The Zippo lighter Don accidentally swaps with the soldier in Hawaii becomes a recurring symbol of the life he stole and the guilt he carries. 4. A "Vintage" Soundtrack

The episode ends with the haunting track . The lyrics perfectly encapsulate Don’s double life and his obsession with starting over: "One life for yourself and one for your dreams."

"The Doorway" isn't just a season premiere; it’s a haunting, two-part deep dive into Don Draper’s psyche as the 1960s begin to sour. Set against the lush backdrop of and the grit of New York City in late 1967, this episode sets the stage for a season defined by death, identity, and the "sliding door" moments of life.