THE GREAT PERSUADERS! 'MAD MEN' SEASON SIX.

The world according to Don Draper (Jon Hamm). MAD MEN returns. Image: AMC.

"Are you alone?"

Three little enticing words spoken from the lips of an inquisitive and beautiful single woman which act like the ultimate red rag to a bull. The "bull" in this case being the enigmatic, just can't help himself playboy that is sixties ad-man supreme, the cool demeanoured Don Draper-back on his sublime self-annihilistic course of self-distraction and pleasure, played once again to perfection by Jon Hamm, in the new sixth season of Matthew Weiner's critically acclaimed MAD MEN, back on SKY ATLANTIC HD from Wednesday 10th April, transporting us with ease to the dying world that is the stylish and evocative late sixties: a heady brew of neon, nicotine and nylons.

Draper's supposed to be a renewed man- seemingly happily married to a younger woman, Megan (Jessica Paré), herself on the eve of her own career, but the burnt out ashes of past mistakes in his life and career continue to haunt his self obsessed frame. His work at Sterling Cooper Draper proves more intense than ever, the competition both internally and externally closing in like a pack of tigers (his once secretary/protege, Peggy (Elisabeth Moss), now in a league of her own), whilst the suicide of his former colleague, Lane Pryce (Jared Harris), continues to exert a hefty toll of guilt on his mind and spirit.

Just where will the ever-changing and evolving march of time into the dreary early seventies send our chain-smoking, chain-drinking anti-hero? And as the series weaves itself towards its finale years, will he soon be on the endangered species list like so many of the once distinctive brands he helped to create?

Stylish, provocative and an intriguing time capsule of the men and women who made the world to their own image, MAD MEN continues to strike a chord with viewers, whom love their quality television sharply cut.

Mad Men Season 6 Sneak Peek [EXTENDED] - YouTube

Official AMC FACEBOOK page for the series: Mad Men

ALL WINDOW-DRESSING? 'MAD MEN' RETURNS!

Man in the mannequin mirror: Don Draper (Jon Hamm) sees new possibilities in MAD MEN season five. Images: AMC.

There's been hidden tears before bedtime, and alleged behind the scenes furores to mirror the kind of creative battles that that class act Frank Darabont had, and sadly ultimately lost, on THE WALKING DEAD, but the much anticipated, very long wait for super glossy, sixties world set MAD MEN is almost upon us. (Of which its secretive storylined season five has ultimately proved to be more resilient and stubborn against budget cut-backs and network interference (the modern-day equivalents to Zombie hordes?) thanks to the seemingly bullet-proof negotiating commands/threats initiated by its balls-to-the wall creator Matthew Weiner, against funders AMC).

Fans of series fave, advertising Svengali Don Draper (as played by the now TV series iconic figure of Golden Globe winning actor John Hamm), will soon see him back to what he does best in his slicked back prime: chair ensconced, cigarette firmly poised as the smoke smolders to the ceiling and the sharp glass of alcohol, backed with clinking ice, is restored to his hands as he and the team at the Sterling Cooper agency, always trying to keep one step ahead of the times and their competitors, conceive their next courageous and instinctive sales pitches, as well as further their battle of the sexes emotional and sexual campaigns, and trophy victories, in and out of both the boardroom and the bedroom. As the new plot lines emerge, can Draper's previous season engagement to secretary Megan (Jessica Pare) really go the distance? And as for his chilly, prior on the brink ex-wife, Betty (January Jones), how will her once embittered life further develop in its new reset button marriage? Oh, and how can we not forget the back in the game presence of that crafty talent Roger Sterling (John Slattery in a career best role) or the voluptuous presence of office managing red-headed leaguer Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks)?

Devil in a sharp suit: Don Draper (Jon Hamm).

A rose with thorns! Joan (Christina Hendricks) is most definitely back.

Matrimony's a bitch, and so am I! January Jones as Betty Francis.

Creative partnership: Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) and Don pose for the camera.

Trailers: Mad Men Season 5 Teaser Trailer - Sky Atlantic - YouTube
Mad Men - Season 5 Promo - YouTube
Mad Men - Season 5 - 'Roger Is Back' Teaser - YouTube
Mad Men - Season 5 - 'Joan Is Back' Teaser - YouTube
On Air Trailer, Betty Is Back: Mad Men - YouTube

The smoke filled aura of sixties style, amidst a clashing counter balancing act of hidden emotions, disharmony and secret longings past and present, will surely be well captured all over again by the shows dedicated cast and behind the camera crew, of which creator Weiner recently revealed that there will be a noticeable to the viewers passing of time story-wise between seasons four and five, along with other intriguing changes (especially with regards to the main and support cast). Jennifer Getzinger directs the double episode opener, whilst Hamm and Slattery, as well as starring, will also be bringing creative fire to the series visually on several key episodes this season. Mad times for MAD MEN, then, and mad, bad and hopefully glorious days for its dedicated worldwide audience starting from March 25th in the US, and quickly after (the 27th) on the UK's SKY ATLANTIC HD.

Sixties cool with the new season main cast.