Top adman Don Draper works at one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies in the 1960s and '70s, but his personal life sometimes gets in the way of his performance at the office.
Two years have passed since Don became a partner at Sterling Cooper, and the business looks set to change. Pete and Trudy have an awkward conversation.
Don and Duck try to secure a lucrative contract with American Airlines after one of the company's planes is involved in a devastating crash in Jamaica Bay.
Don tries to get a celebrity comedian to apologise when a joke goes down badly at a promotional shoot. Meanwhile, Betty is taken aback by Arthur's confession and Harry gets a new job.
In the run-up to Easter, Peggy's family hosts lunch for a visiting priest, Don and Betty argue about parenting, and the Sterling Cooper employees have to work overtime.
Don agrees to meet Jimmy's wife Bobbie for dinner, but she distracts him with a kiss in the car - causing him to lose control and crash. Trudy and Pete consult a fertility expert.
Roger orders Don to have lunch with Duck so they can make peace over the American Airlines debacle, while Playtex takes the staff out to a strip club to celebrate a new campaign.
Don buys a car befitting his status on Madison Avenue, Sal takes a shine to Ken after reading his story in Atlantic Monthly, and Joan fires Jane for sneaking into Cooper's office.
Betty hosts a themed dinner party and Father Gill appeals to Peggy's sympathetic side to promote the church dance. The staff at Sterling Cooper explore ways of selling beer.
Don is still in Betty's bad books, staying at the Roosevelt Hotel while she tries to cope alone at home. Freddy finds himself in the firing line when he faints during a rehearsal.
Betty calls Don for support when her father has a stroke and they visit him together. Pete's mother threatens to disinherit him if he and Trudy adopt a child.
Don's work ethic is put to the test when he arrives in southern California a day before the aeronautics convention and ends up driving a beautiful new friend to Palm Springs.
In southern California, Don visits Anna Draper, widow of the commanding officer whose identity he stole. Meanwhile, Bertram, Alice and Roger meet to vote on Sterling Cooper's sale.
Betty finds out she is pregnant, but insists that now is not the right time for a baby. As news of the merger spreads, Duck outlines his vision for the company.