Mad Men: Season 5
Season 5 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 4.
- 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 5 Progress Shield
A Little Kiss (1)
Mar 25, 2012
Megan throws Don a surprise birthday party and new mother Joan begins to wonder if she still has a job when she's ready to come back.
A Little Kiss (2)
Mar 25, 2012
Don and Megan work out some of their issues, Roger and Pete butt heads, and Joan has a run-in with a house guest.
Tea Leaves
Apr 1, 2012
As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce tries to build upon its current business, Peggy is given new responsibility. Don and Harry indulge a client. Betty contemplates her mortality after
Mystery Date
Apr 8, 2012
Don has an encounter with someone from the past. Meanwhile, Roger increases Peggy's workload, and Joan comes to a momentous decision.
Signal 30
Apr 15, 2012
Lane attempts to land an account with Jaguar Cars, leading to a altercation with Pete. Pete and Trudy host a dinner party in the suburbs.
Far Away Places
Apr 22, 2012
Peggy has a tough time during a particularly formidable pitch. Don calls on a potential client. Roger and Jane have an experience with LSD.
At the Codfish Ball
Apr 29, 2012
Don is honored at a banquet for the American Cancer Society, but finds his professional reputation has been damaged. Sally lends a hand to a relative. Megan's parents come to visit
Lady Lazarus
May 6, 2012
Megan has second thoughts about her future at Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce. Peggy lashes out when she's inadvertently put in the uncomfortable position of having to lie. Pete's
Dark Shadows
May 13, 2012
Don attempts to regain his creative spark, but undermines a member of his staff while doing so. Roger pursues some new clients, and in the process, hurts Jane. Betty displays her p
Christmas Waltz
May 20, 2012
Harry finds himself in an uncomfortable position after reconnecting with Paul Kinsey who has joined the Hare Krishnas. Lane takes drastic and unethical measures to get out of finan
The Other Woman
May 27, 2012
Pete asks Joan to make a personal and moral sacrifice to ensure the company lands the Jaguar account. Don becomes furious after learning of the impact Megan's new profession will h
Commissions and Fees
Jun 3, 2012
Lane's shameful secret comes to the surface with dire consequences. Don recaptures his hunger for success, and Sally experiences a major milestone.
The Phantom
Jun 10, 2012
Roger seeks to expand his affair with Megan's mother. Pete has a "last" encounter with Beth with lasting repercussions. Megan struggles to find acting work and asks for Don's help