On July 25, 'Mad Men' returns to AMC for its fourth season, and after the dynamic ending to the third season, fans have been on pins and needles about what will happen next. Of course, the one thing about creator Matthew Weiner is that he rarely gives much information in advance, so don't worry about spoilers in this story.

Our thoughts about what happens next to Don Draper and his associates, not to mention his ex-wife Betty, is pure speculation. Still, based on what came before and what's happening in that era, plus some creative thinking, here's our vision of what's to come. Feel free to post your thoughts in response in the comments section, and tell us if we're on target or not.

Don Draper (Jon Hamm) - Will this be "the start of something big" for Don Draper, referring to a popular song from the era? On the surface, how could it not be? Don's a free man, assuming that Betty followed through with the divorce in Reno. He's also bolted Sterling Cooper with Roger Sterling and Bert Cooper! The three men, plus Lane Pryce, are starting a new ad agency. Will the new start and the divorce give Don the opportunity to become an integrated man? In other words, is Don Draper ready to merge with his authentic self, Dick Whitman? It's doubtful because even if there's no reason left to keep his secrets and lies, Don is a deceptive person.

Betty Draper (January Jones) - She won't be Mrs. Draper for much longer ... unless that six-week stay in Reno was enough time for Betty to reconsider divorcing Don? That would be quite a reversal, but Betty can be unpredictable: Remember her transformation in Italy? Is Betty really ready to marry Henry Francis? It would be fascinating to see her living as a divorcée, which in those times was rather scandalous. Whatever her marital status, Don will remain part of her life because of the baby, Bobby and Sally.

Roger Sterling (John Slattery) - Roger's mid-life-crisis-induced marriage to a much younger woman, Jane, has been a mixed bag. At times, it's been blissful, but his yearning for Joan has never gone away. However, Roger's involvement with the new ad agency may be the tonic he needs to really enjoy his life. It's like a fountain of youth for him, and he'll be able to get out from his father's shadow.

Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) - In the new world of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, Peggy should blossom. She's been on a journey of self-discovery as well as climbing up the corporate ladder, so this new environment will be very good for her. She dictated her relationship with Duck -- sex, yes, but she didn't take the job at Grey -- and she made Don work to get her to join the new agency. If there's a stumbling block ahead for Peggy, it might be Pete. That relationship remains a sore point for both of them.


Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) - One of the high points of last season was the moment Joan took charge of the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce move. It was like, once Joan was on board, the new ad agency was going to succeed. Joan should assume more power as the team finds offices and begins wooing clients. As for Dr. Harris, if he doesn't die in Vietnam, I'll be shocked. Joan won't be faithful to him even if he doesn't get killed in action. That marriage is doomed.

Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) - Pete has unbridled ambition, but he's his own worst enemy. He should thrive in the new paradigm of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, but somehow he won't. If there's one character who lets his emotions get the better of him, it's Pete. Should Peggy do better than him in the agency, Pete might do something nasty and destructive.

The fourth season of 'Mad Men' premieres on AMC July 25th, at 10PM ET.