Christian Bals

Finally I managed to see the first season of MAD MEN. Yes yes, mankind is a lousy breed, everybody is weak, lies, cheats and tries to justify their immorality.
Businesses are run by a tightly woven net of a corrupt inner circle (which in Cologne is known by the name: Klüngel). The individual is powerless to change that and is left alone to survive in it.
That is frustrating,  and I’m happier the less I’m reminded of it. So why keep on watching? Of course it’s the question of how the carefully chosen characters develop in this smelly swamp of an environment. Also there is the slowly unveiling dark past of the main character Don Draper. And not to forget the ultimate quest where to find (male) happiness: is it with the sultry, luscious and savvy redhead,  the sophisticated, intelligent and gorgeous brunette, or the loving and caring Grace Kelly blonde housewife? And what do the women want? No question, it is a very well made TV series that teleports you back into the early 60’s with a great love for details. At the same time multiple aspects of human life are covered that are always up-to-date. It’s easy to see why it’s such a big success. Nonetheless I don’t REALLY want to know how the story continues at this point… the magic somehow doesn’t seem to work with me. Hm.