don draper is boring
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"But I mean ... Don Draper IS kind of boring." I started watching Mad Men last week, Reader. More accurately, I started watching Mad Men again. I attempted to binge it about four years ago at the behest of my partner. "It's even better than The Wire!" he said. (as though I've seen The Wire ...) My first attempt ended about two episodes in when I was like: Sorry, bro. I'm not strapping in to relive the oppression we're still fighting. I don't care how hot Joan is. Since my declaration, he's been trying to bring me back around. "It's better than The Sopranos." (That one, I saw, and there's no fucking way.) I dragged my feet as long as I could. I even tried to appease him by watching Gladiator AND The Godfather. No dice. "Please watch Mad Men with me, Kelsey!" His timing paid off this time. He asked the question as he brought a fresh wine bottle from behind his back. So it was a yes from me. We're now on episode 9 of season 1 — I'll hold for your applause — and I've gotta say ... Don Draper is kind of boring. I know how renowned Mad Men is, and I am interested to see how it all plays out. Peggy, stop fucking around with Peter and start writing. PLEASE. But I'm perplexed by the culture's adoration with Don Draper. He's quiet. He's tormented. He's a cheater. We've seen this trope before (long live Lucas from One Tree Hill). And aside from Don's mega salary and marketing wits, I don't get much ... oh, what's the word ... P E R S O N A L I T Y 9 episodes in and Don has barely cracked a smile, changed his tone of voice, or told a joke. He's robotic. Masked. Hidden. I'm unnerved by it. I barely know anything about the guy! If Don had a website, it would have the internet's smallest word count: Don Draper, Ad Man
If you don't know how to contact me, you can't afford me.
(And he most definitely would not blog.) I'm just not grasping why he's so beloved by Mad Men viewers. Perhaps I'll find out in the coming seasons. (I calculated — I have X hours left. Wish me luck.) But I do appreciate two specific things from the show:
I'm a total Ad Man! ✔️ I know a client's market better than they do. ✔️ I have an intuition to communicate it in a way that sells. ✔️ I pour myself a drink too early in the day. And I'm a hell of a lot funnier than Mr. Draper. I guess what I'm saying is ... AMC, give me a show. I do like how much Mad Men is romanticizing the art of copywriting. Like I'm *not* writing websites hunched over in my fuzzy Walmart poncho, guzzling my third cup of coffee. The show is an egotistical reminder that copywriting really is an art. One that they used to make A LOT more money doing. Related: Book your copy project before I start charging Sterling Cooper prices. I'll keep you updated on my perception of Don as we continue on. If you have strong feelings either way, I would LOVE to hear them. No spoilies, please. (Because I think I'm actually kind of excited to watch the show now?) In the meantime, cheers to the Peggy in all of us. (Seriously, Peggy, enough with Peter!) Much love ✌️ Kelsey |
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