Television commissioning. How hard can it be? Roll up, buy a series, put it on TV. That was before you could download the stuff.

Writing about TV is more difficult. But here is Will Hutton conjuring up the pre-download era:

Every British television executive would love to have commissioned the American series Mad Men. With compelling accuracy, it transports you back to the advertising world of Manhattan in the 1960s.

The second episode is on BBC4 tonight. It hits every sweet spot – receptive audiences, buzz and critical acclaim. And despite being deeply American, it will enrich our culture, too.

Will thinks this is public service broadcasting. Say Will – what if they let you download the show on the interWeb? D’ya think?

I know…