You're right, and it's a good thing he had that little talk about the will with Betty ahead of time. Although, I found Betty's "little girl" speech...not wanting to hear about "Daddy's" death plans...so characteristically immature.
Now Betty isn't anybody's little girl anymore. Gene admitted trying to protect her from all the dangers of the outside world, and maybe that's what he was trying to reverse in Sally and Bobby (the driving...the sharp knife....the dead man's helmet....Rise and Fall book...).

I am very sorry that MW bumped off Jean. the actor Ryan Cutrona was so good. I think Gene was becoming increasingly likeable. A real man among posers. loved his story with Bobby as well as all the great Sally duets. Except for his line about Don having no people, I don;t think his dislike for Don was explained adequately. Does he somehow know of Don's cheating habits. On the surface Don is a decorated war hero as well. I think he was trying to give Don a chance to brag a little in front of Bobby.of course Don not only declined, but also killed the whole moment.

I also have recently had Gene start to grow on me. I wasn't nuts about him there at first when he'd just had the stroke(s)....I think Gloria stifled/protected him and he put up with it because he was one of those men who remarry quickly "on the rebound" after becoming widowed because they can't face being alone. I wish they'd kept him around through the season so he could teach Sally and Bobby some more, esp. since they got so little guidance from their parents.

Rest In Peace, "Gene"....and enjoy your new movie or TV show, Ryan (can't believe someone that talented will be idle long!)

As for Gene he was a bitter S.O.B. But I do agree he was becoming more likable.He was Old school all the way....Now if we could get rid of Bets brother and wife that would be great, too goody two shoes for me. Me bitter ? no way..

I really don't mind seeing him gone. He was a peripheral character and I thought the scenes with him dragged a bit. I did not find him particularly interesting.

With all due respect, most men who've been in heavy combat, as Don was supposed to have been, don't talk about it much. And when they do, it's typically to another veteran. Or a shrink.

I suspect the real Don might have been horrified to see his son wearing not a dead soldier's helmet, which might have been okay, but one with a bullet hole in it with dried blood. Did Daddy Gene also mount deer heads on the walls of his den?

I was enjoying the storyline with Gene. Caring for an elderly parent is a real life struggle for many people and that made the story more relatable. And poor Sally was just starting to bond with him.

Ritt1 - I agree about military men talking about their war experience. My grandfather served in the Army air-corp during WWII, shooting down German supply trains. All he ever said about his service was that it was tough and he felt bad when he would accidentally shoot a horse - other than that he didn't want to discuss it. He did bring back an interesting souvenir, though - a Nazi-issued Luger that he bought off a German soldier. No blood on it, I think.

Yes, he was growing on me too. He had a lot of affection for the kids and it was sweet that he took an interest in them and enjoyed spending time with them (in his own unique way).

I'm glad the old coot, Mean Gene, kicked the bucket.

Gene was one wild ride. It's kind of a relief it's over, but I miss the thrill. He was like a friendly monster that didn't know his own strength. I liked the attention he gave Sally, but I feared for her life. Sally's driving scene was a mad rush.

I must admit I am disappointed we didn't see him go. Not in the way did mind you, but in some dramatic blaze of crazy glory. But then again, at least he didn't take anyone out with him.

Perhaps we'll see more of the character through flashbacks.

I'm begging MW & Co to show us a scene or two of how Don & Betty met. I'd love to see Gene giving Don hell when Don asks him for Betty's hand .