Mad Men's first season is undoubtedly its worst. That it is still fantastic says a lot about the show overall. The finale is perhaps a good embodiment of where the season works and where it doesn't. Where it doesn't is in the unsubtlety of certain character moments. The characters themselves, written brilliantly to be complex and real, are often betrayed by moments of odd, obvious dialogue, as if the storyteller wants the viewer to be unsure of what they think of them. On a similar vein, certain plot elements are awfully soap opera. It is clear that the writers have not quite hit their stride, though I would venture that Mad Men was still, at the time, the best-written show on television. The problems I have with this season are also issues I have with some points of The Sopranos, so perhaps it is a televisional problem.
The Wheel is by far the season's best episode. It is a finale of mostly understated drama, and a statement against sentimentality. The presentation of 'the wheel' is itself superb, then the episode's ending is a deconstruction. It says a lot about Don's character, and parallels the finale of the show almost ten years down the line.
The early scenes with Peggy are wicked. Her development throughout the season is exceptionally handled. It's interesting, also, how her promotion comes out of Don's competition with Pete and not out of his kindness.
The Wheel is by far the season's best episode. It is a finale of mostly understated drama, and a statement against sentimentality. The presentation of 'the wheel' is itself superb, then the episode's ending is a deconstruction. It says a lot about Don's character, and parallels the finale of the show almost ten years down the line.
The early scenes with Peggy are wicked. Her development throughout the season is exceptionally handled. It's interesting, also, how her promotion comes out of Don's competition with Pete and not out of his kindness.