Hidden Men

Mad Men season six has started as smoothly as ever, and we're right back in the world of Don Draper and gang.  Creator Matt Weiner has always been secretive about the show, so when he sent a screener to critics it came with a note asking them not to reveal certain aspects of the plot. TV critic Tim Goodman thinks Weiner is overdoing it and discusses these demands in The Hollywood Reporter.  What did Weiner say was out of bounds?

1. The year the season begins
2  The status of Don and Megan's relationship
3. Whether the agency has expanded to an additional floor
4. New characters
5. New relationships or partnerships.

I think this list is quite reasonable, but listen to what Goodman thinks about #3:

"Whether the agency has expanded to an additional floor." Really? Of the five demands, this is the most baffling. I admire Weiner as much or more than most people in the business but, honestly, nobody cares. And if they do care, they need a hobby outside of watching Mad Men. This is, categorically, not a spoiler of any relevance.

Really?  Some critics like to pretend this show is all about the characters and their interactions, and not about an ad agency, but they're wrong. (Goodman: "Believe it or not, there are people who actually think Mad Men is about advertising.") Plot may matter less on Mad Men, but it's still the engine that drives the show, and the success or failure of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is a central element. SCDP spent much of last season teetering on the brink, so knowing ahead of time if the agency successfully expanded is a major plot point.

In fact, I'm happy Weiner is so paranoid.  I like to watch shows not having any idea what's about to happen. I can watch it again if it holds up, but give me that virgin experience first.

Here's another bit from Goodman's piece regarding the screener: "I was just happy that existentialism--the hallmark of the series--was being addressed so aggressively this year."

Hmm.  The characters' existential crises have always been part of the show, but they work best as subtext. The last thing Mad Men needs to do is address the issue aggressively.