In the world of high-stakes advertising and tempestuous office romances that define “Mad Men,” Don Draper has always been the epitome of the charismatic, troubled anti-hero. Known for his sharp suits and even sharper maneuvers in both business and personal affairs, Don, portrayed by Jon Hamm, has captivated audiences with his complex personality and morally ambiguous choices. However, Season 5 of “Mad Men” presented a stark departure from the Don viewers thought they knew, as he exhibited an unexpected loyalty to his new wife, Megan. This shift sparked intense reactions from fans, suggesting that Don’s infidelity was not just a character trait, but a pivotal element of the show’s drama.
The Fan’s Dilemma: Discomfort with Stability
According to Matthew Weiner, the show’s creator, this season left viewers feeling robbed of the “beautifully chaotic mess” that was Don’s life. Fans had become accustomed to his endless affairs, existential crises, and emotional turmoil. When these elements gave way to marital stability, it didn’t feel like growth; it felt like the show had lost its essence. Weiner shared with Time that the audience’s reaction was one of discomfort, noting, “I can’t take my cues from the audience anyway, because the one thing they hated the most was him being faithful to Megan. They were just tortured by that. People felt that we had taken the tension out of the show.”
This reaction underscores a fascinating aspect of viewer engagement with anti-heroes. Audiences were more disturbed by Don’s fidelity than his betrayals, highlighting a complex relationship between viewers and flawed characters. The discomfort suggests that fans were not merely watching for entertainment but were deeply invested in the turbulent journey of Don’s character.
The Return to Form: When Don Draper Reverts
True to the cyclical nature of his character, Don’s commitment did not last. As Megan grew more independent, asserting her own identity and desires, Don’s old habits resurfaced. The return of his self-destructive patterns was almost a relief to viewers, reinstating the familiar drama of illicit romances and professional blunders. Weiner’s portrayal of Don’s reaction to Megan’s independence reveals a profound commentary on Don’s psychological makeup—his need for control masquerading as romantic involvement.
The reintroduction of Don’s flaws through his affair with Sylvia further emphasizes this dynamic. Initially uninterested, Don’s obsession grew only after Sylvia’s rejection, a pattern that highlights his deeper motivations and the inevitability of his self-sabotage. This pivot back to chaos restored the show’s original tension and reaffirmed the essential themes of “Mad Men”: the exploration of identity, the illusion of control, and the self-perpetuating nature of personal demons.
The Integral Role of Flaws in “Mad Men”
The audience’s reaction to Don Draper’s brief period of fidelity in “Mad Men” reveals a broader truth about storytelling and character development in modern television. Viewers are not just passive recipients; they actively engage with the narrative, often finding comfort in character consistency, even if it is rooted in flaws. The essential tension that Weiner masterfully maintained through Don’s infidelities isn’t just a plot mechanism; it’s a mirror to the human condition—our fascination with the flawed, the unpredictable, and the morally ambiguous.
In “Mad Men,” Don Draper’s journey through the highs and lows of his personal and professional life offers more than just entertainment. It serves as a complex study of a man who is perpetually at odds with himself, struggling between who he is and who he ought to be. This narrative, rich with conflict and contradiction, continues to resonate with audiences, affirming the show’s enduring appeal and its place in the pantheon of great American television dramas.