Mad Men season 2 episode 13 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Betty Draper visits her doctor and learns she's unexpectedly pregnant, leading to a discussion about alternatives. At Sterling Cooper, employees speculate about Don Draper's absence and the firm's future. Don and Betty have a strained conversation about their relationship, with Don desiring reconciliation. The office is abuzz with news of Sterling Cooper's merger with Putnam, Powell & Lowe, appointing Duck Phillips as president. Amidst the Cuban Missile Crisis, Peggy Olson has a tense exchange with Father Gill about guilt and faith. Pete Campbell confesses his love to Peggy, who shockingly reveals she had his baby and gave it up. The episode highlights personal revelations and professional uncertainties during a period of national crisis.

Full Episode S02E13 Recap

### Dr. Aldridge's Office - **Betty Draper's Visit**: Betty Draper visits Dr. Aldridge to discuss her unexpected pregnancy. - Dr. Aldridge confirms the pregnancy and advises Betty to take care of herself. - Betty expresses her inability to have a baby at the moment. - Dr. Aldridge mentions there are alternatives but seems judgmental about considering them for Betty. ### Sterling Cooper Office - **Discussion about Don Draper**: Employees speculate about Don Draper's absence and potential business moves. - Ken Cosgrove and Pete Campbell discuss the future of Sterling Cooper and Don's possible plans. - Pete and other employees show concern over the early request for ad revenue projections. ### Betty and Don Draper's Interaction - **Betty and Don's Confrontation**: Betty and Don Draper have a tense conversation about their relationship. - Don expresses his desire to reconcile and be with Betty. - Betty remains uncertain, highlighting that life hasn't been very different without Don. ### Sterling Cooper and PPL Merger - **Announcement of Merger**: Sterling Cooper is being merged with Putnam, Powell & Lowe. - The merger creates tension and uncertainty among employees. - Duck Phillips is announced as the new president of Sterling Cooper. ### Kennedy's Speech on Cuban Missile Crisis - **Response to Cuban Missile Crisis**: Characters react to President Kennedy’s speech about the Cuban Missile Crisis. - The speech heightens anxiety among the characters about potential nuclear war. ### Peggy and Father Gill's Conversation - **Peggy's Confession**: Peggy Olson has a revealing conversation with Father Gill. - Father Gill urges Peggy to unburden herself of her guilt. - Peggy resists, leading to a tense exchange about faith and guilt. ### Pete and Peggy's Emotional Exchange - **Pete Confesses Love to Peggy**: Pete Campbell confesses his love for Peggy. - Peggy reveals that she had Pete's baby and gave it up, shocking Pete. - The revelation deeply affects both characters. ### Draper Family Dynamics - **Don Returns Home**: Don Draper returns home amidst the ongoing crisis. - The family dynamics are strained, highlighting the uncertainty in Don and Betty's relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dr. Aldridge tell Betty Draper during her visit?

Dr. Aldridge confirms Betty's pregnancy and advises her to take care of herself, mentioning alternatives given her hesitation about the pregnancy.

What are the employees at Sterling Cooper speculating about?

They are speculating about Don Draper's absence, potential business moves, and the future of Sterling Cooper.

What does Don Draper want from Betty during their conversation?

Don Draper wants to reconcile and be together with Betty again.

How does Betty Draper feel about Don's absence?

Betty feels that life hasn't been very different without Don and is uncertain about reconciling.

What significant change is happening at Sterling Cooper?

Sterling Cooper is being merged with Putnam, Powell & Lowe, and Duck Phillips is announced as the new president.

How do the characters react to President Kennedy’s speech on the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The characters are anxious and fearful about the potential nuclear war.

What is the nature of Peggy and Father Gill's conversation?

Father Gill urges Peggy to confess her guilt, but Peggy resists, leading to a tense discussion about faith and guilt.

What revelation does Peggy make to Pete Campbell?

Peggy reveals that she had Pete's baby and gave it up for adoption.

What is the state of Don and Betty Draper's relationship when Don returns home?

Their relationship is strained, and there is uncertainty about their future together.

Mad Men season 2 episode 13

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