S1E1 · Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Complete story — includes the ending

In March 1960, Don Draper, a high-level advertising executive at the Sterling Cooper agency in New York City, struggles to find ideas to keep an account for Lucky Strike cigarettes, in light of the growing public awareness of the dangers of smoking. He seeks input from customers and his girlfriend Midge, but is unable to find a solution. Meanwhile, Peggy Olson finds employment as Don's new secretary but struggles to fit in; her supervisor, Joan Holloway, advises Peggy on how to appeal to men for success in her personal career. Junior accounts manager Pete Campbell, who is getting married, takes a liking to Peggy and pursues her sexually. Don and his superior Roger Sterling meet with Rachel Menken for a consultation on her department store. Don storms out of the meeting when Rachel disagrees with his pitch, but Roger asks him to reconcile with Rachel, as she is worth $3 million. Don makes amends with Rachel, who remarks that she understands what it is to be an outsider, and agrees to come back to Sterling Cooper for another meeting. Don takes a train to a suburban home, where it is revealed that he has a wife and two children.