The big day is finally here: Mad Men is officially streaming on HBO Max in 4K as of December 1, and I, for one, am extremely ready to revisit the slick-haired, cigarette-smoking, Scotch-drinking world of Don Draper and company. (It’s no wonder I once threw a Mad Men-themed holiday party in my college dorm, where I made ‘60s-style Grasshoppers that nearly gave everyone alcohol poisoning.)
Below, find every single thought I had about Season 1, Episode 1 of Mad Men, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”:
It’s that dreamy little falling-businessman song!
Wow, we really used to be a proper country.
(Referring to when this show aired, not the era it portrays.)
I know ‘60s bars wouldn’t necessarily have been welcoming to me as a plus-size gay woman, but I can’t help admiring their lively atmosphere anyway.
I forgot that the full sentence “I love smoking” is spoken within the first two minutes of this pilot.
Also: “Ladies love their magazines.”
I feel a little called out by that one, as someone with a 2000s-era YM and a 1979 People magazine featuring Miss Piggy on the cover currently headed to my apartment via eBay.
Midge! My wife! My original tough-brunette archetype!
Taking notes on Midge’s apartment decor for my own studio.
This drafting table, for instance, is amazing.
The line “I love you, Grandma” has never been so strangely alluring.
“I don’t make plans, and I don’t make breakfast.” Iconic.
How did women not snap and commit mass murder against men more often in the ‘60s?
Aw, it’s Hildy!
“I have an important appointment right now, so why don’t you go shopping or something?” I wouldn’t want a man to talk to me like that, but a woman absolutely could and should.
Okay, the woman in the framed photo in Pete’s office is not the Trudy Campbell we know and love, so clearly they hadn’t cast Alison Brie yet.
We love a minor continuity error, don’t we, folks?
Joan Holloway, everyone! We are so back.
“Also, men love scarves.” LOL.
Is that… actually true?
Ah, casual antisemitism—the bread and butter (or… Wonder Bread and Jell-O?) of the ‘60s.
The level of gay energy Salvatore is serving from the very first episode is truly remarkable.
Like… if I were a closeted ad man in the ‘60s, I might not submit sketch drafts of my shirtless male neighbor, but hey, I don’t know his life!
This German woman is terrifying.
Wait, is she… Viennese?
Am I as clueless as these ‘60s ad executives?
Thanatopsis time!
In many ways, Peggy Olson pioneered Bushwick bangs.
Or are we calling them Ramy bangs now?
God, Pete is such a creep.
I could watch an eight-hour supercut of Don shutting down Pete’s nauseating “frat house” misogyny.
My God, this show is really a collection of captivating brunettes, isn’t it?
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.
Aw, I love that Joan sent Peggy to her gynecologist! Girls supporting girls.
That said, the mere thought of being in 1960s-era stirrups makes me want to die a little.
I desperately want to shop at Rachel Menken’s department store, and no, that’s not entirely a euphemism.
Yay, more of Don humiliating Pete.
I really feel like I could have befriended the Sterling Cooper phone operator girls, especially the one played by Kristen Schaal.
I want to work at Lucky Strike’s self-funded Tobacco Research Center.
Actually, that was probably the one workplace in 1960s America more sexist than Sterling Cooper, so never mind.
“No, everybody else’s tobacco is poisonous. Lucky Strike’s is toasted.” And that’s why they pay him the big bucks, baby.
“It’s not like there’s some magic machine that makes identical copies of things.” Cue the dramatic irony!
Oh God, Peggy, don’t make a move on Don. That’s your future work wife!
God, transport me to a ‘60s strip club, stat.
Or at least the store where the strippers buy their lingerie.I mean, those tassels on her top!
I really can’t stand Pete.
I have to admire Rachel Menken’s drink choice: a Mai Tai loaded with fruit and a little umbrella.
And this hairstyle is absolutely fantastic, too.
Don is really channeling a Jewish mother as he lectures Rachel about why she isn’t married, isn’t he?
Ugh, Pete seducing Peggy might be the worst thing he does in this pilot, which is already full of his awful behavior.
Once again… rise up and take down the men, women of the ’60s!
I’m totally on Marjorie’s side, Peggy’s judgmental roommate.
Aaaaaand… there’s the wife reveal!
Welcome to the show, Betty! Your husband is terrible, but he is very good-looking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs based on the concept of thoughts while rewatching a favorite show or movie
FAQs About Rewatching Shows Movies
Beginner General Questions
1 Why do people rewatch shows and movies theyve already seen
People rewatch for comfort nostalgia to catch details they missed to feel a sense of mastery or simply because they enjoy the experience as much as the first time
2 Isnt it boring to watch something when you know what happens
Not usually Knowing the plot allows you to focus on different elements like acting cinematography foreshadowing and character development that you might have overlooked
3 What are the benefits of rewatching
Benefits include reduced anxiety deeper appreciation for the craft discovering new layers and it can be a highly comforting ritualistic activity
4 What makes a show or movie rewatchable
Strong characters witty dialogue complex plots with foreshadowing a rich world or a particular comforting vibe
5 Is it weird to have so many thoughts during a rewatch
Not at all Its extremely common Your perspective changes over time so you notice new things and have different reactions to scenes youve seen before
Advanced Analytical Questions
6 Whats the difference between a first watch and a rewatch mindset
A first watch is about plot discovery and surprise A rewatch is about pattern recognition analysis and emotional resonance without the tension of the unknown
7 Why do I notice plot holes or inconsistencies only on a rewatch
On a first watch youre carried by the narrative flow On a rewatch youre no longer distracted by what happens next so logical flaws or continuity errors become more apparent
8 How can rewatching make me a better critic or storyteller
It allows you to deconstruct how a story is builtseeing setup and payoff understanding character arcs from start to finish and analyzing directorial choices with full context
9 Why do some scenes hit harder emotionally during a rewatch
Because you have full knowledge of the characters journeys and endings A happy early scene can feel bittersweet or a tragic moment can feel more profound because you know its