The Best Episodes of Mad Men Season 5

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.3/10(3344 votes)

   #1 - A Little Kiss (1)

   S5:E13/25/2012

   Megan throws Don a surprise birthday party and new mother Joan begins to wonder if she still has a job when she's ready to come back.

   Director:Jennifer Getzinger

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Jennifer Getzinger

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
2. 

   8.6/10(3026 votes)

   #2 - A Little Kiss (2)

   S5:E23/25/2012

   Don and Megan work out some of their issues, Roger and Pete butt heads, and Joan has a run-in with a house guest.

   Director:Jennifer Getzinger

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Jennifer Getzinger

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
3. 

   7.9/10(2894 votes)

   #3 - Tea Leaves

   S5:E34/1/2012

   As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce tries to build upon its current business, Peggy is given new responsibility. Don and Harry indulge a client. Betty contemplates her mortality after seeing a doctor.

   Director:Jon Hamm

   Writers:Erin Levy, Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Jon Hamm

   Writers:Erin Levy, Matthew Weiner
4. 

   7.0/10(3161 votes)

   #4 - Mystery Date

   S5:E44/8/2012

   Don has an encounter with someone from the past. Meanwhile, Roger increases Peggy's workload, and Joan comes to a momentous decision.

   Director:Matt Shakman

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Victor Levin

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   Director:Matt Shakman

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Victor Levin
5. 

   7.6/10(3837 votes)

   #5 - Signal 30

   S5:E54/15/2012

   Lane attempts to land an account with Jaguar Cars, leading to a altercation with Pete. Pete and Trudy host a dinner party in the suburbs.

   Director:John Slattery

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Frank Pierson

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   Director:John Slattery

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Frank Pierson
6. 

   8.4/10(4173 votes)

   #6 - Far Away Places

   S5:E64/22/2012

   Peggy has a tough time during a particularly formidable pitch. Don calls on a potential client. Roger and Jane have an experience with LSD.

   Director:Scott Hornbacher

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas

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   Director:Scott Hornbacher

   Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas
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7. 

   7.4/10(3181 votes)

   #7 - At the Codfish Ball

   S5:E74/29/2012

   Don is honored at a banquet for the American Cancer Society, but finds his professional reputation has been damaged. Sally lends a hand to a relative. Megan's parents come to visit from Canada.

   Director:Michael Uppendahl

   Writer:Jonathan Igla

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   Director:Michael Uppendahl

   Writer:Jonathan Igla
8. 

   7.2/10(2899 votes)

   #8 - Lady Lazarus

   S5:E85/6/2012

   Megan has second thoughts about her future at Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce. Peggy lashes out when she's inadvertently put in the uncomfortable position of having to lie. Pete's effort to protect an acquaintance doesn't turn out quite like he expected.

   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:Matthew Weiner

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   Director:Phil Abraham

   Writer:Matthew Weiner
9. 

   8.1/10(2740 votes)

   #9 - Dark Shadows

   S5:E95/13/2012

   Don attempts to regain his creative spark, but undermines a member of his staff while doing so. Roger pursues some new clients, and in the process, hurts Jane. Betty displays her pettiness when she reveals a distressing secret to Sally.

   Director:Scott Hornbacher

   Writer:Erin Levy

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   Director:Scott Hornbacher

   Writer:Erin Levy
10. 

    8.2/10(2862 votes)

    #10 - Christmas Waltz

    S5:E105/20/2012

    Harry finds himself in an uncomfortable position after reconnecting with Paul Kinsey who has joined the Hare Krishnas. Lane takes drastic and unethical measures to get out of financial trouble. Don spends an afternoon with Joan to get her mind off her marital problems.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Victor Levin

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    Director:Michael Uppendahl

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Victor Levin
11. 

    8.9/10(4440 votes)

    #11 - The Other Woman

    S5:E115/27/2012

    Pete asks Joan to make a personal and moral sacrifice to ensure the company lands the Jaguar account. Don becomes furious after learning of the impact Megan's new profession will have on their life. Feeling unappreciated, Peggy attends lunch with Freddy Rumsen, who encourages her to make a move.

    Director:Phil Abraham

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas

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    Director:Phil Abraham

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas
12. 

    8.8/10(4275 votes)

    #12 - Commissions and Fees

    S5:E126/3/2012

    Lane's shameful secret comes to the surface with dire consequences. Don recaptures his hunger for success, and Sally experiences a major milestone.

    Director:Christopher Manley

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton

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    Director:Christopher Manley

    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton
13. 

    7.5/10(3167 votes)

    #13 - The Phantom

    S5:E136/10/2012

    Roger seeks to expand his affair with Megan's mother. Pete has a "last" encounter with Beth with lasting repercussions. Megan struggles to find acting work and asks for Don's help getting an audition. Peggy still seeks Don's approval.

    Director:Matthew Weiner

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Jonathan Igla

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    Director:Matthew Weiner

    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Jonathan Igla