"Mad Men" was not a television ratings sensation when it debuted on July 19, 2007, nor was it the rapturously praised critics' darling it would become over subsequent seasons. While it wasn't under-promoted, AMC was best known at the time as the anti-TCM, i.e. an airer of popular contemporary films broken up by commercials. It was a big hit with dads craving casual weekend viewing from the comfort of their couch.

While I was aware of "Mad Men" during its first season, I didn't feel compelled to add it to my Peak TV diet of "The Sopranos," "The Wire," "The Shield," and a handful of other shows. But a few months later, when I saw the season 1 DVD marked way down at a Barnes & Noble, I bought it on a whim. If nothing else, I'd probably enjoy a stylish drama set in the New York City adve

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