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Lady Lazarus (Mad Men)

"Lady Lazarus"
Mad Men episode
Episode no. Season 5
Episode 8
Directed by Phil Abraham
Written by Matthew Weiner
Featured music "Tomorrow Never Knows" by The Beatles
Original air date May 6, 2012 (2012-05-06)
Guest appearance(s)
  • Alexis Bledel as Beth Dawes
  • Ben Feldman as Michael Ginsberg
  • Teyonah Parris as Dawn Chambers
  • Jeff Clarke as Howard Dawes
  • Dennis Haskins as Phil Beachum
  • Jordan Feldman as Rick Swanson
  • Doug Tompos as Pat Wallace
Episode chronology
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"At the Codfish Ball"
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"Dark Shadows"
Mad Men (season 5)
List of Mad Men episodes

"Lady Lazarus" is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the American television drama series Mad Men and the 60th episode of the series overall. It was written by Matthew Weiner and directed by Phil Abraham. It originally aired on the AMC channel in the United States on May 6, 2012.

The episode is set in October 1966. Megan has second thoughts on her career path after the success with Heinz but finds it difficult to tell Don. Peggy, unwittingly caught between the two when Megan's lie comes to light, finally expresses her frustrations to both Megan and Don. Pete finds that his increasing success at the firm does not fill the emptiness of his life. After a sexual encounter one evening with a neighbor, he becomes obsessed with wanting to repeat the experience. Don returns to creative work full throttle, only to find the cultural changes of the 1960s have left him behind.

"Lady Lazarus" was watched by 2.29 million viewers during its initial broadcast, and drew in 0.7 million viewers in the coveted 18-49 demographic. It received considerable acclaim from the television critical community. The episode's title is named after a poem of the same name written by Sylvia Plath. The episode is notable for its use of The Beatles master recording of "Tomorrow Never Knows" from the album Revolver. Creator Matthew Weiner paid for permission and engaged in a creative collaboration in order to use the song.

Pete discusses life insurance with Howard, his commuter friend, who reveals that he has a new, attractive mistress and an apartment in the city. In the train station parking lot one evening, Howard's wife, Beth (Alexis Bledel), asks Pete if he knows her husband and tells Pete she has locked her keys in her car. Pete drives her home, during which time Beth discusses her dire relationship with Howard. He comforts her, and she kisses him, leading them to have sex on the floor of her home. After the incident, Beth tells Pete to forget it happened, which doesn't sit well with him. Pete continues to yearn for Beth afterwards, calling her and even orchestrating a situation in which Howard invites him to dinner with Beth at their home. Before Pete creates an excuse to leave, he tells Beth to meet him at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Pete checks into the hotel. When Beth doesn't arrive, Pete smashes a champagne glass against the wall.


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