Mad Men Monday … on Tuesday

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I’m not a day late because I’m busy (although I am). I’m a day late because I am actually a little angry with my favorite show.

You see, they’re drinking a lot of Canadian Club (Don), Stoli (Roger), and Johnnie Walker (everyone else). But that’s it. They’ve stopped ordering the amazing classic cocktails from the first couple of seasons. Why? Apparently because of the advertising dollars. I even get countless emails from several different Canadian Club PR reps who are thrilled with my coverage. Great.

I’d given thought to covering HBO’s Boardwalk Empire as well, but I haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. Despite that, a PR rep has already informed me that Canadian Club is everywhere. While actually historically accurate in both shows, I’ve still got the CC problem in Mad Men – I don’t need it twice. Actually, I’m fine with them using CC, but is there some sort of rule it can’t be blended in a cocktail?

Image from AMCTV.com

Despite my own issues with product placement, Sunday night’s episode was fantastic. You’ve got to give the writers credit, as they’re really nailing a lot of the issues women had to deal with in the mid-1960s. From Peggy and Joan both struggling to be taken seriously, to Joan’s Vietnam-induced loneliness and struggle to define herself, and Faye’s choice to have a brilliant career instead of marriage and children … all three women are impressive, yet surrounded by unwitting chauvinists.

I can’t believe they killed off Miss Blankenship. She had the best one-liners (and best delivery) in the show. I call it a “Joss Whedon writing trick,” to kill off a character that makes everyone smile.

So let’s raise a toast to the women of Mad Men. In fact, we’ll raise what used to be Don’s favorite drink, using the recipe from the Mad Men / AMC web page. It’s an Old-Fashioned, and I don’t care what whiskey you use.