilers
- Can't keep track of Roger's marriages or get Paul Kinsey confused with Harry Crane
- Really just have no taste for the show
....you are dead to
me.
So what exactly will be contained in this "viewing guide"?
I'll start with a Notes section, detailing the historical and Mad Men context for each episode. You know, those things you wished you knew before you watched Mad Men the first (or fifth) time around.
Following Notes will be a Guiding Question section, filled with queries designed to make your wheels turn! These can be filled out during or after you re-watch the episode, and should absolutely be used as fodder in internet arguments with other Mad Men lovers.
To follow up your re-watch, I'll have a section specifically covering repeating motifs, foreshadowing for future seasons, and parallel story elements, called Did You Catch That?.
But of course, I'm not the be-all-end-all of Mad Men experts, just one of the more fanatical fans. My hope is that Mad Men lovers spanning the internet will jump at the chance to tell me they disagree with my guide or that I left out something crucial...I do so love conflict! I mean. Collaboration.
So stay tuned, kittens. The very first Mad Men Viewing Guide by yours truly will be out next week!
