So I watched most of the second episode the other day when AMC was apparently doing a marathon. I didn't make it through to the end.
I do actually love the late 50s setting. But the era is actually a small part of why many of the characters strike me as less than definitively authentic. I think there's a missing "throw back" inhibition in the dialog and the way these people relate, particularly across the sexes. The outward (if not actual) mores seem out of whack for the period, even for NYC. The two episodes I did watch (partially) also seemed to focus on sex and romantic relationships too much for my taste.
I did find one character that mildly intrigued me -- the wife of the main male character. But it wasn't enough to make me want to keep watching, especially with the rather contrived hand numbness and car crash.
In any event, I did see where the second season is starting next Sunday, and I'll check back in here to see whether you regular viewers are pleased or not. I might give it another shot down the road.
Re: Mad Men on AMC (New Matthew Weiner project)
11Tony, his spirits crushed after b-lining to the fridge first thing in the morning: "Who ate the last piece of cake?"