Ep 1. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

It is the early 1960s, and advertising executive Don Draper is running late for a morning meeting at Sterling Cooper, the advertising agency where he works. He rushes into the conference room only to find that his coworkers are already deep in conversation with clients from the Lucky Strike tobacco company. Don listens to their pitches and then offers his own, proposing that the company market its cigarettes as "toasted" in order to appeal to the growing health concerns of the American public.

Meanwhile, Peggy Olson, a new secretary at the agency, struggles to fit in with the other women in the office. She is approached by a suave executive named Pete Campbell, who makes a move on her, but she rejects his advances. She is soon asked to help with the Lucky Strike account, and she proves to be a quick learner.

As the day goes on, Don receives a phone call from his wife, Betty, who is frustrated with their suburban life and the fact that Don works long hours at the office. Don seems distant on the phone and tells her he will be working late again. As he leaves the office that evening, he is approached by a bohemian artist named Midge, who invites him to a party in the Village. Don initially turns her down, but ends up joining her and her friends.

At the party, Don is confronted by the reality of the changing times. He is introduced to Beatnik poetry and meets a woman named Rachel Menken, who runs a department store that is trying to appeal to a younger audience. Don seems intrigued by her and they share a flirtatious conversation. However, as the night goes on, Don grows increasingly uncomfortable with the wild party scene around him and ends up leaving early.

The episode ends with Don returning home to Betty and their children, but it is clear that there is tension in their relationship and that Don is struggling to find a sense of belonging in the changing world around him.

Overall, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" sets up the complex characters and themes that will be explored throughout the series, including the changing social landscape of the 1960s, the role of women in the workplace, and the tension between traditional values and a rapidly evolving culture. The episode also introduces the complex character of Don Draper and sets up the mystery of his past, as well as the question of whether he will be able to adapt to the changing times or be left behind.