I am – Hercules!!

“So we finally have the answer to the question, ‘What makes Don Draper smile?’”

“I’m not really going to kill him!! I just would like to, that’s all!!”

“I need you two to be ready for me at a moment’s notice!!”

“I’m not going to let you force me to do anything anymore!!”

“I don’t want to ruin this!!”

“Let the chips fall where they may!!”

“That’s not a choice!!”

“I can’t do it!! I won’t!!”

A lot of criticism for Don Draper last week over his firing of poor, closeted Sal Romano. But as horrible as I think most of us felt for Sal, I couldn’t figure another way out. (And one does sense that, if he doesn’t kill himself first, Sal will thrive in new, gayer circumstances.)

Clearly Don’s continuing frustration with Sterling Cooper is fueling his reckless behavior away from the office. Will Conrad Hilton end up bankrolling A new Don Draper Agency? Given the number of key players who have left or seem ready to flee Sterling (not just Sal, Joan and Peggy, but also second-season departures like Duck Phillips and Freddy Rumson), I wouldn’t be shocked if death (or stroke) meets Bert Cooper and Don ends up leaving SC by season’s end – despite that three-year contract he just signed.

Sally’s sexy teacher is back this week, as is Lane Pryce’s African-hating wife.

Tonight and beyond:

3.10 "The Color Blue"
The firm celebrates a milestone. Peggy and Paul compete on an account.

3.11 "The Gypsy and the Hobo"
A former client returns; Betty goes on a trip with the kids; and Joan and Greg plan for their future.

3.12 "The Grown-Ups"
Don meets with a candidate; Peggy second guesses her taste in men; Pete makes a big decision.

3.13 "Shut the Door and Have a Seat"
Don has a meeting with Connie; Betty gets some advice; Pete talks to his clients.

10 p.m. Sunday. AMC.

Follow Herc on Twitter!!