Overall, I agree with Bridget’s estimation that content on the broadcast networks is pretty much crap these days. The cable networks have the best shows and series going right now with one exception IMHO: 24. With that said, AMC’s Mad Men is stunning in that it so absorbs the viewer and captures an iconic time in our culture with such depth. You really feel like you’re experiencing the 50′s when you watch it.
Just one little nit pick though. I was surprised that Bridget didn’t mention AMC’s Breaking Bad. This show IMHO is simply one of the best if not the best series out there. The casting is sublime, and it has it all, great acting, writing, dialog, irony/humor, and tragedy. Watching the main character, Walter White, go from being a listless middle aged going nowhere high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer to a player in the illicit drug trade in New Mexico is remarkable and is both disturbing and hilarious. His transformation from a mild mannered nobody to aggressive (and violent) druggie is a fun, fascinating and compelling experience. It’s like looking at a car accident. You can’t take your eyes of this man’s descent into crime and deviance, albeit for altruistic reasons, and the supporting cast is terrific.
Kudos to AMC. As with Mad Men, they hit another home run with this one.
Do yourself a favor, if you haven’t seen Breaking Bad yet, I highly recommend you rent or buy the season 1 DVD’s before season 2 comes out. You will not be disappointed. It’s that good.
