The most polarizing offering from Mad Men in 2013 was also its best. Actually, there's a case to be made that it was the best episode of television this year given it's ability to suck viewers into its world, not let go for an hour, then leave them talking about it for days afterwards. It opens with a car crash and what ensues is some bizarre fever dream where everyone is on amphetamines and chaos erupts around the office. Ken Cosgrove is tap dancing, random girls are showing up in Don's office (not that that's unusual I suppose), Draper is giving inspirational speeches like it was the good ol' days, and no part of it feels purely real. It's an all-around bewildering piece of television, one that actually makes you feel like you took a shot with the characters and now you've got to wait for it to wear off. Any time a show can suck you in and make you truly wonder what you're watching and what it all means, it's an accomplishment. We consume the medium oftentimes with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone in hand and someone sitting next to us to talk to. When none of that matters and you're only focused on what's happening in the universe of the show, it speaks volumes. "The Crash" did that better than anything on television in 2013. Why It's On The List: It's breakneck pace and jarring cuts made it a unique viewing experience, but in a show that rewards the most careful of viewers it was the sheer surrealism of the experience that made it unforgettable. Mad Men is a show that you watch with a distinguished eye, one founded on the drama between moments. Even the most veteran viewers were thrown for a loop with this one.
Freelance writer situated on the east coast of Canada. Ten years writing pop culture, sports, news, and anything else that people will read. Follow me on Twitter @matthewjryder!
