Ep 6. Far Away Places

In Mad Men season 5 episode 6, titled "Far Away Places," the focus is on three separate storylines that take place over the course of one weekend.

The first storyline features Don Draper and his wife Megan, who embark on a road trip upstate to see a client. The tension between the two is palpable from the start, and as the trip progresses, it becomes clear that their relationship is beginning to unravel. Their interactions with each other are strained, and Don's disregard for Megan's feelings becomes increasingly apparent.

The second storyline centers around Peggy Olson, who is dealing with a crisis at work. She is tasked with coming up with a last-minute ad campaign for a client, but she is struggling to come up with ideas. This subplot allows for plenty of character development for Peggy, as we see her grappling with self-doubt and frustration, while also showcasing her strengths as a creative professional.

The third storyline involves Roger Sterling, who takes an LSD trip with his wife Jane. The scenes that take place during their trip are some of the most visually stunning and surreal in the entire series. Roger's experience on drugs leads to a reckoning with his past, as he begins to confront the mistakes he's made in his personal and professional life.

Overall, "Far Away Places" is a standout episode of Mad Men, with stellar performances from the entire cast and strong writing that weaves together three distinct storylines into a cohesive whole. The themes of disillusionment and existential crisis that permeate the episode make for intense viewing, but the moments of humor and levity throughout ensure that the show never becomes too heavy-handed. Fans of Mad Men will find this episode to be a standout in the series.