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Mad Men continues to be the absolute best drama on television. Nothing else even comes close. Sure the acting is superb, the art direction is out of this world, and the whole notion of exploring modern life by going back to a "simpler time" is pure genius...but what really stands out for me is the patience and restraint this show continues to exude.

Case in point is episode 6 of season 3, which premiered on Sunday. There was an instance where the story, in the hands of lesser TV producers, would have taken the most obvious turn. There are a few spoilers ahead, so if you aren't caught up ye be warned.

So the British owners of Sterling Cooper are in for a visit, and after a major shake up of upper management (love it when the show centers on the office machinations), they throw an office party for the staff to mark the transition, and to send off Joan Holloway Harris on her last day on the job. The usual drinking and grab ass ensues (much like the election episode). The frivolity culminates in a scene where a John Deere lawnmower is being driven through the office by a secretary, who loses control and runs over one of the Brit's feet. Blood splatters everywhere and the tractor ends up taking out a frosted glass wall. It is a very visceral scene that within the context of a normally quiet show shocks the shit out of you. It reminded me of the episode when Betty pulls out the old shotgun and shoots the neighbor's bird, leaving you to exclaim "Where the hell did that come from!"

So after this very un-Mad Men like moment we have an amazing scene in the hospital waiting room where Don Draper and Joan are talking about the accident. Both have had quiet a day. Don has been passed up for a promotion, and Joan's husband has been passed up for his residency at the hospital. For a brief second you think they might take solace in their shared misery and duck into the janitor's closet for a quickie and a smoke. Afterall this is Don and Joan, the two hottest pieces of ass on the show! Our baser instincts would love to see them go at it! But no...the producers instead give us a tender moment that is based in mututal affection, not simmering sexual tension. As Joan leaves (possibly forever) she gives Don a kiss on the cheek. There is no sex, yet somehow we are just as satisfied. OK, maybe not just as satisfied...but that restraint shows Mad Men's true genius. It is about patience and leaving us wanting more. The slow smolder burns hotter than the flash in the pan, and no other show does it better.