MadMen

Today I want to write about taking time for downtime, hobbies and fun; I think these are important components to our overall health and wellness. Having a hobby, laughing and enjoying your life are sometimes just as important as eating broccoli!

While I believe and teach the above statement, truth be told I really just want to justify writing about the TV show, Madmen, on my health blog.

MadMen is my latest “leisure downtime activity”. I have been absolutely mesmerized and captivated by this series. In fact, I’m going to go as far to say it is my favorite TV show EVER!

Sunday night MadMen won the Golden Globe for the best drama series on television for the second year in a row. If you haven’t seen Madmen it is about advertising executives working on Madison Avenue in the early 1960’s. The series authentically (and often unpleasantly) depicts the roles of men and women in this era while exploring the true human nature beneath the guise of 1960s traditional family values. There are multiple layers, dimensions and story lines to each character. The in office drinking and smoking (cultural norm at the time), blatant sexism and disturbing power imbalances are fascinating. I’ve been watching the show with my boyfriend, and we’ve had some lengthy conversations about the interesting issues that arise in each episode. There are so many things to consider regarding relationships, gender roles, and various choices each character is making. It is riveting. I can’t wait to get all the way through Season 2, but then I don’t want it to end. We downloaded the episodes from iTunes and we’re trying to pace our viewing time because July seems so far away before the new season begins again.

Season 3 will begin July 27, 2009. It will be on the AMC cable network on Sunday nights. If you need something to do in your “winter downtime” go rent/download season 1 and 2 of MadMen, then you’ll be salivating like me waiting for Season 3 to begin.

MadMen has become my latest go-to leisure activity. While the characters are not role models for “healthy living”, their drama is a form of momentary escape and a way to unwind if you’ve had a long, stressful day. It also makes for stimulating conversation when you watch it with other people!

Here’s a quick video critique about MadMen and here’s the official MadMen website.