I don't think anyone in Mad Men is purely good or purely bad, but none of them strike me as so misunderstood as Lou Avery.

Apart from scapegoating Dawn (who was, nevertheless, distracted in her duties to him), shutting Peggy down instead of mentoring her, and looking shabby and uninspired compared to Don, there's something about Lou that evokes my sympathies. He's almost an archetype of a military man father figure.

Despite his lacklustre performance as creative director, he was nonetheless an effective leader at SC&P. He took a firm and predictable hand with the creative team when he was with the agency.

Giving Peggy a substantial raise, which despite the unstated 'conditions' conveyed a respect never given to her by Don or the rest of the agency. Don would pile work on her and make her essentially beg for more money.

He loved his kids, and made them a priority, as evidenced by Dawn telling Meredith to always put his son through when they switched desks.

I actually really admire his tenacity at making his dreams come true with 'Scout's Honor'. I think it was his calling, and he only took a job in advertising in order to support his family until he was in a position to make his dreams come true.

Here's to Lou- mediocre creative director, cranky dad figure, and not too bad a guy.