The Best Episodes of Mad Men Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.6/10(39 votes)

   #1 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

   S1:E17/19/2007

   In 1960 New York City - the high-powered and glamorous "Golden Age" of advertising - Don Draper, the biggest ad man in the business, struggles to stay a step ahead of the rapidly changing times and the young executives nipping at his heels.

   Director:Alan Taylor

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Alan Taylor

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
2. 

   7.6/10(29 votes)

   #2 - Ladies Room

   S1:E27/26/2007

   Don continues to conceal his increasingly complicated personal life, even in the face of Roger Sterling's invitation to open up. Meanwhile, Peggy pines for the absent Pete still on his honeymoon while fending off the advances of several of the men of Sterling Cooper.

   Director:Alan Taylor

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Alan Taylor

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
3. 

   7.5/10(27 votes)

   #3 - Marriage of Figaro

   S1:E38/2/2007

   Pete returns from his honeymoon, excited about his new marriage, but conflicted about his past encounter with Peggy. After his business relationship with Rachel takes an unforeseen turn, Don attends a party which further illuminates his increasing dissatisfaction with his present life.

   Director:Ed Bianchi

   Writer:Tom Palmer

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   Director:Ed Bianchi

   Writer:Tom Palmer
4. 

   7.7/10(27 votes)

   #4 - New Amsterdam

   S1:E48/9/2007

   Pete's professional and personal lives become more complicated as he struggles to assert power in both. While facing pressure from his wife regarding a new apartment, he further alienates Don and endangers his own position at Sterling Cooper.

   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writer:Lisa Albert

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   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writer:Lisa Albert
5. 

   7.9/10(27 votes)

   #5 - 5G

   S1:E58/16/2007

   After Don wins an award, his photo is featured in Advertising Age. Don must deal with the fallout as the photo brings back a past he isnt ready to confront. Ken gets a short story published in The Atlantic Monthly, inciting jealousy among his colleagues and driving Pete to make an unorthodox request of his wife. Peggy overhears a startling conversation in the office and shares the secret with Joan.

   Director:Lesli Linka Glatter

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Lesli Linka Glatter

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
6. 

   7.5/10(25 votes)

   #6 - Babylon

   S1:E68/23/2007

   A taboo office romance is revealed. At a brainstorming session, Peggy proves to be more than a secretary, opening up new opportunities for her at Sterling Cooper. Meanwhile, Rachel faces her conflicted feelings for Don after he seeks out her advice on a new campaign.

   Director:Andrew Bernstein

   Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton

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   Director:Andrew Bernstein

   Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton
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7. 

   7.8/10(24 votes)

   #7 - Red in the Face

   S1:E78/30/2007

   Roger joins Don for an evening of dinner and drinking, during which Roger's behavior leads to a rift in their friendship. Though Don accepts his apology, there are further consequences for Roger. Pete faces trouble at home as he continues to struggle with the demands of his new marriage.

   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writer:Bridget Bedard

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   Director:Tim Hunter

   Writer:Bridget Bedard
8. 

   7.8/10(22 votes)

   #8 - The Hobo Code

   S1:E89/6/2007

   Don is tormented as pieces of his secretive past begin to haunt him. Peggy's new success at work, and resulting boost in confidence, threaten her office relationship. Salvatore Romano gets a little too close with a client.

   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:Chris Provenzano

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   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:Chris Provenzano
9. 

   8.1/10(21 votes)

   #9 - Shoot

   S1:E99/13/2007

   A rival ad agency courts Don, involving Betty in their attempt to lure him from Sterling Cooper. As the presidential campaign heats up, the agency looks for new ways to counter the latest Kennedy ads. Tempers flare over Peggy.

   Director:Paul Feig

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Chris Provenzano

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   Director:Paul Feig

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Chris Provenzano
10. 

    7.1/10(22 votes)

    #10 - Long Weekend

    S1:E109/27/2007

    Don loses an account. Roger, stuck in the city for Labor Day weekend, attempts to cheer him up. Meanwhile, Joan has a night out on the town with her roommate.

    Director:Tim Hunter

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Matthew Weiner, Bridget Bedard

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    Director:Tim Hunter

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Matthew Weiner, Bridget Bedard
11. 

    7.9/10(21 votes)

    #11 - Indian Summer

    S1:E1110/4/2007

    Peggy is given a difficult assignment. Roger's work problems provide new opportunities for Don, and Pete grows more frustrated. Betty finds a new outlet for her growing dissatisfaction.

    Director:Tim Hunter

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Tom Palmer

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    Director:Tim Hunter

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Tom Palmer
12. 

    8.7/10(22 votes)

    #12 - Nixon vs. Kennedy

    S1:E1210/11/2007

    On election night, the Sterling Cooper staff pulls a rowdy all-nighter while watching the returns. Pete's ambitions cause him to directly challenge Don. Don remembers his past as a soldier in the Korean War.

    Director:Alan Taylor

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Lisa Albert

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    Director:Alan Taylor

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Lisa Albert
13. 

    8.7/10(24 votes)

    #13 - The Wheel

    S1:E1310/18/2007

    As Thanksgiving approaches, Don's work responsibilities interfere with his domestic life. Peggy is given a new opportunity, provoking the ire of some of her colleagues. Betty makes a startling discovery.

    Director:Matthew Weiner

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith

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    Director:Matthew Weiner

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith