Ep 1. Time Zones

The highly acclaimed and critically acclaimed show Mad Men returns for its seventh and final season with an episode entitled "Time Zones." The series, which has been a fan favorite since it first premiered in 2007, is set against the backdrop of the advertising world in the 1960s and follows the lives of the executives at the fictional Madison Avenue agency of Sterling Cooper & Partners.

The episode begins with a series of vignettes, each highlighting a different character, as they navigate the changes and challenges of 1969. Don Draper, the series' central figure, has relocated to Los Angeles, leaving behind his colleagues and the city he knows so well. Meanwhile, his former protégé, Peggy Olson, struggles to keep her professional and personal lives in balance as she takes on new responsibilities in the office and deals with the absence of her boyfriend, Abe.

The year 1969 was a period of significant change in the United States, and Mad Men's writers skillfully weave these historical events into the narrative. The episode touches on everything from the escalating tensions in Vietnam to the excitement surrounding the moon landing. The characters, too, are changing with the times. Don, who has always been something of an enigma, is exploring new facets of his personality in the West Coast. Peggy is grappling with the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated workplace. And Betty Francis, the former Mrs. Don Draper, is embracing a new role as a student and activist.

As is typical of Mad Men, the episode is filled with clever dialogue, stylish costumes, and stunning production design. The attention to detail is particularly impressive, as the show's creators have meticulously recreated the look and feel of the late 1960s. From the costumes to the set design, everything feels authentic and evocative.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is the way the characters are forced to confront their own mortality. Roger Sterling, the charming (and often inscrutable) partner at Sterling Cooper & Partners, is coming to terms with his age and the realization that his hedonistic lifestyle can't continue indefinitely. This is mirrored in the storyline of Joan Harris, another partner at the agency who is dealing with the loss of her longtime companion.

Despite these heavy themes, the episode is shot through with moments of humor and lightness. The scenes between Don and his young wife, Megan, have a playful quality, even as they hint at deeper tensions between the two. And the interactions between the various characters are always entertaining, as they navigate the treacherous waters of office politics and personal relationships.

Overall, "Time Zones" is a strong start to Mad Men's final season, offering a glimpse of where the characters have been and where they might be headed. The show's trademark attention to detail, rich characterizations, and compelling storytelling are all on full display. Fans of the series will no doubt be left eager to see what comes next for these iconic characters.