Golden Age TV Drama Anti-Hero Analysis

Photo Credit: ET Online

As of this month, I can officially boast that I have watched all four of the greatest golden age dramas: The Sopranos, Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Wire.  Coincidentally, all four of the greatest television dramas feature 'anti heroes' as their protagonists.

I don't necessarily pooh-pooh on amoral protagonists, otherwise, why read literature like Wuthering Heights?  As long as we dismiss imitating and glamorizing these troubled characters, we can further contemplate and probe mankind with all of its deficiencies.

Instead of ranking each show, (because that would be much too difficult and cliche), I will instead examine each of the four proverbial anti-heroes:

Tony Soprano - The Sopranos 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Deadly Weapon: Sociopathic tendencies

Weakness: Animals (particularly ducks), and classic movies

Villain Ranking: 10

Don Draper - Mad Men

Photo Credit: Sundance TV

Deadly Weapon: Ladykiller looks

Weakness: Work and an Old Fashioned

Villain Ranking: 7.4

Walter White - Breaking Bad

Photo Credit: Spirit of Contradiction 

Deadly Weapon: Book smarts and a borderline personality disorder

Weakness: Living dangerously

Villain Ranking: 9.8

Jimmy McNulty - The Wire

Photo Credit: Quotes Gram

Deadly Weapon: Undeniable charm
Weakness: Flogging Molly and booze
Villain Ranking: 6.8



Which of the four shows are your favorite?  And why?

Mad Men Cocktail Recipes for Your Final Season Premiere Party

Let's raise our glasses to the final half season of Mad Men, shall we?  You don't have to work on Madison Ave to concoct the perfect cocktail.  I have included some incredibly easy and simple (though certainly not dull) cocktails for your Mad Men final season premiere party.


Black Russian inspired by Don Draper:

Instead of asking "Who is Don Draper?" perhaps we should be asking "Which drink best represents Don Draper?"  Draper has traditionally been drawn towards classic Old Fashioned.  Although an Old Fashioned suits him, I've selected a Black Russian recipe to shake things up.  In all honesty though, perhaps Don should learn how to take his coffee in the mornings without liquor.  Yikes.

What You'll Need:

1 3/4 ounces vodka

3/4 ounce coffee liqueur

For further instructions visit: About Food

Champagne Sherbet Punch Inspired By Pete Campbell and Peggy Olsen:

During the early days of Sterling Cooper, both Pete Campbell and Peggy Olsen signified youth and the promise of tomorrow.  Although they are occasionally eager to please, these characters also embody a certain tartness that can be represented in the Champagne Sherbet Punch photographed below.

What You'll Need:

- 2 bottles of champagne

- 1 bottle white wine

- 1 quart sherbet (lemon)

For further instructions visit: Bar None Drinks

Vodka Gimlet inspired by Betty Francis:

The Vodka Gimlet is (and always has been) Betty Francis' signature drink.  If you are looking for a mildly sweet but sour tang (like Betty herself), this cocktail may become your default selection as well.

What You'll Need:

1 1/2 ounce gin or vodka

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce simple syrup

Ice cubes

For further instructions visit: Table Spoon

Cocktail Playlist

You Only Live Twice - Nancy Sinatra
Blue In Green - Miles Davis
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield
Going Out of My Head - Sergio Mendes
Bonnie & Clyde - Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot
Words of Love - Mamas and Papas
Zou Bisou Bisou - Gillian Hills
Don't Think Twice It's Alright - Bob Dylan
A Beautiful Mine - RJD2



The final season of Mad Men premieres on April 5th at 10/9c on AMC.