What an odd, unexpected and totally pleasing tonal shift this season finale of Mad Men instigated. After 12 weeks of episodes that were steeped in anxiety and misery, this wacky exodus from Sterling-Cooper was the most lighthearted episode of the season.
The episode’s plot sort of reminded me of Ocean’s Eleven, with Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price releasing themselves from their contracts and breaking out of Sterling-Cooper before the company could be sold off by PPL. Don heard the news from “Connie” Hilton, who told Don that his business would no longer be needed. Don was justifiably angered, accusing Connie of just using him. After Connie reminded Don that he was a self-made man and therefore did not feel bound to anyone, the two parted ways. I really hope Connie never reappears on the show. There are two types of unlikable characters: those whose crippling character flaws make them fascinating, and those who are just so obnoxious that you simply cannot deal with them unless they are suffering some type of comeuppance. Connie definitely falls in this latter camp (Pete Campbell is a great example of the former type of antagonist).
With Connie’s message, Don marched off on his mission to start a new company in which he would not have to be some cog in the machine and could instead focus on advertising. Of course, not even the great Don Draper can start a company alone, so he gathered an assortment of talented co-workers, with whom he was unfortunately not on the best terms. Don apologized to Roger, Pete and Peggy for behaving like such an ass for the past three seasons. All three ended up forgiving Don and agreeing to work with him, but not after they put up some resistance. Don’s visit to Peggy’s apartment was the best scene of the episode. Don explained his poor treatment of Peggy and vowed to change. Tearing up, Peggy asked Don if he would never speak to her again if she left the company. Don replied with one of the most powerful and touching sentiments I have ever heard: “No. I will spend the rest of my life trying to hire you.” Wow. After that line, I don’t think “I love you” really means much to me.
Not everyone was so willing to resume a life with Don, though. Betty demanded a divorce from Don in order to pursue a life with Henry Francis (all together now: “Why him?”) Even the divorce plot had its moments of humor (I love that Betty has no proof that Don committed adultery). Yet the dissolution of the Draper household was a heart-wrenching event to behold. Don came this close to becoming his father’s son by abusing Betty. In the end, Don assured Betty that he would not continue to fight her. Betty appeared touched by Don’s surrender, reminding him that he will always be the children’s father. As the episode closed, Betty, baby in tow, flew off to Reno to marry Henry. Sally and Bobby Draper were left with Carla, a woman more maternal and nurturing than Betty could ever hope to become.
Overall, I think the episode — and by association, the season — ended on an uplifting high. Don gets a fresh start, working along the best Sterling-Cooper had to offer (sorry, Paul and Ken). Though Joan’s return to her secretarial duties was expected, I was nonetheless ebullient when she walked onto the scene. I couldn’t help notice that the newly-formed Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price ad agency is lacking an art director. I think that Don will have to give a certain former employee a gargantuan apology next season.
So what did you all think of this season? I liked it a lot, though I think season 2 was more entertaining and varied. Which do you like better: Mad Men the comedy of manners or Mad Men the harrowing drama? How do you think the Vietnam War will be incorporated into the show? Finally, do you think Don and Betty will ever get back together, or will Don move on to a more suitable match — like Peggy Olson, perhaps?