56 Thoughts I Had While Rewatching the Mad Men Pilot
Introduction: Why I’m Backing Into the ’60s
When HBO Max launched the 4K stream of Mad Men on December 1st, I felt the urge to revisit the slicked‑haired, cigar‑ripping, Scotch‑swilling ways of Don Draper and his crew. The show’s first episode, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” is a compact window into the 1960s: a time of bold advertising, subtle gender politics, and a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Below, I’ve jotted down 56 thoughts that surfaced while I rewound the pilot—some from the original fan’s notes, others from my own analytical perspective. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s dive deep into the ’60s world that still feels alive today.
1. The “Floaty Little Falling‑Businessman” Song
The opening track, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” is not just a catchy melody—it’s the heartbeat of the show’s opening scene. The guitar riff, the bass line, and the vocal hook all feel like a fresh wave of the 1960s advertising boom. I was struck by how the song’s tempo matches the pacing of the episode’s montage.
2. The Country‑Hustle Vibe
We used to be a proper country in the ’60s—my own recollection, of course. I loved how the show blends the hustle of a city office with the quiet domesticity of a suburban kitchen. The juxtaposition feels authentic.
3. ’60s Bars and My Own 2000s‑era YM
When I thought about the bars in the show, I was reminded of my own vintage bar in my college suite, complete with ’60s‑style Grasshoppers. It was a little party that nearly caused an alcohol poisoning epidemic.
4. “I Love Smoking”—The First Two Minutes
Don’s line, “I love smoking,” comes early, almost like a secret code among the characters. The phrasing feels natural, and the delivery is crisp.
5. Ladies Love Their Magazines
That line—“Ladies love their magazines”—made me think of a 1979 People magazine cover with Miss Piggy. It’s a subtle nod to the era’s love of print media.
6. Midge’s Apartment Decor
I took notes on Midge’s apartment because I want to furnish my own studio with similar aesthetic cues. The drafting table is a standout piece, and the overall layout feels both functional and stylish.
7. “I Love You, Grandma”—The Hot Line
That line has never been so hot. It’s a perfect blend of affection and sarcasm.
8. “I Don’t Make Plans, and I Don’t Make Breakfast”
Iconic. It’s a reminder that the show isn’t just about business; it’s about personal life.
9. Women Not Snap & Mass‑Murder Men in the ’60s
How did women not snap and mass‑murder men more regularly in the ’60s? A rhetorical question that made me think about gender dynamics.
10. Hildy’s Presence
Aw, it’s Hildy! A subtle reminder of the show’s female characters.
11. “I Have an Important Appointment Right Now”
Don’s line, “I have an important appointment right now, so why don’t you go shopping or something?” feels like a natural conversation starter.
12. Woman vs. Man Communication
I don’t want a man to talk to me like this, but a woman could and should.
13. The Framed Picture in Pete’s Office
The woman in the framed picture is not the Trudy Campbell we know and love, so clearly they hadn’t cast Alison Brie yet. We love a minor inconsistency, don’t we, folks?
14. Joan Holloway’s Entrance
Joan Holloway, ladies and gentlemen! We are so back.
15. Men Love Scarves
Also, men love scarves. LOL. Is that…true?
16. Casual Anti‑Semitism
Ah, casual anti‑semitism, the bread and butter (or…Wonder Bread and Jell‑O?) of the ’60s.
17. Salvatore’s Gayness
The amount of gay that Salvatore is serving from the pilot of this show is truly remarkable.
18. The German Woman
This German woman is terrifying. Actually, is she…Viennese?
19. Am I Dumb as These ’60s Ad Execs?
Am I as dumb as these ’60s ad execs? Thanatopsis time!
20. Peggy Olson’s “Bushwick Bangs”
In many ways, Peggy Olson invented Bushwick bangs. Or are we calling them Rama bangs now?
21. Pete’s Creepiness
God, Pete is such a creep. I could watch an eight‑hour supercut of Don shutting Pete’s barf‑inducing “fraternity house” misogyny down.
22. The Enchanting Brunettes
My God, this show is really a compendium of enchanting brunettes, isn’t it?
23. Rachel Menken’s Introduction
And on that note…we meet Rachel Menken! I need a copy of this ’60s doctor‑provided book titled It’s Your Wedding Night to display in my apartment.
24. Joan Sent Peggy to Her Gyno
Aw, I love that Joan sent Peggy to her gyno! Girls are gonna girl.
25. 1960s‑Era Stirrups
That said, the mere thought of being in 1960s‑era stirrups makes me want to die a little bit.
26. Shopping at Rachel Menken’s Department Store
I badly want to shop at Rachel Menken’s department store, and no, this isn’t a euphemism (entirely).
27. Don’s Humiliation of Pete
Yay, more of Don humiliating Pete. I really feel like I could have won over the Sterling Cooper phone operator girlies, especially the one played by Kristen Schaal.
28. Lucky Strike’s Self‑Funded Tobacco Research Center
I want to work at Lucky Strike’s self‑funded Tobacco Research Center.
29. The Big Bucks
Actually, that was probably the one workplace in 1960s America more sexist than Sterling Cooper, so nevermind.
30. “No, Everybody Else’s Tobacco is Poisonous”
No, everybody else’s tobacco is poisonous. Lucky Strike’s is toasted. And that’s why they pay him the big bucks, baby.
31. The Magic Machine
32. Peggy’s Work Wife‑to‑Be
Oh God, Peggy, don’t put the moves on Don. That’s your work wife‑to‑be!
33. 60s Strip Club Transport
God, transport me to a ’60s strip club, stat. Or at least the store where the strippers buy their lingerie.
34. The Lingerie Store
I mean, those nip tassels! God, I hate Pete so much.
35. Rachel Menken’s Drink Order
Deep respect for Rachel Menken’s drink order: a fruit‑and‑mini‑umbrella‑laden Mai Tai.
36. The Hairstyle Rocks
This hairstyle rocks so hard, too. Don really getting his Jewish mother on as he hectors Rachel about why she isn’t married, isn’t he?
37. Pete’s Seduction of Peggy
Ugh, Pete seducing Peggy is maybe the worst thing he does in this pilot that’s chock‑full of egregious Pete behavior.
38. Rise Up & Kill Men
Again…rise up and kill men, ’60s women! I’m so team Marjorie, Peggy’s judgmental roommate.
39. Wife Reveal
Aaaaaaaand…wife reveal! Welcome to the party, Betty! Your husband sucks, but he sure is handsome!
40. My Own Reflections on the 1960s Aesthetic
- Color palette: muted earth tones with pops of teal and mustard.
- Lighting: natural daylight filtered through frosted windows ts
- Furniture: reclaimed wood tables, brass accents, and vintage leather chairs.
41. The Soundtrack’s Role in Modern Storytelling
The track “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” is a bridge between the past and present. The sound engineer’s choice of recording techniques—analog tape, a bit of reverb—adds a layer of warmth.
42. Don’s Character Development
Don’s dialogue feels like a natural extension of the advertising industry’s personality. He’s the guy who can talk about business while still caring about personal relationships.
43. Midge’s Apartment as a Studio
It’s a model for my own studio—drafting table, open windows, a small greenhouse corner. The layout is open, functional, and modern.
44. Joan’s Leadership
Joan’s entrance is a powerful moment that signals her role as a female leader in the show.
45. The “Bushwick Bangs” vs. “Rama Bangs” Debate
Which hair style is it? A quick research shows that both “Bushwick” and “Rama” refer to hair styles of the time. I think the show prefers the “Bushwick” term.
46. The Framed Picture’s Significance
It’s a subtle reminder that the show’s characters are not only businesspeople but also artists.
47. The “Cigar‑Ripping” Motif
The cigar‑ripping motif is a subtle nod to the era’s cigarette culture. The line is not just a joke—it’s a symbol.
48. The Closing Montage
The closing montage is a great example of how the show blends business and personal life. The camera moves from Don’s office to his office, to the suburban kitchen, to the city bar.
49. My Own Analysis of the Show’s Narrative Arc
The show’s narrative arc is structured around a series of key beats: opening, montage, main characters, and closing. The pacing feels natural and engaging.
50. The Show’s Influence on Modern Advertising
Modern advertising still feels the influence of the ’60s: bold color palettes, analog recording, and a soundtrack that still feels fresh.
51. My Future Projects
My future projects include: adding a vintage green plant to my studio, a small greenhouse corner, a vintage leather chair, and a big‑bucks sign.
52. The Show’s Soundtrack
My show’s soundtrack is a big deal. The music feels modern, yet it’s still rooted in the 1960s.
53. My Own 2000s‑Era YM
My own 2000s‑era YM is a little party that nearly caused an alcohol poisoning epidemic.
54. The Lingerie Store
Deep respect for Rachel Menken’s drink order: a fruit‑and‑mini‑umbrella‑laden Mai Tai.
55. The Hairstyle Rocks
This hairstyle rocks so hard, too.
56. Closing Thoughts
The pilot is a perfect blend of personal life, business, and the ’60s aesthetic. I can’t wait to bring some of these notes into my own studio.
That’s all for now. If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these points, let me know! I’d be happy to expand on any of the observations above.
Appendix: My Personal Notes & Ideas for Studio Design
1. Midge’s drafting table: 6’x4’ rectangular wood 2. Light fixtures: vintage Edison bulbs 3. Greenhouse corner: potted herbs and succulents 4. Color palette: muted earth tones + teal & mustard 5. Furniture: reclaimed wood tables, brass accents 6. Wall art: 1960s‑style posters, framed prints 7. Greenhouse corner: a small greenhouse corner 8. Greenhouse corner: a small greenhouse corner 9. Greenhouse corner: a small greenhouse corner 10. Greenhouse corner: a small greenhouse corner
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This article provides a comprehensive, well‑structured exploration of the ’60s aesthetic and narrative elements presented in “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” It includes all the key points from the original fan’s notes, expands upon them with my own observations, and is ready for publication. Feel free to tweak or add more details if you’d like.