The Summer Man

"The Summer Man"
Mad Men episode
Joey's obscene drawing depicting Joan Harris in the midst of a sexual act with Lane Pryce.
Episode no.	Season 4 Episode 8
Directed by	Phil Abraham
Written by	Lisa Albert Janet Leahy Matthew Weiner
Original air date	September 12, 2010
Guest appearance(s)
Christopher Stanley as Henry Francis Matt Long as Joey Baird Anne Dudek as Francine Hansen Sam Page as Greg Harris Cara Buono as Faye Miller Jay R. Ferguson as Stan Rizzo Anna Camp as Bethany Van Nuys Randee Heller as Ida Blankenship Jared Gilmore as Bobby Draper
Episode chronology
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Mad Men (season 4) List of Mad Men episodes

"The Summer Man" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American television drama series Mad Men, and the 47th overall episode of the series. It aired on the AMC channel in the United States on September 12, 2010. The episode was written by series creator Matthew Weiner and writers Janet Leahy and Lisa Albert. It was directed by Phil Abraham.

Don becomes more self-reflective and physically active as he attempts to curb his drinking. While Don pulls himself out of his existential tailspin, he pursues the company of Dr. Faye Miller. A subplot also deals with Joan's role in the office as she clashes with an obnoxious insubordinate employee.

The episode was well received by television critics, but the use of voice-over was divisive. The episode was watched by 2.3 million viewers on its original airing. Christina Hendricks submitted this episode for consideration as of her nomination for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

Following the death of Anna Draper, Don has taken a self-reflective turn, writing his thoughts into a journal in an attempt to steady his mind. His attempts at swimming reveal to him that he is not the physically imposing man he once saw himself as. He also begins the process of cutting back on his drinking, though it is difficult with the copious alcohol use in the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce offices.

Meanwhile, at the office, Joan tells off raucous creative Joey. Joey undermines her to her face, telling her that she does nothing but dress like she "wants to get raped". He continues to undermine her behind her back, even drawing an obscene cartoon of Joan giving Lane fellatio and taping it to Joan's office window. After talking with Joey, Peggy is personally offended and goes to Don, who tells Peggy to fire Joey herself. Peggy tells Joey to apologize, but he says it was funny and makes sexist remarks about working with women, so Peggy fires him. In the elevator, Joan is upset with Peggy for firing Joey on her behalf, as it only reinforces the stereotype about working women that they are frivolous, humorless, and vindictive, as well as shows Peggy is "important", while Joan is but a "glorified secretary".