I started watching Mad Men after the second season finished airing. Hearing all the praise it got, I decided to check it out. Working through the first season on DVD I kept wondering what all the fuss was about. I then realized that I was devouring each disc as fast as I could. With each episode, I was subconsciously compelled to follow Don Draper’s path through isolation without realizing it.

The hypnosis comes from two things: the time period/setting and the characters. I can’t think of another show (or movie) that explores the advertisement business. The attention to detail to match the 60’s era in the sets, props and costumes made every episode feel incredibly authentic. Match that with great writing and a fantastic cast that can pull it off and you have a show that will stand up to the test of time.

While Don Draper is the main character, everyone around him shared the spotlight. Roger, Joan, Peggy, Pete, Betty, Ken, Sally, Megan, Bert, Stan…there’s a whole lot of them over seven seasons and everyone has their favorite. The variety and quality of personalities is why this show gets so much love from its fans.

Mad Men has every element of life- the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Each season brought something new and interesting for every character. I can’t think of a bad addition to the roster and when someone left, it was always meaningful.

The only misstep I think the show made was breaking the last season into two halves with a huge gap in time between airings. It did nothing but slow the momentum, but with such a good ending, I don’t think anyone minds any more. Plus, from here on out it doesn’t matter as anyone can pick up the series and watch it from beginning to end right. That gap doesn’t exist any more.

I’m going to miss not seeing any more new episodes, but I think Mad Men finished on top. The finale gives us open ended closure, which I like. Don completed another self destruction cycle and came out on the otherside accepting who is and what he does. Despite feeling alone even when he’s surrounded by people, he truly enjoys them, strangers and family alike (the phone conversations he has with Sally, Peggy and Betty are very telling. Also highlights the most important people to him). While we’re done visiting these people’s lives, they aren’t over. Don, his family and his friends are continuing on without us in the ways they see fit.  Hope feels really good.