October 18th, 2010
02:15 PM ET
‘Mad Men’s’ finale a journey to TomorrowlandEditor’s Note: This post contains spoilers for the Sunday, October 17 episode of AMC’s “Mad Men.” Well, that’s that. What did you think? Were you surprised? I may or may not have needed a good five minutes to pick my jaw up off the floor. Let’s get started! Creepy Glen dropped by and Carla reluctantly permitted him to say goodbye to Sally before the Draper-Francis clan relocated to Rye. It was sweet and a little sad, and I’m a bit disappointed that he didn’t ask for a lock of Sally’s hair as a souvenir. The actor who plays Glen is show creator Matthew Weiner’s son, so I’m almost certain we’ll see him in seasons to come. Whether or not he’ll be any less creepy is anybody’s guess. In fact, I hope he’s even more peculiar – yeah, I said it! For those of us on Team Anyone But Betty, you’ll be delighted to know that she was on the receiving end of the finale’s “Oh snap!” moments. Upon running into Glen as he was leaving, he called her out for being a miserable wretch before he stormed off. Incensed, Betty fired Carla, who managed to work in a couple of digs before leaving the employ of the biggest rhymes-with-witch in Ossining.
Henry later took Betty to task for the firing and admonished her for being a spoiled, selfish brat. Fittingly, Betty went off to pout in Sally’s room, though she had trouble making her way up the stairs, what with that cross on her back and all. Carla, of course, was to look after the Draper children during a combination work/vacation/sad trombone trip to California. In her place, Don recruited secretary and one-time tryst Megan to accompany the family out West. Who did you think he was going to ask? Dr. Faye Miller, the woman he was, you know, officially dating? Of course not. Before their big trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, Don – with Bobby and Sally in tow – stopped by the Saddest Place on Earth to finalize Anna Draper’s estate. We took one last look around the little house where Don felt most at home when Sally spied the doodle Don painted on the wall months earlier. “Who’s Dick?” she asked. Oh, Sally. If you popped an “a” between those two words I would happily tell you. Anna’s niece Stephanie later presented Don with Anna’s engagement ring from her marriage to the real Don Draper. You all know where this is going, right? Sigh. We’ll get through the rain together, folks, just sit tight. Don and Megan hook up on the trip, and the remainder of the vacation is fantastic. Back in New York, Don reflected on the finite amount of time we’re all given, and instead of interpreting Anna’s gift as a wish for him to live his life and learn to love again, he took it to mean, “propose to the first person you see.” That person, of course, was Megan. But the girl is likeable. Megan is loving, kind and candid with Don, and best of all, the children are crazy about her. This might be because she’s the opposite of Betty, who would delight in grinding down their fragile self-esteem into a fine powder that she could then dissolve into her nightly bottle glass of pinot noir. Ahem, where was I? So Don and Megan are engaged and it’s the classic boss-marries-secretary scenario, and even though it’s totally trite I hope they make it work. What? I’m not made of stone. The partners’ reception to the news was warm, if a bit bemused. Roger, of course, had no room to talk. Pete, channeling Emily Post, corrected Lane on the proper way to address a bride-to-be, and Joan indulged Megan in the polite small talk of the newly engaged before a closed-door bitch session with Peggy. Peggy’s big news that she and Ken had signed a much-needed new account was overshadowed by the engagement, prompting her to declare that no matter what she accomplished in her career it wouldn’t be as important as getting married. Joan said that such was the way of the world and told Peggy about her “promotion” to Director of Agency Operations. Oh, ladies. I want to play “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” on a loop and get you both a subscription to Ms. But speaking of Joan, excuse me while I dust off my “I Told You So” shoes, because she’s totally having Roger’s baby. I KNEW IT! We found out while she was on the phone with Dr. Rapist, who, if he’s as bad at medicine as he is at math, the men and women in Vietnam are really up a creek. Finally, after a painful breakup phone call with Dr. Faye, Don made the trek to the suburbs and was surprised to find Betty waiting for him. I’d put money on Betty having her sights set on reconnecting with Don after her relationship with Henry appeared to be on the verge of souring. Betty was gracious upon hearing news of the engagement, and offered Don her icy congratulations before slipping away into the night with a box containing vials of children’s tears. So, who is Don Draper – horny, impulsive cad or a man seeking to make a change for the better after clawing his way back from the lowest depths of misery? I’m still torn. What did you think of the finale? Until next time, friends! I hope you enjoyed this season as much as I did.
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Wasn't Anna in CA who died the same woman from Sopranos, the Russian who took Janet's albums from her dying mom? Also, nobody mentioned the old lady secretary (can't remember her name) who died in the office. I thought she was hilarious as she fumbled her way through the office with one goof after the other. One other question: Megan's friend in LaLaLand, some reference to aspiring actress Joan Collins. Perhaps she'll show up next season too.....Can't want to see it.
I though this years shows did not equal the last 3 yrears. The story went know where and dided at the end. It was to much like a fairy talel or soap opera at the end.
After reading more of you alls posts..I really like the idea of it being Don's dream.
FYI the very first episode of the season starts with the holiday time of 1964, they allude to New Year's, and ends with Joan saying to the partners, "Gentlemen, shall we begin 1965?" All the seasons have taken place over many months, usually several weeks or even months have passed between episodes. The finale ended with October 1965. So yes, The Odd Couple would have been out, and I Got You Babe would have been out. Also, to Seymour who posted above, Peggy DID already tell Pete about his son!!
One of the interesting (and honest) things about this show is that none of the characters (generally speaking) are likable. They're all selfish and screwed up. Since day one all the men drink like fish and objectify the women, Don is a cheating, louse, Betty is a cruel mother, Peggy had a kid, gave it away and brushed it under the rug like it never happened, Pete only thinks of himself, Roger, oh please do not even get me started on him! But that is what makes fascinating characters, they are not all perfect, and it's not all black and white....think of all the contemporary television shows that showcase terrible (or perhaps I should say "messed up"?) characters...The Sopranos, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, SIx Feet Under, Dexter....this is a new trend for sure, but wow, doesn't it makes for good tv??
Thanks Frank! *smile*
hannah...thanks for showing your kind concern! I have one! 🙂 Maybe you should mind your own business! 🙂
My tv stopped working, how about showing it again. I am still trying to find all the shows of Mad Men that I missed. I did not know of the show until this year, I kind of like the show, but am furious I missed the last show.
If you have Comcast, you should be able to find this season's epsidoes On Demand. As the year goes on, they will probably post previous seasons of the show On Demand as well. Also, this season's episodes may be available on the AMC website.
You can also get them on Netflix.
Watching the show as the entree then having this as the dessert the next morning is the perfect meal... Keep em' Comin Plz
Geez..."Holly Golightly": SEVEN postings? Seriously?
You reeally need to get a life!
Who cares how many comments she leaves? As long as she's adding something to the discussion she can and should contribute as much as she'd like to. You, however, can join the rest of the trolls and go whistle up a rope. Don't forget to take your ugly comment with you.
I LOVE this smart show. I think Don really thinks his relationship with Megan will work cause she responds to the kids in the opposite way Betts does and she is non-demanding and sweet. But I agree with those who said it was sorta like a dream sequence...they were in California after all, and he had just received that engagement ring and didn't really get the significance of receiving that. Don was in a dream...that will end, cause altho he has made progress, he hasn't yet truly faced his demons and this engagement just side-tracks that. Yep – Don likes "beginnings." Loved the end of the episode. Betts is getting her come-uppance. I subscribe to expanded cable just to watch Mad Men...now I will unsubscribe until next season. Everything else I watch is mostly on PBS ... and "Glee."
What's all the fuss about? I mean, it's not like this show is, I don't know, "Six feet under"? It's a crappy show, extremelly poor characters not to mention storylines. Of course, Don's hot. That's all this show is about, right? Lame.
Don is a worthless piece of you know what with no morals or charachter what so ever. The next season should begin with him being arrested for desertion and impersonating an officer, a court martial and a long prison sentence in Leavenworth with his real self being exposed for what he truely is, a coward. In leavenworth he can then be on the receiving end and be somebody elses you know what (rythmes with witch).
I liked that Don chose Megan over Fay. When Sally ran away, remember how upset was Fay for being put on the spot? She was paralyzed at the idea of dealing with a child's tantrum and it was Megan who got down on her knees and tried to comfort Sally when she fell down. I'm sure Don picked on this. Spending time with his children in California and seeing how good was Megan to them made it clear to him that this was the kind of woman she wanted for her children, teaching them to sing in French, having fun at the pool, not making a fuss over a spilled milkshake. Fay would've been talking them to death, besides she's a working professional, I doubt she would give up her career to care/spend time with somebody else's kids. Best wishes to Megan and Congratulations to Don! I think he's growing up.
On the show the week before the finale of Mad Men, did anyone see the previews for the next weeks show – the finale – showing Don and Peggy on the couch in his office? I never saw that mentioned here.
MMFan....Don on the couch with Peggy was not at all what it looked like...you need to watch the episode.
The last shot – as they pulled away from Don, I thought "what is he looking at?". It was the window. I think he was already looking to escape. It will be interesting to see if they actually get married.
Does anyone can tell me what Megan exactly told to her mother on the phone in French?
Did it sound truly happy or did it sound like she accomplished something for her family (mother) as a some kind of "soldier"?
By the way, I think that one of the main reasons why Don suddenly wanted get married with Megan was that his inner-child was awakened unconsciously by Megan's presence or by her just simple beingness. She might be just a good person who could make Don feel some warmth from this crazy world. With her, he perhaps felt motherly love, like many men yearn to have, something he evidently lacked. I mean we all know that his life is so complicated and hard already; and just because he shared (which actually was triggered not volunteerly) some dark past (PAST IS PAST!) does not mean Faye is a good wife/partner material for him. I truly support Don's choice because, although he may now aware of if, his sudden decision to be with Megan shows that he wants to be at present. So Zen of him! With Faye he can not be that way because he always has to deal with his past or be reminded of by her presence. It would really suck. Sometimes in life, you do not have to share everything with your partner right away. Maybe, down the road as he grows as a true adult, he will share his past with her. I feel that your past should be dissolved and you should empty your mind and soul as much as you can so you can receive and give love without confusion and past's drama. Plus, Faye is a bit icy and not really genuinely compassionate. She was just acting because the whole "baby, I dig you" thing was just convenient for her to play some kind of rescuer so she could feel a power.
In reality, romantic love does not have to start with perfection, you just have to build the love and partnership as you go on your love with that person. It's like life time working-progress thing.
What she said in French – and I don't have the show in front of me to confirm it word for word - but it was something like "I have news. Bring Dad in on this."
Yeah that was it – Mama it's me, I have news, go find Papa quick!"
This was a really entertaining summation – "vials of children's tears", LOL! When Don proposed to Megan, I thought for a moment that we were watching a dream sequence, it was so sudden and ludicrous. Don is a coward. He is afraid of the serious grown-up honesty that a real relationship with Faye would require. How much easier it was to slap on an idiot-happy face and propose to the closest pretty girl who worships you? Although, I now suspect there's much more to Megan than meets the eye. She may prove to be less than accommodating at keeping Don's secrets as both Betty and Faye are. Is it my imagination, or is Betty slightly more shrewish with every episode? I loved Glen and Carla giving her a taste of truth. I hate to see Henry suffer with Betty as he must. I'd love to see Henry find happiness with Dr. Faye!
How is Megan such a surprise? All season long, from the first episode where we see the new partners walking into the office, Megan has had a beaming smile for Don. After Don's secretary bolts following their tryst, I expected THEN that Megan would move to his desk permanently- there was an allusion to it. And then after what's-her-name died, she did. As others have mentioned their was the "reality check" with Faye when Don asked her to watch Sally for a few minutes and that was a failure. And then, you're given everything you need to know about Megan when she said she wouldn't run out of the office the next morning. Oh, she knows Don all right. She knew about the trysts and the secret lives. She knows EXACTLY what she's getting into.
its all a dream sequence for don....he will wake up in cali next episode...smiling !
Megan is easy: a no-commitment lay who answers phones and doesn't cry over spilt milkshake. And she moons over Don like a stupid girl. I'd like to think she's deeper than this, but I don't think she is. I'm thrilled for the kids, though–she's clearly good with kids, which we saw a few weeks ago (the episode that also sealed Faye's fate).
Betty is a product of the times, and the molestation storyline seems quite possible. Any actor who generates this much animosity among the fans is definitely doing something right. She's definitely nailing the WASPy, upper-crust, "keeping up appearances" phenomenon of the day–but things are a-changing for women, and Betty will go on simpering over how unfair life is.
Roger is a cad, but boy, do they give him some fun lines! "Did ya get cancer?"
And Peggy is the bomb.
he's Weiner's son?! NO WONDER he's on the show. He's so horrible at acting I was wondering why they didn't get someone better to play that role.
Lots of possible scenarios for next season with this finale. 🙂
I would like to see Betty give up the kids, Henry, and head out to be a "Flower Child". I can't figure out what year this season covered? help.
Interesting side note. When M arilyn M onroe was briefly committed in the early 60s, guess what name they used to admit her? Faye Miller. Could there be a connection? We shall see....
I thought this episode was a dream too! I was really surprised...and I'm usally pretty good at figuring things out before it happens. Which brings to mind about Joan. Remember...the day of her husband deploy, they made love...he insisted, even when Joan was not in the mood because of the guy in the office harrassments. The timing is too close for call. So it's a very strong possibility he IS the father.
why is this show only 13 episodes??? I want more!!!!
Don is by no means perfect, but he is a FANTASTIC character!!! Jon Hamm is one of the most gifted actors I've ever had the pleasure of watching! And he is beyond gorgeous. And the more the show him sans shirt, the happier I'll be!!!
Jon Hamm is a liberal stooge.
Truth – why are you reading this blog? If you don't like the show, go blog somewhere else.
It wasn't that this episode was bad. It was well-written and engaging. It just didn't work for me as a season finale. Weiner, taking a cue from his Soprano days, has successfully created previous seasons that come full circle and can to a great extent, stand alone. This was the first time I felt I was being teased into watching the next season more for the story line than for personal interest in the characters lives. It's a notable distinction.
And after an entire season of hinting at growth, Don lapses into non-self-knowledge and gets engaged to his secretary? really? Don has about as much emotional maturity as ... um... Betty. And maybe that's the point.
What? Over all ready? How many episodes do they tape for a "season"?
I can't believe the season is already over. They should make the season a full season of 22 episodes 🙂
Don needs a shrink. He'll totally crush this girl Megan before their first anniversary if they last that long. The last scene of the ep told me all I needed to know about this man. He's always looking somewhere else for something else. Poor girl doesn't have a chance. God, I hope Betty doesn't have anything to do with this man. Anyway, she's too smart for him and wouldn't put up with his mess. Don's a hound dog and a drunk.
Loved it. Betty is deliciously evil/icy, and Don can't keep his pants zipped for more than 24 hours. He and Betty deserve one another and should reunite. In fact the entire cast is superb.
FWIW: why were not asked for our take on the equally superb "RUBICON", which also had its season finale Sunday night? What an engrossing drama that is! I hope it renews next season!!!! Anyone else out there intellecually sophisticated enough to immensely enjoy this show (or we all hung up on -gag- "Desperate Housewives", which would actually be OK except for dippy Susan!)??
I can't believe all the Betty hate out there. Someone posted a molestation theory. I came to that conclusion when Betty's father showed up. There was obviously a weird dynamic going on between him and Betty. Remember – it's a period piece people. I have read somewhere In the time she was growing up accusing an adult of molestation could have gotten you a slap across the face. You held it in and pretended real hard that everything was perfect until you were a neurotic mess. Her childhood and Don's screwing anything that moved coupled with the expectations for women in that time period make Betty a great miserable character. Also, Megan is too good. I think player Don is about to get played big time.
I LOVE THIS SHOW and I loved this episode; my only complaint is that the 'season' for this show is way to short; I could watch it every Sunday night. I think Don is trying desperately to find some redemption in his life and be the man he wants to be, both for his children and Megan. I think he's realizing that he's spent way to much of his life putting himself first, which might have been a necessity, in the beginning, since he was trying to invent Don from Dick, but he's now begun to realize how empty and sad his life really is. I also thought Betty was laying in wait for him when he showed up at the house to meet the realtor and was thrilled that he had an opportunity to stick it to her. If she's not careful she's doing to end up alone; her husband will get sick of her mood swings and her kids will be happier with their Dad and his new wife. Can't wait for next season.
I think Don married Megan because, in his mind, she is the perfect wife and mother. It's all about image not love. I remember the scene with Don and the guys "Don't you want to come home to a steak waiting for you?" or something like that. Don wants normalcy. Megan was completely calm when the kids spilled the milkshake. Don looked like he could have been knocked over by a feather. Later when Megan went to check on them before she left with her friend, he looked equally stunned. I think that after the wedding, Don is going to go for full custody of the kids and Betty's evil side will be fully revealed. Henry is seeing glimpses of it and so is Sally's psychiatrist.
Mad Men is a very liberal show. We do not need more of this garbage on the air today.
This season is supposed to be set in 1964 I believe. Twice this season, or the two I recognized, they made references to things that hadn't happened yet. The young blond Don was season asked him if he was a Felix or and Oscar. "The Odd Couple" stage play didn't come out until 1965 and the movie a few years later, followed by the show in the very early 70's. Last night they played "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher. This song came out in 1967. They're testing us! 🙂 Anyone catch anything else??
As far as the music to end the show, I don't believe it's necessary to be "of the era". "I Got You Babe" fit perfectly and it was close enough timing-wise! For me, at least.
I thought that too, that maybe they weren't sticking to appropriate time references. However, "I got you babe' was released and hit number 1 in 1965.
The show was set from Thanksgiving 1964 through fall (Labor Day?) 1965. It stuck to a tight timeline.
This season takes place in 1964 and 1965 – remember Joan says to the partners in one of the episodes this season: "Gentlemen, shall we begin 1965?". So everything is right on mark with the references (see this link on I Got You Babe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Got_You_Babe). The writers are ultra careful with references to everything and the timelines of when things occurred. I haven't heard a concrete reference from anyone yet on when they've caught the writers on an error.
The season finale, while not exactly clear, was set over Columbus Day weekend. Remember when Don saw Betty at the house, he said he'd be by to get the kids the weekend after next – the 23rd he said. I looked at the 1965 calendar, which coincidentally is the same calendar for 2010 – Columbus Day was October 11, and the "weekend after next" would be Saturday the 23rd. I knew it couldn't be Labor Day because the characters were wearing fall clothes.
Cant get no satisfaction, 1966?
Satisfaction was released in May of 1965.
All these people do is smoke, drink and screw. Peggy? Don't make me sick! She's the queen of one night stands.
I really liked this season, but found the finale to be somewhat lackluster if not hurried. It did seem as though they were cramming a lot into a little bit of time. I didn't think any of the characters were given enough time to make you wait until next season to see what happens next. It was almost as though they wrapped it all up just in case they didn't come back. No real cliff hangers or anything. That said, this is the best show on television on all levels. So if I take any issue with the season finale, know that the episode was better written and acted than just about any other show on television. Be sure to go to the website and "Madmen" yourself.
Love the way Don tested Dr. Fay and Megan w/ the children. Doc couldn't handle Sally, but Megan passed the LA test w/ flying colors. Maybe Don will do anything to get his kids away from witch Betty, so he chose the best potential mother. Could we see a custody battle next season? Def think Don will re-hire Carla although not sure about moving back into the house. Probably too many memories there.
I loved the finale as it shows the inherent fragility that all men have despite our projected bravado. In the end, Don might be have gone through a cad phase (whom of us didn't) but then when oust comes to shove, the realization that some degree of normalcy is required in order to be at peace...... Or at the very least pretend to be at peace" can't wait until next season.....
mad men rocks-mad men rules.i think peggy should tell pete about his son.betty is gorgeous &don will go for it next season.the teacher was hot and should be back.same with carla.sal was also too good to let go.
This is the lamest finale in all of TV history. Office intrigue and brilliant advertising schemes are suddently off the table. The characters could not have sunk to lower standards or inane thinking. I had been thinking that the men were idiots and that emerging liberated women were reinventing the world, but not so. The women too are idiots. I challenge anyone to claim this series is at this point any deeper or more intriguing than As the World Turns. Let me know when MW hires a new set of writers. Were they all on vacation these last 3 weeks?
Loved this season. This episode was full of suprises. The discussion between Peggy and Don after the engagement announcement was interesting. Don said Megan reminded him of Peggy. Peggy is one of my favorite characters and it will be interesting to see how she handles the news.
Lucky Strike might have stayed if Salvatore Romano came back...
That's a great point. What happend to him?
I'm not sure what I enjoyed more...the season finale or your review of it. (I'm serious. I had a good chuckle. You're right on the money and the cross on her back reference was a scream. Thanks.)
I agree...this was a very amusing synopsis.
It was such a pleasure watching Betty being smacked FINALLY! Glen, Carla, then Henry – so satisfying! And she totally wanted to reconnect with Don – not gonna happen! – another smack! Now I am dreaming about her becoming a full-time alcoholic and the court awarding Don the custody of the children. I actually like Megan a lot and felt really happy when Don proposed. Things that make me happy... Well, I am a total MadMan junky, don't know how I am going to survive until next season. Anyone know when I'll be able to get my next fix?
It's MadMen, of course. How could I?!!! 🙂
This show is so right on with the agency business. Peggy is exactly what it was like to be a woman in a 60ish agency.
What a nerve this show hits – bravo to the writers. Certainly an evolution from Dynasty, Dallas, Twin Peaks -you got them hooked for sure. And the beat goes on.....
I HATE Betty! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA and Don is an arrogant piece of crap, but at least he's more fun than Betty. Do we have to see him shirtless in EVERY episode? We get it already.
Don is just impulsive-yes, he marries the first girl he sees. Life is great when you are vacation to Disneyland. What happens when real life creeps in? Don perceives her as potentially being a good mother. Betty resented that role. Dr. Miller never wanted to have kids and blew it with Sally. Megan cleans up a milkshake rather than go ballistic and walla she's married. Kind of like Henry Francis marrying Betty because he perceived her to be a pretty house wife-and then real life eventually sets in. Don can't stay faithful and Megan will come to resent him soon.
Voila
Totally jumped the shark. The Megan "twist" was so contrived, even in the Mad Men realm, that even a dream sequence would have made its season finale worse than the Dallas series finale.
Anyone else see Dr. Faye having a Glenn Close/Fatal Attraction moment or seeking some revenge using the knowledge of Don's/Dick's past next season?
oh yeah big time!!
Does anyone else think that Sally was molested by her grandfather? That is why she was caught "playing with herself" at her friends house. I think it will come out in therapy. And then Betty will deny it at first only to realize it happened to her too, and she has been supressing it for years.
Thank you Bridge for finally putting some clear-headed analysis on this. I'm pulling for Betty...
I don't think they'd ever have such a dark story line – how could that be entertaining? Plus, how would they address it? Back then, those kinds of things were swept under the rug. Too depressing to be entertaining.
Betty and Don are two peas in a pod. Betty takes her anger out on the kids and Don takes his anger out on the folks at SDCP. Anyone who shrills against Betty should do the same to Don. I really do not understand all the hate towards Betty. She has issues (due to her own childhood) that she needs to deal with. And back then help with mental health problems was frowned upon. I'm rooting for her, and I really hope she proves all of the haters wrong.
The best part was Henry snapping on Betty – while he's sitting on her fainting couch (think back to season 3). That was brilliant!
I was sad Carla could not say good-bye to the kids.
I think Joan and Jane will be pregnant at the same time. Another heart attack for Roger? Hmmm...
I'm also thinking Faye will be "boiling a rabbit" or something since she know so much about Don.
Excellent post!
http://www.itsafullnest.com
We do not know anything about Megan . . . and neither does Don. That's part of the reason Don "loves" her. She's not real. Dr. Faye was too real. Peggy is too real. Betty couldn't be real- she had to be fake perfect . . . hence, her neurosis. I think the director intentionally made the episode seem like a dream sequence . . . next year Don "wakes up" and realizes the fantasy was just that.
i thought it was kind of like Henry going after Betty-he perceived Betty to be a pretty housewife and ignored reality and the long term. compared to Don, at least Roger knows who he is and more or less accepts himself, even if he feels under appreciated, and Henry is at least willing to call Betty on her b.s. rather than pretending she is someone she isn't.
I loved the episode as well. But beware, Megan is too good to be true and it has happened so fast, Don has had no time to get to know the real Megan or her family. I would LOVE for her to be wonderful to the children. That smart and precious Sally needs her, but I am afraid the writers may turn Megan into a totally different person when the I do's are said. My favorite scene was the pool scene in CA with the old ladies and the swim caps!! My husband and I were laughing with all of our memories! I hope Peggy ends up running the whole company!!! Hahaha!
All this Betty bashing....has everyone forgotten all the crap Don put her through–the lies, mistresses, disrespect, etc.
Granted she isn't mother of the year, but neither was mine. Kids were "seen and not heard" back then.
As for Don and Megan's engagement, I think he's attracted to her "motherly-ness", Dr. Faye wasn't good with kids.
I liked this season's homage to the Women's Movement. And Mr. Weinstein, please bring back Stan next season- what a HUNK!
I loved this season, but this episode was a mess. The story and editing were all over the place, like they tried to cram two episodes into one. Weiner's done a great job writing and directing the season finales prior to this, so I'm hoping this one's just a smudge on his otherwise perfect record. Can't wait for next season.
I loved this season, I thought it was stellar, better than last season. But this ending was such a shock, I wondered if Weiner had jumped the shark. I truly thought it was a dream sequence at first and I kept waiting for the switch to reality. My jaw was dropped the whole last 10 minutes of the show and long after I turned it off. Not so much because Don proposed to Megan, but that after all the healthy, loving, supportive and candid progress with Faye (for what? a good 8 months? it was the healthiest relationship he's been in in a long time) he ditched like a hot potato. Did he have no feelings for her? I keep reminding myself of all of Don's impulsiveness and why he might choose Megan so quickly. They were in LaLaLand, after all, Disney, Fantasyland, not reality. And not only was Megan's reaction to the milkshake spill so vital, but I think the fact that she was so good with the kids, whereas Faye was clueless and harsh when it came to Sally and the idea of children. So Megan fit the bill in every way.
My favorite moment was when Don decided to jump in the pool with the kids. I felt like he finally let his hair down and make some special memories with his kids. So often he has a chance to spend quality time with them but he doesn't know what to do with them, he just sticks them in front of the TV.
My second favorite moment was when Glen yelled at Betty. She won't be around to make his life miserable so he could say anything to her without repercussion. He really got her number right!
While I agree that some moms in the *50s and 60s were not concerned with self esteem, Betty is far too harsh and mean, and especially to Sally!!! I think many parents would have reacted how Betty did with the "touching" scene–with anger and embarassment. Angie–I wish Sal would come back too! And I liked the priest–remember him?? Colin Hanks. I think Don is ALWAYS looking for the next Best thing. He is not a content or peaceful person. I loved it when the played "I can't get no Satisfaction", because that song describes Don to a "T"!!!
Choosing Megan was so very Don....He could have pursued a relationship with Faye, who knows his deep, dark, not-so-secret and started a life completely open and honest...or he could revert back to lies and secrets wtih Megan. I mean, seriously, Faye lost her job. She could have totally gone to California. Also, loved it that iBetty's tantrum inadvertently resulted in Don proposing to Megan, since Carla could not go to California.
Fay did NOT lose her job. Her boss decided to end the testing company's relationship with SCDP because they still have other tobacco work. Remember that Fay could not connect with Sally and told Don she was not good with kids.
I agree with Pat R...while the doctor is a good woman, Don didn't want her telling him to deal with his past, and he especially wanted someone comfortable with his kids.
I loved the finale and am happy for Don and Megan, but we'll see if Don can remain happy and content. Doubtful to me. Also, I don't think we've seen the last of Dr. Faye Miller...she knows Don's secrets and I believe may be something of a problem to him in the future..........
clovergirl99
I think a lot of you did not grow up in the 60s/70s. Betty is not some psychotic ice queen when compared to mothers of that era. She's pretty much normal. Mothers back then didn't spend all their days worrying about precious Snowflake's tender spirit being nurtured enough.
clovergirl99 I grew up in the 60's & I don't know what the heck you are talking about. The moms I knew , including my own, did not behave like this. coldblooded, abusive, neglectful, petty.........what kind of childhood did you experience? my condolences.
LOL! So true! I grew up in the 70's, my mom was AWESOME! Yes, I think parents overall were stricter, but not cold and cruel as the norm!
I thought the end scene when Don was lying in bed – awake – he was thinking about Betty after seeing her in their house.
I wonder if they'll start next season where they left off or some time in the future.
Megan.....shhhheeee give me a break. She went for him..she is nice and easy going but I doubt she even really loves him..but perhaps it is best that she does not...Older men seem much less likley to cheat on women who are young and only pretend to be crazy about them....Big trouble at the office if he lets her rule there....
Betty's character reminds me of kate winselts character in "Revolutionary road" Where women of that time who had kids stayed home instead of having careers alot of them became very depresed and this was before prozac and oprah.
I was really surprised. Don is such a stinker. The writters make him more complex each episode. Can't wait for more. I really don't feel sorry for Betty, she really has an evil side. I am looking for the shrink to find a deep secret of hers.
http://karlawithakg.blogspot.com/
Will we ever see Sal again?
I know! I miss Sal too!
I think we will see Sal again. Remember, it was Lee Garner Jr. from Lucky Strike that demanded he be fired. Now, there is no more Lucky Strike to keep happy, so that opens the door for Sal to rejoin the cast.
I loved the show!!! I believe that Don will for sure have an affair while being married to Megan. I really thought he was going to call it off. I believe the doctor will somehow get her revenge she knows his secret. I also think that Greg will die in the war. Its so much that can happen with that relationship. I like Betty never thought of her like you all describe her. I just thought she was a woman scorn. I know the show is good I have my husband watching now...and the season ended!!!
Great show. Surprising ending to the season. This show is gritty, funny and on the edge. Love the clothes, love the sets, love the feel of it. Hope it is on the air for years.
Great ending! I like Megan. and she was good to his kids too. She seems a little bit too good to be true. I'm glad they addressed her teeth because I'd been thinking how really attractive she was as a background character but then she spoke! Are those really her teeth? I find it hard to believe – they are some kind of BAD!
Never fond of Faye – she seemed too manly for Don.
Loved all the story lines. It was nice to see the show get some gas before next season. It was soo dark.
Awesome show!
You idiots are all talking like these are REAL people.
LMFAO! Um KAY!
Hi, Valerie. Welcome to Earth. One of our pastimes is to enjoy accounts of other people's lives, be they fictional or not. We started painting them in caves, then learned how to write, then how to record people pretending to be those characters, and to transmit those images over thin air (imagine that!!). This part of CNN is devoted to such programming. I hope you enjoy your time in our planet. Come again soon!
Why the Betty hate? In the four years since the show has been on name one kind, caring, motherly thing the lush ahsdone to her children. any love and compassion has come from Carla and Don. She locked Sally in a closet for Petes sake.
Betty reminds me in many ways of my step mother. I guess that does not help the Betty so in a way she is real to me.
Well, she's a cold everything-is-about-me bee-och who slaps her children in the face.
I can think of only one: my favorite scene with Betty for the entire series when she shot their neighbor's pigeons after he threatened to kill their dog for eating one of the birds.
pro-Betty: I agree that Betty is, in part, acting out to Don's infidelity. However, that is absolutely NO excuse for her behavior towards Sally!!! She is jealous of Sally, and treats the poor child like dirt. Betty also behaves as a spoiled brat 99% of the time.
I think a lot of you did not grow up in the 60s/70s. Betty is not some psychotic ice queen when compared to mothers of that era. She's pretty much normal. Mothers back then didn't spend all their days worrying about precious Snowflake's tender spirit being nurtured enough.
Thoughts on this episode.
-January Jones can actually act - she was actually a little moving in that last scene.
-Greg is going to die in Vietnam - as inevitable as an oncoming train.
-Don and Megan will be happy for a time. Then either 1) Do will F it up OR 2) something terrible will happen to Megan.
-Sally's gonna get messed up again. Betty, having zero motherly instincts or ounce of insight left Ossining just as Sally was getting it together. Firing Carla was just the icing on Betty's Icy cake.
My oredictions
Dr Rapist will get injured in Vietnam- I do not think he will perish. I think he will come back harmed- and miserable- and he will make Joan's life difficult. I think Joan will hire a baby nurse and want to keep going with her career. I think if Dr Rapist comes back and especially if he is harmed he will so resent Joan and her life-
I think there is a mutual envy on both sides for Joan and Peggy- as well as a mutual admiration of sorts.
Betty might have a melt down- if Don requests to have the children more- if Henry prepares to leave-
if she is smart she will embrace therapy and marital counseling and happily let Don have the kids more so she can work it out- but I do not think she will. There is the possibility that she becomes single again and decides to go back to modeling- that actually would be pretty cool- if she just decided to take off- and randomly pop in with all her glamour.
As for Peggy- I think she will begin to think about the whole balance thing a bit more- or forge ahead full steam- I think she and Don will always have a good rapport- and I think Sally will come to realise that her mother is troubled- and therefore become free. I also hope Don hires Carla.
Why all the Betty hate? She's only the way she is as a reaction to Don's philandering. She thought she was going crazy because she could sense something was wrong with the marriage, but couldn't put her finger on it. SHE'S the victim here, and turned sour to fight back at an uncaring world... sheesh !
Are you kidding me? Have you not seen how she treats her kids? She's a spoiled brat. If anything in her life doesn't treat her right or reflect well on her, she lashes out at it.
Betty is one of the best things about the show. Take Megan...please!
Betty is the most cruel, cold, selfish and thoughtless woman on this show. It is *very* telling that she only identified with a child psychologist, because it appealed to her level of maturity. I don't know how Betty could turn her wagon around. She needs LSD therapy!
Don was a jerk for cheating and lying and everything else, but Betty is a jerk too. The poor kids! I'm glad they don't have pets – I bet she would have them put to sleep.
Don't mean to be rude.....but are you new to MM? Granted, Betty is drop-dead gorgeous (spectacularly so– probably the most beautiful woman on TV at the moment), BUT she is also a nightmare of a person. Petulant, spoiled, immature, mean sprited, shallow....and so-on and so on. She makes Joan Crawford look like mother of the year. Looks-wise, she's an 11 out of 10...,but everything else about her, especially her parenting skills, a total ZERO.
After the abortion doctor, Joan is seen riding a bus. She could easily have been riding the bus to where her husband was going through basic before going to Vietnam. She KNOWS he can count and the only way she could keep the baby was to make sure she slept with him before he left. She could expalin a few weeks but not the 7 she quaoted. Besides, Roger would have sent her to the doctor in a chauffered car.
Don and Megan might just make it – she is not a complete ditz and she shows Don what a good mom can be.
Great synopsis of the finale. I am cautiously optimistic about Megan. I find her refreshing, smart and lovely. The milkshake spill scene really was telling and I could see Don ready to lay into the kids, typically fueled by Betty's harshness. Megan is wonderful- not just a "dumb" secretary like Roger's wife. I LOVE Carla and I hope she is back but I'm sure she"ll never work for ice cold Betty again. Still I could see a scene in the future where Carla might be more emboldened by civil rights progress to tell Betty a choice thing or two. I don't think Dr. Faye Miller was right for Don- too matronly in a weird way, couldn't see the chemistry there.
I don't think he could be with someone who didn't feel comfortable about his kids. They were only going to last for so long anyway. But he is ignoring her advice to free himself of the facade he has built up and come clean about who he is. I think he is attracted to Meghan also because she also the type of mother he would've wanted. I think the kids are going to love her and Betty will become more and more bitter. Especially if they move near Rye.
Em,
Don actually did begin to integrate who he was a couple of times in the show. Once when Sally asked who Dick was and he told her that it was him and the second time when he said to Megan that the ring was from his family and he corrected himself and said that it belonged to someone very important to him. Slowly but surely.
jen...yes I agree! I LOVED the milkshake scene!!!! Don should for sure get the kids!!! I am the Anti-Betty Team!!! Henry should leave her for...well, anyone!
What ever happened to the teacher? I liked her...I predict she'll come back, a la Midge...
Holly Golightly..... the teacher was last seen walking down the street that Don & Betty's house is on......carrying her suitcase. She & Don had planned a weekend getaway, but first Don needed to run by his house to pick up something. He told the teacher to wait in the car for him. When he went in Betty confronted him & told him she was pregnant. He never went back out to the car & the poor teacher (after a long long wait) finally got out & walked away.
Poppy, I agree with you. Although I would like to see Don and Peggy conduct a healthy relationship. But we all know the odds on that one, don't we?! And Guest, I agree that Don is a great father! Felt bad for Faye, though. She's a keeper. I can't wait to see what happens with the Red/Roger Baby! And I hope Carla comes back–she's awesome! Great article, btw Jennifer! Can't WAIT till next year!!!!! Couting the minutes!!!
Honestly....the Megan thing might be out of nowhere, but I think she'll be good for Don. Did anyone else love the scene where the milkshake got spilled and how her reaction was the total opposite of what Betty's would have been. I would love it if next season the kids were living with Don and Megan, they could totally hire Carla back too.
jen.....I was thinking the same thing last night. Wondering if Don would move Megan right into his & Betty's old house....get the kids & re-hire Carla. It would be so worth it to watch Betty implode & melt down into a puddle.
If Don and Megan keep the house, they will have to redecorate and get rid of that hideous plaid wallpaper in the kitchen. So tired of it.
I hope the kids get to be a little lighter with Megan around but we all know Don is going to cheat on her. I mean come on that is his M.O. Believe me I was totally shocked when he asked her to marry him. I was like say no say no. Betty got what she deserved and I loved it when Henry said noone was on her side. That was classic!!!
I loved that scene with the milkshake too! so much was said during that scene with no words....it was awesome. Just watching Don's face transform during those few seconds was priceless! good call on the person who mentioned that scene..
He is called Dr. Rapist because in either last season or the one before it, he did force himself on Joan. I really like Megan, but Don is such a confused cad, I am not too optimistic the marriage will work. HIS LOSS. And his kids' loss, too.
What happened to Dr. Faye Miller – I missed that part??? If someone knows, please say something – how did she react to Don's engagement????
JudyD Don called Dr. Fay & told her to meet him for coffee, because he had something to talk to her about. Fay was having none of it & said tell me now! So he told her over the phone that he had met someone & fallen in love & they were engaged. Fay was distraught & crying, but she did get a good dig in at Don. And asked him if he was going to run an ad in the newspaper saying that he never liked her anyway (homage to the cigarette letter). She also said that she hoped his new girl knew that he only likes the beginning of things.
I definitely thought "I hope she knows you only like the beginnings of things" was the best line of the night! Go Faye!
I thought this episode was great. I hate it that it won't start again for months! Since I am definitely on Team Anyone But Betty........I had a wish before the show started that Henry or Don would toss her in a wood chipper, but this was good, too!! Everywhere she turned she was getting smacked down. Loved it. Don has lost his cotton picking mind. His proposal to Megan was so not like him that I thought it was going to be a dream sequence.
I loved that Betty was getting shot down as well. How obvious was she about "moving that last box from the upstairs bathroom"? I mean she was fixing up her make-up before Don walked in the door, for goodness sake! I really don't like how she handled the Carla situation, but am glad Carla felt comfortable enough (having been with her for many years) to defend herself. Regarding Don, I think he's a man that's on a constant search for something and thought he found it with Megan in LaLa Land. You can almost say it was a dream sequence (for Don) since they were in Hollywood/Disneyland where everything is a fantasy, right?
I totally thought it was a dream too!
The editing was a bit off in this episode...I also thought that whole sequence would end up being Megan's booze-dream and she'd wake up with Don pounding on the door for her to change Gene's diapers.
Betty is a deliciously hideous character. Emotionally castrated. So many of my classmates had mothers like her; women who seemed to take pleasure in sabotaging their daughters. She's jealous of Sally's youth...probably looking at her daughter with envy because Sally's best days are yet to come while Betty's life stretches out before – a dreadful, paralyzing monotony. Betty is one of the best developed and most authentic. I love these writers!
I loved it when Henry said to Betty, "No one is ever on your side." Letting her know that she is always wrong.
Megan is gentle, but she's also ambitious. I see an interesting relationship brewing between her and Peggy. Joan's married to a doctor, does she really think he can't count? Still, it sets an interesting complication for her relationship with Roger.
Yes because Greg isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. He was wondering why she hasn't showed yet.
You're forgetting that it was MUCH harder 50 years ago to pinpoint an exact conception/due date. Also, it was only a couple weeks after her husband left that she and Roger got together. Fudge in a little "oh, the baby's a couple weeks late", and boom, no counting will out her secret.
Lets face it....Megan has looking SUPER hot all episode. She's got great bedroom eyes. Don/Dick is only a man...
... and did anyone notice how similar Megan is in both looks and demeanor to Sally's grade school teacher, the kind and freespirited brunette whom Don nearly ran away with in Season 3?
Whatever happened to the teacher?! Loved her. Then again, I loved her enough to want something better for her than Don.
I liked the episode, but I'm dubious. It does feel trite – the whole Don/Megan thing – but she's so honest and good, I think it might just work.
BUT – I might have missed some episodes a while back. This is the second time I've seen Joanie's husband referred to as "Dr. Rapist." Why is he called that? What did he do?
"Dr. Rapist" is Joan's idiot husband. He forced himself on her in the office one night. Classy guy.
Don is incapable of making any marriage work, regardless of the quality of a spouse. He is looking in all the wrong places to find happiness. Until he faces his demons which are routinely expressed by screwing anything that looks remotely attractive...he will remain an island. He reminds me of several of my so called successful uncles who lived in that era. Lonely, disallusioned men.
Don needs to spend some time on Dr. Paul Weston's (In Treatment – HBO) couch to find himself and what is going to TRULY make him happy.
I totally agree. That poor man needs help. It's funny how no one can see through that sad facade that he puts up except maybe Peggy.
No, you are not.
I like it and I hope Don can make it work with Megan and be the great father he is meant to be.
I loved this episode. I think that Don's engagement is just one more example of him following in Roger Sterling's footsteps of marrying the young secretary. He doesn't want to get too involved with someone who might have adult expectations of him. I think that next season he'll become bored and come on to the only woman who truly understands him, Peggy. I can only hope that by then she'll be too powerful and too smart to fall for his nonsense.
I think that it will interesting to see how Sally reacts to being treated with compassion and caring by someone. He father is distant as most fathers were at that time. Of course her mom is Betty. Enough said about that. I hope the little girl blossoms under Megans supervision. Aparently Megan told her mother in French that she was doing as she wanted her to do marry a good looking rich man. I don't speak French but that does not mean Megan is a gold digger. Most mothers at this time wanted that for their daughters still.
I knew Joan didn't have that abortion. I think her husband will probably be killed in the war and then Roger will have a bell go off Oh wait I think that might be my baby!!!!! I told my husband Don had a crush on both his secretary and the Doctor but he didn't think so! But WOW asking the secretary to marry him!!!!! Betty we all know that she is having a difficult time with Henry so I am sure Don will be in her sights again! Please Don don't fall for it!! I think Don will keep the house and move in with the new wife which will send Betty over the edge!
Dr. Faye is dangerous and knows too much! i think she'll get her revenge.
I think Megan is something of an Ann Bolyn figure, I don't think she's as innocent as she seems. Basically I think she sees that the second a woman starts getting attached and clingy Don finishes with them and she knew to play it aloof and cool, right after they hooked up the first time he asked her to have a drink and she denied him. I think he likes the chase more than anything and she recognized that and used it to her advantage. Someone mentioned what she said to her mother in French, I think that could be an indicator.
Can someone please explain to me what is so good about this show?
After all the hype & Emmy awards I bought the first 3 seasons on DVD. I've made it halfway throught season one and I'm absolutely bored to tears. This has to be the most boring show I've ever seen. I love period shows (Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire & Sparticus BAS spring to mind)These shows are fantastic. Mad Men is a cable television series that wishes to be on broadcast TV. I get that it "Looks" like the 60's – but seriously if nothing ever happens on this show (and halfway throgh season 1 NOTHING is happening) – then why is it so critically acclaimed? Please xplain to me why this is supposed to be good.
In reply to Jenny, the only thing Megan said in french is "Mom, go get Dad, I got news". Unless I missed another phone call.