I think it is because Pete is more dangerous to Don as a competitor. You know how there is always that someone at a company that people say must have nude photos of someone to have gotten their position? Well, the photos weren't nude but he does know a lot about Don's past.

I can't really put my finger on it but I think Pete represents a higher caliber of brains while Ken just seems a bit shallow. Pete was given lemons and struggled to make lemonade, while Ken had everything handed to him on a silver platter and yet remained neck and neck with Pete's billings.
I think Don and Roger have learned to respect Pete's efforts and his amazing ability to rebound.

Yeah, I still don't see it. At every turn Don has shown nothing but contempt for Pete, and Roger as well, in his own mind-is -elsewhere way. As far as the show's portrayal of Pete I think they've been pretty thorough at demonstrating that he's ambitious without substance. Cosgrove is smart, balanced and reliable. The thing you would want in an accounts man.

Either way, I don't see it explained in the episode. Cosgrove could have been brought in in addition to Campbell. It wasn't explained why this wasn't an option, or why Campbell was chosen over Cosgrove. I think this was lazy writing.

Still, amazing episode!

I'm choosing to believe the reasons Don gave Pete - Pete's been more forward thinking as it relates to current events (marketing to blacks, etc). Starting a new venture, you usually need people who can see outside the box. I just think they're looking for innovative ways to grow the business.

Maybe, also Cosgrove hasn't appeared particularly "hungry". Yes, he was promoted over Pete, but it was almost too easy for him. Maybe he also doesn't have the courage to venture out on his own or the duplicity to go behind everyone's back and raid/steal company files. Takes a particular kind of person to do that.

Pete has been the only one who has been able to see the future clearly. I posted this some time ago, that from the Teenager-Clearisil campaign to the future importance going into Space and the role space travel and satellites will play in the future. The war machines, the growing African American market, Pete has seen it all. Pete is a forward thinker. Don ignored almost everything he said, but he heard him still and Pete has been correct on it all. Also Pete( and Trudy) are young blue bloods and will keep the new ad firm in that circle that they need for contacts. Roger is blue blood but he is older, divorced. Don knows the new firm needs a smart- Forwad thinker like Pete who is also a blue blood with those contacts, on the inside.
Ken is not a forward thinker and Ken is not a blueblood.
Pete is old blueblood he gives them class and they know it. Roger is part of that world he understands the importance of someone like Pete.
Also Pete will do whatever it takes and he's a forward thinker, something none of the others have been, not even Peggy.

Man, I totally read that differently. I saw Don's admissions to Pete of Pete's talents and value to the company as B.S. that he could barely stomach saying. They were after Pete's accounts, for the extra 7 or so in billing, not Pete himself. It was an equation. What came first was the knowledge that they'd need a fixed amount of extra revenue, and then they decided that they would go to Pete to get it. And after meeting him they mocked him behind his back. They don't respect Pete. And so what I think was the plot hole was why they went to Pete instead of Cosgrove for those accounts. Or not Pete AND Cosgrove.

I am interested in some of the theories above but I'm not sure I'm watching the same show. Pete's supposed Blue Blood hasn't done anything for the company. His father is dead and the family is bankrupt. The account he brought in through family connections, his stepfather, he lost.

When Pete supposedly saw the future of space and its effect on the nation's industry I think that was portrayed tongue in cheek by the show's creators. Pete is constanly portrayed as a man in search of gravitas and he spouts off with mock authority on everything under the sun, while nobody listens.

Maybe it's because Pete was more obtainable than Ken. Pete has always wanted to be liked, to be in the inner circle, to be appreciated. Ken doen't seem to have any insecurities. Don is a salesman and knows how to win people over.

This episode calls to mind what Burt Cooper said in season one: you never know where loyalty is born.

Don and Pete have a strange sort of father-son relationship. Pete wants Don's approval, and when he doesn't get it, he's petulant--even threatening. But he remains loyal to Don.

And while I agree that Roger and Don never seem to take Pete seriously, Don has acknowledged Pete's abilities before this episode. When Pete complained that Don ditched him in Cali last season, Don told Pete he knew Pete could handle it alone.

So it's a kind of twisted relationship, but a relationship nonetheless. Don has nothing like that with Ken.

No offense OP, but I thought the reasons were pretty obvious and largely as first avenue described them...Pete IS the most forward thinking accounts guy in the office (as Don said). He was right on aeronautics and on niche advertising, just to cite a couple of examples. The season finale was in part brilliant because FINALLY Pete's talents (which are obvious to objective viewers, notwithstanding Pete's personality failings) are recognized by the one guy he's always wanted recognition from - Don. You're right that Pete has often been ignored, but that doesn't mean that people weren't paying attention (people in this case being Don). It was telling that the FIRST person Don thought of in terms of getting the extra $7-8 million in cash flow was Pete. Additionally, Pete does maintain connections well. Although his family is broke, clients still want to be associated with the Dyckman name - it carries a lot of weight (remember, they were amongst the original settlers in Manhattan).

I know a lot of viewers like Ken and I can understand why, but let's face facts - he exists primarily as a foil for Pete, Sal and to some extent Harry (with the paycheck thing a couple seasons back). He's not a particularly interesting character on his own. He's competent, relaxed - but he has no vision. He doesn't even seem to particularly care about his job. He lacks Pete's drive and ambition. AND lest we forget, Pete has a superstar wife who helped him get back the Clearasil account. So of course Don will go for Pete over Ken...he wants a successful, forward-thinking firm. I never got the impression that the Brits promoted Ken over Pete because Ken had done better (they were about even for billings, if you believe Pete, which I do because Pryce didn't rebut him) - it was because Ken fit in better with their power scheme (somebody who wouldn't question management and do annoying things like try to get clients to advertise to blacks, etc). Remember also that Ken was promoted AFTER it was established to Lane that SC was going to be sold. So it was all about making SC a lucrative buy and overanxious, thinking outside of the box ads men are not going to be a part of that.

Bringing in Pete was payback. Pete tipped off Don regarding the sale of SC to PPL. Don repaid the debt by flattering and then bringing in Pete.

While Don has confessed to Betty regarding his background, he has not confessed to anyone else. Pete knows something about Don/Dick, as does Cooper. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

There is also some truth to Roger's comment that Pete would do what it takes. When staging a coup and working hard for success, you need ruthless people on your side. And Pete is ruthless.

Pete and his wife are more interesting than Cosgrove, who seems very washed out and bland.

Pete is a schemer, is angry as hell, cheats on his wife, and had a thing with Peggy.

Pete will understand the new post JFK assassination world and Don knows that.

Agree with what others are saying--beyond being forward thinking, which gives the new company ideas of untapped markets to go for and edgy ideas to try, Pete is also hungry. This means he needs them. This is his chance to be appreciated, prove himself, be part of the pack and have his ideas tried out. The same is not true of Ken. Ken has no hunger, no ideas he's dying to try that no one will try. Besides, Ken is already head of accounts. He risks losing that if goes with the rebels. Pete has nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

So why would Draper et al go for the guy likely to turn them down rather tham the guy likely to jump at the chance to join them--with all his accounts in tow? A guy who has an edge that they need if they're going to take this risk?

I wondered about this Pete question as well but one answer perhaps has to do with a major point in this episode - the disintegration/takeover/re-birth of Sterling Cooper. I think this whole final episode was forceful and well written because it so accurately tells what happens in the game of corporate takeovers..I've been in a few myself and there are always insiders scheming against outsiders and a rush for the exits or lifeboats. Loyalties are questioned, information rationing is key and big life-changing decisions get made in a hurry. Let me offer my twist on the answer to why Pete was chosen - precisely because Cosgrove was promoted by PPL to VP! If you disagree with the whole management style of PPL then you think their promotions are wrong; likewise Cosgrove probably fits in and has a brighter future just staying where he's at. You choose Pete because he's the desperate one, he's the one who was ready to jump ship with his accounts even before the takeover was announced. I agree with those who argue he has not proven himself better than Cosgrove, but exactly because Cosgrove was chosen to go higher by PPL (the Brits), you choose Pete because he now has more to prove and wants to leave anyway...Cosgrove wants to ride the train of similar personalities and promotions he's found under the new owners.

Really interesting observations, all around. But I'm still looking for an explanation. A lot of what has been said here seems to be reasons why, from a writer's perspective, Pete should play a bigger part in the new company (i.e. the show itself). I just think the writers forgot to make the case through their characters.

Even if you could establish why Pete was a better choice than Ken, it still doesn't explain why there had to be a choice at all. It's a gaping hole in the plot. They never explained why Cosgrove was left out. Why not take both Cosgrove and Pete and have all the accounts?

Cosgrove getting promoted to VP of what is about to become a worthless company is not necessarily incentive for him to stay. He's not going to want to go down with the ship once he knows the score. They made Pete a freaking partner. Cosgrove could have been persuaded. I just want to know why he wasn't asked.

I also think too much is being made of Pete's supposed "forward" thinking. Every post that's made this point has said "the space thing, the black markets thing, and others." But there are no others (except for that scheme to buy up television ad space during the Nixon campaign). The space thing was A JOKE - the reason they were in California in the first place was that it was already a "goldrush," as some of the SC Cooper guys said on their own. Pete stuck his finger in the wind and stated the obvious, because he likes sounding wise.

And I think that Cosgrove has shown more initiative and willingness to think for himself than many of the rest. He's been a foil, not for Pete, but for the so-called "creatives." I've worked in ad agencies for years and there is a wide cultural gap between account and creative, mostly having to do with the pride of the creatives. I saw a few situations where people going down the account track made the switch to creative and were never fully accepted on the new side of the fence. These SC copywriters think of themselves as writers, but then it's Cosgrove who goes out and gets published. That took initiative and ideas. When staring at the Rothke (sp?) in Cooper's office, the creatives are unable to make sense of it and it's Cosgrove who, purely on intuition, is able to make the profound and accurate observation that the painting is meant to be experienced and not understood.

Cosgrove has ambition. He's just balanced and uses self-control. He also has a smooth manner and Lane acknowledges that he's able to handle his clients without letting them feel like they're being handled, unlike Pete. For someone in his position, these kinds of social skills are everything. Do you think that Don or Roger could do what they did if they had a wormy disposition like Pete. Pete exudes instability. That's why everywhere he goes he encounters repulsion, from women and men alike.

Pete's lack of character and bratty impatience are not ambition, and Don and Roger know this. There was a scene between Duck and Pete once where Duck referred to Pete showing up for the meeting with the airline exec after his father's death as "showing character." The irony was there in Ducks eyes, just as it was there in Don and Roger's eyes as they B.S.'d their way through persuading Pete to come on board. You just have to look for it. When Don made his pitch to Peggy, he meant it and the differences in his tone and words were clear.

There is no intimacy between Don and Pete. There's not even a lateral respect as enemies. Don has shown a willingness to defer to the new generation and its new ideas (remember the coffee campaign that was a song), even when he doesn't particularly get them. But Pete's problem is that he lacks substance, and Don knows that.

We don't need to conjecture about Don and Roger's feelings for Pete. We saw what was said behind his back. And what was said was, "we need this much money in accounts. Let's ask Pete." They just didn't say why Pete and not Cosgrove as well. And I think that's thin.

@Gwen 72

When Don told Pete that he abandoned him in California because he knew he could handle it alone, he was lying. He wandered off because he was in a state of crisis. He simply didn't care what happened to Pete. Pete confronted him within his first few minutes of being back to work and he wanted to take a little bit of the heat off himself so he stroked Pete's ego to get him off his back. Which I think we saw a replay of in ep. 13 when Pete demanded to be told why he was valued. Don sucked it up and told him what he wanted to hear.

Don realizes that the days of ad men being just yes men for their clients are fading. He showed that with Ms Dog Food and the product name and Connie with the mouse. He realizes that Pete has the cojones, ambition, and smarts to prod clients to places of which they weren't aware.
I don't remember if Don knows Pete doesn't have his own money any more but he senses the hunger Pete has and that he has.
Ken is the ultra-smooth operator best suited for an existing operation, not a start-up. Advertising pays the bills, he real love is his fiction writing.

Can anybody comment on the issue of why Cosgrove couldn't be asked as well as Campbell?

I don´t know why. It could be that Pete´s family name still matters, that he would be easier to take from S&C because Ken had more to lose by leaving.
Plus, Pete is what Don said and what I have thought all along. Forward thinking. And he showed loyalty to Don at the end of last season.
I dont know why Don thought of him first, except those reasons. But I am happy that he did.
Pete is my favorite character and I rather watch Pete over Ken anyday.

Aside from Pete's social connections and charming wife, the drama generated from Pete and Peggy sitting across from each other, sharing a hotel desk, will be fantastic. Can't wait for next summer!

Personnaly, I am thrilled that Pete is "moving forward". Besides all the reasons mentioned above I have additional reasons for choosing Pete.

Connections. Pete has the social connections to attract accounts. He comes from a privledged background and is probably in the same social class as most of his clients, the Dartmouth Club, Maidstone etc. Bert pointed out to Don how important this was. Pryce wouldn't have considered this in HIS decision because he is neither an accounts man or from the right school and would have understood this.

Who Cares. When Bert said those words Pete got a lesson on what mattered to him (Bert) and who Don was didn't matter. So Pete really didn't have anything to hold over him.

Utz. Kenny screwed up big time by bringing the clients to the set and Don had to clean up the mess, and it was a mess. I don't think Pete's losing Clerasil may have had the same impact since SC knew it must have been a personal and not a business decision. They also weren't with SC long enough to make it a major financial loss.

California. Don knew that Pete could handle the aeronautics convention. I don't believe he would have taken off if he didn't think it was true. Don had disappeared before and we know that he doesn't like people that "cover" for him. They should "manage". Pete managed.

PPL Buyout. Pete was the one that told Don about the PPL buyout and that Duck was going to be Don's boss. This was even after Duck offered the Head of Accounts to Pete. True, Pete may have been playing on both sides of the fence but Don didn't know that,

Gossip. Pete does not gossip, Kenny does. To be a good manager you have to put yourself beyond that, just as Joan and Peggy have.

Wives. Ken's laid back and fun attitude may have played against him. A married man would have been perceived as a more reliable executive and having a wife that knows how to "talk and not talk" an asset.

Hey, this ain't rocket science, folks. This show is about baaaaad people. Don, Roger, Betty, the rich jai alai dilettante pissass, Connie, et al. They are absolutely loathsome. Pete is ultra-scuzzy -- a true scumbucket. He's indispensable! The other account guy, Ken, is a zero. The only good thing he ever did was set up the office girl's amputation of that British twink's foot by the John Deere mower. THAT was primo.

I posted this earlier this morning but it never showed up. I apologize if this comes as a double post.

Personnaly, I am thrilled that Pete is "moving forward". Besides all the reasons mentioned above I have additional reasons for choosing Pete.

Connections. Pete has the social connections to attract accounts. He comes from a privledged background and is probably in the same social class as most of his clients, the Dartmouth Club, Maidstone etc. Bert pointed out to Don how important this was. Pryce wouldn't have considered this in HIS decision because he is neither an accounts man or from the right school and would have understood this.

Who Cares. When Bert said those words Pete got a lesson on what mattered to him (Bert) and who Don was didn't matter. So Pete really didn't have anything to hold over him.

Utz. Kenny screwed up big time by bringing the clients to the set and Don had to clean up the mess, and it was a mess. I don't think Pete's losing Clerasil may have had the same impact since SC knew it must have been a personal and not a business decision. They also weren't with SC long enough to make it a major financial loss.

California. Don knew that Pete could handle the aeronautics convention. I don't believe he would have taken off if he didn't think it was true. Don had disappeared before and we know that he doesn't like people that "cover" for him. They should "manage". Pete managed.

PPL Buyout. Pete was the one that told Don about the PPL buyout and that Duck was going to be Don's boss. This was even after Duck offered the Head of Accounts to Pete. True, Pete may have been playing on both sides of the fence but Don didn't know that,

Gossip. Pete does not gossip, Kenny does. To be a good manager you have to put yourself beyond that, just as Joan and Peggy have.

Wives. Ken's laid back and fun attitude may have played against him. A married man would have been perceived as a more reliable executive and having a wife that knows how to "talk and not talk" an asset.

Why is the date stamp wrong? It's only 8:24 here.

Let's remember also that Pete has become a student of negroes. Mad Men is now heading into a period of history where consumer advertising began pandering to the so-called "negro market." Not just to peddle hair straighteners, fried chicken and malt liquor, but for regular products like cars, cigarettes and potato chips. As a consumate suck-up and authority on negroes, Pete is ideally suited to pimp the agency's negro campaigns.

@judahjsn - I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. Personally, I think you're allowing your dislike of Pete to cloud your judgment re: why he was asked before Ken. Also, I think several of us have addressed the questions posed in your original post. We just have gotten different things from watching this show. For my part, I'm pretty confident that Matt Weiner would agree with many of my and some other people's assessments re: Pete vs. Ken.

with respect to why Ken wasn't asked in addition to Pete, there are several reasons. 1) the first is that, as Pryce said, they needed just a bare bones skeleton crew - the more people that knew, the riskier this becomes. Don thought of Pete first so why risk the operation by asking two people at the same time if Pete ends up agreeing and they really only need one? 2) Ken got the promotion once PPL knew they were going to sell SC. I think this is more significant than many people are appreciating. Ken goes with the flow (an admirable trait, absolutely) which means he probably doesn't care one way or the other about the sale...he'll be a midlevel cog in the MCann-Erikson machine and he'll be OK with that. So there's nothing to gain from asking him before Pete; Pete is hungrier and feels rejected by SC, so he's much more likely to join this venture. I think you're partly assuming that had Don asked Ken, he would have joined, but I don't think that's a fair assumption given Ken's career trajectory. Why should he go work in a cramped hotel room when he'll have a spacious office and a salary raise if he stays? 3) I don't agree with your assessment of Ken's ambition - I stand by what I said originally, he's never displayed an interest in advertising to the extent that Pete has. I can point to a number of small "filler" scenes to back this up, but one that comes to mind is in "the Fog" when Pete is trying to get everyone to figure out why Admirals sell well in Negro markets and Ken walks in, talks about Lois getting her scarf stuck in the photocopier and exits with Harry and Paul, both of whom can/should be helping Pete out (Paul is on the Admiral account). He's not interested in helping out, probably because he would have handled Admiral "the correct way" - that is, just appeal to their egos and not propose anything novel. Ken's relaxed nature is great, but he's never going to be anything more than a good ad man. Probably because he has writing as a back-up option, he just doesn't see the need to strain himself. Why should Don and Roger go for him when he probably won't go the extra mile to ensure that the new firm gets not only old clients, but new ones as well? As they said (and there was no irony in this statement), Pete does what it takes. 4) Like it or not (and it seems like you don't), Pete DOES have very good relationships with his clients. It has to do probably mostly with his family name, but also, he's not inept. He may be over-anxious, but he generally gets the job done. I doubt that Ken could have brought over the same number of accounts as Pete did (in fairness, Pete had already started to gather clients - hence why he had all the files in his apartment). And think about the clients Pete does have, most specifically, North American Aviation. That's gonna be pretty significant during the Vietnam war. and finally 5) Don has a relationship with Pete which Ken does not. Pete demonstrated loyalty in the season 2 finale by informing Don about Duck becoming president, and now, Don repays that favor. Don knows (or at least, he does now, maybe he didn't realize this prior to visiting Pete's apartment) that Pete values his praise above everyone else's. He has an extra card to play in wooing Pete that he would lack with Ken.

I'm sorry if I come off as rude or dismissive - but it seems like you want Ken around just because he seems like a nice dude (which I don't disagree with). And it sorta generally bothers me when people hate on Pete just because of his personality without paying attention to the writing on the wall. Niche advertising or appealing to teenagers or getting in with aeronautics may not seem significant to you or to most of the other characters, but the point is that they will be/are about to be. Don was right to grab Pete. Doesn't mean Ken can't come back or be incorporated into the new firm - but they were working under a deadline and just wanted the best. I mean, you could just as easily ask why Kurt, Smitty and Paul weren't asked to come along in addition to Peggy...Kurt & Smitty have done a pretty good job (Paul...not so much, but hey, he's managed to stay employed) and are also young and in tune with the younger markets. They weren't asked because Peggy is the best. And, as much as it pains many of us to admit, Pete is the ad man of the future - and Don wants SCDP to be different from SC. Hope you can see my point of view on this, but if not, not sure there's much more I can add anyways.

P.S. Sorry for the triple post earlier, this server keeps acting up.

Rule of thumb: Assuming both candidates for promotion are equal, go with the one who was passed over most recently. He or she will be hungrier and will work harder so as not to get passed over again. Ken was satisfied. Pete was more than hungry (driven by pride and ambition) and was already interviewing.

Not that Don or Roger liked Pete better. On the contrary. "So he was looking? That little shit..."

Which reminds me of Trudy's lines. "I'm going to change the sheets," and then shortly, "Pete, could you come in here for a moment?" Finger on the pulse and she would have been the one to call Daddy about the Clearasil account.

I agree with many of the others: Pete is hungry, ruthless, a forward thinker, can hobnob with the rich folks, has a stellar and sociable wife in Trudy and is willing to get down in the trenches.

Ken....not so much of any of the above. The new agency needs a "Pete", and not a "Ken".

Just to add one more thing: it's a fallacy that I have to "like" somone to see their worth. You'd think Don would not want to enter into any partnership with Bert or Roger based on their past treatment of him. Same for Pete...and Peggy and even Joan.

None of these people have warm, cuddly feelings for each other but that's not the priority. They want to get out from under the thumb of the Brits and really work their own way. They're a bunch of "hungry" mavericks with varied talents and it's just business.

By judahjsn on November 10, 2009 1:41 AM
Can anybody comment on the issue of why Cosgrove couldn't be asked as well as Campbell?

I can guess (but its only a guess)

1) It's 1963 and conventional wisdom of the time was "married men are hungrier and more dependable"

2) Pryce states when the conspiracy is formed: "anyone approached must be a sure thing" (something to that effect) Pete was a safe bet to jump at being asked. Ken was sketchy at best. As VP, Ken may have viewed the new agency with skepticism. Pete has been proven to be conspiratorial, Ken is an unknown there and secrecy is paramount. There may also have been a question as to whether Pete would come aboard if Ken were also asked (jealousy) and/or if Pete would keep the secret if Ken were also asked.

A couple people have already hit it on the "Why Pete?" question: he is one of them. Also, Ken has only been on the show this season mostly in name only, or a scene where he is seen and not heard. While Ken won the bigger title, that story has been about Pete, not Ken, who we really haven't seen do much but smile and go with the flow. It's also worth noting that SC & D had nothing to do with who was picked - that was all the Brits, so the fact that Ken got the big job (which seemed ridiculous to me after the foot severing incident - it's unlikely he would still have a job after that and certainly not Lois - bad form on that one, MW & writers) really doesn't have anything to do with SC & D's interests.

Further... something no one has pointed out, is that these men were flying by the seat of their pants, making huge, life-changing decisions in a very, very short period of time. I think it started to sink in that all they needed to get started was just enough. They got that and now know that anyone they ask will likely follow rather than become a "mid-level cog at McCann" if McCann keeps anyone or if that even goes through. McCann was buying Draper's contract and all of the business, like Lucky Strike. They'll have a small office soon enough and more of the cast will be included. Forget about Sal, though as long as American Tobacco is still on the ticket.

One thing to keep in mind is that they were looking to approach employees that could be trusted in a very short period of time. They judged Pete as being more loyal than Cosgrove or having more of an ax to grind against the British. It was a nice salute to the American Revolution.

Remember the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Don and Roger don't need to like Pete but they respect his drive and determination to succeed. He has that prey drive that Ken does not have. He is incredibly ambitious and will allow nothing to stand in his way and his wife is pushing him all the way.

From someone that comes from the advertising world it is a scratch and claw business. Pete fits the bill. I think they see a bit of themselves in him as well.

Super fascinating responses all around. I love talking about and hearing other people's interpretations of the characters. I think for the most part my initial post has been misunderstood or ignored. I was trying to find out if there were any spoken details in the story that explained why Cosgrove was not propositioned instead of, or in addition to Pete. Most of the people replying have taken it as a given that a decision needed to be made between the two - but I don't think this can be supported in the story and I think is mostly an effect of watching the two characters be rivals for a season.

@giantsfan21, I actually love the character of Pete. I think he's one of the most complex, believable and oddly likable weasels I've ever seen in a drama. My question, though, was not about who the better character was (it's a tie in my book), but about what I think was a plot hole in the episode.

I get that the Pete Campbell character gets higher billing than Cosgroves and that they would want to write him into the new storyline more. I just think they could have done it in a more believable way. The finale was so tightly constructed and, for its sensational nature, very believable that this omission in logic really stuck out to me.

I don't think it was written as a trust issue, with Pete being more trustworthy or persuadable than Ken. Pete has a very impulsive, immature nature and bringing him into the scheme was actually an incredibly risky move. He's demonstrated a willingness to stab people in the back at every turn. When Pete tipped Don off about the sale of RS to PPL, I don't think that Don felt appreciative. I think that Don saw it as another example of Pete's weak, conniving nature. Pete has a tendency to blurt things out, rather than keeping them close to the vest. Pete's tip-off was a card he had that he was trying to play to his own advantage down the line and Don saw it and knew that it wasn't about personal loyalty. I believe that Don's fundamental dislike of Pete, from their first scene together on the show, has to do with self control. Don has it and knows that Pete doesn't.

@bipolarbear: I forgot about the comment that anybody approached must be a sure thing. That's the kind of detail I was looking for in this post. But again, Pete is the last person I would call a sure thing. He was just as likely to try and use that information to his advantage as he was to go along with it. I don't even think that Don and Roger were more than vaguely, if at all, aware that Pete had been passed over. Ken's promotion was the result of the coming second merger, which neither Don nor Roger were aware of until the last minute. Though that's just a hunch...

Thanks for the replies everybody. After reading them all I think that I didn't, actually, miss anything and that it simply wasn't demonstrated in the episode, but look at all the fascinating conjecture that came out of it. How many shows could provoke this kind of response?

One more thing :)

Reading my original question, I can see how it might have been misunderstood. I asked how bringing Pete into the new agency made sense within the logic of the show. And when I said "show," what I meant was "episode," not the show overall. Which would explain the nature of the responses I've gotten!

Don and Roger don't need to like or respect Pete in order to include him in the new agency. Pete is a volatile, moody guy with good ideas and an awkward style. He offers something they can steal. Ken is a conventional, bland guy who gets along but isn't particularly inspired. Pete is an edgy guy that actually comes up with the occassional trendy idea. He adds friction to the cast. He has a history with Peggy and Don. Ken has none.

Don and Roger don't need to like or respect Pete in order to include him in the new agency. Pete is a volatile, moody guy with good ideas and an awkward style. He offers something they can steal. Ken is not high energy and too bland. Pete also has a history with Peggy and Don.

judahjsin: not to keep the dead horse action going, (and I agree with you that the posts here have been outstanding), BUT, 2 things that I don't think have been mentioned:

1. SCDP doesn't have the SUPPORT STAFF
(secretaries, receptionists, art department, etc.) to support more clients at this point. They can't take on all those high-powered clients that SC/PPL had when they don't even have secretaries! They would be sounding their own death knell--big-time clients are demanding and want what they want when they want it. They would not be too patient if it became obvious that the new agency couldn't handle things as efficiently and smoothly as they've come to expect (and as they're paying for).

2. The Parntership of Four (Sterling, Cooper, Draper & Pryce) were not willing to offer TWO more partnerships to account men, and it would not have made business sense to do so. (They barely wanted to offer it to Pete, but knew they had to ...or at least the promise of it). And Kenny would not have come on-board without being offerred the same deal as Pete --i.e., a partnership.

In short, it's well known that any business concern needs a lot more worker bees than head honchos. (In many law firms, there's actually a known ratio). Until SCDP gets up and running to the point that they can pay more support staff, they've got to keep the "partnerships" to a minimum.

Anybody who's actually worked in advertising agencies would probably be a much better bet to speak to the reality of what I'm postulating here, though. As you said: bipolar and others who spoke of "the sure thing" aspect, and the "skeleton" staff aspect -- things that came out of Ep. 13, itself--sounds like they hit on the formula you were asking for.

Thanks for posting a very interesting topic. The topic and the replies made for very interesting reading!

I don't believe that Don's dislike for Pete is the same as it was in S1. In fact I'd say their relationship is fairly neutral these days. Personally I think Don was grateful and impressed that Pete handled the California trip after he fled. And Don was certainly grateful for the Duck tipoff. He made good use of the information and contrived to squeeze Duck out. Because Don can be sneaky and screw his business rivals over too. As others have pointed out, Don may have a rocky relationship with Pete but that is better than having no substaintial relationship with Ken.

And however Don feels about Pete, it has become obvious over the years that Pete idolises Don. All Don needs to do is give Pete a little bit of praise and respect and Pete will follow him into combat blindfolded (as he said in the pilot). Don can trust Pete because Pete has always been trying to prove his worth to Don. Don just needed to give him the opportunity. I'll bet Pete (and Trudy) worked their butts off all weekend to get those accounts for Don. Would Ken do that for Don? Forget it. Ken would have tickets to a big game or a hot date. He wouldn't care enough.

Plus, I agree in Pete's talents that everyone else has brought up. I didn't find it weak writing at all. I knew as soon Lane mentioned a skeleton staff that Peggy and Pete would be the first people Don would recruit. This was the reason Duck wanted Pete and Peggy too.

I don't believe that Don's dislike for Pete is the same as it was in S1. In fact I'd say their relationship is fairly neutral these days. Personally I think Don was grateful and impressed that Pete handled the California trip after he fled. And Don was certainly grateful for the Duck tipoff. He made good use of the information and contrived to squeeze Duck out. Because Don can be sneaky and screw his business rivals over too. As others have pointed out, Don may have a rocky relationship with Pete but that is better than having no substaintial relationship with Ken.

And however Don feels about Pete, it has become obvious over the years that Pete idolises Don. All Don needs to do is give Pete a little bit of praise and respect and Pete will follow him into combat blindfolded (as he said in the pilot). Don can trust Pete because Pete has always been trying to prove his worth to Don. Don just needed to give him the opportunity. I'll bet Pete (and Trudy) worked their butts off all weekend to get those accounts for Don. Would Ken do that for Don? Forget it. Ken would have tickets to a big game or a hot date. He wouldn't care enough.

Plus, I agree in Pete's talents that everyone else has brought up. I didn't find it weak writing at all. I knew as soon Lane mentioned a skeleton staff that Peggy and Pete would be the first people Don would recruit. This was the reason Duck wanted Pete and Peggy too.

Can anybody comment on the issue of why Cosgrove couldn't be asked as well as Campbell?

1) Lane said; "Anybody approached must be a certainty." Don possibly didn't feel certain about Ken. He doesn't know Ken that well.

2) They were wanting to keep the conspiracy as small as possible. If Pete could provide the 8 million in additional accounts they had no real need for Ken's accounts too.

3) The new agency is already running on a tight budget and they still have to pay their staff. Until the business is flourishing I don't expect they'll be hiring anyone more than the skeleton crew. Remember Ken is used to a big paycheck! He is an extra expense they don't need.

Great stuff.

So... to answer my own question, which was more about wanting to know if I'd missed any details in the actual episode that explained bringing Pete in and not Ken, I watched the episode again. There's nothing. Which leaves only speculation, of which the above is pretty great.

However, I still disagree with those who thinks this makes sense. The only thing in the script we have to go on is the statement that whoever is chosen must be a sure thing. Pete, being thoroughly dishonest, impulsive and always trying to work an angle, would have been just as likely to ruin the plan as go along with it. Especially if you see through the character's eyes (Don, Roger) and not the viewer's eyes, who are privy to Pete's side of the story more.

Just my opinion, anyway.

It's funny, but I really don't see the connection between Don and Pete that others are talking about. It seems obvious that Don dislike's Pete. When he's hard on him, it's not in a begrudging mentor style like it is with Peggy (I'm hard on you so you'll be better). I think that this show is very much about generational differences, and about the differences between then and now, all of which are great foils for humanist stories, because they show how much hasn't changed. Roger makes a great comment in season 1 about how even in the time of the Bible, there were probably guys walking around saying "Kids these days." I think that each generation on the show sees the one below it as less substantial, and I think that Don sees Pete's lack of character.

I mean, are we watching the same show? I get it that Pete is a great, complex character that's fun to watch. But the guy is slimy to the core.

What's also funny. I don't really see Pete as idolizing Don, as someone suggested. I think he wants what Don has. But that's different than respect.

All those examples you are giving of Don and Pete's relationship are from S1. I would agree with your assessment of Don/Pete in the early episodes but I do think their relationship has changed since then. It's part of the shows strength that characters and relationships transform over time. Don saying that he is going to give Pete a goal proves that Don has learned how to work with Pete and knows how to get the best work out of him.

And hey, if Don and Roger see Pete as sneaky then that is just another reason to recruit him. Because Don and Roger were plotting something sneaky themselves. It's not like they can claim moral superiority over Pete in this case.

Maybe we aren't watching the same show. I certainly don't view Pete as negatively as you see him. I think earning Don's respect means more to Pete than any job and the S2 finale proves that - Duck offered Pete the promotion he wanted. Don only offered him a simple "Good work". And Pete sided with Don. That decision doesn't make sense unless you believe Pete idolises Don, which Weiner himself says he does.

What Don and Roger were doing was sneaky by necessity, but was actually a courageous thing to do, and was a decision based on reinforcing their own values and ambitions. Whereas Pete has made a career of wanting and taking things the easy way, such as landing the Clearasil account through family connections and exploiting his own father's death to win American Airlines. I think if Pete idolizes Don, it's Pete coveting Don's substance and talent.

Most of the time Pete is merely harmless but slimy, such as when he's instructing Peggy on how she should act and not act or cheating on his wife. But occasionally he crosses the line into a monster, such as when he forced himself sexually on his neighbor's immigrant housekeeper in exchange for helping her. Am I the only one who sees incidents like this as evidence that Pete is not written as a decent person?

And don't forget! Pete tried to blackmail Don to get a promotion. First of all, people don't get over things like that and Don has not warmed to Pete. He's just found a way to look past his disdain for Pete so that he can do his own job.

Try to picture one other character on the show finding the information that Pete found and then trying to use it for personal gain. There aren't any. Pete is by far the show's sleaziest character.

Re watch season 3 and I think there are several reasons why the ones who were asked to join the new agency were asked and the others weren't.
Some are subtle while others aren't, i.e. being irresponsible with lawnmowers.

Dick Whitman is a completely insecure man. He goes through each day of life lying and often cheating. He is uncomfortable in the role of both husband and father; social situations make him uncomfortable; normal social chit-chat is not his cup of tea; he doesn't feel that he's "one of the boys", so he puts on a show of quiet strength as a facade to cover up all his lies and insecurities. That's Dick Whitman. Don Draper is an invention of Dick Whitman...an invention which allows him to assert power both in his business and his many sexual affairs. Don Draper is a control freak; he needs complete freedom and autonomy both in his personal life and his career. Otherwise, he reverts back to Dick Whitman. Don Draper married "Betts", not Dick Whitman. So once Betts found out about Dick Whitman, Don Draper's marriage was over.

Remember when Cooper said to Don "you never know where loyalty comes from"...or something to that effect? Don chooses Pete because Pete will be loyal. Pete takes more chances and has more drive than Cosgrove..who is still a good writer but not a closer like Pete is. Pete is just young, not sleazy.. and due to his silver spoon background he probably witnessed the same kind of tactics like blackmail and just thinks thats how it can be done. You also see him struggle with the intial decision to commit the act of blackmail and he tries to stop Don from making him tell Cooper who Don is...I think those are rookie mistakes, not necessarily defining who Pete is.

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