The friendship between Peggy Olson (played by Elizabeth Moss) and Don Draper (portrayed by Jon Hamm) in the acclaimed series <em>Mad Men</em> is filled with complexities, showcasing a dynamic relationship that evolves over time. Initially, Peggy begins her career as Draper’s secretary, but her journey to becoming a successful copywriter is one of the most gratifying character transformations in the series. This transformation not only highlights her professional growth but also her increasing confidence as she learns to advocate for herself, particularly in her interactions with her so-called “mentor and champion”, Don.

Right from the first season of Mad Men, the non-romantic nature of Peggy and Don’s relationship is established. Despite Don’s numerous affairs, he emphasizes to Peggy, “I’m your boss, not your boyfriend.” Initially, Draper promotes her to copywriter as a strategic move to irritate Pete Campbell, but this action evolves into a sincere appreciation for her skills and integrity. Over the course of the seven seasons of Mad Men, Peggy consistently advocates for her value as a copywriter and directly challenges Don to treat her with the respect she deserves.

5

Peggy Demands Reimbursement for Bail Money

Mad Men Season 2, Episode 5, “The New Girl”

In Mad Men Season 2, Peggy is still establishing herself as a junior copywriter, yet in the episode titled “The New Girl”, she begins to grasp her true value and assert herself more. Following a drunk-driving incident involving Don and one of his mistresses, Bobbie Barrett, Draper reaches out to Peggy for her assistance and discretion in a rather precarious situation.

The situation puts Peggy in a challenging position, both personally and financially, as Don’s dependence on her during this crisis reflects a troubling power dynamic in their friendship. Peggy confronts Don directly, asserting that the bail amount is substantial for her and requests reimbursement for it. This pivotal confrontation is notable for how Peggy navigates the conversation, beginning with a formal address of Mr. Draper and concluding with a more personal touch by thanking him using his first name, thereby setting the stage for a more equitable relationship between them.

4

Peggy Refuses to Be Underestimated

Mad Men Season 3, Episode 13, “Shut The Door, Have A Seat”

The season 3 finale of Mad Men, titled “Shut The Door, Have A Seat,” marks a significant turning point for Peggy. When Don opts not to join McCann Erickson and instead decides to launch his own agency, he mistakenly presumes that Peggy will automatically follow him to this new venture. She rightfully challenges this assumption, stating, “You just assume I’ll do whatever you say. Just follow you, like some nervous poodle.” After Don insists he won’t beg, Peggy firmly responds, “Beg me? You didn’t even ask me… I don’t want to make a career of being there so you can kick me when you fail.”

During this confrontation, Peggy’s eloquence and assertiveness shine through, demonstrating that she will no longer be overlooked or taken for granted, and her forthrightness leaves a lasting impression on Don, even if he doesn’t acknowledge it immediately. Later in the episode, Don visits Peggy at her apartment, appearing vulnerable and admitting that he will spend his life trying to hire her, which ultimately showcases the respect she has earned.

3

Peggy Asserts Her Right to Personal Time

Mad Men Season 4, Episode 7, “The Suitcase”

In Mad Men, the theme of hard work and indulgent play is consistently portrayed, and in the episode “The Suitcase”, this theme is vividly illustrated. Peggy and Don pull an all-nighter brainstorming ideas for Samsonite, but amidst the chaos, Peggy makes it clear that she has a personal life outside of the agency that deserves recognition. Her boyfriend, Mark, is waiting at a restaurant for her to celebrate her birthday, emphasizing her need to balance her professional and personal commitments.

In response to Peggy’s concerns, Don dismissively states that it is “time to get over birthdays,” an ironic statement considering his own complicated relationship with his true identity. During the dinner, Peggy discovers that her boyfriend Mark has invited her mother to what she expected would be a private, romantic celebration, highlighting a disconnect even in her closest relationships. Don attempts to amend his earlier insensitivity by taking Peggy out for a meal, creating a heartfelt reconciliation within the context of their complex friendship, which is one of the most compelling aspects of the series.

2

Peggy Takes the Bold Step to Leave Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce

Mad Men Season 5, Episode 11, “The Other Woman”

One of the most poignant moments in Peggy and Don’s relationship occurs when she makes the difficult decision to resign from SCDP. This moment is emotionally charged for both characters, given their lengthy history and Peggy’s role as Don’s protégé. The meeting does not start favorably as Don, in trying to guess the purpose of their impromptu meeting, inadvertently insults Peggy on two occasions. Firstly, he states that he “can’t put a girl on Jaguar,” and subsequently asks if her resignation pertains to Joan’s promotion, which Peggy was unaware of.

Despite the rocky start, Peggy begins her resignation speech by expressing her gratitude towards Don. Elisabeth Moss skillfully conveys Peggy’s anxiety in this pivotal moment, as she appears almost breathless and fidgets nervously. Jon Hamm equally captures Don’s emotional journey through denial, bargaining, and ultimately acceptance as he grapples with the reality of Peggy’s departure.

Notably, the moment when Don kisses Peggy’s hand in farewell instead of extending a handshake was improvised by Jon Hamm, and Elisabeth Moss’s emotional response was authentic, as she revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair. This scene stands out as a significant milestone in their relationship, marking a crucial development in Peggy’s evolving self-assurance.

1

Peggy Labels Don As A “Monster”

Mad Men Season 6, Episode 12, “The Quality Of Mercy”

The workplace affair between Peggy and Ted Chaough reaches a critical point when Don pressures them about the consequences of their relationship. Peggy has crafted an outstanding advertisement inspired by Rosemary’s Baby, a clever reference that resonates with her own past experiences. Ted believes Peggy’s creation will earn her a Clio award, but Don is skeptical, as it exceeds the budget agreed upon with the client, recognizing that Ted’s infatuation is clouding his judgment.

Peggy is appalled by Don’s handling of the situation. He opens the meeting by stating, “I think we all know why we’re here,” hinting that he plans to expose their relationship to the client. Nevertheless, he simultaneously salvages the ad campaign and humiliates both Ted and Peggy by attributing the pitch to Frank Gleason’s final idea before his untimely death from cancer.

This manipulation of the client’s emotions through a morbid falsehood, coupled with the denial of Peggy’s opportunity for recognition, represents one of the most reprehensible actions committed by Don Draper. Furthermore, there is an underlying jealousy on Don’s part towards Ted, fueled by his resentment over Peggy’s earlier choice to leave SCDP for CGC. While Don believes he is justified, Peggy boldly confronts him, calling him a “monster” for interfering with her Mad Men relationship.

Source: Vanity Fair

[nospin]Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

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