Mad Men: Season 2
Season 2 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Mad Men Season 1.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 2 Progress Shield
For Those Who Think Young
Jul 27, 2008
It’s Valentine’s Day, and the Sterling Cooper advertising agency is hustling to stay on top of its game and buzzing over the newest office equipment. Don and Duck find themselves a
Flight 1
Aug 3, 2008
Paul hosts a party at his apartment and introduces someone special to his Sterling Cooper colleagues. Peggy visits her family for dinner. Despite a conflict of interest, the Sterli
The Benefactor
Aug 10, 2008
Trouble arises on the set of a commercial; Harry tries to gather support for a controversial sponsorship; Betty and Don try to appease a client with a friendly dinner.
Three Sundays
Aug 17, 2008
Peggy's family hosts a lunch for their church's new priest; Don and Betty enjoy a weekend together; Pete and Ken take a client out to lunch; the staff works to prepare for a last m
The New Girl
Aug 24, 2008
Don has to deal with issues between a TV comedian and his wife; Joan finds Don the perfect secretary.
Maidenform
Aug 31, 2008
Don and Duck try to make peace; Peggy tries to get into the executive's after-hours meetings; Duck deals with a family visit.
The Gold Violin
Sep 7, 2008
Don buys a new car; Pete, Harry and Ken strategize to attract new business; Don's secretary makes a grave error; Cooper has a new piece of art in his office.
A Night to Remember
Sep 14, 2008
Peggy contributes on a church project; Duck and Don try to create market appeal for a foreign beer brand; Harry recruits assistance to help with the workload in his department.
Six Month Leave
Sep 28, 2008
Freddy Rumsen disappoints his team during a pitch. Pete finds an opportunity at the office to exploit while Don proves his loyalty to an old friend. Betty finds a welcome distracti
The Inheritance
Oct 5, 2008
Betty visits her father; Paul's girlfriend tries to convince him to prioritize his duties; Pete's mother disapproves of his and Trudy's idea.
The Jet Set
Oct 12, 2008
Don makes some new friends on his trip to Los Angeles; Peggy looks for romance; Duck ponders the future of Sterling Cooper.
The Mountain King
Oct 19, 2008
Don meets up with an old friend; Pete's personal life presents problems; Joan brings her boyfriend to the office.
Meditations in an Emergency
Oct 26, 2008
The office scrambles without Don; Betty learns some disconcerting news.