Mad Men and Mad Women

With Mad Men's Season 4 premiere all of the men seem to be asking "Who is Don Draper?"
We are asking who are the women of Mad Men?


In terms of the opener and storyline we see the Drapettes or the ad men and women of his new agency trying to figure out how to keep their new agency SCDP going. “Their first job Bikinis or one pieces?” Don to the rescue. This AMC drama has been a truly artistic effort and visual feast through its three season and we all await this next season to unfold. So, what do we have in the first episode of season 4 ? Well business and family as well as SEX. Don seems to spiral into even more -take a guess: sex.

THE WOMEN OF MAD MEN

Their story lines and styles as season 4 opens. January Jone's character lacks depth in her new role as somebody else's arm piece. Why is she there, how does she feel, is she just the symbol for the unhappy woman and housewife of the 50's and 60's? Her innocent American dream like wife image from the first episodes provoked audiences and we began to sympathize with her as Don cheated more and more. Now we see a frozen bad mother in worse suits. Don's scars of never feeling good enough for the American dream family due to his complicated past hung over his wife in past seasons. Now with the secret out she moves in terms of aesthetics from golden girl Grace Kelly to an almost blond Jackie O if Jackie had been less stylish and wore horrible old lady suits.

Now for our hero Peggy. You can't keep a good working girl down, but they have tried in the past with severe bangs and ponytails and her sad man problems/ ugly duckling story lines. Ah, why can't she be on top of the agency, look good and be a serious female lead? Well, what a relief for season 4. In this first episode she seems to be exuding more confidence, sitting on top of a desk in a skirt and heals talking business. Well, sexy yes but again we could have issues with this portrayal as all legs no brain, but honestly I am just happy she seems to be climbing the business ladder without the tragic ponytail. Her bob is a better look for those who love the set and fashion of mad men. Bye Bye bangs hello vixen. Congrats Peggy you look good and can work at the same time.

Joan, thank goodness for her. She seems to embody a real female body and persona. The men of Mad Men are no match for her curves and brains. We hope to see her come back this season with a witty character and a beautiful wardrobe!

This show most certainly focuses on gender issues, sexuality, the broken American dream as well as other socially important commentary. As for this blog we are interested in the portrayal of the women and their imagery as presented in Mad Men. More in depth comments are to come on this subject per episode.