Recently in Mad Men Category

The "Mad Men" finale last night more than lived up to my expectations, and it was gratifying to see the season end on an unexpected high note. Even the divorce proceedings seemed as painless as they could be, with Betty all set up for the future, and Don free to find a woman who might better understand him. (I understand you, Don!)

Just a few questions:

Was Don telling Peggy, "I will spend the rest of my life trying to hire you" the most bizarrely hot boss line you've ever heard?

Who else do we want to see on board at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce? If they don't re-hire Sal, I may have to stop smoking Lucky Strikes.

Could we be so lucky as to be rid of Miss Farrell forever?

Has Roger been studying Dean Martin? The man kills with every line.

What was the significance of the flashback to Archie Whitman's death? Was it supposed to symbolize
defeat, or a fresh start? Is Betty the horse?

Is Joan simply the highest form of woman?

'Mad Men'
Three and a half stars
10 p.m. Monday, AMC

"Mad Men" is already legendary -- a critical smash. We rave about the unsentimental reassessment of an idealized era. We swoon over the vintage clothes, the decorating details. The direction! The acting! Even the opening sequence is can't-miss. "Mad Men" makes us want to invent another type of award, just so we can give it to them.

Now, at the beginning of the third season, we must acknowledge the real secret of its success: Don Draper is the coolest TV character of all time.

In the first episode, we witness Don's super powers. All he does is sit there, and women shamelessly throw themselves at him. He oozes mystery. He's brilliant. He has it all - money, respect, the perfect family - but we never doubt that he finds it completely meaningless. He is appealingly tortured, tragic.