Mad Men (season 2)

The second season of the American television drama series Mad Men premiered on July 27, 2008, and concluded on October 26, 2008. It consisted of thirteen episodes, each running approximately 48 minutes in length. AMC broadcast the second season on Sundays at 10:00 pm in the United States;[1] it would occupy in this timeslot for the remainder of its run.

Mad Men
Season 2
Season 2 promotional poster
Starring
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes13
Release
Original networkAMC
Original releaseJuly 27 (2008-07-27) –
October 26, 2008 (2008-10-26)
Season chronology

Season two takes place from February 14 to October 24, 1962, culminating with the Cuban Missile Crisis. It expands on Peggy's rise in the workplace and the marital strife between Don and Betty Draper as Don's infidelities further intrude on his family life. The second season also introduces an unknown acquaintance, with whom Don is corresponding by letter in secret.

The second season of Mad Men was met with critical acclaim: it was honored with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, the Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series, and recognition by the American Film Institute, all for the second year in a row. According to Metacritic's annual aggregate of year-end lists published by prominent television critics, Mad Men was the most mentioned show of 2008, with more first-place mentions than any other show that year as well.[2]

Cast
See also: List of Mad Men characters

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

Plot

Season two opens on Valentine's Day, 1962, fifteen months after the events of season one. The Draper marriage seems to be on sturdier footing, while Peggy has returned to work. Joan and Roger have ended their romance. Betty has taken up horseback riding as a hobby and rebuffs the constant flirtations of a male fellow rider, Arthur Case.

Sterling Cooper travels further into the "Pepsi Generation" as signing youth talent becomes a priority at the behest of "Duck" Phillips, Draper's choice as head of accounts from the previous year. Duck then convinces the firm to try and sign his old client, American Airlines, after the airline publicly announces a shift in marketing. Draper protests, as pitching for the project requires the firm to drop Mohawk Airlines, one of Draper's main clients. The American Airlines pitch fails, significantly harming Phillips' reputation at the firm and creating palpable tension with Draper.

Joan, having been outed to her coworkers by Paul as being 31 years old, hurriedly becomes engaged to egotistical and frustrated medical resident Greg Harris. Too proud to admit to his own insecurities regarding his career, Greg takes full advantage of being the only man Joan is willing to be submissive to; this culminates in him raping Joan inside Don's office prior to the couple's wedding. In spite of this, Joan remains with her fiancé.

As fellow creative Freddy Rumsen devolves into alcoholism, Don has to step in to handle the obnoxious antics of his talent, comedian Jimmy Barrett, and ends up having an extramarital affair with Barrett's wife, Bobbie. Don's relationship with Bobbie is significantly more volatile than his past affairs. After Don discovers that Bobbie and other women around town have been discussing Don's sexual prowess, Don leaves her tied to a hotel bed in her lingerie. Later, a resentful Jimmy tells Betty about the affair, eventually causing her to kick Don out of the family home.

Peggy, meanwhile, strikes up a courteous friendship with her priest, Father Gill. Peggy's sister tells Father Gill about Peggy's previous pregnancy during confession, which he subtly reveals to Peggy. Flashbacks to January 1961 reveal that Don was Peggy's only visitor at the hospital after her child was born. Don had convinced her to get out of the hospital and return to work, telling her, "This never happened. It will shock you how much it never happened."

After a short affair, Roger proposes to Jane Siegel, Draper's secretary, and ends his marriage with Mona, causing personal and (with a looming divorce) financial pressures in the partnership.

Don takes a business trip to California during his exile from home. During this trip, he disappears, his whereabouts unknown both to his wife and children and his business associates, including Pete Campbell, whom he accompanied to California and whom he leaves at the hotel where they are staying. After spending a couple of days with a group of European tax exiles in Palm Springs, one of whom he beds, he ends up meeting with Anna Draper, the wife of the original Don Draper, whom he has set up in a bungalow in San Pedro. Anna comforts Don about his current marital troubles and identity crisis. Don returns home as the Cuban Missile Crisis begins.

While Don is away, Roger bluntly informs Duck that a partnership is not forthcoming. Duck then meets with executives from his former London firm, Putnam, Powell & Lowe, who refuse to hire him. Duck, in desperation, informs them of Sterling Cooper's vulnerable position and pitches a buyout, with Duck being appointed President. PPL then offers the buyout to Bert and Roger, through Duck. Roger's looming divorce makes the sale especially enticing to him, and after discussions between Bert and his sister, who is revealed as a major partner in the firm, the buyout is accepted in Don's absence. Duck informs Pete that he plans to either have Draper follow his lead or be sent out the door, using the non-compete clause in Don's contract as leverage.

In Don's absence, Peggy successfully brings in the Popsicle account and uses this as leverage to acquire Freddy Rumsen's old office. Pete is impressed by this maneuver and his romantic interests in Peggy are rekindled. Although married to Trudy, Pete professes his love for Peggy and tells her that he wishes he had married her instead. Peggy explains to Pete that she could have shamed him into marriage the year before. Pete doesn't understand what Peggy means, so Peggy finally confesses to Pete that he had gotten her pregnant and she had put their child up for adoption, a particularly galling development for Pete, since he and Trudy are so far unable to conceive. Pete also has a blue-blood abhorrence for adoption and now realizes his own blue-blood offspring is being raised by another family.

When Don returns, Pete informs Don of Duck's plans. At the initial meeting with the lead SC and PPL executives, Draper informs them that he would not work under Duck's vision of the agency. After Duck directly challenges Don, Don informs him that he is not under any contract to the agency, to Duck's petulant surprise. Duck loses his temper, putting his promotion after the merger in question.

Betty learns from her doctor that she is expecting another child. After subtle questions about abortion, the doctor chides her to keep the child. Betty has sex with a stranger at a local bar. She returns home to find a letter from Don, begging her to let him come home. The season closes as Betty informs him of their new child. They hold hands in the kitchen.

Episodes
See also: List of Mad Men episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUS viewers
(millions)
141"For Those Who Think Young"Tim HunterMatthew WeinerJuly 27, 2008 (2008-07-27)2.06[3]
On Valentine's Day 1962,[4] Don and Betty plan a romantic evening in New York, but the evening ends with Don's inability to satisfy Betty. Pete gives Trudy a box of Schrafft's chocolates for Valentine's Day but they have an awkward discussion over Trudy's frustration in not getting pregnant yet. Seeing the potential of having young staff members on board, Duck presses Don to hire new, younger employees.
152"Flight 1"Andrew BernsteinLisa Albert and Matthew WeinerAugust 3, 2008 (2008-08-03)1.33[3]
The crash of American Airlines Flight 1 affects several Sterling Cooper employees, most notably Pete, whose father is killed on the flight, and Duck and Don, who try to manage existing and potential accounts with competing airline companies. Paul and Joan clash over Paul's relationship with a black woman.
163"The Benefactor"Lesli Linka GlatterMatthew Weiner and Rick ClevelandAugust 10, 2008 (2008-08-10)1.25[3]
When crude comedian Jimmy Barrett humiliates Utz executives during a commercial shoot, Don has to smooth things over with the company. Harry champions a controversial episode of The Defenders about an abortion; he sees opportunity in sponsoring the show but keeps the subject matter a secret from his pregnant wife.
174"Three Sundays"Tim HunterAndre Jacquemetton & Maria JacquemettonAugust 17, 2008 (2008-08-17)1.07[3]
Peggy gets to know a new priest at her parish, who with the help of Peggy's sister Anita, tries to get Peggy to open up about the circumstances of her pregnancy. Roger is intrigued by the "wife" of a client, who turns out to be a call girl. Betty and Don quarrel over disciplining their son, until Don reveals the abuse he suffered as a child to Betty for the first time.
185"The New Girl"Jennifer GetzingerRobin VeithAugust 24, 2008 (2008-08-24)1.47[3]
A new secretary named Jane Siegel begins working for Don. Don's affair with Jimmy Barrett's wife Bobbie leads to Don and Bobbie's getting in a car accident and Peggy's having to bail them out and cover up the incident.
196"Maidenform"Phil AbrahamMatthew WeinerAugust 31, 2008 (2008-08-31)1.46[3]
Peggy is disappointed that her co-workers are not including her in their business meetings, so Joan offers her advice to try and change that. Duck is made to take care of his dog after his estranged family visits the office.
207"The Gold Violin"Andrew BernsteinJane Anderson and Andre Jacquemetton & Maria Jacquemetton and Matthew WeinerSeptember 7, 2008 (2008-09-07)1.67[3]
Don's success leads to the purchase of a new car. Sal invites Ken over for Sunday dinner to discuss Ken's new short story, which leaves Sal's wife feeling left out. The new piece of art in Cooper's office inspires the curiosity of several Sterling Cooper employees, who go in to see it despite not being allowed in the office. Jane is fired by Joan for her part in the incident, but seeks help from Roger, who steps in to save her job. Jimmy tells Betty about Don's affair with his wife.
218"A Night to Remember"Lesli Linka GlatterRobin Veith & Matthew WeinerSeptember 14, 2008 (2008-09-14)1.87[3]
Because of Peggy's work as a copywriter, Father Gill seeks her help promoting a church dance. However, the organizers deem her ideas too controversial. Betty goes to a lot of trouble to help Don set up a dinner for the Heineken beer account (part of a product placement agreement between the manufacturer and the show[5]), but when she becomes the butt of a joke during the dinner, she lets Don know her true feelings about their relationship. Joan helps Harry out with reading television scripts for his job, checking that there are no conflicts of interest between the shows and the products advertised during them.
229"Six Month Leave"Michael UppendahlAndre Jacquemetton & Maria Jacquemetton and Matthew WeinerSeptember 28, 2008 (2008-09-28)1.60[3]
Freddy Rumsen's alcoholism results in an embarrassing situation during a pitch meeting with his team, and he is let go from the agency. Roger leaves his wife Mona and takes up with Jane. The death of Marilyn Monroe saddens many of the women in the office.
2310"The Inheritance"Andrew BernsteinLisa Albert & Marti Noxon and Matthew WeinerOctober 5, 2008 (2008-10-05)1.30[3]
Despite Don and Betty's separation, they take a trip together to visit Betty's father, who has had a stroke and is in the early stages of dementia. Although the two share an intimate encounter in her father's house, Betty tells Don they are still separated when the trip is over. Pete, who is unable to conceive a child with Trudy and is looking to adopt, runs into resistance from his mother, who does not want someone not of their bloodline as part of the family.
2411"The Jet Set"Phil AbrahamMatthew WeinerOctober 12, 2008 (2008-10-12)1.50[3]
Don's business trip to Los Angeles takes an unexpected detour when he falls in with a group of wealthy nomads; Peggy attempts to go on a date to a Bob Dylan concert with Kurt before finding out he's a homosexual, and Duck holds a secret meeting to help sell Sterling Cooper to British firm Putnam, Powell & Lowe.
2512"The Mountain King"Alan TaylorMatthew Weiner & Robin VeithOctober 19, 2008 (2008-10-19)1.40[3]
Don renews his acquaintance with his old friend Anna, the widow of the man whose identity Don stole years before. Pete's family problems affect Sterling Cooper's account with Clearasil. Joan introduces her fiancé Greg to the employees of Sterling Cooper. When Joan shows Greg inside Don's office, Greg rapes her. Plans are finalized to bring about Sterling Cooper's merger with Putnam, Powell & Lowe.
2613"Meditations in an Emergency"Matthew WeinerMatthew Weiner & Kater GordonOctober 26, 2008 (2008-10-26)1.75[6]
Don finally returns from his trip to California in the middle of the hysteria generated by the Cuban Missile Crisis. Betty receives the news that she is pregnant, but before reconciling with Don and telling him the news, she engages in a brief sexual encounter with a stranger. Pete tells Peggy that he loves her and in response, Peggy informs him that he fathered a child with her, and she gave it away. The episode ends with Betty telling Don she is pregnant.

Production

Crew

Series creator Matthew Weiner also served as showrunner and executive producer, and is credited as a writer on 11 of the 13 episodes of the season. Lisa Albert was promoted to supervising producer and wrote two episodes. Writing team Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton were promoted to supervising producers and wrote three episodes. Robin Veith was promoted to staff writer and wrote three episodes. Kater Gordon was promoted to staff writer and co-wrote her first episode of the series. Joining the writing staff in the second season were consulting producers Rick Cleveland, Jane Anderson, and Marti Noxon, who each wrote an episode. Other producers were unit production manager Dwayne Shattuck, who was promoted to co-producer; Blake McCormick, who was promoted to producer; and Scott Hornbacher, who was promoted to co-executive producer.[7]

Directors of multiple episodes for the season included Andrew Bernstein who directed three episodes, and Lesli Linka Glatter, Tim Hunter, and Phil Abraham, who each directed two. The remaining episodes were directed by Michael Uppendahl, script supervisor Jennifer Getzinger, who made her television directorial debut, and series creator Matthew Weiner, who directs each season finale.

Reception

Critical reception

The second season of Mad Men has received critical acclaim. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 100% of 27 critics have given the season a positive review with an average score of 9.3/10. The site's consensus is: "The second season of Mad Men delves deeper into the personal lives of its characters without sacrificing the show's trademark droll humor and period atmosphere."[8] On Metacritic, the second season scored 88 out of 100 based on 20 reviews, indicating universal acclaim.[9]

Robert Bianco of USA Today wrote an extremely positive review, giving the second season four out of four stars and commenting that the series was at the "height of its powers" and "terrifically acted and gorgeously produced, this is a show that's both funny and frightening, that can simultaneously make you miss the '60s and feel blessed that they're gone." Bianco concluded, "if this is the future of TV, the future's looking good."[10] The New York Times said Mad Men "is more than a period piece. It’s a sleek, hard-boiled drama with a soft, satirical core."[11] TIME said the series was better than other sixties-set series because the "characters do not stand in for Important Social Milestones. The changes in society serve to illustrate the characters, not the other way around. Don is right. In the end, no one is nostalgic for fashions or fads or furniture. We're nostalgic for people. And that, for all its sexy Eames-era perfection, is what Mad Men gives us."[12]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette opined that the series was the "sophisticated heir" to The Sopranos and observed the historical authenticity of the series extends "to the characters, their reactions, their choices and the ways in which they relate to one another. It's a Mad Men hallmark that sets the show head and shoulders above its prime-time peers."[13] Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle said the series "reaffirm[s] its place in the upper echelon of television dramas. The writing is a real thing of beauty - from the aforementioned nuance to searing workplace witticisms and pitch-perfect tone from a multitude of characters. You can't overstate how accomplished Mad Men is at understanding the vagaries of dialogue among disparate characters."[14] Salon.com noted that the time period almost acts as an antagonist for the characters and that "what sets this drama apart from others is the complexity and depth of its themes beyond the obvious."[15]

Accolades

The second season of Mad Men was recognized with many award nominations and wins. At the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, Mad Men won Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series (Matthew Weiner and Kater Gordon for "Meditations in an Emergency"), both for the second year in a row.

Jon Hamm was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while John Slattery was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, both for the second year in a row. Elisabeth Moss received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the first time. The series also received three additional nominations for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series (Robin Veith and Matthew Weiner for "A Night to Remember"; Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton and Matthew Weiner for "Six Month Leave"; and Matthew Weiner for "The Jet Set"). Phil Abraham received an Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series nomination for directing "The Jet Set".[16]

The series was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the ten greatest television achievements for 2008. AFI commented that the series unveiled "a work of art each week" and that the series became more of an ensemble piece in the second season, though still anchored by Jon Hamm's performance as 'Don Draper'.[17]

The series won Best Television Drama Series at the 66th Golden Globe Awards for the second year in a row. Jon Hamm and January Jones were also nominated for Best Actor – Television Series Drama and Best Actress – Television Series Drama, respectively.[18] Season two was also honored at the 25th TCA Awards with the Outstanding Achievement in Drama award.[19]

The series also won a Casting Society of America Artios Award for Outstanding Casting in a Television Series, Drama.[20] The second season won Best Dramatic Series at the 2008 Writers Guild of America Awards.[21] The cast of Mad Men won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards, while Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss were nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.[22]

References
  1. "AMC Announces Sunday, July 27th at 10pm Est as Premiere Date for Mad Men Season Two" (Press release). AMC. May 29, 2008. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  2. "Best TV Shows of 2008". Metacritic. October 3, 2008. Archived from the original on March 22, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. Seidman, Robert (October 22, 2008). "Final: Mad Men Ratings for Season Two: July 2008 – October 2008". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  4. "Season 2 Recap". AMC. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  5. "Mad Men is back, and so is product placement". CNNMoney.com. July 10, 2010. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  6. Nordyke, Kimberly (October 27, 2008). "'Mad Men' finale exceeds last season's". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  7. "Mad Men - Season 2 Cast & Crew". AMC. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  8. "Mad Men: Season 2 (2008-2008)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  9. "Mad Men - Season 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  10. Bianco, Robert (July 25, 2008). "Review: 'Mad Men' will persuade you to stay tuned". USA Today. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  11. Staley, Alessandra (July 25, 2008). "Back to the Office, Vices in Tow". The New York Times. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  12. Poniewozik, James (July 24, 2008). "Mad Men on a New Frontier". Time. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  13. Owen, Rob (July 27, 2008). "Tuned In: "Mad Men" returns for Season 2". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  14. Goodman, Tim (July 25, 2008). "'Mad Men': Smart, subtle character study". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  15. Havrilesky, Heather (July 24, 2008). "Stark, raving mad". Salon.com. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  16. "Wrap Up: HBO and NBC Lead Winners at 61st Primetime Emmys". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 18, 2010.
  17. "AFI Awards 2008". AFI. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  18. "HPFA - Nominations and Winners". Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Archived from the original on December 8, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  19. "Television Critics Association Awards Celebrate 25th Anniversary". TCA. August 1, 2009. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  20. "2009 Artios Award Winners". Casting Society of America. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  21. "2009 Awards Winners - WGA". Writers Guild of America. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  22. "The 15th Annual Screen Actor's Guild Awards Winners". Screen Actors Guild. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
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