Ep 10. Long Weekend

In Mad Men season 1 episode 10, titled "Long Weekend," the Sterling Cooper team is faced with the challenge of creating a campaign for the Nixon presidential campaign. With the holiday weekend fast approaching, Don and his team have to come up with a winning strategy while managing their personal lives.

As the episode begins, Don is forced to deal with the aftermath of his affair with Rachel Menken. He struggles to keep their relationship under wraps, as his wife Betty continues to grow more suspicious of his behavior. Don's attempts to reconcile with Betty fall flat as she becomes increasingly distant and resentful of his infidelity.

Meanwhile, Peggy becomes increasingly involved in the Nixon campaign, working closely with Pete to develop a winning slogan. Betty's brother William, a member of the National Guard, joins the Sterling Cooper team for the weekend, adding to the chaos and tension.

As the holiday weekend approaches, the Sterling Cooper team heads upstate for a company retreat. While there, Don struggles to maintain his professional image while battling his personal demons. Peggy, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of her job and her secret pregnancy, finds solace in the company of her coworkers.

The episode culminates in a tense meeting with the Nixon campaign, as the Sterling Cooper team presents their campaign strategy. With tensions high and stakes even higher, Don and his team must pull off a winning performance while navigating their personal relationships and secrets.

Overall, Mad Men season 1 episode 10 offers a glimpse into the complex and often fraught world of advertising in the 1960s. As the characters navigate the pressures of their jobs and personal lives, the episode illuminates the complicated dynamics at play in the world of advertising and politics. With nuanced performances and sharp writing, "Long Weekend" is a standout episode of Mad Men's first season.