I mostly loved the finale, I thought there was just slightly too much exposition at times, for a finale....and would have preferred some editing changes, but a worthy ending for this amazing show.....
Pete and his family, with that subtle, bittersweet music playing was perfect, smiling and content in his own skin for once, with his family, changing his life. Making the change that took Don double the time, and pain, and alcohol and misery he inflicted on himself and everyone who got close, Pete got it right, in the end. For season after season he was such a hateful and hate worthy little fukk, now to see him as a mature, focused person, who realized what he wanted for his life, and what he thought was important, before it was too late. Beautiful scene.
That whole ending montage was really my favorite part, but I love wordless montages set to music, goodbyes or new beginning, shot with no dialogue. To me, thats where the show ended, as Don looked out on the coast, unburdened and fragile, fukked up and hurting, but ready to move forward, which was always his thing. I understand others loved it, and I can certainly appreciate it, I would have been fine with it ending right in those moments, and just continuing with the music, taking us through the final credits. The Yoga, and the bell, and the Coca Cola ad wasn't needed, it's brilliant in the debate and discussion it will spark, Weiner went a bit 'Sopranos' lite, but it felt like too much, and a return to advertising, which I felt the show had all but dropped. I'm fine with the idea that Don returned to MCcan and created the coke ad, because of the retreat, but I will let it just end for me with Don finally becoming the man he wanted to be, and healing inside.
Already commented on Peggy and Stan, and I loved their scenes, was unexpected, but there throughout their entire relationship. The phone call between Don and Peggy was probably my second favorite scenes, Don was just stripped down to nothing but shame and raw, cutting guilt that he couldn't take anymore. I've broken all my vows, I've scandalized my child.....' that was amazing acting and writing, and finally brought home his misery and regret, that he chased the entire series, in every glass of whiskey, or bottle of vodka to the neck, or half drunk women between the sheets of a hotel, or his empty, soulless condo. I think Weiner made his point that Don wasn't some Alpha male, Captain of the industry, just a broken and horribly sad person who hated himself, and could never admit how deep that hate ran. I thought the parts he related to in that mans speech the most was about not being able to recognize love when it was there, and people were trying. Don didn't want anyone to love him, because he hated himself. His children, his wifes, and all the women were all trying, and it fukked up everyone involved....Now he has that chance, and that self awareness to change. Embracing that lonely, insecure, depressed man was Don finally breaking down It's clear to me that he was saying his goodbye to Peggy and the world with their phone call. So, thats the end to me, let people have their version of cynicism and advertising, if you see more then a little of yourself in Don, not a hard drinking playboy, but the dark, self hatred and miserable Don....you get the end.
