Mad Men (season 2) | |
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Season 2 promotional poster
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Country of origin | United States |
No. of episodes | 13 |
Release | |
Original network | AMC |
Original release | July 27 | – October 26, 2008
Season chronology | |
The second season of the American television drama series Mad Men premiered on July 27, 2008 and concluded on October 26, 2008. It consisted of thirteen episodes, each running approximately 47 minutes in length. AMC broadcast the second season on Sundays at 10:00 pm in the United States; it would occupy in this timeslot for the remainder of its run.
Season two takes place between February and October 1962, culminating with the Cuban Missile Crisis. It expands on Peggy's rise in the workplace and the marital strife between Don and Betty Draper as Don's infidelities further intrude on his family life. The second season also introduces an unknown acquaintance of Don's, with whom Don is corresponding by letter in secret.
The second season of Mad Men was met with critical acclaim: it was honored with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, the Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series, and recognition by the American Film Institute, all for the second year in a row.
Season two opens on Valentine's Day, 1962, fifteen months after the events of season one. The Draper marriage seems to be on sturdier footing, while Peggy has returned to work. Joan and Roger have ended their romance. Betty has taken up horseback riding as a hobby and rebuffs the constant flirtations of a male fellow rider, Arthur Case.
Sterling Cooper travels further into the "Pepsi Generation" as signing youth talent becomes a priority at the behest of "Duck" Phillips, Draper's choice as head of accounts from the previous year. Duck then convinces the firm to try and sign his old client, American Airlines, after the airline publicly announces a shift in marketing. Draper protests, as pitching for the project requires the firm to drop Mohawk Airlines, one of Draper's main clients. The American Airlines pitch fails, significantly harming Phillips' reputation at the firm and creating palpable tension with Draper.