Pete Campbell might be a little unlikeable as a character but he manages to be entertaining nevertheless. Even when being petty, the Account Executive always finds something interesting to say. During his time in the series, Pete manages to butt heads with just about anyone that's close to him, including his father-in-law.
Having attended the best schools in the country, Pete tends to have a sense of entitlement. He demands promotions even when there are people who are more deserving. Luckily, his bosses see him for who he really is. His aggressiveness helps him in his social life but limits him in his professional life.
"I Found Out Yesterday That Head Of Accounts Is Going To Kenny And His Haircut."
Pete has always been jealous of Ken Cosgrove. He hates the fact that Ken is a published author yet the best he could manage in the literary field was getting his work featured on an unknown publication. Moreso, this didn't happen because he was as good as Ken. Trudy had to pull some strings for him.
Pete's jealousy surges even more when Ken gets appointed the Senior Vice President of Account Services. Lane Price informs Pete that even though he is good at his job, Ken is way better than him. Pete doesn't take this too kindly so he goes on to make fun of Ken's hairstyle.
“Of Course I Love You... I'm Giving Up My Life To Be With You, Aren't I?”
It's logical for Trudy to want reassurances about Pete's love for her. After all, he always seems more focused on his work, not to mention his infidelities.
As the bachelor party approaches, Trudy calls her husband-to-be and asks him whether he really has feelings for her. Pete lets it known that he is giving up his freedom for her and that should mean something. Well, later on, Pete goes knocking on Peggy's door and sleeps with her. Trudy really has a right to be concerned.
"Is This Some Sort Of Thing Like In The Movies Where I Have A Gun And You Don't Think I'm Going To Shoot You?"
Don Draper is a pretty cool name so it's understandable that the war veteran doesn't want people to know that he is actually Dick Whitman. There are also many other reasons why his true identity needs to remain a secret. Unfortunately for him, Pete somehow finds out what his real name really is. He then uses the information to blackmail him.
Pete asks for a promotion or else he'll tell the company's top boss Bert Cooper about Don's little secret. Don isn't scared. He stands up and walks to Cooper's office to settle it once and for all. Pete is surprised at Don's actions. He tries to suggest that he is serious about damaging Don's reputation if he doesn't comply. Don still doesn't flinch.
"Of The Republic Of Dresses."
On a lazy Sunday, and idle Pete spots the neighbor's au pair in a state of despair as he is emptying a trash can. She claims to have borrowed a dress from her boss but now it's stained. He quickly offers to help her get a replacement. As usual, his goal is to get something romantic going with her.
Pete returns the dress to the store where it was bought and asks a salesperson for a replacement. She isn't cooperative so he asks to speak to the manager. The salesperson asks for clarification on whether he wants the manager of the whole store. Pete sarcastically remarks that he wants the leader of the republic of dresses.
"How Is It That Some People Just Walk Through Life Dragging Their Lies with Them, Destroying Everything They Touch?"
Don's past threatens to catch up with him when Department of Defence officers visit his home and interrogate Betty. They noticed some inconsistent information about Don after SCDP applied to do business with North American Aviation.
Don pressures Pete to get rid of the account so that his lies won't get exposed. He also asks Pete to talk to some of his government friends so he can check whether he's in serious trouble. It's a desperate move from Don. Despite Pete's hatred for the man, he agrees to help him by dropping the account. However, he isn't too happy about Don's life of lies.
"The Whole Country's Drinking!”
Trudy is ever the concerned wife but Pete never seems to appreciate it. He has a perfect answer when Trudy asks him if he's been drinking. It's the weekend after Jonh F. Kennedy's assassination, so Pete feels everyone has the right to mourn and drink any time of the day.
However, Trudy's concern is genuine. She knows Pete is stressed about losing the promotion to Ken Cosgrove. It isn't Kennedy that's making him mourn. He's sad because the person he's always considered to be below him has had a major win over him. Pete is so stressed that he considered moving to another country.
"If I’m Going To Die, I Want To Die In Manhattan."
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy gives a televised address to the nation and lets everyone know that the nation might be attacked at any time. New York is singled out as one of the major cities that the missiles will be aimed at because of its high population.
Trudy freaks out and suggests to Pete that they should leave New York. Pete isn't up for the idea. He feels that Manhattan is where he has lived his best life and if he's going to die, he is okay with that happening in the area.
"Well! I'm The President Of The Howdy Doody Circus Army!"
It isn't surprising to see Pete disagreeing with someone. On one occasion, he has a fight with Howard Dawes inside a commuter train. When the conductor tries to break up the fight, Pete angrily asks him who he is. He identifies himself and the ad executive responds with the hilarious quote above.
That happens to be Pete's only shining moment in the scene. When the conductor asks him to apologize, he refuses. He goes even further by trying to punch him. The conductor just happens to be a better fighter than him so he beats him up and gets him thrown out of the train.
"Keep It Up, You'll Be A Creative Director By 1980."
After chasing promotions the entire series, Pete finally gets his big break when he is offered the chance to work with Learjet. Peggy lets him know that she is genuinely happy for him. She confesses that she and everyone in the office who is jealous of him will miss him after he is gone.
Since Pete and Peggy have never stopped throwing burns at each other, he lets a last one out. He lets her know that she'll be a creative director by 1980. Since the year is 1970, Pete is aware that the ambitious Peggy won't take his words too kindly. She wants to get her big break very soon.
"I've Grown This Account From Cocktails To $4 million."
Advertising executives often have to spend several hours drinking with the managers of the brands they wish to lure. It takes a lot of work to grow an account from nothing to something, hence the ad men tend to get attached.
Understandably, Pete isn't happy when Don asks him to get rid of an account. He argues that he has managed to bring in $4 million using the account, hence it means a lot to him. As expected, Don doesn't care. His word is final. This only adds to his growing feud with Pete.