This. Ending the series with Bert Cooper's soft shoe routine would have been perfect.

That reminds me, The Massacre of Glencoe that formed the basis for the Campbell/McDonald feud is also GRRM's basis for The Red Wedding.

Meh. I'm still enjoying the show. It definitely has the feeling of ending with a whimper instead of a bang, but I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing.

When I read up on the Glencoe thing last night (after watching the episode), I realized the same thing.

I'm emotionally invested in the characters and would prefer it end for them on an up note. This isn't season 4 of the Wire, where it's inevitable things are going to turn our horribly.

I just found it strange that he shouted to some unseen assistant to book a flight. Why even show that? Seemed purely for Joan's benefit.

I had a similar thought. If they work out together it gives her a financial "out" from McCann.

It clearly was for her benefit. If nothing else, it could be him showing her how much she means to him (and him making sure she heard the gesture).

I think it was to show that even in the early 70's, things hadn't changed in terms of "The man being in charge" with a secretary to do all of his "dirty work".

If that's the case, he could have just said "see you tonight".

Don't overthink it. It's a simple paternalistic gallant gesture.

'My fair maiden is distressed? Allow me to stop my machinations of industry and instruct my minions to prepare my travel plans!!'

The 1970s version of calling your squire to bring your steed and sword.

True. I thought he was trying to be showy for her sake. However, I don't dismiss the idea that his secretary doesn't actually exist.

why? Don and Roger shout for their secretary all the time when she's not visible.

But we have seen their secretaries and know for a fact they're real people. It was just the first thing that came to my mind, given Joan's track record with men and how she already told this guy she'd throw her son overboard to be with him.

This is silly conspiracy nonsense.

Matthew Weiner isn't going to create a character such as Richard, who's divorced with grown children, to suddenly come into Joan's life, fall in love, throw his plans of "freedom" out the window, only to be a sham, with two episodes left.

No offense but anyone that believes this has neither been an or spent time with an executive that employees an executive secretary. Even as recently as the early 2000's, I know CEO's and CFO's that wouldn't be able to get to their office without an executive secretary let alone, across the country.