The Chrysanthemum and the Sword

Lore & Background

The episode won the Writers Guild of America award for Episodic Drama.

Reader's Guide

In March 1965 Pete Campbell tells the partners of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce that Honda's motorcycle company is unhappy with its agency, Grey Advertising, and that he has arranged a meeting. Roger Sterling, a Pacific veteran of World War II, refuses to work with the Japanese, so the others pursue Honda without him; Ted Chaough of the rival agency CGC is chasing the account too. Roger finds out and insults the Honda delegates to their faces.

Don stages a lavish fake commercial shoot so that word reaches Ted, who then breaks Honda's rule against finished work. At the presentation Don withdraws SCDP, calling the contest dishonourable because Honda entertained a rule-breaking bid. Honda is impressed, and although it never meant to leave Grey, SCDP gets first shot at its coming line of cars.

At home, Sally cuts her own hair while Don has the children, and Betty is later furious when Sally is caught in an embarrassing moment at a sleepover. Betty and Henry send Sally to a child psychiatrist, Dr. Edna Keener, who suggests Betty see a therapist herself. Don shares sake with Dr. Faye Miller and talks about single fatherhood.