- Don checks in to a hotel after his separation from Betty. Back at the office, he is forced to get rid of Freddy against his will because of his drinking problem.
- Marilyn Monroe has just passed away, and Joan and many of the women in the office are feeling the loss of a person with who they could identify. Betty and Don are still on bad terms with each other, and don't have all the answers in how to deal with their situation publicly. The ball is basically in Betty's court on the next step. She takes some solace in her horseback riding in the company of Arthur Case, but privately she is still not taking her problems with Don very well. Don finally confides at least to Roger and Jane about the fact that he is no longer at home, the information which creates some unexpected issues with others. On other office fronts, Freddy embarrasses himself just before a presentation to clients, this embarrassment a manifestation of over-drinking. He is lucky that this embarrassment did not happen in front of the clients. Because of this issue, Roger and Duck feel that Freddy should take an extended leave of absence, effectively meaning that he should be fired. Freddy understands the implications of his forced leave. However, before Freddy is gone for good, Roger and Don treat him to one last night on the town. Someone in the office is promoted to Freddy's job, the person happy about the promotion but not the reasons for it.—Huggo
- At Betty's insistence, Don moves out and is living in a hotel temporarily. Betty is depressed to the point that she cannot even dress in the morning and is drinking far too much. Fred Rumsen's heavy drinking finally catches up with him when he embarrasses himself during a team meeting in his office and eventually passes out just before an important meeting with a client. Peggy Olson saves the day but Pete Campbell reports Rumsen's drunkenness and Roger Sterling decides the man has to go. He and Don take Fred out for dinner to break him the news that he has six months off with pay, but he knows he will never again work at Sterling Cooper. During a long night out, Roger takes Don's advice a little too seriously and Don finds himself accused of breaking up the Sterlings' marriage.—garykmcd
- "Mad Men" - "Six Month Leave" - September 28, 2008
We open on Don smoking in his underwear in a hotel room strewn with food service trays. He goes to get his shined shoes and the paper, the headline of which reads "MM Accident or Suicide?" (Marilyn Monroe).
In the Draper bedroom Betty sits on the edge of the bed as we hear Carla calling for the kids. She watches them leave from the top of the stairs.
Don enters an elevator with Peggy and the two of them and the elevator operator talk about MM's death. Peggy can't believe she was ever alone what with the fame. The EO observes that some people hide in plain sight. Don claims not to be surpised.
As they enter SC Peggy notes it's a good thing Playtex didn't go for the Jackie/Marilyn campaign since they'd have to pull everything indefinitely now. Don, impressed, agrees.
The girls in the office are tearful over the news.
In the conference room Harry, Kinsey, Ken, and Sal are talking about an office blood drive. Kinsey is bragging about how Creative is going to "win." Don enters and asks them to bore him with the details. Apparently, this blood drive is a big deal and Don tells Creative to pull all the "lackeys" and make them copywriters for the day in order to "win." There is no prize, much to Ken's chagrin, just helping other people says Don.
Harry notes that there's a Mitch Miller concert coming up and he wants to show off Don and Betty. Don demurs saying his kid is sick.
Back at Chez Draper Betty is defrosting the freezer. And laying new contact paper. She's depressed, dowdy in a housedress, no make-up, and ponytail.
Don returns and gets his agenda from Jane. Joan at 10 with new business, Ace Hardware at 4, Roger Sterling and Boston Edison at 5. (To bleed into the cocktail hour). She asks to sit. She says she thinks she made a terrible mistake. Apparently, Sally called the previous evening wondering when Don would be back from his "business trip" since Betty wasn't sure. Don closes the door and explains Mrs. Draper working through some things. Lois apologizes. Don says she should keep this personal info personal. And to not give him concerned looks. She says she hopes he knows she's discreet. He says he doesn't know her it all and that this is personal. He mentions he's at the Roosevelt if there's an emergency.
Betty wanders through the house with a glass of wine and a book. She turns on the radio briefly and listens to news of Marilyn and then switches to easy-listening music. She sits on the couch and cracks "Ship of Fools" by Katherine Anne Porter.
Pete, Peggy, and Sal enter Freddy's office. They're prepping for a pitch and doing a dress rehearsal. Freddy practices the copy. It's for Samsonite. They discuss "unveiling" the art. Freddy turns back to the bar for a moment and seems to space out, then we see urine seeping out of his pant leg. He's actually pissing himself and doesn't realize it. He turns back and asks what they were talking about. As Sal laughs at him Peggy springs into action wondering if Freddy has another pair of trousers. He wonders why until he sees his pants. Sal laughs, Pete is disgusted. Freddy sits and nods out. Then they are all aghast. "Is he dead?" asks Sal. Pete checks him, he's not dead. The Samsonite people arrive at reception. Peggy wants to talk to Don. Pete wants to handle it by postponing. Sal says Peggy can do it. Peggy says it'll be fine, they'll tell them that Freddy's sick. "It's true," she points out.
They spring into action. Pete tells Sal and Peggy to wait in the conference room and tell Freddy's girl that it's cancelled so he doesn't wander in.
The doorbell rings at Casa Draper. Betty is asleep on the couch, wineglass at her head. She answers the door and it's her riding friend. The friend wonders if she's okay. Betty says she's not feeling well and begs off the friend's party. Betty goes to get her the black chiffon dress the friend wants to borrow.
They enter Betty's room and Betty pulls out some dresses. The friend wonders if Betty will be better by lunch on Thursday. Betty's hopeful. The friend holds up several dresses but says it won't matter since she's invisible at parties but feels lucky to have her husband Raymond. Then she apparently spent his money on a psychiatrist who diagnosed her as bored. Betty thinks this is too bad. (She is fully depressed, mussed hair, looking downcast, more monotone than usual). The friend says she's been missing her at riding and that she's been talking to Engaged Man-Arthur. She says she Arthur had a fight with Tara and she's been having ridiculous dreams ever since. Betty admonishes her for talking to Arthur. Betty says it's a switch you can flip on and off. The friend observes that Don is perfect. Betty begs off and sends the friend on her way.
Freddy sleeps on his couch in his office. He awakens, looks at his watch, stands, appraises his wet pants and walks out holding his hat, coat and briefcase over his stain, his shoes squeaking as he walks.
Roger enters his office to see Joan sleeping on his couch. "Many's the time I've dreamed of finding you here like this," he says. She says he's supposed to be at a bar. He wonders how often she come in his office. She says not that often and admits she's tearful about Marilyn. He doesn't understand why since "that woman was a stranger" unlike, say, Roosevelt whom he felt like he knew. Joan points out that a lot of people felt like they knew Marilyn too and he should be sensitive to that. He grabs her hand and assures her that Joan is not like her, except physically a little bit of course. Joan snaps, "it's not a joke, this world destroyed her." He wonders how since she was a movie star who had everything. She says one day he'll lose someone important to him and he'll see how painful it is.
Don enters his house with the kids, apparently they went to dinner. Sally asks if Betty's feeling better. She says she is a little and she'll come next time. Don says goodnight and Sally wonders why he's leaving again since he just came back. He says it'll go by in a snap. They hug. Betty looks annoyed.
Don tells Betty that Sally called his office. She snits that Sally expected him over the weekend. He asks how long this is going to go on and that they have to tell the kids something. She wonders what. He offers that he's working on an account in Philly and he'll be home every weekend. Or he could, you know, just come home. She turns that down. He wonders what she wants. She stares at him. He says if her mind's made up he's not going to talk her into it. She says she thought he could talk anyone into anything. He leaves.
The next morning Don enters his office and finds a shopping bag. Jane, thought he could use a few more shirts in his rotation. He thanks her (She bought them at Menken's). She reminds him of the blood drive.
Freddy enters Peggy's office and asks about the pitch. They loved it, she says. He says he was thinking of letting her talk anyway. He apologizes. She says it's over, and there's no reason to talk about it. She explains about the illness excuse. He says he'll sew things up on Monday with a call. She smiles and says it's a good idea.
Back at the Draper house Betty is breaking into Don's desk. Carla comes in thinking Bobby is fooling around. She's surprised to see Betty. She softens and says she'll take the kids out again. She offers to draw Betty a bath. Then she tries to open a dialogue saying "I've been married almost 20 years you know..." before Betty cuts her off. Carla apologizes. Betty apologizes, saying she hasn't been sleeping very well. Carla tells her to splash cold water on her face and go outside, she'll see things are right where she left them.
In Roger Sterling's office, Roger, Pete and Duck break the Freddy pants-pissing news to Don. Don's all "what?" Roger calls it "conduct unbecoming." Duck praises Pete for throwing Peggy in. Pete says they're lucky the bench is deep. Roger says they have to cut him loose. Don wonders if that's necessary. Duck calls him a trainwreck. Pete says Samsonite loves Peggy. Duck says it could've happened in a meeting. "But it didn't," snaps Don. Roger dismisses Pete and Duck. Duck tells Don they do Freddy no favors by keeping him.
After they leave Don says Duck's a teetotaller who's been gunning for Freddy. Roger says Duck has a point and they can't tell Cooper. Don doesn't think Duck should be able to fire people in his department. Roger says they have no choice and that he, Roger, can fire whoever he likes. They have a drink. Roger says he can still give blood. He says the agencies may all laugh about this, (this funny alcoholism), but the clients already think they're all drunks. Roger says Don can tell him it's a six month leave and he can go for the cure. Don doesn't want to throw him away. Roger says Don's loyalty is becoming a liability and to do it tonight.
Betty goes to ride and spies Arthur. She goes over to him. They chat about the weather. He says it's good to see her and asks after her kids. She asks after Sara Beth, her friend. He saw her. Betty says Sara Beth would be glad that he was concerned. She says they should all go to lunch together to cheer up Sara Beth. She's all smiles with him, but as he walks away she returns to a determined frown.
Sal leaves the blood drive boasting it was nothing. Sal, Kinsey, Ken, and Harry are making fun of Freddy. (Calling him a "real whiz" in advertising.) Don admonishes them saying they shouldn't be dining on the drama of other people's lives like teenage girls.
It's the dinner of reckoning for Freddy with Don and Roger. They offer full salary, dry out and come back. He promises that Monday morning he'll be fine. Roger says there's a line " and you wet it." Freddy says they're already laughing. Freddy says Duck the teetotaller doesn't understand the business and that Roger's dad used to come in with his shirt inside out. They reminisce about their younger years when Roger thought Freddy was a coward because he was in the signal corps. Turns out before that he was in charge of killing Germans. 15 of them apparently. Don is impressed. Freddy pushes his drink away and says he can be in control. Roger says his podiatrist went to Hazelden, came back with great stories and only drinks beer now. Freddy ventures that he'll take his book and go somewhere else like Philly or Boston who want to do what they're doing in New York. Don says he'll recommend him. Roger says this could be good for Freddy. Freddy reminisces about his dad moving them around as a greeting card salesmen. They toast and Roger decides they should get hammered in honor of Freddy moving on.
Later the pickled trio bribe a big fat guy to get into a "secret" casino complete with cocktail waitresses, tables, high rollers. They sit to play. They order drinks. Freddy spies "the champ" in the house and muses, "Pete Campbell, never would've thought I was in his way."
Later still Roger is counting money and admonishing Don for not taking more risks with his money when he was winning. Freddy is yukking it up at a table. Roger is glad. A cocktail waitress comes over and asks if they're winner or losers. Roger replies "losers tonight but winners in general." He asks Don what he thinks about BBDO hiring "a colored kid." Don says "I think I'm glad I'm not that kid." The woman lingers. Roger sends her away. And then asks if Don was interested. Turns out Roger's on to him. (Comes in early, lots of drycleaning, chairing the blood drive.) Since he's been in his position he knows the signs and wonders if he's at the Stanhope. Don puts him off and says there's nothing to talk about. Roger says just to go for the grand gesture which should be easy since Don is creative. Don tells him to stop. Roger asks if he wants to be right or he wants to be married. Roger says he knows marriage isn't a natural state but you do it. Why? asks Don. For the kids, says Roger. And other stuff too like "think about when you met her." Don gets up and walks away. Roger apologizes and says "you're so secretive." Turns out he was walking towards, not away. He goes to the table and we see Jimmy Barrett. After Jimmy calls him the man in the gray flannel suit Don promptly clocks him good. Roger grabs him and they skedaddle. Freddy jokes to the bouncer guy not to worry about it since it's probably not the first time Jimmy's been punched in the face. Jimmy pops up and asks "the champ" (Floyd Patterson I'm guessing) how he did. The guys leave and Don says it's time to go.
Roger hugs Freddy. Don shakes his hand. Freddy says he's going to miss Don and calls him talented. Don thanks him. Freddy asks what he's going to do, what he's going to tell his wife. Don says it's not an ending, it's a fresh start. Freddy wonders who he is if he doesn't go into the office every day. Don tries to reassure him.
At yet another bar Roger is talking about sticking with the clear liquours. Don says he's the opposite. Roger wonders if the blood drive, coupled with the whiskey made Don angry. Don called it a real Archibald Whitman maneuver. Roger is all "who?" Don says "just a drunk I used to know." Roger says since Jimmy's a weasel, Don should enjoy it. Don is shredding napkins. Roger asks what's going on. Don says he's at the Roosevelt but that he doesn't really want to discuss it. Because he feels so bad? Asks Roger. Don says not really, mostly he's just relieved. Roger asks if he fell in love. Don says that would be easier, then he'd know what to do. Easier? Says Roger. Hardly. (He knows). They lament being married. Don says it's your life, you don't know how long it's going to be but it's going to have a bad ending, so you might as well move forward, as soon as you can figure out what that is. Two coronaries, says Roger, as he lights a cigarette. Don asks "this can't be it right?" Roger says we're in it together huh?" and punched Don's arm. "That's true," says Don with a goofy grin.
The next day, with some alka-seltzer by his side he calls Peggy into his office. Don says the Samsonite people are thrilled, they want Peggy as their copywriter. She's glad but wonders after Freddy. Don says he's taking time off and Peggy wonders when he's returning. Don says it doesn't matter she'll be taking over all of his business. She asks if Don is sure. He says he didn't appreciate walking into an ambush by Pete and Duck. Peggy says she didn't think anyone had to know. Even him, Don wonders? No, of course him, she quickly backtracks but then tries to explain finally settling on "I loved Freddy." Don tells her not to feel bad about being good at her job. She says she wishes it hadn't happened this way. Them's the breaks, he says basically. They stand and shake hands, he congratulates her.
She leaves and walks straight into Pete's office livid that he told on Freddy. Pete wonders why Peggy feels bad for him since People like Freddy blame all their problems on society. Peggy says if it wasn't for Freddy she'd still be a secretary. Pete, rightly, points out if it wasn't for him she'd still be a junior copywriter. He says he refuses to feel bad. They're going to get raises. You could get his office, he points out. He says he'll go first and than congratulates her heartily. She congratulates him back with less enthusiasm.
At lunch Arthur sits with Sara Beth. They signal the waiter that they'll be three. Sara Beth mentions Betty didn't say he'd be joining them. They flirt as they wait. (He's just trying to make her feel good we think).
In the Draper kitchen Betty and the kids are cooking something as she looks at her watch and Carla vacuums table. She takes the phone off the hook.
In the SC conference room Kinsey is selling Duck a pitch for Indian Point and cartoon turtles. When he's done Duck asks Peggy, "you on board with that." She confirms she is. Duck asks for schedules and art.
In Don's office he's taking a nap when Mona storms in past an apologetic Jane. Mona's mad at him. He's confused. She tells him not to act innocent. Apparently, Roger is leaving her and she blames Don for telling him that that's great. He says he didn't tell him anything. "It's your life, you have to move forward?" she quotes back to him. Don says he didn't mean it that way. Mona leaves and Roger is waiting asking her to calm down. Jane is crying and Roger puts his hand on her shoulder and she runs away. Don glares at Roger through the door. Roger says he can explain. Don clearly doesn't care and just says "I want her off my desk."
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