As t5m’s resident Mad Men blogger, I feel it is my duty to bring you this latest bit of Mad Men related news. As a fairly bizarre choice for tie-in merchandising production studio Lionsgate, in association with Mattel are launching an official range of Barbie dolls based on the show.

With these handsome dolls of Don, Betty, Roger, and t5m style icon Joan your kids can re-enact all their favourite scenes, such as when Don threatened to throw Betty through their bedroom window, or Roger’s extra-marital affair with Joan (so far there aren’t plans to produce a doll of Roger’s then- wife Margaret so there’d be no danger of her finding out).

Or rather these are dolls that are not to be played with, what with them costing $75 each. Mattel, who were clearly not offended by the creepy portrayal of Sally’s Barbie earlier on this season, are marketing the dolls as luxury collectors’ items, produced in porcelain-like material Silkstone with detailed accessories (sadly not including whisky glasses or cigarettes).

There are numerous reasons to pick faults with the idea, not least that it seems a bit tacky for such a stylish series. The design of the dolls also raises a few concerns as with Don and Roger being based on the basic Ken model, they both look fairly similar and rather effeminate – there’s none of Don’s macho charm or Roger’s well-worn. Joan also doesn’t fare well, having her curvy figure smoothed out so that she’ll fit the model of the basic Barbie doll. Although Betty’s quite accurately captured, what with her essentially being a walking, whining, life-size version of a Barbie doll in the series anyway.

But there is the fact that Mad Men needs to rely on stunts like this. Despite its buzzed about reputation and numerous awards it is a poorly watched show that’s a difficult sell to new viewers and this is why Lionsgate have decided to move into less orthodox methods of marketing and revenue. Considering the continued profitability of the memorabilia market, this could be rather a smart move – perhaps it’s a sign of the increasing infantilisation of our culture that overpriced tie-in products such as toys, statues and even sugary soft drinks (I’m talking about you True Blood) continue to sell well even in the current economic climate, and it’ll be a surprise if these limited edition dolls don’t sell out quickly. If you fancy trying to get your hands on one, they’ll be available on the AMC and Barbie collector websites in July as well as Forbidden Planet over here in the UK. Personally, I’m holding out for the Mad Men branded whisky and range of suits.