Mad Men Season 5 May Cut Two Characters

Mad Men May Lose Two Cast Members: Who Would You Cut?

March 29, 2011

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The drama of Mad Men has leaped from the screen to a real-life dilemma. After we heard last week that the show may not return until 2012, AMC has released a statement that confirms the push, saying, "While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, Mad Men will be back for a fifth season in early 2012." Negotiations continue between AMC and series creator Matthew Weiner, who has been asked to cut two minutes off of the running time and eliminate two series regulars. Weiner contends that both changes would make Mad Men "a different show," and I have to agree. However, if the cast does get trimmed as a necessity, then I think we should take a look at each regular character and vote on which member of the ensemble the show could stand to lose.

Photos courtesy of AMC

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20 Comments

3grand 1 year 11 weeks

I don,t want to exclude anyone. But if you must, I say January jones.

Claire Underwear 2 years 6 weeks

can they get rid of Trudy Campbell instead? Is she considered a regular?

2 years 6 weeks

What is going on with AMC. They began their original series with such enthusiasm and have created great, thought provoking shows that one does not see on major networks. Of course, these cost more to produce than the monotonous reality shows now proliferating the commercial networks. However, now begins my disappointments in AMC canceling Rubicon, which admittedly started off weakly, but had built up to becoming an awsome, intellectual series. What a shame to cancel after the first season when things were starting to get extremely interesting with character development and conspiritorial plot. Now Mad Men is being cut down for profitability. What's next? You want to save money, drop Walking Dead!

2 years 6 weeks

Kill off Don, he is an annoying self destructive idiot, 2nd choice any of the secretaries maybe they can both drive off a cliff together. Or that creepy kid that keeps sniffing around Sally he needs to go!

2 years 6 weeks

This show certainly has proven to be one of the finest ENSEMBLE series ever presented on television. I just discovered this show & is excellent Acting cast (not a weak link aongst them!!) 1 month ago, ordered the 4 seasons & MADE the time to immerse myself in the incredibly veristic world of MAD MEN. Without a doubt, the writing has been consistent and often superb, with one major cavil: the storyline that resulted in the firing of the Art Director, SAL. Apart from an intense storyline, fraught with opportunities to explore shifting-but-still-dangerous attitudes towards Gays during that period (and their -Sal's - muted evolution), there's this: The idea that such a Wealthy,influential, & CLOSETED Client would RISK being known by ANYONE in the BIZ WORLD during that period (hence his demand to Harry for secrecy) as a Homosexual is incredulous, and once he left the meeting so abruptly, it practically begged for the REAL reason why?!? Which is my question - and the answer to the poll question. Why eliminate a unique character with a similarly singular storyline, when you have Roger Sterling, whose overall storyline (politics, love-life, and overall usefulness to the Firm) has been the most contrived - PRE -Sal's firing. Then the daughter's wedding, former girlfriend with dogfood acct,etc & accompanying storylines in season 3 were FLOSS. Season 4 proved to be even more contrived. Also, regrettably, I agree that Harry could be replaced, with Joan, rightfully assuming duties she showed such great aptitude for earlier. Also a subtle move towards feminism is enticing. Finally, a choice between returning Sal to the show vs. the permanent absence of either Lane or Bert (in that order) should be a no-brainer. Many shows have cameo returns by established characters - a device that must be used judiciously in order to be convincing. On a different note, I wish to thank this website for allowing me to express my opinions (long though they be) about this intriguing show. I RARELY send comments, but hope that those who feel strongest will lobby AMC & Mr. Weiner to consider this Poll, and the sentiments of their viewership.

jennifur106 2 years 6 weeks

Betty! I love her character as it adds to Dons life, but she can go at this point. Ive come to really love Trudy(first i thought she was a spoiled brat but now i love her!) but her presence wouldnt be a huge loss either.

jennifur106 2 years 6 weeks

WeTheLiving 2 years 6 weeks

I think Betty is important to the story and won't be out of Don's life and I've always liked Harry. I'm not a big fan of Roger, he's kinda boring. I think Bert is important for the occasional wisdom, but Ken isn't really necessary. Still, I think it sucks to cut anyone.

2 years 7 weeks

Betty! Can't STAND her. Although I hate to say it, maybe it's time for Bert to go. I miss Sal SO much. I guess these cuts mean he won't be coming back to the show. Bummer.

stephaniepoli 2 years 7 weeks

Betty scares the crap out of me. I feel so bad for poor little Sally. She should get cut!

SamanthaBaker 2 years 7 weeks

Harry Crane has always been the least interesting. And get rid of Betty, nowhere to go with her.

dreamalittledream 2 years 7 weeks

UGH! I feel like the studio and Weiner are being greedy here. I don't want them to cut anyone, in fact, I want them BRING BACK SAL! But, if push came to shove, maybe they would kill off Roger? He has a heart problem, and his story has wound down...I hope they don't cut any of the cast though!

ChelMarie 2 years 7 weeks

Okay, reading further details of this matter elsewhere, you guys forgot to mention that greedy Weiner is demanding 30 million dollars per year! No wonder AMC is being forced to up their ad time and is asking for him to cut cast members. AMC was offering him 10 million per season which is entirely reasonable. Self-important Weiner is the one being selfish and he's going to ruin Mad Men because of it.

jesssa 2 years 7 weeks

don't want to see anyone go! esp. not any of these characters.... they are a true ensemble cast... each one's story is so delicately and intricately intertwined; i love the way the plots unfold, so slow and twisted, it's the most satisfying tv torture! you need to have all of these characters to fill out each plot.

Annie Scudder 2 years 7 weeks

Rude!

Annie Scudder 2 years 7 weeks

Rude!

2 years 7 weeks

Bert and Lane!

onlysourcherry 2 years 7 weeks

It's pretty ridic that AMC is making any demands on Weiner at all.. Mad Men is the show they owe most of their recent success to.

lilkimbo 2 years 7 weeks

I'd also really hate to see any of these characters go, but if push came to shove, I would say Bert and Harry. Depending on where Joan's storyline takes her (in terms of whether she keeps working after having the baby, etc.), I think if something were to happen to Harry it would be interesting to see Joan take over some of his responsibilities.

ChelMarie 2 years 7 weeks

I'd hate to see any of those characters be cut, they altogether make Mad Men the great show it is, but I guess if forced, I'd say Bert and Lane. Most of the others are all too important to lose.