f13.net

I've watched 5 episodes of this and I like it.  Who's with me?  The 'realistic' depiction of the era is refreshing in comparison to the sanitized version most of us grew up hearing and seeing.  e.g. rampant sexism, consumerism, constant drinking, smoking, adultery. Cf. Leave it to Beaver.

[An executive commenting on a female secretary offering intelligent input on marketing a product]: "It's like watching a dog play the piano!"

I'll be picking this up soon.  I've heard only rave things.

More detailz plz. Apparently this runs on AMC?

http://epguides.com/madmen/

best fucking show on tv since M*A*S*H

The first season is possibly one of greatest TV seasons I've ever seen.

It primarily revolves around a character named Donald Draper.  He's the head creative guy at Sterling Cooper, which is a Madison Avenue ad agency.  Don is a hard drinking, chain smoking, womanizer that has a troubled and shady past, which is revealed throughout the season.   You also come to realized that he's one of the good guys during a time where some of the accepted behavior and attitudes are appalling by today's standards (this may vary by your zip code and voting habits  :awesome_for_real: ).  Of course, Don's personal behavior (related to the drinking, smoking, women, etc) can create a lot of conflict both external and internal.  A great character that's really well acted. 

The first season focuses more on the ad agency itself.  The second season (set 14 months later) seems more focused on the invidual relationships and family life of the main characters.  It's somewhat a jarring transition but this season has produced some of the best episodes this show has seen.

It's a compelling show depicted (by all accounts) in a very realistic manner.  Being on HBO would not have improved the overall quality of the show, all you would have gotten is probably a few boob shots here and there.  Which may have been a nice bonus, as this show has some absolutely beautiful actresses on it.

Love this show.  I'm a sucker for period pieces anyway and this one happens to be coupled to a solid writing staff. 

This show and Top Chef are now "must see" television in my house.

This weeks show was... awful, because it made it hard to watch anything else on TV.

So... anyone want to tell me what happened this week?  Draper abandons everything in some sort of soul searching mission, but I don't think I really follow the rest.  The other stories/subplots I got just fine, but the thing with Draper threw me. 

Don may be shedding off his past once and starting over again.  Too early to tell.  He'll be back though; he is the damn show.

I think he's somewhat repulsed and attracted to the life that Joy and her people (some sort of aristocrats) lead. Attracted to the life without strings but somewhat disgusted by utter lack of any sort of moral code he can recognize.  Don's happy to do whatever he wants but tends to not like what he sees in others when they do the same.

Apparently there is someone from his past he still cares to look up.  Interesting.

Ok, that's not much different than my take.  I also agree that he's the show... so it's not going anywhere.  I find myself drawn to the complexity of his character. 

Ok, I love the writing and acting on this show... but I think it's about ready to jump the shark.  I used to be glued to the set during the first season but now feel that the storyline is becoming a bit more predictable.  I'm going to stick with it the next couple of shows just to see where they take the Draper storyline.  I have a feeling that the story between Peggy and her priest is going the way of the Thornbirds.  I hope to hell they come up with something more creative. 

NECRO

August 16th @10EST it's back for season 3

For anyone with a vague interest in the series AMC has put up the Pilot (episode1) (http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/2009/06/video-online-episode101.php) online to view (I'm guessing its not region locked as it's working fine in Canada).

Love this show, love it love it!  If you don't think you'll enjoy a show about 60's ad men you are wrong.  Do yourself a favor and watch it. 

Weeee, it's back! Great premier.

"I told them it was a crazy idea, but they don't always get our inflection."

I fell out of watching this about half way through the second season. Though I did really enjoy what I had seen so far, I think I'll have to pick up the dvd's and sit down with it all at once.

Also, if you like Mad Men and Breaking Bad, you may be pleased to hear that this network (AMC) has picked up the rights to Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead.

I'm not sure what I just watched.  Seemed a bit disjointed to me.  Maybe watching next week will help. 

Yes, I watched all of the episodes last season. 

The Story of Dick.

I got that.  I just didn't understand why I should care so deeply about his history.  Unless the writers are using his background as the reason for him to continually make bad choices in his life.  If that's the case, then this whole thing is disappointing beyond being a decent period piece. 

Not too sure about the Doctor's get together, but episode three was very good overall.

I had the opposite reaction.  I fell asleep in my chair watching the episode last night about the time they all got to the party.  This season just isn't holding my attention like last season.  Like not at all. 

Last night's ep was a bit dull.  I wonder who was behind the bar with Don?

Characters name was conie?

Interesting side story with Joan
Edit:

Connie stuff i should spoiler

I blocked that out, kinda like last nights act by Roger  :ye_gods: 

He wanted to have sex in an office and she didn't want to.  They were engaged at the time.  A winnar is him!

Ok, this episode was pretty odd. 

The more I watch this season, the more it seems to point out all of the things that we did wrong in that era.  Kind of a reminder that the good 'ol days weren't really as good as we remember. 

Still, I enjoy the acting enough to keep coming back.  I want something a bit more solid though. 

I thought that was one of the core conceits of the show.  I've felt that vibe from the very first episode.

Oh yeah, I love that stuff. It's fun watching the pregnant woman smoking and drinking while driving her kids around with no car seats.  :awesome_for_real:

After a couple of lackluster episodes, this one brought the funny!  Best ep of the season.  Need more Roger and Don.  I love the office politics and they are making me fall in love with Joan, she is a sexy, competent, and caring character. 

I want to be Don Draper so bad.  :drill:

Finally saw this week's episode and was pleased.  I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, the direction the story took or the fact that the episode had more Joan in it.  I'm guessing the Joan factor played a role. 

Fantastic end to a mediocre season, last few episodes its been picking up steam.

"Very good, Happy christmas!"  :grin:

I agree.  I felt very satisfied with this season's finale. 

It was a fitting end/beginning.  Kinsey's reaction was priceless.  Still odd how I can side with Don in all of this, despite the hundreds of times he's been unfaithful to Betty.

Maybe because he's charming, and she's a lunatic.

I always want more when a Mad Men season ends.  This was no different.

Even with his "whore" statement? That fight and the couch discussion was really rough for an episode with so much comedy.

He was waaaaaaaaay drunk, even for Don Draper standards.  Not too sure he wasn't accurate with that statement, although not in the way he likely intended.

Couch discussion was brutal.  Betty, for once, was a lot more mature than Don and handled the situation better (holding the cards helps).  Sally is going to be a wreck.

Reno.   But yes, agreed. 

Such a great finale!  Don realized how much of an ass he has been to those around him.  Peggy standing firm, although desperately needing Don's respect and affection.  Joan sailing back in and saving the day.  Pete and Trudy really coming together as a team and playing with the big boys. 


This was the salvation of Don Draper.  He may have lost his marriage, but he has regained his soul. 

Don Draper's an asshole.  A charming, pretty asshole, but still an asshole.  Not much of a man.  Betty's always been a jerk especially to her kids, but she has had some great lines. ("Mom, I'm bored."  "Go bang your head against the wall." - loved it and plan on using it.)

I used to hate everyone on this show, except for Joan.  Roger's starting to grow on me - at least he knows what an asshole he is.

It struck me last week how much my dad looked like Don Draper back then, dressed like him too.  Suit to work, every day (not quite as snazzy a suit since he was an aerospace engineer, not an adman).  This show still is a little too much a caricature of the times than an accurate portrait but the sets are generally quite good.  What the set designers forget is that just as now, offices and homes aren't completely to period - there's always the odd pieces from previous periods.

Ad agency offices do often tend to be set pieces.  Appearances are very important to folks who sell images for a living.

I would have more respect for Betty's choice to divorce Don if she weren't doing it on the coattails of a guy she only just met who looks to be 20 years her senior.  She's not without means; she can still sell her father's house, that's a big chunk of change, not to mention she's got Don by the short and curlies knowing that he's really Dick Whitman.  No, she's just trading one subordinate role for another one, with someone she really doesn't know.  At least with Don all the cards were finally on the table.

Sorry, but I have less respect for Betty than I do for Don.  He was right when he called her a "Main Line spoiled brat", and she's an ice cold bitch to boot.  Frankly, I think the kids would probably be better off with Don.  He may be a philanderer, but we do know that he loves his kids and they'd probably actually receive some warmth from him as opposed to the ice queen.

Me and the gf watched the whole series over the last few months.  From the start of season 1 ep 1 through last Sunday's episode, my gf has good from hating the cheating prick of Don Draper and feeling sorry for Betty to calling Betty a dumb whore and cheering Don on.

It's funny to watch that transition.

I have spent all three seasons wondering if Bets is supposed to be a numb moron or if January Jones is just a terrible actress. Don't get me wrong, she's fucking stunning, but it always sounds like she's just spitting out her lines without any expression.

The worst part of the year is when Mad Men ends. Gonna be a long 9 months.


Her father just died. This sets up the storyline for Season 4.

Me too.  She is reminiscent of Grace Kelly - minus the warmth and sincerity.

Can someone please explain to me the hatred that Draper has for Roger?  It seems completely out of character for him.  I assume it's because Roger left wife #1 for wife #2, but Draper's a philanderer too, so... why?  Draper's a jerk in a lot of ways, but never struck me as a hypocrite in any other way but this Roger hating thing -  they aren't friends, they're business associates, yet Draper didn't want to have anything to do with Roger including at work.  I don't get it.

Agree with Big Gulp on Don being the better parent of the two - Betty's an ice woman with her kids.

Roger a) hit on Don's wife and b) went behind Don's back to get Betty to put pressure on him to sign the contract.  I think he also is generally tired of Roger's shit in general (in part as indicative of the whole Creative v. Account tension), including meddling with his firing of and then ultimately taking away his secretary to marry her.

Don hates Roger because Roger took Don's behavior and desires to their semi-logical end.  Don desires to start over. He wants to run away from his responsibility and just live free.  Thus his daliances, his season ago extended vacation with the hedonists, his fat stacks of cash sitting in a drawer.  Don does not like seeing what the extremes of his behavior are: thus his disgust when confronted with his pot smoking, slutty, artist hippy girl from season 1; the morally lax, rich drifter hedonists in season 2; and then Roger marrying the younger lady he's having an affair with.

Roger chose his happiness and pleasure over staying with a wife that he doesn't love and probably doesn't love him.  Roger could more easily do this because his child is older, he has more money, and he doesn't have Don's sense of duty toward his family or his self-exempt sense of morality.  Don's abadonment issues also contribute here.  

Betty's gone, his family is shattered, and so are Don's major blocks with being civil toward Roger.  He doesn't have to hate Roger anymore because now there's no shame in being like him.
 

Don also heavily relies on his family as a major component of the construct he has created for himself to escape his unfortunate past. His wife/kids/house in suburbs are crucial to maintaining the lie that is his life.

Also, the school teacher he cheats with in Season 3 is on that one Twix commercial.

New season starts this Sunday.

Terrible actress.

At some point the producers realised this and told wardrobe they'd have to act for her. The only variation in her delivery is whether it comes from a happy/sad/repressed/slutty/formal outfit.

Can't wait until Sunday!  So many good actors and good scripts in this show.  I LOVE how they ended last season.  Don got his wish; a do-over.  Also love Roger.  The man knows what he wants, gets it and doesn't apologize for it. 

Not sure what to think after Sunday, but last season started a bit slowly as well.  I'm really looking forward to see how they develop Don this season. 

Who's the new art guy (working with Peggy)?  Seems annoying as shit. 

Can anyone refresh my memory?  Is the woman that Don went to visit in this week's episode (the blonde in California) special because she's the only person that knows Don's (Dick's) true history?

Thanks.

That's the real Don Draper's widow. So yes she knows the whole thing but it goes beyond that.

This week's writing has me thinking that this show has jumped the shark.  I'll watch a few more episodes, but it seems that they're just heading into left field. 

I just got caught up with the show through this past weekend.  You'll need to be more specific, why do you think a shark has been jumped?

I don't give a shit about the specifics of Don's daughter.  She's struggling through the divorce.  I get it.  I don't want to spend 10 mins of the show on her issues. 

What's more interesting to me is Betty's issues with Sally's issues, if that makes sense, and that Don, despite being a pretty shitty husband, has the potential to be a pretty good dad - it's just potential though, he's still one fucked up guy.

Sunday's episode redeemed the writing.  I'll wait on the shark for a bit.

Man, that was good.  Peggy has always been a bit of a cipher to me so it was great to see her and Don interact.  "Bert has no balls?" lawl

Don fades for a bit and Peggy gets to see Dick Whitman underneath.  Golden.

Lane's father  :-o

Don't fuck with the Soul Hunter.

I've never seen this show, but what bothers me (not here, this is an internet forum of regular people, we can talk about whatever) is how every goddamn news site on the Internet with delusions of pretension run a "deep" psychoanalysis of every episode every week.  Its the same thing that made me hate Lost.  

Where are the script writers otherwise going to get their ideas?

If the media is all over your show, good or bad, you win.  Mad Men is a great show.  That's why it gets the buzz that it does... no matter how psycho.

Picked up season one on bluray last night, having heard various positive things about it.  I've watched about half and am enjoying it massively.  These people are seriously broken, but fascinating to watch.  

EDIT: Just finished up season four... think I've watched more TV this week than I do in a typical year... fun fun ride... any idea whenabouts in 2011 season five might start?

Yes it's really been this long between seasons, which is way too long for any series.  However, Roger Sterling remains one of the most entertaining characters on any television show.

Zoobie zoobie zoobie zoooo.

This show moves at it's own pace and keeps surprising me.  Love having MadMen back!  Maybe some of the characters acted out of character, but Harry with Roger, Don with his hot new wife, Price with Joan, just some great one on one stories.  I mean you just don't see Harry and Roger having a story, loved it, poor Harry was so outgunned.

Ya, but he walked out with today's equivalent of 7 grand just to switch offices.

It has a support pillar.

Poor Roger. Something terrible is in store for him I think.

Because I have entirely too much time on my hands today.

http://youtu.be/2vFOzG3GYqo

The times, they are a'changing at SCDP!

I don't think Peggy will get back at Don because she's done some dick things as well in the past.  She's not perfect.  She's only leaving because she feels under-appreciated and wants to get out of the shadow of Don.

First of all, fuck you guys for not bumping this from the 3rd page with the 2 hour season opener last night.  I almost missed it.

I found the episode last night oddly unsatisfying.  How about the rest of you?  The storyline about Don's ex and kids just doesn't interest me in the least. 

It was slow I agree, but every season of MM start this way.  The thing that leaps out to me was Betty.  

Honestly I find every episode of Mad Men oddly unsatisfying, I also love the show.

Giving roger sterling an outlet to talk more?  Brilliant.

Finally got around to watching it, I was surprised to find that I actually gave a shit about Betty's storyline this episode.

I know.  Betty was really quite brave wasn't she?  I was surprised.  Surely she sees herself in the little Lost Girl.  Best Betty scene in two years.  Kudos to January Jones.

This season is rapidly losing my interest.  All of the things that made the show interesting in the first season seem to be replaced by hyper-focusing on each person's individual lives rather than the interplay between them. 

Last night's episode was worth it just for Don's Jaguar speech.

Ok, I'll give you that.  An actor playing the role of a salesman acting.  Hamm did an outstanding job. 

BTW I do agree with you on the personal story stuff...Remember when Mad Men was 80% in the offices of SCDP instead of the 15% we are getting now?

And fuck you Weiner, you give me all that glorious Sterling last week and then just tease me this week? Also what did Henricks do to piss of Weiner so much that she's been relegated to bit part for two episodes now.

Peggy's firm did not get it. One of the largest agencies in the world (J. Walter Thompson) got the account "in the room." That's why they were all glum about it and Ted was bemoaning the "little guys" only getting fed the scraps.

OH!  I thought Ted was saying that as a fuck you to SCDP.  Ok now I don't understand "in the room".  Weren't there only two agencies going for it? 

We only saw two but the implication was that they were taking lots of meetings. Pete was pissed because SCDP paid for the room.  The Ketchup guy was a sleezy dude that played everyone to his advantage.

You didn't miss anything.  This was the same episode I watched a log time ago.  The only way this show could be more boring is if it was set in England.  Fortunately, I needed a good night's sleep and this worked great.

If you thought last weeks episode was boring you should've watched this one. Dear god.

You know I'm a Mad Men fan but I won't even try and convince people to watch it.

I think my fondness for the show comes from the dialogue and the way they capture the period.  It's rich with nostalgia.  Christina Hendricks doesn't hurt either.

Those two things are absolutely the only reason to watch.  Even Alison Brie is wooden and unappealing.

It's a shame but I'm actually kind of relieved that this is the last season so I don't feel like I have to watch every week anymore.

I think this is the second to last season, not last.

Wtf was that.

Great last line.

I agree.  Completely.

That was a bizarre, fun episode!  Was nice to see some of the minor players get good airtime.  No Joan and precious little of Pete and Sterling.  I doubt Joan would have put up with that chaos.  Was good to see Ginsberg, he is abrasive but razor sharp and I really thought he'd be more of a main character.  He's had several away from work scenes and that's rare for the secondary characters.  Also enjoyed Beardface and Peggy's scene.  Sally's scene really had me worried, thought that was going to turn violent.  Megan lost a lot of respect from me for not firing back at Betty. 

Of course, Don's story was front and center and a lot of things got explained there.  When that guy goes, he's taking the whole agency with him.

The last episode made me feel like I was in High School English class and I hadn't done my homework in 3 weeks. I really don't like these episodes where I have to dig in and find all the symbolism.

It's like the show is turning into an art film.  Meh.

what the shit

A really solid episode.  Harry Hamlin is really killing it.

Wow Joan finally screwed up, sorta!  And the return of Ginsberg!  Oh and when Don gets drunk he slips back into Dick the Hick it seems.  Ted keeps the place together with sheer force of will.  Peggy and Joan finally clear the air.  Bob Benson appears to be living the Peter Principle.  Listening to that record makes me think he's 'all hat no cattle'.  Harry Hamlin's character is pretty quirky and not at all I imagined.

Always good to see Don and Roger together, they're like Hope and Crosby but with drugs.

Agreed!  I really enjoy the interplay between him and Ted as well. 

Ahh Don every time you seem to be improving you let us down. Well at least your consistent.

Is it too much to expect the redemption of Don Draper? Even I'm left feeling disgusted with him after this episode.

I've given up on Don's redemption.  I suspect he is headed for a sad end, the only thing I'm really wondering is who else he will drag down with him.

Great episode!  God, even Pete acted like a human being a few times.  And, oh the hilarity!  Seriously, Peggy's rat problem was great as was Roger with his bon mots.  Also great to see Ted's home life and his bargain with Don.  Speaking of Don, I don't think there is redemption for him.  He's the black figure falling during the credits.  Don gets less savory every year, especially contrasted with his wife, Ted and the surgeon.  Little Sally got a taste of pop's proclivities and she's rightly freaked out.

Oh and the mystery of Smilin' Bob revealed!  That was a good scene and I'm surprised Pete didn't jump out the window.  If I had to pick a weak link, it'd be Pete's mother story.  Lastly, the touching scene between Pete and Peggy was wonderfully intimate.

Just a really strong episode from start to finish.  Once again, MM seems to have gathered its momentum and is in high gear. 

Don's reaction to Sally's discovery (by dinner time at least) was pretty severe.  Not sure if he's going to be able to paper over this so easily.  Also Mrs Rosen did not exactly take it well either.  I think that it's gotta be over at this point... if not worse (Sally says something to Megan or Betty or a friend...)

He always seems to find a way to sink to a new low.  I was thinking he was actually trying to help out Dr Rosen more than restart his affair with his wife, but that fell apart the moment she answered the phone.

I agree.  He was actually doing his friend a favor, probably because he feels guilty for banging his wife.  Then he goes and bangs his wife again, taking advantage of her deep relief and gratitude.

Enjoyed the episode. I kinda enjoyed the meeting with St Joseph's scene....I hate myself for liking Draper at times but he can be such a magnicificent barstard...

Was anyone's first thought though ?

Yeah, I felt that way.  Kenny, the only decent guy, gets offed!  Not as good a show as last week, but some great moments.  That sleaze Duck's still hanging around.  I never forgave him for abandoning his dog.  Nice moment between Betty and Sally.  The return of Glen!  I'm not sure Ted can survive in the same office as Don. 

I'm not spoilering any of this because no ones here that hasn't seen the latest episode.  If that's wrong my apologies.

Finally the secret of Bob!  That was a weird scene between him and Pete.  Thought Pete was going to fire him.  I guess he can't since he's on the Chevy team.  Lastly, Megan is still clueless and Don's still a prick.  News at 11.

I think he kept Bob because unlike Don who he knows about but can't do anything about, he has complete control over Bob. Pete is desperate to be in charge of something at the office.

Also, given how badly his going to Cooper about Don backfired (Cooper just didn't give a shit), and how it was just made clear to him that Bob was important for continuity with Chevy, *and* that Bob just reminded him that it was Pete's decision to hire him, I think Pete decided to try a different approach this time around...

Pete didn't actually hire him, though.  No one did.  He just showed up one day and started working and everyone assumed he was hired.  I think he gave that answer to Pete just because Pete was the first person to acknowledge him.

In honour of the final episodes starting on Sunday...

Here is Mad Men  Blaxplotation style (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxpkEehUd88)

Anyone watching the new season? I'm liking it so far. Not enough Roger Sterling.

I am.  Pretty intense so far.  Agree on the 'not enough Roger' part.

I was kind of surprised that

edit: [the agency]

It's the last season but as is all too typical for AMC, it's split into two parts and we won't get the second half until next year.

Which is total bullshit. 

Don has gone through some character growth and humbling.  That is why he'll work for Lou.  He understands that he needs to earn back respect.

Don isn't the same character he was in the early episodes.  He no longer dominates those around him - he is now the outdated guy struggling to find a place. 

Pretty much agree.  I think Don is slowing turning into a hybrid of Don Draper/Dick Whitman.  Which is why he's letting Sally in on it.

Why is Betty still in this show?  Do we really need more scenes establishing that she is not going to win Mother of the Year.  Also, agree the show needs lots more Roger Sterling.

Holy fucking shit!

Holy fucking shit indeed. I loved the episode, brought a smile to my face, also worried that they are just setting us up for a huge fall.

What the fuck.

It was certainly out of left field.

Fantastic episode.  The (very final) ending bit was pretty strange, but hey, I'll cope.

I think Roger's deal is the nail in the coffin.  We don't like Cutler but he's right.

The final 'season' started last night. I was a little underwhelmed. Some classic Don Draper moments though. Awesomely bad facial hair and Kenny Cosgrove of all people with the best lines.

To be fair, I think her character is supposed to be stinted, awkward, unapproachable and beautiful.  Her only redeeming value is her looks.  She is supposed to be vapid and annoying to modern sensibilities.  Now, that isn't an excuse for why all of her other characters in other shows/movies are the same, but.... (actually, I have not minded her on LMOE).

Yeah, she's in arrested development, shown when she connects to a young Glen, admires the doll house in the child psychologist's office, etc.  Also, she can't act.  I kind of like creepy Glen, the way he looks at her with those dead, serial-killer eyes.

Good to see Joan may be getting some permanent happiness.  Peggy won't though, she in her own way too much to be happy.

LOVED Don's story about the problems of attractive people.  I think he really got to see himself from the outside a bit and it was revealing, especially in his last line to Sally.

I am wondering if Don just fades into nothingness in the end... If the last shot is of him putting down roots in some small town, nearly penniless, introducing himself as Dick Whitman, and after saying goodbye to everything that made him Don.

I really like the DB Cooper theory.   :grin:

Abandon his 3 kids?

Heads up.  For some reason my DVR did not automatically pick up the finale despite picking up all the episodes of the marathon. I had to tell it specifically to record it. Who knows what gremlins in coding are in the system, but make sure your box is recognizing the finale as a new ep and recording it.

Thanks - I just checked my dvr (Comcast) and it's set for recording S7:Ep14 (which is the last one).

I have had trouble with my dvr before though, so it was a good reminder for me to doublecheck.

Going out and buying a bottle of bourbon, bitters, sugar cubes, cherries and an orange.

Will tip out a few on Sunday night.

So that's the end.  Not bad at all.  Rare to see a TV show maintain such a high level of quality over, what 7 seasons?  Goodbye Don, Peggy and the rest, I enjoyed witnessing your fictional lives.

Closure, I has it.

Ha, Don totally created that Coke ad.  My wife is all pissed off at the finale but I dug it.

I thought that was crap.

Hollywood kinda ending, tied everything up. I guess might disappoint people looking for a euro-tragic ending.

My only real complaint is how rushed these last few episodes (and especially the finale) felt.  I feel like they could have spent a little less time in seasons 5 and 6 revisiting things we'd seen plenty of in seasons 1-4 and a bit more time on wrapping up the show in less of a hurry.

Maybe it wasn't crap but it also wasn't satisfying. Definitely felt VERY rushed. Almost like they wrote the final episodes with no plan in mind at all.
"I know why not have Stan and Peggy be in love?"
"Awesome idea! Let's write that in"
I like Peggy and Stan but that felt so contrived it just didn't sit right.

Maybe there was no good way to end such a plot-less show? I will miss it.

I'm disappointed.  If they suddenly decided to do another season, couldn't you just put a Season 2 or Season 3 storyline for Don in place and not feel like the character reverted?  Womanizing?  Check.  Irresponsible with his family?  Check.  Self centered?  Check.  Just finding that right heartstring to pull to get get other people to buy what he is selling... check.

I wish the final 10 minutes had shown Don and Co in the 90s to see where they ended up.  I'd like to have seen Don in a retirement home, having hollow talks with his family and looking sad as he demands the attention of everyone else in the home...

But that's just it.  Don Draper went West and became Dick Whitman more and more.  Finally, the last person who called him Dick disappears, taking his car.  Stuck at the retreat, he reverted to Don Draper; that smile at the end wasn't of spiritual enlightenment, it was a smile of Hey I can co-opt this spiritual movement and turn it into a great Coke ad.

Don Draper didn't vanish when he went west, Dick Whitman did.

No matter where you go, there you are.

An interesting note: Until airing, very few people knew anything came after the Don smile... The scripts and screeners apparently ended with the smile.

That was my question.  Did the ending imply that he came up with that and went back to doing what he does best?  The wife says it was Peggy who did that spot because Don gave her the idea over the phone and he just became a hippie and was never heard from again.  I didn't hate it but definitely left feeling kind of like "eh?" towards it.

If you and your wife want to see it that way, sure, makes sense.  

One thing I found fascinating was the show's use of doors.  Notice Don's relationship with doors.  Sounds dumb, but what is a door but a portal to another place?  Don has been going out of doors the whole series. They represent a fresh start, a new adventure.  The also symbolize death. Look at Lane Price, hanging from his office door.  Look at fantasy-Bert, finishing up his song and dance as a door closes in front of him.  Look at Don nearly dying when the elevator opens to an empty shaft.  Going in is death, and it is, metaphorically, for Don Draper.  

So Don goes west and becomes Dick.  Every time Don/Dick goes to Anna Draper's house he sleeps deeply.  Because he's not hiding anything, she knows Dick stole her husband's name.  But this time it's different.  He goes there to find the only person left who knows him as Dick bails on him.  Dick now has no past and an uncertain future at best.  That's why the crying man and his door dream resonated with Dick.  Because when people open the fridge door, there is Don, smiling in the light.  But when the door closes it's Dick who is left alone in the darkness.  

So he has to stay, fate has trapped him here until he figures out who he is.  At the edge of a cliff there is metaphorically and almost literally no where else to run.  So he sits there and Don comes up with the Coke ad and Dick disappears behind the fridge door, maybe forever.

Edit: Format

Oh God Jesus, do not try to make paragraphs by indenting -- put a blank line between paragraphs and leave out the indents.

Hey Tannhauser... well fucking done.

To me it kinda felt like they were leaving room for a movie.  Maybe Weekend at Roger's, Roger dies in 1982, the gang is called to his estate to hear the reading of the will and hi-jinks ensue.

Tannhauser should review movies.  That was one hell of a view on the final episode.  Agree or disagree, it's a great take on the show.

+1 on Tannhauser's. I like Mad Men but reading people's breakdowns of the episodes always made it more enjoyable (and understandable 'cause I'm simple).