If you haven’t been with us from the very beginning, you may not know that the reason I began Mad News is because keeping up with the best-of-the-year accolades at the end of 2007, and then the awards nominations, became overwhelming.
Since there’s plenty of Mad News now, I’m pulling some of these listings into a separate post from the rest of the news, and I may continue to do so until they slow down.
Best of the year: Mo Ryan loves Mad Men (and we love Mo Ryan). Her list is alphabetical, not numbered. The Daily Princetonian is doing a year-end rundown that lists one from each of a zillion categories: Mad Men is their best TV drama. Tim Goodman’s best actors of the year list has Jon Hamm at #1, and his best shows of the year lists Mad Men at #1. The San Diego Union-Tribune does best episodes of the year, and not only is Shut the Door. Have a Seat on the list, so is one of Jon Hamm’s 30 Rock episodes.
TV Guide has a “Best Performances of 2009” feature, with the “men of Mad Men” (Jon Hamm, Bryan Batt, John Slattery, and Jared Harris) sharing honors. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s best of 2009 list has some surprises, but never fear, Mad Men comes in at #2.
Best of the decade: Mad Men comes in at #4 on Chuck Barney’s list. The San Diego Union-Tribune places it at #6.
The Toronto Star is doing a “most important of the decade” series, with the criteria for most important being:
Was a work popular? Did it start a trend? Did it have lasting artistic merit? And did it say something special about the decade we just passed through?
Mad Men clocks in at #10 of 10 on this list.
11 Responses to “Best of 2009, Best of the Decade”
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Re: The Star's comments. It's interesting how newspapers reviewing Mad Men generally tend to respond to it on the basis of their market demographics. The Star is fairly middle-class in market demographics, whereas The Globe and Mail — Canada's main national newspaper — loves, loves, loves Mad Men and caters to a more affluent audience.
Our free weeklies in Toronto, which cater to a young and super-hip (or wannabe hipster) audience, didn't even mention Mad Men in their top television shows of the decade. Heck, they didn't even mention The Sopranos or The Wire!
I think you Lipp Sisters & your cronies are on my best of the best category for this decade. As I sit here, sip my tea, and get ready to go out & do some more last minute Chistmas shopping, go to a 1st grade Christmas party, I love taking a moment in endulging in your site! Thanks so much.
I have to get to a Funeral this morning and a 3rd grade Christmas party this afternoon, but I also want take a moment to thank you wonderful Lipps for all your hard work and joy that go into making this the best site any MM fan could ask for! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years, and thanks for giving us a happy distraction when we need it! You are in my top ten of coolest people on the planet! Bless you! -Therese
Therese, what a day you're having–one which captures everything this time of year is about and gives a sense of what's important. And thank you so much for your very kind words.
I think this site has become one of my all-time favourite places to go online. Deb and Ro, you two have done terrific work on here. Best wishes to you both in 2010.
These "Best of the Year" lists don't seem that compelling to me. Perhaps it has something to do with the previous television season.
I hate critics. (Okay: everyone except Tim Goodman.) Much of what's up there feels like a swing and a miss to me.
Some fool put Lost above The Wire? I do NOT not wanna be anywhere near the guy when Marlo hears about that.
And Modern Family landing above Mad Men? (sigh.) People. One more time: If it does voiceover, it rates in the cute zone, and that's all. It's like the kid who always does her homework and tries really really hard, but will never have that flash of brilliance. I know this sounds hard and cold, but some things rate as excellent and some things don't. Voiceover never will.
You know? We as a culture just have to break away from Ally McBeal-brain. It's old. It's tired. (It could use a milkshake.) NEXT.
While I appreciate the effort these couch hounds put into their little lists, I think there are a bit too many of them. Just a simple ode to one's favorite might be a better idea. Or an open letter to one's unfavorite — such as "Real Housewives, How About Showing Up for Court?"
However, Tim Goodman's a standout. He could not be more right. Jon Hamm "is the show": ladies and gentlemen, meet the man who hearts Jon more than I do. Or you do. I want to give my hometown critic a big kiss, for showing our man and our show the love.
As for my BasketLadies: this is the first blog I check every morning, the last one I check every night. It will be this way for as long as you keep it going. I love it, and you.
Deborah, Roberta, and all the BasketCases:
2009 has been a lot more interesting thanks to you all! Sending special holiday kisses your way…
And for Matt Weiner, plus all the cast who might be dropping by BoK, more respect, admiration and appreciation than you can imagine.
Best wishes to everyone, safe travels and looking forward to much more quality conversation in 2010!
Roberta, you're very welcome!
I am astonished by all this outpouring of affection. I am having chest pains and have coated myself with tea tree oil. Your words could not be more soothing.
I was reading something else about this on another blog. Interesting. Your linear perspective on it is diametrically contradicted to what I read to begin with. I am still pondering over the opposite points of view, but I'm inclined heavily toward yours. And no matter, that's what is so good about contemporary democracy and the marketplace of thoughts on-line.