In a sense, this show doesn’t belong here.
Overthinking It proclaims its niche as “subjecting popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn’t deserve.” Matthew Weiner’s Mad Men definitely deserves scrutiny. (We’ve already got some here, in a special podcast supplement.) Everything, from its stylistic choices to its minimalist presentation to its historical grounding, communicates meaning on multiple levels.
(In fact, I wonder if there’s an audience out there that underthinks this show, that just takes it at face value. “Gee, Joan sure seems unhappy with her husband. I wonder why she doesn’t just leave him?” Ah, well. I’m glad you’re not one of those lightweights. Good thing we’re deep intellectuals, eh, Overthinking It readers? *clinks martini glass*)
Several quality weblogs exist to recap and delve into the references sprinkled throughout each episode. We won’t be challenging that hill. But now that season 3 of the most intriguing show on television has wrapped, with this past Sunday’s season finale, we can delve into the season, and the series, as a whole.
So shut the door, have a seat, and settle in for some Overthink.
(Warning: the following post will contain substantial spoilers for Season 3 of Mad Men)
In a special supplement to the Overthinking It Podcast, Matthew Belinkie, Ryan Sheely, and Matthew Wrather overthink Mad Men in light of the Season 3 Finale. (Spoilers for all 3 seasons.)
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the contact form, email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401.
Download the Mad Men Supplement (MP3)
Mark Lee hosts with Peter Fenzel and Jordan Stokes to mark the 40th anniversary of Woodstock by recounting their own transcendent concert experiences and to speculate whether another Woodstock is possible. The panel also takes on “District 9,” aka “1 hour 45 minutes of apartheid allegory and exploring the human condition plus 30 minutes of ‘Tango and Cash.’” And lastly, the panel offers their new “Mad Men” season predictions (for the non-”Mad Men” watcher).
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment, use the contact form, Email us or call 20-EAT-LOG-01—that’s (203) 285-6401. And… spread the overthinking by forwarding this episode to a friend!
Download Episode 59 (MP3)