7x14 Person to Person

What I love about this series finale is that it gave the characters what they needed.

Pete got his family back and he got out from the shadow of the family name. He created a new life perfect for him and his family.

Peggy opens her eyes to new opportunities which include love. She never really considered Stan before and through the series they were close with ups and downs. A real relationship while still being completely herself- sometimes optimistic, sometimes grouchy, often pessimistic and always ambitious. She doesn’t have to change who she is. I’m glad they left it a bit open. We know she’ll get her dream job as she’s on track and everyone knows her talent. It would have felt cheap if she just suddenly got it so I’m glad the show left it for something we can imagine off screen.

Roger didn’t need much but I’m glad he got the acceptance has a father from Joan. He may not be hands on or much of a ‘father’ but he needed to feel like he did something for the kid. Him and Marie are perfect for each other and their relationship at the end shows him having fun and learning a little. Was it just getting better at French or was he learning more about himself or life? Who knows but I like that there’s a bit of mystery about it. I also like how he treats Don’s secretary. At the beginning of the series he acts like secretaries are nothing. He used to say ‘so?’ And ‘who cares?’ A lot when someone refers to them, as if they don’t matter. This finale he not only tries to keep her on, he regrets losing her, apologizes and does something nice and respectful like give her a good recommendation. It was a really nice little nod to show his personal growth. I really like that.

Joan and her company. I love this. Earlier seasons we saw her love of glamour and show biz. And she loved producing that commercial until it was taken away from her, way back. So I’m glad she pursues this. I’m also glad that she didn’t let her new flame talk her out of it. Men always trying to get her to serve them. It’s too bad she didn’t find somebody who could allow her to be herself as is... but it’s always felt harder for her to be respected. She’s ‘fun’ so it makes sense her love life would be a challenge. I like to think that down the road, after she builds her company that she’ll find the right love - without compromising anything.

Betty really didn’t change much at all through the series and even her tragic end couldn’t get me to like her. Even her goodbye letter was selfish. Yes she had to leave instructions but I was hoping for more. She’s not good with expressing real emotions other than anger. I had hoped she’d write Sally a letter telling her about all she was sad she was going to miss...about anything she regretted. Maybe some advice for when she was gone. Something for her to tell her brothers about their mom...or even Henry. A request that no matter what happens she wants Henry to be part of the family. But no, she had no concern for her husband and didn’t even want the boys to stay with him. I find that more heartbreaking than anything. Henry loves her and she didn’t consider him family. The only part I liked about the letter was that she told Sally she was going to be okay.

Sally was often bratty in the series, often acting like Betty while trying to be the opposite. The fact she comes home to take care of her mom and the family shows that she will be different. It was bittersweet and it was the best way to end her story. She’s an evolved version of both Betty and Don.

As for Don, I felt like he needed this. However, I think this should have happened earlier in the season. It would be nice to have him in New York, making changes. Get a new place that isn’t like the fancy life he had at the penthouse but something different. Or we see him spending more time with his kids. Or seeing his former coworkers by choice - as a friend. One last interaction with Pete where they are actually friends... Or we see him watching Sally graduate from high school while a woman hits on him but he doesn’t care because he’s proud of his daughter. And I wish there was a little more...acceptance with him and Henry. We know they won’t be friends but Henry takes care of the family, it’d be nice for them to be civil like co-parents after Betty passes. I feel some of this is implied, some not so much.

I do like the commercial at the end but Don’s end felt so-so to me.

Overall a pretty good series finale.