Mad Men season 7 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Don Draper, on leave from his agency, deals with personal and professional challenges. He visits Megan in California, concerned about her erratic behavior in pursuing an acting career, but their relationship strains further under the weight of his lies and absence. Back at the office, Don's unannounced return is met with mixed reactions. Colleagues are surprised and skeptical, while the partners debate his role, eventually allowing him back under strict conditions. Meanwhile, Betty grapples with her identity as a mother, feeling disconnected from her children.

Full Episode S07E03 Recap

### Scene 1: Don's Call to Dawn Chambers - Don calls Dawn to request office supplies for his typewriter. - Dawn informs him about a Mountain Dew shoot titled "Invisible Boy." - Don learns of Megan's desperate attempts to secure an acting role. ### Scene 2: Peggy's Disappointment over Clio Awards - Peggy expresses frustration over St. Joseph's winning the Clio award. - Lou Avery dismisses her concerns, causing tension. ### Scene 3: Betty's Conversation with a Friend - Betty discusses her life with a friend, expressing a need for challenges beyond motherhood. ### Scene 4: Don and Megan's Strained Relationship - Don visits Megan in California, concerned about her erratic behavior. - Megan confronts Don about his absence and accuses him of infidelity. - Don reveals he's been on leave from work, causing further strain. ### Scene 5: Harry Crane's Media Department Concerns - Harry Crane advocates for a computer to enhance the media department. - Jim Cutler dismisses Harry's concerns, leading to frustration. ### Scene 6: Don's Attempt to Return to Work - Don arrives unannounced at the office, surprising colleagues. - Encounters with former colleagues reveal mixed reactions to his return. ### Scene 7: Don and Megan's Argument - Megan and Don argue about his lies and her acting career. - Megan suggests their relationship is ending. ### Scene 8: Don's Meeting with Dave Wooster - Don has dinner with Dave Wooster, hinting at a potential business deal. ### Scene 9: Don's Return to the Office - Don returns to the office, interacting with various colleagues. - Faces skepticism and surprise from staff. ### Scene 10: Betty's Experience as a Chaperone - Betty volunteers as a chaperone for Bobby's field trip. - Experiences tension with other mothers and feels disconnected. ### Scene 11: Partners' Meeting about Don's Future - The partners debate Don's role at the agency. - Decide to allow Don back with strict conditions. ### Scene 12: Betty's Struggle with Motherhood - Betty expresses doubt about her children's love for her. - Reflects on her role as a mother. ### Scene 13: Don's Conditional Return to Work - Don agrees to the partners' strict terms for his return. - Accepts a diminished role in the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies does Don Draper request from Dawn Chambers?

Ribbon for his typewriter, a ream of onionskin, and an airmail envelope.

What is the title of the Mountain Dew shoot mentioned?

"Invisible Boy."

Why is Peggy upset in this episode?

She is frustrated over St. Joseph's winning the Clio award and feels dismissed by Lou Avery.

What acting role is Megan trying to secure?

An unspecified role, but she is shown to be desperate and making erratic attempts to get a part.

What issue does Harry Crane bring up?

The need for a computer in the media department.

What is Don's purpose for visiting Megan in California?

He is concerned about her erratic behavior and recent actions to secure acting roles.

What revelation does Don make to Megan about his job?

He reveals he has been on leave from work.

How does Megan react to Don's visit and revelations?

She argues with him, accuses him of infidelity, and suggests their relationship is ending.

What happens during Don's dinner with Dave Wooster?

They discuss a potential business deal, and Don receives an offer letter.

What role does Betty play on Bobby's field trip?

She volunteers as a chaperone.

What are the conditions for Don's return to the agency?

He cannot be alone with clients, must stick to approved scripts, no drinking in the office, and he will report to Lou.

How does Betty feel about her children's love for her?

She doubts their love and feels disconnected as a mother.

What decision do the partners make regarding Don's future at the agency?

They decide to allow him back under strict conditions.

Mad Men season 7 episode 3

Field Trip