speed of dark

photo from Vanity Fair
I know what you might be thinking: advertisements for AMC's Mad Men are everywhere. But it really is a show that lives up to its hype. Last night's season two premiere would probably have been tough to watch for anyone who didn't watch all of last season. There was very little explanation for most of what happened last season, since the show tends to peel off its layers slowly, exposing just a little at a time. This season's opener is no exception, leaving new viewers a little bit in the dark and those familiar with the show with only a little peek out of the door. The anticipation kills (as does the billowing clouds of cigarrette smoke and free flowing hard liquor).

Although the show features very little music, choosing silence over background music that seems to be ever-present in television dramas, forcing the viewer to truly watch the characters and note their idiosyncrasies, not to mention the incredible attention to detail of the set and costume designers. It also doesn't hurt that these characters are played by impossibly attractive actors and actresses.

There are other writers who have delved much greater into the hidden meanings and minute details than I have, and they are fascinating to read. I suggest the following sites especially:

Basket of Kisses | Television Without Pity | AV Club | AMC

The song that plays over the opening credits, "A Beautiful Mine" by RJD2 sticks in my head and follows me throughout the day.

Watch the video for the opening credits:


...and then watch the scene in the finale of season 1 that made me cry (poor Harry!):


COPYRIGHTED CONTENT HAS BEEN REMOVED

RJD2: a beautiful mine[buy]
bob dylan: don't think twice it's alright [buy]
(this song closes out the final episode of season one)

buy the DVD | buy the soundtrack