Mad Men renewed for 3 more seasons starting 2012, but will it still be good?

Season 4

The near cancellation of Season 5 of one of the most intelligent, critically acclaimed and commercially successful shows of the new millennium, exposed that a major battle had been taking place between it's creator Matthew Weiner and television network AMC. It appears success came with a price for Mad Men as AMC apparently had asked Weiner for three conditions on the show's renewal, conditions designed to capitalize on its popularity and ability to make more money: 1) More integrated product placement. 2) The shaving of two minutes off each episode to allow added commercial time, and 3) The cutting of two series regular cast members.

It has now been confirmed that at least two more seasons are now in the works, with Season 5 premiering in 2012. Yet while no principle cast members will be dropped, more product placement will be integrated into the storyline but strictly under 'Weiner’s complete creative control.' 

I am not too sure how a balance between good storytelling, creative control and product integrity can be maintained on a drama about 1960s ad executives dealing with real life brands, when thus far we have seen some pretty uncompromising, albeit fictional portrayals of the people behind those brands. For example, so far the 'Hilton' name has been tainted with a less than flattering portrayal of its founder, while the son of the CEO of Lucky Strike cigarettes (a real brand from the 60s) has been shown to be a bisexual bully who demeans women and preys on married men. 

Fortunately Weiner has yet to deliver a bad episode of Mad Men, and despite having his arm twisted by AMC his statement following the announcement of the show's renewal seems like a vote of confidence for its credibility continuing: “I want to thank all of our wonderful fans for their support,” he said. “I also want to thank AMC and Lionsgate for agreeing to support the artistic freedom of myself, the cast and the crew, so that we can continue to make the show exactly as we have from the beginning. I’m excited to get started on the next chapter of our story.”