MAD MEN - The Final 7 — Page 2

If it weren't for Kiernan Shipka that hallway scene would have been as hoakey as the kitchen scene. Both scenes were painful to watch because neither January Jones nor Glenn can act. And is Betty really that thick that she didn't recognize Glenn? He's only lost his baby fat and grown his hair out. I mean when I came back from college, my friend's mothers all recognized me.

It bothers me that there's no real build to these final episodes. It's like Friends was in its last season, just ticking off episodes until the end. Most British shows can create a world in their short 6-7 seasons (think Broadchurch) but I'm finding these episodes rather dull.

Updated On: 4/21/15 at 10:00 AM

January Jones makes me have to eventually skip over her scenes. She's comically awful.

I've seen a lot of articles with people crabbing about them introducing characters no one cares about, and how it doesn't feel like anything is going to be tied up, and I can only wonder if people have been watching a different show all these years. Entire seasons go by with barely an ounce of plot movement. This show is about white people ennui, attention to period detail, and overwrought symbolism. It's not about things happening or bows being tied on storylines.

Betty FRANCIS.

The thing with that new guy for Joan was kind of weird. It seemed to be moving super fast. I get that people can meet and have instantaneous connections, but it was I'm hot for you/You have a kid and I don't want that/Okay, I do want you and your kid over the course of what, sixteen hours in show time?

This evening's new episode finally felt like one of the last, if that makes sense. I need to watch it again tomorrow, but I thoroughly enjoyed this evening's episode. Elisabeth Moss had some wonderful material for the first time so far this mini-season.

Yes, it finally felt like a crescendo was in place. Even the (very good) scene about Peggy and her child, perhaps long overdue, or perhaps appropriately reserved for just this spot in the final trajectory; I haven't decided. The show may not be known for its plotting, but I would argue that it's been known for its ability to dramatize stakes. We know what is important here, to each character. The storyline meanders around day players and tertiary, unresolved concerns, but most of the principle players remain people we're invested in. Last night kept that very much alive.

^ And that phone call from her new, groovy lover made me sigh!

At first, I couldn't believe they were going back to the 'We'll start another agency' well again. But to watch it all come crumbling down was utterly satisfying. I was also kind of left speechless by the way the entire staff of SC&P basically shut the pep talk at the end right the f*ck down. How is this all going to end?

And can we talk, for a second, about the Boys in the Band that have moved into Diana's apartment? Who didn't want to see Don join them for a drink?

Another very impressive, very intricate episode, culminating in that heart-rending little dialogue between Stan and Peggy. The last thing that will ever happen is for these two to end up together, but in so many ways they're already married -- that delicious little moment when she just wants him to stay on the phone with her. A very moving and carefully observed relationship that I always enjoy watching, especially considering the way they started out dealing with each other.

It was Joan who got to me last night. Her trajectory on the show remains the one I'm most emotionally invested in, though Peggy's is equal in overall series impact. Both women, of course, are highly individualized and yet in bold ways archetypes, emblematic of so many working women during the era(s). Weiner is delivering the goods in his handling of the third acts in both stories. After a shaky start this season, the last two weeks have restored my faith in the show, and its ability to deliver on its extraordinary promises. How much will we miss these iconic characters?

Updated On: 5/4/15 at 07:02 AM

Peggy and Roger have always had great chemistry together when given the rare opportunity to interact. There was a scene a few years ago between those two where Peggy essentially robbed Roger of every dollar in his wallet, telling him to leave before she took his watch as well. It was golden. Last night, her roller skating around him while he played the organ was fantastic. And her pimp walk into McCann the next day? That is meme and GIF heaven.

I loved last night's episode. I am very excited to see how all this gets wrapped up in two weeks.