Cuban Missile Crisis

Lore & Background

The Cuban Missile Crisis marks the conclusion of the second season's timeline, which runs from February 14 to October 24, 1962. This historical event provides the temporal anchor for the season's final episodes. The crisis occurs as Don Draper is in exile from his family home, having been kicked out by Betty after she learned of his affair with Bobbie Barrett. Betty, meanwhile, learns she is pregnant with another child and has a sexual encounter with a stranger at a local bar before returning home to find a letter from Don begging to come home. The season closes with Betty informing Don of their new child as they hold hands in the kitchen, all against the backdrop of the missile crisis.

In Their Own Story

The Cuban Missile Crisis serves as the historical culmination of the second season's events. The season takes place from February 14 to October 24, 1962, ending precisely as this international crisis reaches its peak. During this period, Don Draper has been living apart from his family after Betty discovered his infidelity. He takes a business trip to California where he meets with Anna Draper, the wife of the original Don Draper, who comforts him about his marital troubles and identity crisis. Betty discovers she is pregnant and has sex with a stranger before Don's letter arrives begging to return home. The season closes with the couple holding hands in the kitchen as the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolds.

Reader's Guide

The Cuban Missile Crisis functions as the historical endpoint for Mad Men's second season, which consists of thirteen episodes airing from July 27 to October 26, 2008. The season's narrative spans February 14 to October 24, 1962, with the crisis providing the temporal conclusion. This historical event frames the personal resolutions of the season's main characters: Don and Betty Draper reconcile after Don's affair with Bobbie Barrett led to his exile from the family home; Betty learns she is pregnant; and Don returns from California where he visited Anna Draper. The crisis underscores the tension already present in the characters' lives, particularly Don's identity struggles and marital strife.

Did You Know?

• The second season of Mad Men takes place from February 14 to October 24, 1962, culminating specifically with the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• The season consists of thirteen episodes, each running approximately 48 minutes, airing Sundays at 10:00 pm on AMC.
• Don Draper is in exile from his family home during the crisis after Betty kicked him out for his affair with Bobbie Barrett.
• Betty learns she is pregnant with another child during this period and has sex with a stranger at a local bar.
• The season closes with Don and Betty holding hands in the kitchen as the Cuban Missile Crisis unfolds.