The young man knows all the rules; the old man knows all the exceptions.

Stirling shrinking by an inch when he took his shoes off and Draper noticing with a wondering "huh?" is a glorious mini scene.

Roger is my favorite character. He seems to coast along doing the minimum amount of work, but at the critical juncture he steps in and shows sheer brilliance in navigating the complex politics of the office.

"There are other rules". That was one of the shortest, "You're going to learn something and I'm going to teach it to you" eloquent, rank pulling verbal manouvers I've ever heard.

“You picked the wrong time to buy an apartment” One of the most savage moments in the series 😂

"How much do you know about Pete's family?" "Nothing except that they put out a mediocre product" Absolutely savage

"There are other rules..." This line always sends chills down my spine.

_“You’ll need a stronger stomach”_ And _”there are other rules”_ This right here seals it for me for high level management. The higher up you go the more it’s a game of politics.

"This man is your commanding officer. You live and die in his shadow." Don knows about that all too well.

Roger's improvisation at the end is a total stroke of genius.

I always liked Bert. He came off as the kindley old man, just sitting in his office letting the agency run itself. But in reality, he was the puppet master, who could cut your head off so fast you wouldn't even bleed. A perfect capstone for Robert Morse's career.

I love the little glance Don makes at the fact Roger wears lifts. Shows a little character development for 2 characters in a single shot. Lovely story telling.

This was a great example of the subtle brilliance of Roger Sterling. That little detail he added at the end changed the dynamic of the agency forever, and for the better. Pete became Don’s closest ally.

I love how Roger managed to salvage the situation to their advantage even though they got completely shut down by Cooper. That was slick.

The coda to that entire scene is so beautiful. Campbell, clearly freaked out at having been nearly fired, professes "I won't let you down!" Roger's reaction is genuine here, because not only did Campbell screw up, not only was it likely for him to screw up again at some point in the future, but it's a basic truth: everyone, at one point or another, screws up. "Don't ever say that!" wasn't just meant for Campbell, it's advice for everyone.

RIP Robert Morse, I’ve watched this show many times and this is one of the few Bert Cooper scenes that still lives rent free in my head. The delivery, the stakes being raised, I envy those seeing this show for the first time.

"You're going to need a stronger stomach, if you're going to be in the back seeing how the sausage is made." Here endeth the lesson.

It’s pretty clever, make the guy you can’t touch think he owes you everything. That even though he was on absolute solid footing they made him feel like he was on a sinking ship.

So observant and well put. Massive props to these writers. Their ability to make something as presumably mundane as an advertising agency in the early 60s into one of the most interesting things in TV history is astounding, and should be recognized for the art that it is.

I loved how this series so accurately portrayed the life and death efforts by smart shallow people to promote such meaningless products. Brilliantly written and produced.

Glad they managed not to fire Pete so Lane Pryce could beat him up later on.

"Theres a Pete Campbell at every Agency" "Well Let's get one of the other ones."

RIP Robert Morse. 🙏 This scene explains the difference between money and social class as required in business deals. Both Don and Pete get a lesson.

“There’s a Pete in every agency”. “Well let’s get one of the other ones.”😂

Roger's diplomacy and subtlety on fine display at the end. Keeping Cooper happy and the firm's reputation whilst appeasing Don. Handled beautifully. Created a third way where there seemed only two.

The tiers of management are excellently portrayed here: Cooper: Strategic Sterling: Tactical Draper: Functional

Pete really shouldn't have pushed it. Don was willing to let it slide, but he just had to needle him about it.

I loved these first few seasons where the nuances of office life and office politics were heavy. They taught me a lot about how things tend to work at higher levels of the office dynamic.

“There you go.” “I’m glad we’re all better now.” That’s Mr. Coopers way of saying” I’m the boss and my word is final and complete.”

"How much do you know about Pete's family?" "Nothing except they put out a mediocre product."

One of my favourite character arcs of any show is how Pete turns around to be one of the most loyal allies Don has by the end of the series.

Awesome depiction of corporate life. Don's youthful naivete. Bert's reality. Roger's agility. Brilliant!

This is my favorite scene in the entire series. The second Cooper says, "There are other rules," Roger knows the game is over and he shifts his focus to saving Don. As Cooper says much later, "Who knows how loyalty is born?"

Such great writing in this show. So much subtlety. First, they show Don and Roger going to Cooper's office and they take off their shoes, showing that Roger has lifts to make himself look taller. That tells you something about his ego. Then it shows Cooper, a Japanophile, with his feet up on his desk, which is considered quite rude in Japan. Then it shows the picture and Roger and Cooper commenting on it, which tells you that Cooper has known Roger since he was a young child. That and the fact that Roger is so deferential to Cooper tells us much about their relationship. The story Roger tells Pete allows us to see how adept Roger is and how his background in the military informs him as a manager. They are also all from different generations, with Cooper the oldest, then Roger, then Don, then Pete. We also now know that Pete comes from a prominent family in NY, and how aware Cooper is of this fact. We also know more about Pete's character, and how underhanded and self-entitled he is, yet also how much of a facade it is when he falls apart and then quickly falls into line. There is so much that is given to the audience in less than 10 minutes, and we know much more about these characters and their relationships to each other than we did before.

Some of the best writing ever went into this show. The dry comebacks are world class. Like ‘sounds more like a bomb’ or ‘I thought it was a big watch’ or ‘let’s get one of the other ones.’ Perfect responses delivered perfectly by Don. I miss the anticipation of what’s next while I was watching this show. Madmen was top three best of all times on my list and above GoT since they botched season 8 so badly.

I was in a situation like this once. I was a manager and had an employee under me who fucked things up all the time, made others on the team feel horrible and just made a mockery of things. I approached him one day after one of the women said he made a pass at her and wouldn't leave her alone. I told him to get his shit and get out and don't come back. I was on the phone with security so he could he escorted out of the building when my boss's boss came over to me and pulled me into his office. Told me the kid's parents were super high up in government and that they could make life horrible for the company. Told me I had to undo my firing and to handle it in any way that I wanted, just make sure he's not fired. I fault to the point where I was ready to quit and then he told me, "look, the world sometimes sucks and I feel for your position -- but don't let this shit affect you so much. You can do anything with that kid, just don't fire him right now." So I went back and told the kid that I was going to give him a second chance and that I was redefining his role to "work from home." I basically told him to work from home and then didn't give him any work. I knew the company would lose money but apparently having the kid on payroll more than made up for the financial loss because that government agency looked the other way when times called for it. Dude just collected a paycheck and stayed home all the time. I think he understood the arrangement. I forgot about him completely and eventually left that company. He's probably still there collecting a check. Hell, he's probably working at another job and still getting paid for that one. The world is weird.

2:35 When Sterling takes his shoes off, Don notices that he drops an inch XD

Sterling sure does understand timing. He's ready to say the right thing at the right time backing up the right person...so that he can still be around. Pure politician.

I like how, when Don says "thought it was a big watch," he communicates that he concedes the point, resigns the argument, and wishes it worked differently. And does so without actually saying any of it, which would have gone against his character.

Anglosphere micropolitics...

Roger just kicked my ass with how good he managed all that. Saved face for Don in the Big Guy's office, made little s*it Junior know where he stood, and made Don look like the good guy to Junior while simultaneously showing Don he had his back the whole time. That generates loyalty among your reports. Not money or "what can you do for me", but "I trust you that much I'm willing to make it look like I'm the bad guy". That's a lost art.

"There are other rules." So very true.

Such an exceptionally brilliant series, I fully believe in all the characters as real people. An absolute pleasure to watch, a modern day TV classic. In a word, perfect!

In a series that had some fabulous scenes...this was one of the best. Cooper sits in his office in his stocking feet collecting a very fat salary...because he 'knows' people in the city. He has important (vital!) 'connections' critical to the success of the firm. That's pretty much the extent of his contribution to the company....but that's all he needs. Roger brilliantly hands credit for Campbells 're-hiring' over to Don. Campbell has little choice but to be grateful to him. And in the end it works out well for both men. Gotta love the psychology of it all. Such a well written show.

When I started watching Mad Men I was too young to even hear the genius in every spoken line. How can there be so much depth of phrase in a simple 7 minute video

I love how Roger toes the line at 5.20. Once Burt has made his decision on keeping Pete, Roger goes along with it no questions asked...but then salvages Don and Pete's relationship, knowing they will need to work well together. Absolutely amazing writing.

Absolutely OBSESSED with this series!👌 What an emotional rollercoaster with each and every episode!👍

5:50 "I'm glad we're all better now." Cooper was a master of being menacing without being menacing.

It's pure genius how Roger flipped this situation around with a little white lie... such brilliant writing on this show.

"Jesus. Campbell. Don't ever say that." Lol

This is the first time I have seen this clip. It demonstrates how dynamic leadership is. Well played!

I'll be honest, after that Sterling is a man I'd walk through fire for. Taking a crappy situation and salvaging it for all involved. Don't know the series well enough to know if it was genuine or not, or if Don is deserving of it if it was, but that was a great move, made by a real leader.

Bert Cooper is a really fascinating character. He is not overpowering like Don or confident like Roger, but he dominates the room with his experience, his wisdom and his little quirks like making other people take their shoes off or not smoke in his office.

The writing of Mad Men is so nuanced and slick. Every time I watch these clips I see it. It's just in its own dimension. Nothing compares.

I love the moment of steeling themselves after they take their shoes off. ... Deep breath. ... A quick glance to each other. ...And in we go. Nice touch.

This is one of the best sequences from the show, and is really brilliant writing. The part at the very end where Roger lies and tells Pete that Don fought for him is so great. RIP Robert Morse. I enjoyed his role in the show so much, as the "elder statesman" who maneuvers so adroitly.

I remember watching this episode and thinking "This is worth my Netflix subscription"

" 'I won't let you down, Don.' 'Jesus, Cambell. Don't ever say that...'" That line made me laugh so hard because it just shows how hated he is.

cooper whistling at the end, that was the sublime touch. it's the supreme power and confidence of a boss that knows he is in charge at all times even if he has to word play his true intentions to his subordinates. at the highest powers everything is a social game and getting what you want is really the focus of everything.

I've never seen this show, but I sure have been a part of a discussion like that and it really did impress me that leadership is never a cut and dry concept. It's about maintaining discipline in a way that many don't fully understand. People tell you to adhere to truth and I'm all for truth, but some people don't want the truth and for those we have to use other methods while maintaining the truth and allowing new recruits to shine.

The smartest thing don does here is to say thank you. That's the only thing a boss like cooper wants to hear. Don could only see his problem, bert could see the whole picture.

best 2 lines in this clip: "Remember Pete Campbell's last day? It's today." AND "Sounds more like a bomb."

They should have titled this video, “It pays to have rich parents.”

"You picked the wrong time to buy an apartment." One of my most favorite lines!

That young guy looked like he was at death's door at the end, so plainly unaware of the clout he possessed by default -thank goodness.

This show is RIDDLED with amazing writing and and actors.

The funny thing is this whole scenario/scene is soooo realistic if you work in the corporate world

The dynamic between saying "dont ever say that" and "I won't let you down, Don" is wild. The weasel flips given the right ammo with Adam's box. I've never hated and loved a character so much in my life. I suppose they may have wrote Don and Pete almost the same way.

Love how Don catches Sterling dropping an inch after taking his shoe off.

Bert is the no bullshit guy you go to when you need to know whats actually going on. He shutdown this rage but made sure something of meaning came of it. Such a great character.

The acting by Hamm as Cooper undercuts his whole stance as you can tell he is thinking whether he wants to quit in protest, whether he can afford to, whether he can suck it up and deal, is just brilliant. Best show ever

Great writing, beautiful "period piece" the set, smoking. Management style, reminds me of A) bosses I've had that have been supportive/had my back, B) bosses who were setting up for failure, thinking more employees they fired makes them look decisive, C) taught to me early in my career, when an employee made a huge blunder where others would first fire the employee, boss blamed it on the system that allowed it to happen, A) who put this person in the position to make this decision, B) what have we learned.

"I won't let you down Don" "Jesus! Campbell! Don't EVER say that!

What an amazing power play by Sterling at the end. Don't let an upstart take power from your protege. Smart, smart, smart.

What a great show that was. I regret never watching it all, just bits and pieces here and there. I need to go back and watch it.

I find this to be a great example of what is wrong with the lack of good leadership in so many companies. There are far too many egotistical wannabe bosses out there who have little to no clue what it takes to be, not just a good leader but a great leader!

The coolest part is when Don reverses his temperament and tells Burt "Well Thank YOU, SIR" assuring that he respects the firm's modus operandi. If he was a lesser guy he'd pull a Harry Crane and start sweating and caterwauling about other misgivings he has about Pete.

You're going to need a stronger stomach if you're going to be back in the kitchen seeing how the sausage is made...This is so true in many ways!

How to succeed in business. Without really trying. 'Man, i knew i knew that voice. He came a long way. Being a kid watching that movie was awesome. I'm going to watch it again.

Cooper's empty desk suggests to me that he actually does very very little. Yet probably what he does is nudge the business in the right direction at the right time.

"Your generation went to college instead of serving so I'll illuminate you."

I only just realized the sweet irony of Roger calling Don Pete's "commanding officer". Can almost see a hint of discomfort in Don's eyes when he says that. Brilliant.

I love the way Roger had Don's back. If only every boss was like this.

I can't believe I have NEVER watched this show. Looks like great actors and great writing. Going in for a minor surgery, I'll have about 2 weeks couch time to binge this show. Looking forward to watching it.

I once worked with a marine pilot. I asked him how he knew where all the dangerous rock and shoals were. He said he didn't. He knew where they weren't. Always stuck with me that a leader sees things differently.

My favorite scene in the series, shows Bert's total control over the firm. "You need a stronger stomach..." great line. Teaches Don and threatens him all at once.

"Thank you, sir" was the only right response to this. At the end of the day the boss is the boss. You gave your arguments and they were considered and rejected. No argument needed, no snide comments just "yes sir". I try to operate the same way. I believe fully in the chain of command. There are always going to be decisions you disagree with. You sometimes have to put that aside for the good of the organization.

Such a great show. One of the all time best!

"Remember Pete Campbell's last day?" I'm guessing Don and Roger had been jokingly having this conversation in the past before

what a great scene. "some people have no confidence in this country"

If Pete had just taken the compliment, Don may have been mad at him for a day or so for going behind his back. But when Pete decide to open his big mouth with that smug comment, Don would of course have gone off on him. Don is the boss, Pete was a junior associate, respect the position if not the man, his family s wealth doesn't entitle him to be a smug wiseass

'....I'm glad we're all better now...' Such a fabulous line.

I love the way Roger has lifts in his shoes

I love this video. This scene delivers a very valuable message. And that message is that when it comes to business, money and connections trumps everything.

I liked this show a lot like "Man in the High Castle", it makes you think not just mindlessly consume non-connecting visuals. I liked the beginning time periods the most, when it delved into the 60's it lost something, maybe I liked the crisp etiquette of the earlier time periods more.

Robert Morse puts on a Master Class in understated yet undeniable power in this scene. Absolutely brilliant performance.

Bert Cooper doesn't have many scenes on the show, but whenever he's on camera, he dominates.

2:19 Love how Roger was instantly outraged.

The scene in Bert’s office was an incredible scene. Such economy of lines and a real insight into old-school business and its connection to influential families.

So many things about this show were top drawer. I think I may have to start over and binge watch it again.