Ep 7. Red in the Face

In Mad Men's season 1 episode 7, "Red in the Face", we see the personal lives of the Sterling Cooper employees clash with their professional lives. The episode is a mix of humor, drama, and a hint of romance.

The episode starts with the men of Sterling Cooper smoking and drinking during a friendly poker game at Don Draper's house. Don invites his boss, Roger Sterling, to join in. However, as the evening progresses, Roger becomes increasingly drunk, leading to him making inappropriate comments towards Don's wife, Betty. This sets off a chain of events that affects everyone in the office.

Meanwhile, Peggy Olson is starting to gain recognition in the office for her contributions to a campaign they are working on. Peggy's creative ideas are met with skepticism by her male coworkers, but she perseveres and eventually convinces them to use her idea.

In another subplot, we see Joan Holloway, the office manager, dealing with the aftermath of a robbery in her apartment. Her interactions with the police officer investigating the crime reveal a vulnerable side to the usually confident and put-together Joan.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Don and Roger, culminating in a confrontation that unfolds in the office. The conflict between the two men highlights the power dynamics at play in the office and the personal conflicts that can arise when those lines are blurred.

Overall, "Red in the Face" is a strong episode of Mad Men that delves into the complexities of both professional and personal relationships. The episode showcases the show's signature mix of drama, humor, and romance, while also setting up conflicts that will continue to play out throughout the season.