Mad Men: Shut the Door, Have a Seat.

[falafel_musings]

Shut the Door, Have a Seat: Review

How about I just change the title of this to 'The Most Pwnsome Episode of Anything Ever'? I'd been wondering if I'd ever love a new Mad Men episode more than I loved 'Nixon Vs Kennedy' or 'Meditations on an Emergency'. I think this episode has done it. I felt like cheering the whole time, except for the moments I felt like crying. It was such a fucking good episode. S4 is going to be incredible... 

Awesome New Agency is Awesome!!! Firstly I loved that the show (finally!) got back to having Sterling Cooper as the main story and the Draper marriage being the subplot, because I think this episode is a testement to why the balance is so much better that way. But GAH!! I had been hoping for a New Agency all season long!! At this stage I'd almost given up on the idea. I thought S3 was going to end up with everyone scattered. And instead we get a new dream team coming together. I loved it! I just loved how the awesome conspiracy kept getting more and more awesome as the episode progressed. It was like the episode of The West Wing when they show Leo putting Team Bartlett together. And Mad Men could really use some of that West Wing team spirit.  

Could I love Lane MORE?!! He'd be my new favourite character, if I didn't love Peggy and Pete so hard. I just loved everything that Lane did this episode, from joyfully firing Don, Bert and Roger to joyfully being fired by his nasty snooty overlords - "Merry Christmas!" Lane is simply joyful with his whole "Ooh, rebellion...what fun!" attitude. I'm sooo happy he is staying.   

I completely loved everyone this episode including Don and Betty. I'm proud of this show that they didn't copout on the divorce. It was time for it, they had earned it and it even sort of justified the excessive Don/Betty screentime in S3. This was a very definitive ending and if Don/Betty ever reconcile it won't be for a long long time. I loved their close-to-violent confrontation after Don found out about Henry Francis. For a man who ritually commits adultery, it really did seem to shock Don that Betty was capable of straying too. Some of the things Don said about Betty were true. Betty isn't good and she has been crafting a life raft for herself, but even so it took real backbone for Betty to stand up to Don like that. She is a tiny little woman and Don is an intimidating bastard, but Betty didn't flinch. It wasn't just Don's physical menacing but his attempt at gaslighting, telling Betty she was sick and needed to see a doctor. I was willing Betty not to cave. And then when Don grabbed her by her nightdress and called her a whore he put the final nail in their marriage himself. Note to self Don: you don't get to call anyone else a whore. Nobody can out-whore you on this show.

The scene where they told Sally and Bobby made me cry. I'm a child of divorce. Me and my little brother went through a scene remarkably like that one when we are kids and well...there's not much else I can say about that. Ouch show. But it made me relieved that my parents are NOT Don and Betty Draper. I think Carla should get custody. The only thing that disappointed me a little was Don deciding he wasn't going to fight Betty in the end. Because, man...that fight was starting to get good! 

Back to the Sterling Coup. This story was so outstandingly brilliant. I loved how they brought everyone together and then totally robbed the office. And how much did I love the scene where Don and Roger came to recruit Pete? Quite a lot let me tell you. That Pete was planning to meet his bosses in his famous pyjamas had me giggling right from the start. Trudy shouting instructions to Pete from another room was even funnier. I loved Roger smirking at Pete's attempts to play hardball. Most of all I loved that Pete's terms basically came down too - "I'll bring you all my accounts if Don admits that he loves me". And how Don's response to that was basically - "Bitch, we both know you love it when I treat you mean and keep you keen." But I love that Don and the show finally acknowledged that Pete is the one with a clear vision of where the future is headed. So we'll finally see a progressive agency in S4. Woot!

I loved the return of Don/Pete, Don/Peggy and Don/Roger. Nice to see Don appreciating his friends and actually treating them with respect. I especially loved the Don/Roger scenes. Like this! Don: "I can't believe he was going to leave." Roger: "That little shit." Heeee! I love that Don/Roger are still united in their contempt for Pete Campbell, even though that contempt now seems warmer and big brotherish. Like, I seriously think these guys are all going to work well together despite their differences.

I love that they brought Harry onboard. Cos I heart Harry Crane. The elevator scene with Pete attempting to be conspiratorial was hilarious, especially with the "Harry's here! Quick everyone, hide our evil plans!" as they entered the office. Then Cooper threatening to lock Harry in the storage cuboard and Harry's poor scared face! I'd forgotten how much I adore Bertrum.

From this point on the story just got more and more awesome. I love Peggy so much it hurts. I love how bruised she was by Don's treatment of her and yet how self-assertive she was (without being arrogant). Just like Betty I was willing Peggy not to give into Don, even though I wanted her for the Awesome Agency too. But when Don acknowledged his personal connection with Peggy - echoing both their scene in the mental hospital and the Pete/Peggy "It's just gone" scene - that was when I was practically yelling for Peggy to take up Don's offer.  

And this. Roger: "Peggy will you get me some coffee." Peggy: "No." *looooovees!!* 

Of course, this episode exploded with awesome when Joan arrived. I so knew that Roger was going to call Joan. Who didn't? I loved that the context for Joan's return was - "Crap! We don't know where anything is or how this office even works." Joan to the rescue! I loved it. It already feels like Joan is the boss of the new Awesome Agency. Can she be the boss? She should be.

Pete walking out of the offices with his rifle over his shoulder *loves* Roger telling Don to leave the doors unlocked *loves* The final darkened shot of the Sterling Cooper offices *cries, but loves*...the future will be better than the past.

Like most fans the only thing missing for me was Sal. When they were kicking in the 'Fart Department' door I was really hoping someone would think to call Sal and bring him onto the new team. But then, their main account is Lucky Strike. Damn it. I really hope they find a way to bring Sal back in S4 but it's going to be very difficult. Not just because of Lee Garner junior; I also find it hard to imagine Sal forgiving Don and Roger for the way they treated him. I'm also worried about Ken and Kinsey being left out of the exodus. I hope we'll see them again in some fashion. The same goes for Kurt, Smitty, Hildy, Mr Hooker and Lois.  

But those final hotel scenes got me so so excited. Pete and Peggy sharing a desk!! Seriously, Pete and Peggy are sharing a desk and now S3 is ending! Noooooo! Damn you to hell, Weiner!! And then Trudy bringing everyone lunch, bless her. Give Trudy a job already. It really seems like she wants to be involved and she is such a great team player. I loved Pete and Trudy's victory kiss. I can't believe that S3 has made me a Pete/Trudy fan while still making me yearn for Pete/Peggy. That shot of Pete, Peggy and Trudy gathered around one table. Gahhhh! I don't want anything bad to happen, but knowing Pete it will. Finally, I loved the shot of Don emerging from the bedroom. I loved the transition from the flashbacks showing his father's death, to the current destruction of his married life and then finally showing Don with his new family of sorts, after he inspired all these people to make a change with him. 

Bring on 1964. I hope they don't jump very far ahead. I really want to see this agency rebuild itself.

Comments

[lenina20.livejournal.com]

Some of the things Don said about Betty were true. Betty isn't good and she has been crafting a life raft for herself, but even so it took real backbone for Betty to stand up to Don like that. She is a tiny little woman and Don is an intimidating bastard, but Betty didn't flinch. It wasn't just Don's physical menacing but his attempt at gaslighting, telling Betty she was sick and needed to see a doctor. I was willing Betty not to cave. And then when Don grabbed her by her nightdress and called her a whore he put the final nail in their marriage himself. Note to self Don: you don't get to call anyone else a whore. Nobody can out-whore you on this show.

THIS. this is one of my all-time favorite scenes of the entire show!!!!!HOW? HOW IS IT POSSIBLE? I HATED DON/BETTY AND THIS SCENE ALMOST KILLED ME WITH HOW FUCKING BRILLIANT IT WAS! oooooooooooooooooooooooooooh! Seriously. Best moment ever! I loved every word, ever gesture - that was wonderfully played and written. Beautiful! And so meaningful - what it says about the true nature of their relationship and who they are as people. Guh. AMAZING.

THAT KISS BETWEEN TRUDY AND PETE SLAYED ME, BY THE WAY. PAJAMAS AND ALL!!! And only Trudy asking Peggy is it wasn't exciting could have made it even better. GUH! SHOW! I TAKE BACK ALL THE BAD THING I'VE SAID ABOUT YOU!

Peggy was awesome. I really appreciated her progression as a character in this episode. And what Don told her - guh! It made me like Don! HOW? SERIOUSLY - THIS IS MY FAVORUTE MM EPISODE EVER! when Joan said Pete and Peggy were to share a desk I DIED! I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A SHIPPER'S FANFICTION ONLY IT WAS REAL AND BRILLIANT!AND THEN TRUDY CAME AND TALKED TO PEGGY AND MY HEART EXPLODED!

WHY THE FUCK HAS THIS SEASON ENDED NOW????? DAMN! THIS FEELS LIKE S3 WAS A PRELUDE OR SOMETHING. DAMNNNNNN!I NEED SEASON 4!!!!

This was brilliant. I am so happy now!

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

It's great to see you so happy! And CAPLOCKY!

Looking back I've always like Don/Betty best when they are at war. I loved Betty throwing Don out in S2 and passive-aggressively confronting his affairs through her therapist. It was such a ruthless brilliant scene. It really showed how the Draper marriage has grown rotten at the core.

I loved the Don/Peggy scene too. I've always loved their scenes and Peggy was so touching. I've not liked Don this much since 'The Mountain King'. And yes, I love Pete/Trudy, those adorable little dancing non-smokers!! I'm scared of Pete/Peggy/Trudy exploding in S4. It'll break my heart.

Yes!! How could they end there??? I agree that S3 seems like a prelude or more of a transition series. The ending made it all worthwhile.

I really hope you make icons of this ep!

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I agree that the forming of the new crew was sentimental, but it worked for me. I felt they had done a decent job of establishing why each character involved would want a fresh start and new independance. Certainly after the Kennedy assassination it felt thematically appropriate.

I did not buy Don and Roger going to Pete before Ken.

I did. Like Roger said Pete can be trusted "do what it takes". Pete has drive and ambition that easygoing Ken lacks. Plus unlike the Accounts Vice President job this was Don's call and I always believed Don would choose Pete over Ken.

Off topic but I really want to bitch to you about how you never comment on my journal even when I am begging people to comment or fill out surveys.

I mostly use my LJ for fandom fun and lightheartedness. I hardly ever write personal posts or academic posts, nor do I comment on these sorts of posts on my flist. It's just not what I joined LJ for. If you find that unsatisfactory you're free to defriend me. No need for bitchiness.

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'll try to get more involved with your own LJ posts, but like I said, I mostly avoid discussion of personal matters online.

[pacejunkie.livejournal.com]

It really was amazing. I loved the sneaky weekend caper. Not sure why they had to get a hotel room to start the business though. Surely there's tonnes of available office space somewhere in the city. Even if it's just two or three offices it shouldn't cost much more than what a hotel suite costs. Seemed an odd choice, like they were all in hiding or something.

It was so great to see the core team reunited, though I wondered too if this is a major culling of the cast and whoever is not part of the new agency is going bye bye. I've been on the fence about Lane all season but this episode finally made me love him, he really felt like part of the team for the first time.

Can you explain one thing to me? The Don/Peggy scene at her apartment, when Peggy asked Don why he was doing this and whether it was because he couldn't work for anyone else and Don said no, what was his real reason? He went on a bit about people buying things and life changing and I just couldn't grasp the meaning of any of it. I suppose it was meant to be profound but it just went over my head, like the writers were trying too hard to be deep and lyrical.

So do we know yet how much time they will skip? I assume when the show returns we will see the agency set up and established in someplace small but more permanent. Maybe a year?

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

Loved the weekend heist! I have the feeling the hotel suite is only temporary. I suppose they needed to get business up and running again fast, but they'll look for proper offices. But I love the idea of them being in hiding like Oceans Eleven too!

Yes, I'm worried about the culling. I guess I could stand to loose Kurt, Smitty, Mr Hooker, some of the secretaries, etc. They could even loose Ken Cosgrove, who is likeable but has had nothing to do in S3. I'd really miss Kinsey though. And they simply have to bring back Sal.

I think in a cryptic way Don was referring to how he knows Peggy had to start her life over when he found her in the psychiatric hospital. Don has implied to Peggy that he has been through a similar transformation, though Peggy doesn't know the details of it. I think Don was basically saying he sees Peggy as a soulmate as well as a creative talent.

I hope they don't skip too far ahead. I'd really like to see 1964 with its Beatlemania and the Civil Rights act. I'd also love to see the new agency building itself up.

[nicole-anell.livejournal.com]

Loooooove!

I'm dying over the phrase "Sterling Coup". XD Thank you for that.

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I must confess I didn't come up with 'Sterling Coup'. A few reviewers have already been using that pun before me.

[ever-neutral.livejournal.com]

'The Most Pwnsome Episode of Anything Ever'?

EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING TOO. EVERYONE. WAS AWESOME.

*spaz*

"Merry Christmas!"

Lane is officially one of my favourite characters.

Most of all I loved that Pete's terms basically came down too - "I'll bring you all my accounts if Don admits that he loves me".

SO. MUCH. LOVE.

"Harry's here! Quick everyone, hide our evil plans!"

Pete was bringing the comic timing this episode. That's why we love him XD

LOVED the Don/Peggy scene. And the final Don/Betty one.

Pete and Peggy sharing a desk? ALL my favourite characters uniting together to be AWESOME? I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL SEASON 4.

I think what I liked best about this finale was, unlike the previous two, it ended with hope. That means something on this show.

Sorry for the excessive capslocking, btw.

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I think I might list Lane as my favourite character after Pete and Peggy now. Sal, Joan and Trudy have also jumped up my favourites list in S3 while Betty has dropped quite a bit. And I've always loved Harry so I'm pleased he was picked for the new dream team.

Pete's comic timing/delivery was awesome. I could just sit there and laugh at his tense expressions and arched eyebrows all episode. I love how transparent he is.

CANNOT WAIT EITHER!!!

[elliotsmelliot.livejournal.com]

That was so much fun. The only problem is that I should have waited to watch this before the S4 premiere because I don't want to have to watch 10 months to see the adventures of Sterling -Cooper-Draper-Price (and maybe Campbell!).

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I can't wait for the new adventures either! They need to fix that title though. Too many bloody names. The guys need to put their egos away and just shorten it to something fitting and appropriate. Like 'Joans Advertising'.

[mrine.livejournal.com]

I just loved how the awesome conspiracy kept getting more and more awesome as the episode progressed.

Haha! If I wrote a review of this episode that would basically be it. Seeing the momentum build and all the pieces fall into place was so satisfying! What a finale! *claps*

I love how all the characters' relationships have been remoulded. I'm looking forward to a season where Peggy and Pete and the rest of the former underlings have a greater say in how things are run. And gosh, Joan should just be the boss!

[falafel-musings.livejournal.com]

I think Joan is in charge of Sterling Cooper, in the same way Charlie is in charge of The West Wing. Their positions seem lowly but nobody could cope without them.

Yes, I do hope Peggy and Pete have a bigger say. It'll be refreshing to see a progressive agency for once.