User Reviews

The Suitcase is the best episode of the series so far, in my opinion. Everyone has their suitcase, everyone is ready to leave. The ones who leave take somethings from us with them. They take the priceless joy they give to us and give us the pain. That's what Anna did to Don who ignored the call from Stephanie and had a unforgettable night (at least for the viewers) with his only friend alive Peg. The development of this two's relationship in this episode is brilliant and also emotional at the end.

The Suitcase is about death, grief, being left alone and important friendships. And I give Matthew Weiner a standing ovation for writing and creating this amazing and brilliant episode (and in general the show). My vote is 10/10, undoubtedly.

I have read a lot of online reviews that this episode is by far the best of the series and the ratings on IMDb confirm this. It is certainly the highlight of the series. The true chemistry in this whole series from season 1 to season 7 is what's between Don and Peggy. It's way more intense and real than any love affair Don had with his women. When I had started watching season 1, I never predicted that Peggy would take such a central role in Mad Men, and she has done it with such charm and ease. Bravo. This episode shows depth, humanity, people could identify with Don, they could identify with Peggy and probably for the first time they could so clearly see the world through their eyes, could feel what they feel. An episode that defines the whole series. lovely.

The only episode of television I've ever rewatched immediately after finishing it.

The Suitcase was an excellent episode, possibly one of the finest in the series. No, scratch that! THE best episode of the series to date. I am sure Mad Men fans will look back upon this episode as the best, or at least one of the best.

The Suitcase showcased Don Draper and Peggy Olson's relationship, one that is very rare to Don in his type of life. It showed how important they are to each other, and it showed both Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss at their finest acting, and their amazing chemistry really comes through. Their vulnerabilities that they are able to express to each other is rare to both. Both Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss have proved over time, this episode in particular, that they are the finest actors on the show, and it is about time that they get their due. The writing in this episode is masterful, and I am sure that upon next year's Emmys the episode will be on the list of nominees.

The Suitcase keeps adding on to an amazing fourth season that, if it keeps on this path, will probably stand as the show's best season. I feel like giving this episode a standing ovation, because it is not every day, or every year, that a Television episode this amazing hits the air waves.

Best episode of the series so far,the performances of Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Moss deserve every possible award. Written brilliantly like the rest of the series, the episode manages to deal with death and mourn as perfectly as possible, humanizing one of the most emotionally closed characters on television. Finally we have emotions that were kept in the seasons put out. 10/10

This show is amazing. it doesn't need action to hook you. the suitcase is literally two people talking for an entire episode and it's one of the greatest achievements in television. Easily greater than ozymandias.

I still remember watching this during the original airing and during one of the commercial brakes half-way through the episode and getting this feeling that I was watching something special.

This is probably the best episode of the series, although not a fan of season 4 overall.

This episode ( The suitcase) is definitely the best episode of the series. First it show how brilliant the actors(Jon and Elisabeth) are and second it shows the excellence in writing of the episode.

This episode is pure gold, and the way the actors play Don and Peggy against each other is nothing short of genius.

This the highest peak of 'Mad Men', a little past the midway point of the series' seven season run. Plenty of great episodes lay ahead, but in a way only relevant to the Mad Men series, its downhill from here. Downhill on Mad Men still beats all other TV Drama series (including Matthews Weiner's warm up creation 'The Sopranos' which is as good as it was, ranks behind Mad Men).

The pinnacle of Television Drama is here. X marks the spot.

I thought it would be interesting to share with you my opinion on "The Suitcase".

The context I know that I am so late in the game, but thanks to the magic of streaming I have started recently watching the show. Previously, I have watched Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Six Feet Under, The Wire, The Soprano, The Americans and many others.

My friend kept insisting that I should watch Mad Men. To her, it is the best TV show ever made. She kept praising the writing, the characters, etc. I wish you could listen to her. "Never have I felt so deeply moved... Whoever wrote this is my soulmate." Anyway, she kept referring to "The Suitecase" as the best episode ever made (better than "Ozymandias" in Breaking Bad, she told me!).

Such statements piqued my curiosity as I wondered how the intensity and the level of payoff in "Ozymandias" could be achieved, let alone exceeded. And I decided to give a try, having a high degree of expectation as I kept hearing about how good was the show.

Before "The Suitcase" l was aware that the pacing in the show was really slow. But it did not bother at all, as I am used to slow-burn dramas (my only requirement was to have a satisfying payoff at the end). I really liked the first season; it did a great job at introducing the characters and depicting the 60s. Impressive cinematography, music and sense of detail. A delight! For me, the only flaws were the flashbacks (which I felt were a cheap tool of characterization) and the lack of clear direction (except for the last episode during which a lot happen). The structure felt too episodic; however, taken independently, the episodes were enjoyable (as they were filled with witty humor and a few emotional moments ).

Season 2 et season 3: not as good, as season 1 (although season 3 is way better than season 2). What really bothered me was the soap opera storylines that kick in (all the cheating, the domestic arguments, the repetitive forbidden romances...) and the process of creating ads that was overlooked. Also, I noticed the same lack of direction: except in the last episodes of season 3, I didn't feel there was an arc or a clear trajectory. However, this doesn't mean that I did not enjoy watching the show. I was really impressed by the last episode of season 3 ("Shut the Door. Have a Seat."), notably the scheme the characters pulled off.

Season 4: The 6 first episodes were very strong. A lot of things started to happen, along with a welcomed breeze of change for all characters (which tended priorly to act always the same, especially Don). Anyway, no need to tell how much I was hyped before watching "The Suitcase", knowing that many people claim this is the climax. Apparently, nothing after or before that ever tops this episode...

"The Suitcase" "Is that all?" That was unfortunately my reaction at the end of the episode.

I really tried to feel involved, but the episode kind of fall short emotionally speaking. I did not feel anything at all. I know that seeing Don crying and losing a dear friend should spark emotions, but I was left on the doorstep. To me, something lacked, like a striking revelation or something unexpected or a bold move which would shed a new light on the characters. Nothing that we didn't already know, no real payoff. At the end of the episode, everything continues as seen before. The behaviors of the characters also felt forced to me. Couldn't Peggy just leave the office? What about the annoying appearance of Duck?

I also think that me not necessarily liking/rooting for Peggy may have played (knowing that she is one of the favorite characters among fans). I find Joan more interesting and complex as a female character, where as sometimes I found Peggy a little bit childish.

I may sound harsh, but, I was genuinely disappointed (especially given all the praises). I was really looking forward to being blown away, especially knowing that my friend finds it way better than "Ozymandias". Some people even claim this is the climax of Mad Men and it makes feel worried of what the show has in store. Is it really the best episode?

If I forgot for a minute the disappointment, I found the episode as good as the previous ones, but, in no way, better. I can perfectly understand that it constitutes a defining moment for the show, as was "College" for The Sopranos. In fact, it clearly summaries the main themes: the intimacy between Don and Peggy highlights their commonality. Both live, breath thanks to work and escape from their private life, which is at this point completely messed up. Only they understand deeply each other, especially after the death of Anna. Fine! I also get the symbolism and the minimalistic approach (the bottle episode structure).

So, technically speaking, very good. But, emotionally speaking, for me, meh. I would give 16/20. Don't get me wrong, it is a very good episode, but not remotely as great as I was expecting.

My favorite episodes so far In fact, I prefer way more the finale of season 3 "Shut the Door. Have a Seat." (S03.E13) and the following episode "The Summer Man" (S04.E08). Both of them, to me, are greater and stand out. The first one applies elements of heist films in the corporate world; plus, the atmosphere was gripping (full of twists). Very clever. 18/20. As for the latter, there was this feeling of novelty with Don quitting drinking and the use of voice-over gave us a new perspective on what was happening. 17/20.

I also prefer "Shoot" (S01.E09) to "The Hobo Code" (S01.E08) which seems to be more acclaimed.

This episode was simply magnificent. It explored beautifully the relationship between Don and Peggy and did it through damn fine writing, expert directing and the superb performances of Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss. "The Suitcase" is, without a doubt, one of the best hours in television history.

P. S: There's something about seeing Elisabeth Moss crying that makes you want to cry with her.

This is the 2nd time I am watching the Mad Men and i must say, this is the most crushing episode of Mad Men until this episode. May be "opening of box" was very intense but this episode... Anger, dramatic, funny and makes you crying.

While this is known to be the shining achievement of the series, the previous episode, Waldolf Stories, was also quite great, packing in so many things into a single episode while The Suitcase is very narrowed and basic, bringing the two primary characters together that don't get a whole lotta time with each other without distractions...

That being Don and Peggy... the latter who was our white rabbit taking us into wonderland in the first place... and frankly, after she went from secretary to copywriter, she became pretentious and conceited... as part of the character, but it was often too much...

So this is a great opportunity for Peggy to be brought back to earth, and for Elizabeth Moss to exercise those layers, right back down to size by none other than Don where Jon Hamm really seems more real than ever...

Their alone-time together feels natural and flows amazingly... plus there's great humor involving Duck, that shouldn't be spoiled but... he's a BLAST in this episode...

Overall, a slam-dunk: a kind of contained stage play feel that's still immense and cinematic.