To follow along behind the "Those who we may have seen the last of" thread:
I agree that Joan may not be seen again unless it is a visual trip down memory lane in Don's head. Same for Ted, Betty, Ken, Harry and Bobby. No Glen either. I think Mr. Wiener's son's universal lack of talent and his equally universal dislike by the audience deems this so.
I believe Richard, Peggy, Stan, Sally and Pete will be dealt with over the last two episodes along with Don.
Don't know if that is Don in Sally's dorm room but the look on her roommates face tells us it is almost frightening. If it is Glen, well why? He cares about Betty not Sally! If it is Betty, will it be to tell her she is getting out of the marriage with Henry and maybe getting back with Don!!! Who else could it be??
Peggy and Don are the key I think. Something has to happen with them together, whether it is in NY or not. Will Don coax her to California after a particularly evil showdown with McCann's misogynistic hierarchy? Will she somehow get a chance to tell him see is in charge of Coca Cola or Chevy of something Don would be startled by? Will she tell him thanks or go blank himself? Does Stan get a role in any of this? Seems too obvious for her to find true love and professional success at the very end? Not Wiener ish! My thoughts are that staying true to the 1970's means Peggy won't be appreciated at McCann so where will she go? California is my guess to start a new agency with Don and Stan.
Some speculation that Richard will croak and if so we will have the opportunity to see the whole ensemble again, but how predictable is that? Richard should last be seen being asked by Ferg, in front of everybody, to go get him some coffee. He is dead either way.
Sally will be in the next episode and her part will be played out, whatever it may be. Don gives her the truth, an endowment and a last hug? This young actress is one of the best on the show. Sally may be spoiled but this young girl is going places after Mad Men.
Pete will be absorbed into McCann and become a cog.
If you watched the Sopranos you know that this won't be a finale that gives us all the answers. Weeks ago before the loose window scene in last weeks show, I was thinking somehow Don is on the roof with all his demons and we fade to black. I mean did Tony Soprano get whacked in that restaurant? Did Don jump? But no it will be something else. The hitchhiker is the last minute joker. If Don makes it to St Paul, he will be 1,200 miles away from NYC. Will the hitchhiker say something sage and life-changing to Don about truth, love, life or family that makes a difference? What else could he be for, Don is not a killer so he can't try to use him to fake his death unless our mystery man tries something first.
Ok, what I want to happen in the end is for Don and Peggy to be the end in some way. What I don't have a clue.