Why the Moms of “Mad Men” Fascinate Us So Much

April 28, 2015

I’ll tell you why:

1. They’re often objectified, exploited minorities in their world, fighting the good (and sometimes downright dirty) fight to shatter their own particular glass ceilings, in hopes of being seen, heard, and respected. Simply, underdogs are fun to watch, and the cards have been stacked against these ingenious, cunning gals from the start.

2. Underdogs were never so GLAM. The hair, the clothes, the shoes, the gems, the homes. Hell, even when Peggy’s office ensemble resembles something Velma from “Scooby-Doo” would wear, there’s still something undeniably fetching about it. And is there a woman on the planet who wouldn’t trade her closet for Betty’s or Joan’s? Me thinks not.

3. They’re moms. Complicated, screwed up, well-intentioned, often-in-over-their-heads moms — maybe not so unlike you and me and our neighbors and girlfriends and sisters, right?

Let’s dive into the maternal madness and find out!

1. Betty Draper Francis

Mother to Sally, Bobby, and Gene, played by January Jones

Parenting Style: Dismissive, selfish, and sarcastic. When she is occasionally warm or attentive, it’s so out of character, it’s actually off-putting. Also, I mean seriously, what rich New York politician’s housewife (with a maid, housekeeper, nanny, and groundskeeper) has the time/energy to pay attention to her children? Let’s just say the TV is on A LOT in the Francis household.

Priorities: Her image, attracting the attention of other men and boys, and avoiding the obvious reality that she’s still unsure of who she is or what she’d really like out of life.

Vices: Cigarettes and cocktails. All. Day. Long. (We won’t go into that brief “Fat Betty” stage.)

Quintessential Mom Quote: “Go to your room.”

2. Marie Calvet

Mother to Megan, played by Julia Ormond

Parenting Style: Boss, nag, push, and guilt, even when it’s flagrantly hypocritical. (Maman knows best… period!)

Priorities: Living it up (in serious style) at high-end events where she can banter and flirt with wealthy, fascinating men (so long as he’s not her husband).

Vices: Cigs, cocktails, bossing around grown children, and cheating on her husband (particularly with Roger Sterling).

Quintessential Mom Quote: “Not every little girl can do what she wants; the world cannot support that many ballerinas.”

Abbey Cleland writes fiction, TV, film, and essays. Her work’s appeared on Lifetime, Hallmark Movie Channel, and PixL networks, while she continues to write, develop, and consult for other production companies and studios. One of her romantic comedies is currently in pre-production, with plans for a theatrical release. In 2014, she completed an MFA in Fiction. Her master’s thesis, an upmarket women’s comedic novel, is being considered for publication.
Abbey’s a big believer in the power of purposeful words, as well as brunch, Belvedere Vodka, and espresso. When she isn’t writing, reading, watching baseball, or contemplating if she can muster the energy for Pilates, Abbey’s soaking up time with her much-adored husband, Anthony, or feline office mate, Louisa May Al-Cat. She's also very much looking forward to becoming a mom in July 2015. Follow Abbey on her website, as well as Facebook and Instagram.