The season culminates in October 1962 with the impending threat of nuclear war, which acts as a catalyst for major character decisions.

The season opens roughly 15 months after the Season 1 finale, finding the characters at the dawn of 1962.

A major corporate arc involves Duck Phillips orchestrating the sale of Sterling Cooper to the British firm Putnam, Powell & Lowe .

Don corresponds in secret with Anna Draper , the widow of the real Don Draper, leading to a "jet set" trip to California where he further explores his Dick Whitman past. Major Character Arcs TV Review: Mad Men — Season 2 | by Simon Cocks

The second season of premiered on July 27, 2008, on AMC, taking place between February and October 1962. This season is widely regarded as a pivotal "transitional" chapter that solidified the show's reputation for high-speed scannability and deep character study. Plot Overview and Key Developments