‘Mad Men’ Season 6 Wrap-Up: Matthew Weiner Talks Don and Peggy’s Endings, Season 7 Plans
And so, another season of 'Mad Men' has come to a close with last night's finale "In Care Of," subverting most casual viewers' expectations of murder and mayhem with a somewhat subdued episode that still featured some seismic shifts in power. Series creator Matthew Weiner made the press rounds to discuss the season's end, as well as what he envisions for the ostensibly final 'Mad Men' season next year.
Spoilers of the sixth season of 'Mad Men' ahead, but it seems Don draper ended up in the hell he'd read about at the beginning of the season, cast out from Sterling-Cooper & Partners on a mandatory leave with his dreams of starting anew in California defeated. Weiner confirmed to various outlets that Don's suspension would indeed stick, proving every bit as humiliating and serious as Freddy Rumsen's similar oust in season 1, which hopefully sees Don making real changes to confront what he'd become.
Overall, Weiner admitted to once again painting himself into a corner with all the finale's shifts, seeing Peggy in Don Draper's office as the de facto head of creative, while Pete, Ted and presumably Megan all relocate to California. Weiner initially viewed seasons 6 and 7 as a two-season close to the show, before writer-executive producers Marie and Andre Jacquemetton reminded him to take things one season at a time, as before. Weiner has in mind a final image for the show, but not necessarily how they'll get there next season.
On the subject of the season's most buzz-worthy characters, Megan Draper and Bob Benson, Weiner continued laughing off some of the more outlandish theories, but remained uncertain of their roles in the show going forward. Megan seemed apt to end her marriage and continue on to California, defying Don's ideal vision of her in the process, while actor James Wolk's role in CBS comedy 'The Crazy Ones' could make future appearances from Bob Benson somewhat difficult. Megan also escaped knowledge of Don's season-long affair with Sylvia (Linda Cardellini), as Weiner explains Sally's discovery of the relationship would prove far more traumatic for Don.
Looking forward to season 7, 'Mad Men' will presumably play out the final year of the 1960's, dividing its attention between New York and California, though Weiner of course remained tight-lipped about any ideas for the final year, telling Entertainment Weekly:
It’s going to be a new experience for me and I’m as usual terrified and excited by it but I’m trying not to think about it for a couple weeks. I can tell you we will continue to make the show the way we always have but there’s extra stakes and extra pressure and an emotional process for myself and the writers who have been here.
More From ScreenCrush
