11:11 am - 03/13/2012
There’s a new Mad Men trailer today, but don’t bother dropping everything to watch it. Like every other preview that’s been released for the past seven months, it’s a cheeky compilation of footage from previous seasons. Less than two weeks before the first new episodes in a year and a half, Matthew Weiner still won’t give us a glimpse of what the characters are doing in Season 5.
In fact, Mad Men‘s showrunner is on high alert for spoilers. Yesterday, Variety published an excerpt of a letter accompanying critics’ advance premiere screeners, in which Weiner writes, “I know you are aware how strongly I feel that the viewers are entitled to have the same experience you just had. My goal every season is first and foremost to entertain the audience, and I know that this is best accomplished when key storylines are not revealed in advance. I am asking you to please join with me to ensure this enjoyment by not revealing any of these answers or other issues.”
Now, I love Mad Men and certainly don’t want the two-hour Season 5 opener spoiled for me. But I am starting to get a bit weary of Weiner’s self-importance. Just about every other show on TV — even the critically adored, highbrow programs — releases teasers featuring new footage. The vast majority of producers allow critics to go about their business without interference. They also, apparently, trust their fans. When I don’t want to know anything about a movie or TV show I plan to watch, I simply save the reviews for after I’ve seen it. I assume most readers do the same. What makes Mad Men – a show whose popularity and mystique is the direct result of constant media evangelism — so desperately important that Weiner is allowed to control the entire conversation around its return?
What’s funny about this doth-protest-too-much schtick is that it reveals as much as any 30-second teaser could about what’s in store for Season 5. We don’t know the specifics yet, but between Weiner’s letter to critics and his refusal to include anything new in trailers, one thing is clear: Big changes are coming in the premiere, and if even a single shot from the episode would be enough to spoil it, I’m thinking there will even be major twists in the first five minutes. Will the historical moment the show opens with hold massive significance? Will the way the characters or their surroundings look give anything away? If Weiner sticks to his silence, and critics follow suit, the only way to find out will be to clear our calendars for March 25th and watch.
"A Little Kiss" Season 5, Episode 1 (2 hour episode)
Don is greeted with a surprise in the Season 5 opener. Meanwhile, Roger and Pete clash; and Joan has a run-in with a houseguest.
"Tea Leaves" Season 5, Episode 2
Peggy receives new responsibilities as the firm makes a concentrated push to increase business. Later, Don and Harry go the extra mile for a big client
"Mystery Date" Season 5, Episode 3
Don runs into someone from his past. Joan makes a decision, and Roger gives Peggy extra work.
"Signal 30" Season 5, Episode 4
Lane strikes up an interesting friendship. Pete entertains guests
Do you guys wish Matt Weiner would release new footage? I'm torn. On one hand, I'm kind of glad he doesn't because then I'm surprised/watch the ep with no expectations. But on the other, it's been over a year, give us something jfc...
123
Why Won't Matt Weiner Reveal Any Mad Men Season 5 Footage?
There’s a new Mad Men trailer today, but don’t bother dropping everything to watch it. Like every other preview that’s been released for the past seven months, it’s a cheeky compilation of footage from previous seasons. Less than two weeks before the first new episodes in a year and a half, Matthew Weiner still won’t give us a glimpse of what the characters are doing in Season 5.
In fact, Mad Men‘s showrunner is on high alert for spoilers. Yesterday, Variety published an excerpt of a letter accompanying critics’ advance premiere screeners, in which Weiner writes, “I know you are aware how strongly I feel that the viewers are entitled to have the same experience you just had. My goal every season is first and foremost to entertain the audience, and I know that this is best accomplished when key storylines are not revealed in advance. I am asking you to please join with me to ensure this enjoyment by not revealing any of these answers or other issues.”
Now, I love Mad Men and certainly don’t want the two-hour Season 5 opener spoiled for me. But I am starting to get a bit weary of Weiner’s self-importance. Just about every other show on TV — even the critically adored, highbrow programs — releases teasers featuring new footage. The vast majority of producers allow critics to go about their business without interference. They also, apparently, trust their fans. When I don’t want to know anything about a movie or TV show I plan to watch, I simply save the reviews for after I’ve seen it. I assume most readers do the same. What makes Mad Men – a show whose popularity and mystique is the direct result of constant media evangelism — so desperately important that Weiner is allowed to control the entire conversation around its return?
What’s funny about this doth-protest-too-much schtick is that it reveals as much as any 30-second teaser could about what’s in store for Season 5. We don’t know the specifics yet, but between Weiner’s letter to critics and his refusal to include anything new in trailers, one thing is clear: Big changes are coming in the premiere, and if even a single shot from the episode would be enough to spoil it, I’m thinking there will even be major twists in the first five minutes. Will the historical moment the show opens with hold massive significance? Will the way the characters or their surroundings look give anything away? If Weiner sticks to his silence, and critics follow suit, the only way to find out will be to clear our calendars for March 25th and watch.
"A Little Kiss" Season 5, Episode 1 (2 hour episode)
Don is greeted with a surprise in the Season 5 opener. Meanwhile, Roger and Pete clash; and Joan has a run-in with a houseguest.
"Tea Leaves" Season 5, Episode 2
Peggy receives new responsibilities as the firm makes a concentrated push to increase business. Later, Don and Harry go the extra mile for a big client
"Mystery Date" Season 5, Episode 3
Don runs into someone from his past. Joan makes a decision, and Roger gives Peggy extra work.
"Signal 30" Season 5, Episode 4
Lane strikes up an interesting friendship. Pete entertains guests
Do you guys wish Matt Weiner would release new footage? I'm torn. On one hand, I'm kind of glad he doesn't because then I'm surprised/watch the ep with no expectations. But on the other, it's been over a year, give us something jfc...
123
Edited at 2012-03-13 06:17 pm (UTC)
I don't think it's a show you can judge by watching one or two episodes. I would say watch an entire season to see if you like it and if you don't then it's not for you.
but you gotta stay with it. the character development is IMPECCABLE, probably the best on tv. there's never something brought up that isn't built upon later. sometimes you don't even realize it's been building up until the reveal and you look back and you're like OH SHIT.
and people actually ACT period, which isn't always the case in period pieces (where it's like you time-traveled a bunch of people to the past and stuck costumes on them). the mores are completely skewed and backwards, as befitting the time, so there's sexist/racist/environmentally unsound/etc. things that go on, but the show makes clear how warped it all is (as opposed to painting it in good light). but you're aren't getting beat over the head with how wrong they're acting; it just makes you sympathize with the characters because you know what they're struggling against.
i have mucho love for every single character - even don, who i spent pretty much all last season yelling at the screen at, lol - 'cause i KNOW them. WATCH THE SHOW.
In relation to this show, I tried to watch it, I watched the first couple episodes but it just seemed like AWFUL people being AWFUL at each other. Everyone sucked. I don't understand the love for it.
I love Mad Men but everyone takes it far too goddamn seriously
You could say that about any show with a fan base though.
Edited at 2012-03-13 06:33 pm (UTC)