Before season 3 began, Matthew Weiner and the cast stated that this year was going to be all about “change.” After 12 slow-burning episodes of incredible storytelling, we got the penultimate episode of “change.” And I loved every moment. Like my favorite heist movies, “Shut the Door” featured a scheme, a caper, a hide-out, and the big pay-off. And, of course, a WTF? for those who got fleeced. Don and Roger leaving the doors of SC unlocked on their way out was my favorite touch.

The only criticism I really have of this episode is that the divorce storyline of Betts and Don seemed to be glazed over a bit. We’ve been building up to it since about midway through season 2 when she first kicked Don out, but I thought it played out soft in the end. The scene above, in which Don says goodbye to Sally and Bobby, delivered an emotional wallop mostly because of Bobby’s desperate clinging to his father. Maybe Don was too distracted because of all the madness at SC, I dunno, it just seemed like they were sweeping this story under the rug until next season. Also, what’s up with Miss Farrell? She could possibly return in season 4 to be with Don in a less shadowy manner.

Back on Madison Ave. : McCann Erickson is buying all of PPl, including SC. Don, Roger, and Cooper decide to found their own company with Lane. Pete, Peggy, and Harry are brought on board, followed by Joan – who we all figured would be back at some point. Pete and Trudy were completely adorable before and after the meeting with Don/Roger. Pete and his robe, playing sick, and Trudy genuinely being a supportive wife; not just because it’s a role. It was a great moment for a character like Pete who had felt nothing but manipulated and shit on all season. His attempt at negotiating with the seasoned Don and Roger was humorous, but it took nothing away from his pride. Like I’ve said since season 1, Pete is a hard fucking worker and I’m glad he got this major moment of recognition.

It was no surprise that Peggy would be asked to join the renegade ad men. Bummer about Sal though. With Roger bringing the American Tobacco account with him, there’s a slim chance Mr. Romano will be asked to join…for now. The plus side was that instead of calling Sal to open the art department, Don kicked in the door like a badass. But I’d really hate to see a fully developed, well acted character leave the show with a scene of an underground homosexual club in Central Park.

Well, that’s it for Mad Men until August 2010. Thanks so much for reading!

The song that closed out season 3: Roy Orbison’s “Shahdaroba.”

- Oh Mars