S7E1 · Time Zones

Complete story — includes the ending

In January 1969, as Richard Nixon delivers his inaugural speech on television, Don—suspended after losing Hershey—travels to California to repair his marriage to Megan while secretly funneling copy to Freddy. Peggy clashes with her new superior, Lou Avery, whose condescension frustrates the creative team. With Pete in Los Angeles, Ken becomes Head of Accounts and grows volatile; after a tense meeting, Joan persuades Butler Footwear's sexist new marketing chief not to drop SC&P. Roger experiments with the counterculture, and Margaret tells him she has forgiven him as part of a spiritual awakening. Pete embraces Los Angeles life, while Ted immerses himself in work and has an awkward encounter with Peggy in New York. Now a landlord, Peggy tires of tenant demands. In California, Don and Megan dine pleasantly with her agent and begin reconciling, though Don plans to split time between coasts. Megan asserts independence—driving, setting household rules, and objecting when Don buys a color television without consulting her. On his return flight, Don confides in a sympathetic widow that he has been a bad husband. Peggy cries alone on her apartment floor while Don sits outside in the cold, disheveled and near tears.