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Okay, as promised: "Mad Men" this past Sunday. Not that anyone asked. First of all, I read that viewership amounted to 2.9 million (estimated), which is interesting—and proof that this really is a niche show, that not everyone "gets" or likes or is excited about it. And just for comparison, our broadcast this time of year averages just north of 7 million viewers an evening, while during the dead of winter, we were north of 11 million viewers earlier this year. We have a sizeable group of "Mad Men" fans in our office and in our circle of friends, and I'm guessing our geographic location (I can just about see the real Madison Avenue from my office window) contributes to that.
The show takes great pains to be historically accurate. And so, people like yours truly watch with a keen eye, almost itching to find inconsistencies. Once I learned it was important to the show and its creator, it became important to me to hold them to it. Finding fault with the props, clothing, mannerisms, behavior and language on "Mad Men" has become a small industry on the web. As the great Ben Zimmer of the New York Times put it, "To a large extent, ["Mad Men"] brought this festival of nitpickery on themselves through their own perfectionism."
So, about last Sunday's season premiere...my observations were as follows: The new kid in the office (graphic artist?) had a perfectly contemporary haircut (2010, that is) and his sweater vests appeared more circa '67-70 than '64, the year of this season's setting. In one scene, I saw a baseball game on TV, in black and white, using slow-motion replay. Not in 1964, as far as I recall. In another scene, Don Draper is watching a football game late at night. Questionable. On Thanksgiving day, Betty Draper has elaborate "period" hair—while later that night at home, its combed out in a perfectly current (today) style. After a kiss in the back of a cab, a young woman's lipstick magically re-appears in the next shot after presumably being smudged off by the suave Mr. Draper. I believe I recall civil rights worker Andrew Goodman called "Goodwin" (was it just me?) and in another scene, Henry's blazer collar is stuck in the up position and then magically flattened down in the next shot. Again, mostly small potatoes, known as "continuity errors" in the trade. There are a slew of websites devoted to the art form of picking them out. My personal favorites include Nicole Kidman calling Tom Cruise by his real name in Days of Thunder, when he was playing a character named "Cole". Then there's the scene from "It's Complicated," where Alec Baldwin is tying a necktie in front of a mirror. It's all over the place...and Brad Pitt's bow tie and tux in "Inglorious Basterds." These are great finds.
In small ways, language has proven tricky on "Mad Men." I should quickly add: it would be extraordinary if writers in 2010 didn't let at least some contemporary customs, expressions or idioms slip into their work. I have an unusual window into the language of 1964, specifically, in that (shut-in alert) I've listened to a slew of the unedited recorded phone conversations of Lyndon Johnson during that same year. Listening to all of those unguarded (they didn't know they were being recorded) conversations makes for a superb, perfectly preserved time capsule of the language of the era. So hearing Peggy say, "It was going great, until it wasn't..." simply doesn't ring true. Again, the New York Times and others on the web have taken aim at some of her lines, especially.
Now, the important part. These are nits—minor moments in a terribly inventive show with a loyal following. Given its relatively small audience, the show has had a huge cultural impact, and has sparked a much larger re-examination—even nostalgia—for the fashions and habits and behavior of that era. Don Draper is now part of American iconography, and that is thanks to the vision and drive and creativity of show creator Matt Weiner and his talented staff, cast and crew. They have a hit on their hands—the rest of us just watch and enjoy it, and occasionally write about it.
I'll now put my nose back where it belongs, and we hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.
Leave a Comment:
Brian...
Should I be excited? I don't fully "GET" it.
I am more with "It's Complicated."
To describe me - CONFUSED...
As to the hype..
Earlier, I mentioned, re dreams and Inception, the movie, a "meeting of the minds."
No such luck!!
If Brian wrote this I will eat my couch. The Brian Williams I watch nightly, would not end a sentence in "that".
A Pr major from Cleveland. :))
Brian...I love you, but I might begin watching Diane Sawyer after the content of this blog. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the continuity issues. LOVE spotting them. However, I'm kinda turned off by my news-guy-of-choice taking time for this on a "news" blog. Perhaps I'm being unfair because I don't follow the show and so don't really care about what the show misses.
Ms. Lupita.
Let's not sweat Mr. Williams..let's give this serious, reserved, brilliant..magician with words, a chance to share his outlet. After all, he needs some type of release....I believe Mr. Williams shared his love of HBO's "Entourage" with the family (bloggers..).. a while back..and I can and do connect with that.
Even at play, Brian's display of love for perfection in every path.. is clear. So..let's be nice and allow a true professional who blogs serious, grave, vital news..domestic and international.. the opportunity to have a bit of fun..
It is fun, right..Mr. Williams??..I sense the critic in you is fighting to get out!
Love to Phyllis, Cary (miss ya, hon..), Lisa, Jackie, Dave, Lori
And a big shout out to my girls: Brea and Keneisha.
Brian it's always a joy to read your blog and what's going on with your staff. I don't watch mad men show all I have to do is read the comments from Fox Fake News fake Jornalist and our Law Makers as their really mad men. I am on vacation now but when at hoe me I watch the Good Wife, 24 and the Simpsons. Listening to people tell their stories while on vacation is better then any TV show.
One thing I learned to be true your Nightly News is still the real deal and it will take new management from other stations to get to where you are. Yes I have watched Diane and Katie but for the old fashion fair/balanced news with personal opinions or the propaganda reports it seems you stand alone. I remember the old reporters and how the standard of Edward R. Murrow set the bar so high and many reached that level. Today it seems News Anchors are picking sides when reporting and we have enough of that on regular shows.
Keep doing what your doing as you have reached that high level all are trying to reach. That's the good thing about having choices as many want the opinion news and others just want the fair/balance news and form their own opinion.
have a great evening all
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. After reading your post this evening you really pay full attention to detail on the show "Mad Men" with all the crucial things associated with the era of the show. You are obviously a huge fan! Very Impressive! Good Job!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Andrea Mitchell about the documents regarding the War in Afghanistan leaked by Wikileaks. It is staggering to think of the officials pouring over all the pages of documents. Although this does not change the strategy of the mission it could put the lives if US Troops at risk and that is great concern of military officials.
The report by Mr.Milkaszewski about the hearings of General Mattis showed this General is gruff, yet an excellent commander and hopefully will have success towards peace in the region. Time will tell.
The report by Anne Thompson from Venice,LA showed how progress is being made in finally capping the leaking well. But there is still no end in sight of the tremendous amounts of oil washing ashore on the beaches which was shown in the report. The part of the report by Janet Shamlian telling of a tug boat that hit a well was horrible news. That is the last thing this region needs to have happen. I hope more and more progress is made is ridding the shorelines and waters of the oil.
The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Potter was especially hopeful. The wildlife officials and volunteers digging up the sea turtle eggs to safely move them to the Eastcoast of Florida is wonderful. The delicate work is saving species of turtles. One hopes they will thrive well!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
Good evening, Brian! It's been a while since I've commented to the blog. I've truly missed it. As a fellow fan of the show "Mad Men", I was very excited to read your post this evening! An excellent post! We're in the middle of preparing another move this Friday, so I still haven't watched the premiere I've been anticipating for what seems like ages. I'll be getting right to that tonight, and will look for what GREAT DETAIL you caught and mentioned in your blog. I'm a history lover myself--especially with a love for the 1960s--which plays a big part in why I love the show so much. I watched the recent marathon, and still found myself sobbing during "The Grownups"--the episode in which President Kennedy is assasinated. Thank you for your great look into a superb show.
Because of our preparing to move again this Friday, I've been knocked a little behind on the news of late (unfortunately)--I have many tabs open to catch up on, mostly on the Wikileaks story--and will be reading it all tonight. A very serious issue, at a crucial time for the Afghanistan war.
Was glad to see Jim Miklaszewski's report tonight on General Mattis. Very interesting, and look forward to watching reports following his nomination to CentCom.
An unbelievable scene from Moscow tonight. What an awful situation with all the smog. How could that possibly be fixed?
Happy belated birthday to Mick Jagger! 67! By your report last night, you yourself sounded just as shocked to report it! It's amazing that they're still going on the road... You have to love that! Here's to hoping Bruce Springsteen keeps going strong for many more years to come as well!
Such an amazing Making A Difference story from the Gulf of Mexico. A wonderful and beautiful story! Great thanks to all who are working so hard down there.
Also, a wonderful Making A Difference story last night about military families. Wyoming is such a gorgeous state for these families to spend their time, too. A great story.
Thank you as always for the broadcast.
Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite. (Sorry, I just had to!)
Take care,
-Cary
Brian,
An excellent broadcast. I'll be brief as I am upset. My brother, who lives in Arizona, had
a by-pass which is now called a procedure and not surgery --not due to stress, etc, just bad luck
I just got off the phone with him and he sounds good and hopefully will be released tomorrow from
the hospital. Mimi, keep Lowell in your prayers.
Phylis
Phyllis..I will keep your brother in my thoughts..and you are there with him.
Phyllis..did you say you have visited NY?
Need advice..
Turns out..Keneisha wants to visit her Mom in Union, New Jersey before going to the Dad..and 'cuz my time is limited..I decided to brave Manhattan on my own..late Wednesday night and all day Thursday..
Do you know of any great museums..any fun things I can do..
Keep in mind..I have reservations in a city name Long Island City..
Thanks
M
"I have reservations in a city name Long Island City"
Being a resident of Queens (where LIC is located) myself, I find that quite funny
Just wondering who the heck booked your hotel in Queens when I'm sure you'll be hanging out in the city (we NYers call Manhattan the city) where most of the sights are anyway?
Shirley....
Please bear in mind..that both Keneisha and I are island girls and know not of NY, Manhattan and surrounding cities.
Keneisha changed plans late today..
And cuz I only have 3 days (work, school) I chose to front the NY streets, alone.
On the phone, around 5, today..when I heard the new plan.. I told Keneisha to go online and make hotel reservations for me..a last minute thang..
The agent told her, by cab, Manhattan is 12 minutes away.
O..you are making fun...I am slow..tired..busy day..
CNN is giving Charley Rangel a hard time..
Why do powerful men choose to challenge the law..Blago!!
O. Plus I am not paying $400 per nite for a hotel room..going Manhattan rate..
Can't afford it..going back to London for Christmas..and money will be kinda tight.
Keneisha is staying in NY for 9 days..imagine, 9 days of NY shopping.
Nice hearing from ya Shirley..you don't touch base with me..it is always..Cary.
Jealous????? YEA.
Mimi-
Just is case you read this before you leave -- assuming you will fly, stop in your airport bookshop and get a NY guide (Fodor & Frommers are usually good). Spend the flight deciding what you want to see. Then ask the people at the hotel desk how to get there. A subway map would help also. Cabs are expensive.
If you are into modern art there is a small and very good museum in LI City -- The Noguchi Museum. He is most known for modern sculpture and has a piece in the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- he is that good and this museum is entirely devoted to his art and interior design. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.
Speaking of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is one of the world's greatest and actually is the most visited attraction in NYC. It is vast, so if you go get a map when you enter and sit down and decide what you want to see -- you CANNOT see it all. I've been going most of my life (don't forget I'm retired) and still haven't seen it all but always, always find something wonderful. Don't hesitate to ask any of the guards for diresctions -- they are super and pride themselves on helping people. Go down to basement and eat in their cafeteria -- food is decent and not too expensive -- always a problem in NYC.
If you like natural history go to the American Museum of Natural History. Great dinosaur collection. Its Rose Center for Earth and Space is fantastic. Experience an earth quake among other things, including a huge meteorite.
You can spend a whole day in each of those museums which just about takes care of your visit!
If you go to Rockefeller Center (and I have a feeling you might) Dean & DeLuca is a good place for lunch and not too expensive. It's on 49th St - right at Rock Cntr.
NBC is Channel 4. News radio (great for weather) is 880 AM or 1010 AM. NY Times has a great arts section on Friday that tells everything going on around town.
My best tip: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES -- you are going to walk your feet off. Carry water -- it's HOT! And HUMID!
Hope this helps on short notice and do have fun while here.
Celine
Did you have too much time on your hands today, Brian? -Just a little ribbing. I'm ashamed to admit that I've never seen an episode of Mad Men. I enjoyed reading your take on the continuity errors, though. It makes me want to start watching to see what I can spot. Not that I get to watch a lot of grown-up TV with two small girls in the house, but if I set my DVR I might get to it sometime before the end of the year.
So, BP will get a tax break on the money they have to pay toward the oil spill? The government will hand back ten billion dollars? What's wrong with this picture? Pardon me while I gag.
Oh, the bedbugs... Yikes! With all your travels, Brian, do you ever worry about bringing those little critters home with you? Do you have a system to make sure they don't? When we travel, I check every hotel room (and bring Lysol, but that's another issue!). There are websites now that track bedbug infestations in hotels and apartment complexes. Pretty handy. If you ever travel into the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport, I would advise against taking any type of shuttle bus. I've heard things. From people. That's all I'm saying. Though I suspect it's probably like that at every airport. I think I'll just drive to our next destination. And sleep in the minivan.
I now feel the need to check my furniture and shower off after that report. Oh no. I'm itchy.
Mimi, My husband and I went to N.Y. in 1964, a year after we were married. Went to plays and nice dinners.
Skipped a tour, which we regretted, because we ended up in Hell's Kitchen. My brother had a pace -maker
which is not the same thing as a by-pass. I am still upset but I feel better after talking to him last night
and will feel better after I know he is released from hospital which should be today In N.Y. wear comfortable
shoes
Phyllis
phyllis, i hope your brother, lowell, recovers quickly. that is always such a scare when it happens to a close family member. i'm sure you'll be calling him often to see how he's doing . . . . . . it's hard when you're not close enough to go over and check up on him personally and help in the care-giving. i'm sure he appreciates your concern! you take good care, too, anna martina
Phyllis
All packed and ready to go..flight arrives around 10 p.m. at La Guardia (did I spell that right?)
I do so want this trip to be special. My first NY trip back in 2009 was a bummer..all hopes and dreams smashed back then. Pain.
Phyllis..it seems all efforts are made..and aid, meeting someone half way..never seems to happen!!!!
******
Blago's closing statement--funny as hell. Me-..I love the law. American Law is exciting. My fave movies..trial laws..
"Presumed Innocent." Into the "Daily Rundown" and last night the girls and I argued over President Obama. New poll shows Obama is losing ground with Hispanics. "Morning Joe" says the Prez is naïve cuz he wants to "change" the politics of Washington. But how can he?..with the Republicans' scream --"NO"
Thanks..M.
hola, mimi, the hayden planetarium is in the rose center for earth and space, american museum of natural history. neil degrasse tyson is the director and he is one awesome african-american, he is an astrophysisist with a very impressive resume and is the author of many books on the subject. he's an incredible speaker, i've watched a few interviews on youtube. the 'hall of the universe' is about the planets, stars and galaxies and more. i've never been, but that is definitely where i would spend a couple of days, i'm sure. have fun, anna martina
Thanx for the tips Anna..just replied to dear Phyllis. Saved a few pennies on the room rate, $160 per night..so I can afford to do things I want to do..
Counting down...
O. The political race for senate here is getting nasty..ads..bitter.
"Mad Men?"
Na. Not for me. Blog! Terrific read.
Brian: Thanks for the commentary about "Mad Men." I have never seen one episode of that program . I lived during that era, but I don't like comparing reality with any fictional Hollywood story. For example, those observations you noticed about clothes and slow motion t.v. You were right about contemporary writers interjecting 21st century diologue into past period shows. Those kinds of mistakes drive me nuts! I know these errors are picayune, but with careful detail they can be avoided. I too will put my nose back where it belongs and sign out. I'll catch tonight's broadcast.
Hi, Brian. You are awesome. I'll start with that. Heard your bit on "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" a while back and very much enjoyed it.
But since you're pointing out inconsistencies / errors, I thought I should mention the film is called "Inglourious Basterds" ... there's an extra "U," which you forgot.
I am impressed that you have the time and desire to watch Mad Men and nit pick the inaccuracies. For the record, the football game appears to be a college game (Tigers and the Big Red) so it is possible but not likely that it was played on a Saturday night. The Post article noting that 1970 was the first time an NFL game was played at night (Jets-Browns) while accurate is not relevant. See you are not the only person that focuses on unimportant semi-relevant facts.
I noticed the police siren heard in the background while Don and his date were sitting in the cab in front of her apartment after their date. It was the more modern siren....woo, woo, woo....rather than the steady siren emergency vehicles used to have. I am thinking the modern type didn't come into use until the late 1960's. Anybody else notice and know the truth?
Brian, Not about inviting the boss because wedding is only for family and friends. When I was a secretary at
General Foods, I invited my boss and he and his wife came, but then I am not society. Whatever, we all
make our choices. Phyllis
Anna Martina
Thanks for your concern about my brother; much appreciated. I would be there with him but my husband
has radiation shots every morning for prostate cancer. Lightening strikes twice. We're all hanging
together, however and will see it through.
Phyllis