I don’t know about you, but I am having a horrible temptation to read reviews and spoilers about season 4! Just one more week to go — Must. Resist. Spoilers! Hoping you can all deal with it too!
I haven't made any attempt to resist them. I know at which point in time we start off, the living situations of Don and Betty, where the new agency is located and the people who comprise it, as well as the four main plot points of the episode.
Not me, I don't mind spoilers. I've already read two articles, and heard one podcast that contain spoilers.
After all, I'm gonna watch the episodes over and over, anyway.
Besides I work on Sunday nights since last season, so I usually get back in time for second half of show: the shock of Guy getting his foot cut off was ruined because I came in at Roger's joke about same. Still gasped when I watched that pivotal moment, later.
If Mad Men were only plot driven, spoilers would bother me — however, since I view them as a work of literature, rewatching only gives me time to revel in subtext, atmosphere.
Glad the end of the pilot, and Peggy's pregnancy weren't spoiled for me, but spoilers don't usually give away the ending.
I've waited this long to find out what Season Four will bring us. I think I can manage to hold out another week.
But since we're on the topic of "spoilers" … Back when Season Three of AMC's other fine original drama, Breaking Bad, was getting under way, I stumbled upon a blog by Tim Goodman, "The Bastard Machine". Each week, his "Spoiled Bastard" column recapped that week's episode, speculated about what it all meant and invited comments from fans of the show.
Now, it wasn't quite Basket of Kisses caliber, mind you, but it really did add to my enjoyment and understanding of that show.
I understand that Goodman does the same thing for Mad Men each week and I just wanted to take a moment to recommend his efforts to any Basketcases who'd like to check it out.
I can never resist spoilers. I don't have cable, so I buy Mad Men through Amazon, and so I don't get to see each Sunday's episode until the following Monday evening. I generally spend Mondays at work reading the recaps. You'd think I could wait just a FEW HOURS, but no.
I had to read the spoilers as well….wish I hadn't….one was a mistake, and then another because I had already been spoiled. Everybody please resist. Take my advice. You want to keep that door closed and your dresses on!
I really don't mind them. Since they keep such a tight leash on information, the stuff that does leak is so insubstantial that I don't think it even qualifies as spoilers. Rudimentary information about the story setting (year, location, etc.) doesn't spoil anything.
I usually don't mind spoilers, for Buffy I was an avid spoiler-hound, but I accidentally read some Mad Men spoilers a few days ago and I wish I hadn't.
I'm pretty good about avoiding spoilers for shows in their original run. I'm often a late-adapter & don't try to stay virgin for shows that have been around a while; I learned about many Buffy plot twists before I finally decided that teenage vampire killer show might be worth my time.
I'm eagerly awaiting the Doctor Who Season Finale this Saturday, even though the 'net is full of spoilers from Brits & Those Who Torrent. But I'm more eager for Mad Men!
Alan Sepinwall, in my opinion, is the only TV critic who fully "gets" Mad Men, and as such, is really the first guy whose reviews you should be reading. You can check out the complete archive of all his Mad Men-related writings on his blog: http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20…
He started writing for HitFix a few months ago, so that's the site where his reviews for season 4 will be posted.
He also dislikes True Blood and Dexter, which gives him extra points in my book. Two horrible melodramas.
I just took a look at the NYT article in the links at left. I do not feel the worse for it. In fact I'd say it just raises my anticipation. Sure, it mentions when the series picks up again – so what? – and a few interesting pointers that it relates (perhaps a bit tenuously) to the changes in the period. There's nothing that genuinely spoils anything for me, because you don't see the life of the characters, nor any important plot points. (Well, I guess there is *one* plot point that people have wondered over, but honestly it's exactly what you'd expect and does not preclude it changing completely again during the course of the season.) Something to look forward to.
I'd be pretty surprised if Weiner et al are in any way disturbed by it: it probably keeps exactly to the rules of the game he set out. Well, who knows? We'll find out soon, I'm sure. after the premiere. Anyway, it just whetted my appetite for more and raised my interest. For anyone who isn't totally against spoilers, I'd recommend reading it.
Gah! I succumbed to temptation and started reading the NYT article. Had to stop after a couple of grafs — way too spoilery for me! I already know more that I wish I did about S4.1. Can't wait ti lnext Sunday!
This is a show that requires concentration and study to pick up all of the minute details. After seeing an episode for the first time, subsequent viewing allows me to look for what I missed the first time and think about how everything fits together. Spoilers not on only pique my curiosity, but allow me to pick up more of the subtly of each episode. In my case, spoilers prepare me for the episode.
Ha, I love that picture you chose, Therese. So appropriate.
I do read spoilers sometimes and I agree with those who said that the spoilers released for Mad Men are pretty inconsequential. At this point, I find it interesting to read casting-related stuff, stuff about new characters, etc. I probably wouldn't want to know any "big" spoilers. For instance, if I knew about the lawnmower incident in advance of watching Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency, I think the episode wouldn't have been so enjoyable for me.
Thanks MadChick — I was looking for Betty reacting to Oswald, but this worked even better!
Great to hear all of your responses! I did find out a little about it, I know what year it is, and a plot element if not a detail– but no more! I will just have to wait and see, but now, I really am excited about it!
I don't mind minor spoilers (like the year and month of the episode), and though I did succumb to temptation and read the Times article, nothing in it was a big surprise.
I love spoilers. It's fun to be in on the story ahead of time. And I've never read anything spoilery that ruined the show for me. I will watch and rewatch anyway.
I have been unbelievably good about spoilers for Mad Men. However, I suddenly have to go abroad for one week — and I leave Sunday!! I'll be back a few hours before the second episode! If it's repeated at 9 pm or on Hulu, or if I buy it on ITumes, I'll try to catch up before 10 pm! I have never before been separated from Don Draper — now I must bite the bullet. Torture!!
I found the link to the podcast with a minor spoiler in a comment on the AMC blog — since they're so resistant to spoilers on lippsisters, I erased it from my memory banks, immediately!
I stumbled into the NYT spoilers yesterday. (I was in the dark–didn't realize that their would be any out there. Duh.) I was unhappy–partly because I didn't want to know any facts and partly because a couple of my predictions were wrong! In my view, this is not the right way for MM to go–but, hey, no one has given *me* an Emmy for writing, so I'll watch and trust Matt Weiner.
#26–I agree. I started reading the NYT article and stopped reading a few paragraphs in. It ruined my afternoon yesterday. I can't believe they didn't warn that there were spoilers in the article…jerks.
My favorite line so far: "Apparently my upcoming #MadMen pre-review is spoilery, bc it in some way describes what I am reviewing. Avoid if that bothers you."
I wake up in the morning, and I look into Trudy’s eyes, and I think We’re supposed to be one person, but whatever I try all these things going on in my head she’s just another stranger. — Pete Campbell, The Hobo Code
I haven't made any attempt to resist them. I know at which point in time we start off, the living situations of Don and Betty, where the new agency is located and the people who comprise it, as well as the four main plot points of the episode.
Not me, I don't mind spoilers. I've already read two articles, and heard one podcast that contain spoilers.
After all, I'm gonna watch the episodes over and over, anyway.
Besides I work on Sunday nights since last season, so I usually get back in time for second half of show: the shock of Guy getting his foot cut off was ruined because I came in at Roger's joke about same. Still gasped when I watched that pivotal moment, later.
If Mad Men were only plot driven, spoilers would bother me — however, since I view them as a work of literature, rewatching only gives me time to revel in subtext, atmosphere.
Glad the end of the pilot, and Peggy's pregnancy weren't spoiled for me, but spoilers don't usually give away the ending.
Got any more spoilers?
Puhleeze? To quench my madman thirst.
I've waited this long to find out what Season Four will bring us. I think I can manage to hold out another week.
But since we're on the topic of "spoilers" … Back when Season Three of AMC's other fine original drama, Breaking Bad, was getting under way, I stumbled upon a blog by Tim Goodman, "The Bastard Machine". Each week, his "Spoiled Bastard" column recapped that week's episode, speculated about what it all meant and invited comments from fans of the show.
Now, it wasn't quite Basket of Kisses caliber, mind you, but it really did add to my enjoyment and understanding of that show.
I understand that Goodman does the same thing for Mad Men each week and I just wanted to take a moment to recommend his efforts to any Basketcases who'd like to check it out.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/tgoodman/inde…
I can never resist spoilers. I don't have cable, so I buy Mad Men through Amazon, and so I don't get to see each Sunday's episode until the following Monday evening. I generally spend Mondays at work reading the recaps. You'd think I could wait just a FEW HOURS, but no.
personally, I love spoilers. I am awful that way.
I had to read the spoilers as well….wish I hadn't….one was a mistake, and then another because I had already been spoiled. Everybody please resist. Take my advice. You want to keep that door closed and your dresses on!
I really don't mind them. Since they keep such a tight leash on information, the stuff that does leak is so insubstantial that I don't think it even qualifies as spoilers. Rudimentary information about the story setting (year, location, etc.) doesn't spoil anything.
I'm just so excited – just one more week!
I usually don't mind spoilers, for Buffy I was an avid spoiler-hound, but I accidentally read some Mad Men spoilers a few days ago and I wish I hadn't.
I'm pretty good about avoiding spoilers for shows in their original run. I'm often a late-adapter & don't try to stay virgin for shows that have been around a while; I learned about many Buffy plot twists before I finally decided that teenage vampire killer show might be worth my time.
I'm eagerly awaiting the Doctor Who Season Finale this Saturday, even though the 'net is full of spoilers from Brits & Those Who Torrent. But I'm more eager for Mad Men!
#4
Alan Sepinwall, in my opinion, is the only TV critic who fully "gets" Mad Men, and as such, is really the first guy whose reviews you should be reading. You can check out the complete archive of all his Mad Men-related writings on his blog: http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20…
He started writing for HitFix a few months ago, so that's the site where his reviews for season 4 will be posted.
He also dislikes True Blood and Dexter, which gives him extra points in my book. Two horrible melodramas.
where did this podcast come from freelancewoman? i love spoilers…
Last year I make a joke about a picture Rich Sommer posted on his blog, AND it turned out to be a major spoiler!
…this year I'm making no pre-season jokes!
I just took a look at the NYT article in the links at left. I do not feel the worse for it. In fact I'd say it just raises my anticipation. Sure, it mentions when the series picks up again – so what? – and a few interesting pointers that it relates (perhaps a bit tenuously) to the changes in the period. There's nothing that genuinely spoils anything for me, because you don't see the life of the characters, nor any important plot points. (Well, I guess there is *one* plot point that people have wondered over, but honestly it's exactly what you'd expect and does not preclude it changing completely again during the course of the season.) Something to look forward to.
I'd be pretty surprised if Weiner et al are in any way disturbed by it: it probably keeps exactly to the rules of the game he set out. Well, who knows? We'll find out soon, I'm sure. after the premiere. Anyway, it just whetted my appetite for more and raised my interest. For anyone who isn't totally against spoilers, I'd recommend reading it.
Gah! I succumbed to temptation and started reading the NYT article. Had to stop after a couple of grafs — way too spoilery for me! I already know more that I wish I did about S4.1. Can't wait ti lnext Sunday!
This is a show that requires concentration and study to pick up all of the minute details. After seeing an episode for the first time, subsequent viewing allows me to look for what I missed the first time and think about how everything fits together. Spoilers not on only pique my curiosity, but allow me to pick up more of the subtly of each episode. In my case, spoilers prepare me for the episode.
Ha, I love that picture you chose, Therese. So appropriate.
I do read spoilers sometimes and I agree with those who said that the spoilers released for Mad Men are pretty inconsequential. At this point, I find it interesting to read casting-related stuff, stuff about new characters, etc. I probably wouldn't want to know any "big" spoilers. For instance, if I knew about the lawnmower incident in advance of watching Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency, I think the episode wouldn't have been so enjoyable for me.
Thanks MadChick — I was looking for Betty reacting to Oswald, but this worked even better!
Great to hear all of your responses! I did find out a little about it, I know what year it is, and a plot element if not a detail– but no more! I will just have to wait and see, but now, I really am excited about it!
I don't mind minor spoilers (like the year and month of the episode), and though I did succumb to temptation and read the Times article, nothing in it was a big surprise.
I love spoilers. It's fun to be in on the story ahead of time. And I've never read anything spoilery that ruined the show for me. I will watch and rewatch anyway.
I've read every single thing I can get my hands on, cause I'm a crazy junkie with no control.
I have been unbelievably good about spoilers for Mad Men. However, I suddenly have to go abroad for one week — and I leave Sunday!! I'll be back a few hours before the second episode! If it's repeated at 9 pm or on Hulu, or if I buy it on ITumes, I'll try to catch up before 10 pm! I have never before been separated from Don Draper — now I must bite the bullet. Torture!!
I found the link to the podcast with a minor spoiler in a comment on the AMC blog — since they're so resistant to spoilers on lippsisters, I erased it from my memory banks, immediately!
But I'm also not sure it's worth digging for…
A bit of a spoiler in the Salon piece you'll find under Basketcase Links in the left hand column.
I stumbled into the NYT spoilers yesterday. (I was in the dark–didn't realize that their would be any out there. Duh.) I was unhappy–partly because I didn't want to know any facts and partly because a couple of my predictions were wrong! In my view, this is not the right way for MM to go–but, hey, no one has given *me* an Emmy for writing, so I'll watch and trust Matt Weiner.
I am a spoiler whore.
Can't stand them and they are so hard to avoid. I like to be surprised, which is very difficult in our information age.
#26–I agree. I started reading the NYT article and stopped reading a few paragraphs in. It ruined my afternoon yesterday. I can't believe they didn't warn that there were spoilers in the article…jerks.
I read the NYT and Salon articles and didn't see anything to ruin my experience. Very minor spoilerettes, nothing big.
Heh, a bunch of TV critics are currently getting into a pissing match on Twitter over the sanctity of describing Mad Men's plot in a review:
http://twitter.com/poniewozik http://twitter.com/sepinwall http://twitter.com/hitfixdaniel http://twitter.com/nprmonkeysee http://twitter.com/memles
My favorite line so far: "Apparently my upcoming #MadMen pre-review is spoilery, bc it in some way describes what I am reviewing. Avoid if that bothers you."
I love spoilers. The only time I almost regretted reading one was when I learned the plot of Guy Walks in…. a few hours before the episode aired.