>Did anyone else relate Pete's comment about the (Commies) backing down once they saw the US's strength, to how Don handled the merger conference?

Oh, good call Rozsie! You're right. Duck showed off his missiles (sic), thinking he had all he needed to make Don fall into line, and Don, forewarned (as the U.S. was), showed his strength, making Duck backdown.

It is wonderful the way this show makes us correlate the macro with the micro, the outer with the inner. Events happen that appear in the newspaper, and then we see smaller versions, personal versions, happening within the homes and offices of these characters. Very cool.

I also interpreted that comment to mean that once Betty had taken a stand, Don "turned around."

I thought there was a connection between Pete's comment to Don what Don might do (with Pete's implicit support). It also relates back to Pete/Don's experience at the defense contractor's convention that they attended together, including the presentation on missile launches etc. Very well done writers!

What was surprising to me about the meeting with Duck et al, was that Roger didn't clue Don in on Duck's presidency when he told Don about the merger. Also, it would be Roger and Burt's responsibility to disclose the fact that Don doesn't have a contract to the potential buyers as part of the 'due diligence' before the transaction. The failure to disclose this fact should/would be considered 'material' to the transaction going forward, giving the buyer the opportunity to back out or renegotiate. That is unless the British buyers were asleep at the switch and didn't think to protect themselves in this way. I guess we'll see how it all works out in Season 3.

One more question, does anyone know if it was common practice in the early 1960's for employers to impose non-competes in employment contracts, and for employment contracts to be in common use? It may be the case since Don was considered to be 'creative talent' that there would be a contract and non-compete issue to address. Anyone know more about this? Thanks.

Roger didn't know about Duck becoming President. That was a secret between Duck and PPL - the only reason Duck offered them the deal was to be President. That's why Coop asked them who was going to run the company when they had the meeting.

PPL trusted Duck to do due diligence, and he failed,

Thank you zabadu. I thought that Duck mentioned his presidency to Burt and Roger when he presented PPL's proposal. If Burt and Roger didn't know, then that explains Burt's comment on Duck's presentation that he didn't hear Duck mention the 'clients' once. Roger's concern seems to be only that the deal go through with/without Don on board. If Duck was responsible for due diligence, then he's definitely out the door. Pretty sloppy work by Duck and poor judgment by PPL in relying on him. That being the case, then it's possible that Roger and/or Burt will continue to be in charge at SC, and if they are, then Don might be persuaded to stay? One for all, and all for one?

Yeah, Roger's looking out for Roger. When Duck imploded and was asked to leave the room by Powell the first thing Roger asked was "does this mean the merger's off?" (Answer: no.) He was Duck's supporter but he's a fair weather friend and will show him the door at the first sign of trouble.

I don't even know if Roger really cares about the business at all anymore since he's "fallen in love". His main focus seems to be $$$, getting Mona off his back, and hooking Jane before she escapes - at least he seems smart enough to realize he'll have to "pay" Jane to have her in his life, and it's going to be quite a hefty price tag. If Roger EVER comes up financially depleted, I think Jane will be outta there.

Also, I think Don will get the upper hand and be President of Sterling Cooper with his own conditions attached.

The PPL were obviously cognizant of Don's importance, actually necessity, to being part of the merger because of his talent with clients, creative and reputation. Don is the jewel in the crown of Sterling Cooper.

Look at the other two options: Bert, who is a little too long in the tooth to be in full command of the company and Roger, who is totally wrapped up in his 20 year old squeeze. I'm sure Duck informed PPL of Roger's personal situation/circumstances to assure them of his willingness for a merger. Both Roger and Bert would have been "figureheads" to represent the "face" of the old Sterling Cooper to assure customers it was "business as usual". But the key was Don. Duck's out, Don's in, and as the President.

rozsi...Like you, I took that comment of Pete's to be his signaling encouragement to Don...after he had just presented Don with some very "hit in the gut", sand-bagged-news."

I think Don knew it was "code-speak," and I think it was what he needed to hear. The fact that it came from Pete was so great -- as Pete here-to-fore had not shown the savey, smart style of being proficient in communicating that way. It was really one of my favorite scenes of the episode...because Pete delivered the lines so beautifully ...almost as an afterthought...turning around to Don to deliver the line as he was exiting Don's office.

I suddenly started liking Pete much more. (I had begun to like him a little when it was clear that he wasn't going to "run and tell" on Don as soon as he got back from CA).