Who is Don Draper at the End of “Mad Men”? Is He Static in a World Roiling With Change?
Don Draper is the fulcrum around which the world of Mad Men pivots. Don’s mastery of deception, in both his personal and professional lives, weaves through the entire series. In the seventh and…
How Do the Set Decorators and Art Department on “Mad Men” Handle Time Transitions?
The Mad Men writers aren’t the only storytellers on staff. The set designers and decorators use subtle clues to propel the narrative forward throughout the series from 1960 where to the show…
Is Betty (Draper) Francis Don’s Quintessential Customer in “Mad Men”?
Betty (Draper) Francis' lung cancer diagnosis in the penultimate episode of Mad Men is a little on the nose. Cigarettes are almost worthy of a credit as series regular in the cast and some of…
What Happens to the “Mad Men” Women?
While "Mad Men" is, undoubtedly, Don Draper’s story, the series has always provided viewers with complicated, diverse, and challenging female characters. In the final season, viewers…
What Happened to Don Draper at the End of “Mad Men?” Did He Create the Iconic Coke Ad?
In the near final scene of the season finale of "Mad Men," Don Draper sits cross-legged with the Pacific Ocean behind him. He looks contented, cleansed and rejuvenated. Arguably, the…
Why is “Bloodline” Broken into ‘Parts’ Instead of Episodes?
"Bloodline" has followed in the footsteps of its Netflix studio-mate "House of Cards" by titling each story segment as something other than an episode
What Classifies “Bloodline” as Noir Television?
Netflix original series "Bloodline" is the latest in a group of dark, noir serialized dramas that includes shows like "True Detective" and "Ray Donovan."…
How Do the Camera Angles on “Bloodline” Complement the Storytelling?
"Bloodline" capitalizes on the elements of visual storytelling to use the camera and the cinematography to enhance and propel the narrative arc of the series.
How Does “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Demonstrate a Positive Approach to Overcoming Trauma?
"Kimmy Schmidt" has been praised for its positive approach to dealing with overcoming trauma.
Does “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Take Jabs at the Way the Media Responds to Survivors of Trauma?
"Kimmy Schmidt" takes jabs at how the media represents victims and survivors of terrible situations. Yet, the satirical nature of the show conveys this message in such a way that does not…
Does HBO’s “Silicon Valley” Suffer From the Same Gender Biases as the Real Life Silicon Valley?
Do the underdeveloped female characters in a show that already lacks women indicate that "Silicon Valley" is a little too much like its namesake?
What Commentary Does “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Offer on Privileged Upper-Class Lifestyles?
"The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" takes a sarcastic look at the stereotypical behaviors of rich, privileged, upper class Manhattanites. Yet, in parodying their outrageous behaviors and…