The rumor has been swirling for some time that, due mostly to budgetary reasons, a character from the show would be offing themselves at some point this season - many people were guessing a jump through an office window, evoking the now iconic falling man in the opening credits. Well, it wasn't death by jumping, but in last night's episode, increasingly sad sack and desperate Lane Pryce hanged himself in his office after Don discovered his embezzlement and forced him to resign. Early signs this season had been pointing very much at disillusioned and dissatisfied suburbanite husband Pete Campbell - as much as I really liked Lane for much of his run on the show, I'm glad Pete is still around, as much as he can be a total douche. I find his character arc much more interesting and more important to the story Mad Men is telling and I can't help but like him because creator Matt Weiner has grounded Pete's douchebaggery in such complexity that at times I find him wholely sympathetic. I'm also glad Kenny wasn't fired. I love me some Ken Cosgrove. Anyway, it sucks when storyline is dictated by real-world financial issues, but that is the nature of the beast - everything about every television show is dictated by money, but at least on Mad Men we have a capable showrunner who could fit that character leaving organically and seamlessly into the unfolding story. Joan's reaction to Lane's death is heartbreaking, as was Don's, who I know can't help but feel partially responsible. Actually seeing them cut his body down was a highly disturbing image that made it difficult to fall asleep right after, but kudos to any show that doesn't shy away from darkness and reality.
RIP Lane Pryce - you did us wrong, but you will be missed...
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