Mad Men is easily one of the greatest television series of our time. Airing from 2007 to 2015, Mad Men used an advertising agency to explore the changing social landscape of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement and the rise of the counterculture. It also explores universally controversial topics like racism, sexism, and power in the workplace.
It uses our modern lens to criticize various aspects of the 60s, typically depicting its male protagonists as particularly problematic—mere relics of their time. Pete Campbell is easily one of the most problematic of them all. These are five things about Pete that would never fly today, and five that would.
Never Fly: Flippant Sexism
Like most male characters in Mad Men, Pete shows some incredibly sexist ideals. While he does display many progressive opinions, which will be explored later, Pete is quite firmly stuck in the past when it comes to females. He often treats them as little more than sexual objects to fulfill his lust (Peggy) and business success (prostituting Joan to Jaguar). That's not to mention the countless times he cheats on his wife.
Fly: Loving Father
Credit to Pete Campbell; the man can be an incredible father. When he wants to be. Like every character on Mad Men, Pete goes through some amazing character development.
In the earlier seasons, Pete is a horrible, absentee father who seemingly wants nothing to do with Tammy. But, as Pete ages and matures, he becomes more of a grounded family man. By the end of the series, Tammy absolutely adores her father. Cool dads will never go out of fashion.
Never Fly: Complete Narcissism
On a show full of narcissistic people, Pete is the most narcissistic of them all. He generally uses his narcissism to get ahead, essentially faking it until he makes it—not that that's inherently a bad thing. But, he also believes that he's better than everyone else—something he definitely isn't afraid of vocalizing—and he often exploits people for his own good. Sometimes it works, like Joan and Jaguar, but it's certainly not the type of behavior that should ever be encouraged.
Fly: His Ambition
Say what you will about slimy Pete Campbell, but no one can say that he isn't ambitious.
In fact, of all the "regular" employees of Sterling Cooper—as in, not the bosses—Pete is arguably the most ambitious of them all. He takes the job very seriously, he brings in clients and money, he keeps the clients happy, and, when it came time to create SCDP, Pete was made a junior partner due to his $8 million in accounts.
Never Fly: 50s Hair
This goes for most of the male characters of Mad Men, but Pete's 50s hair would never fly today. There's nothing inherently wrong with these types of "classic" or "retro" haircuts, but Pete's hair borders on the ridiculous. It's completely flat to his head, impeccably combed and parted, and often ridiculously over-gelled to the point of obscenity. It's part of his character, emblematic of his wanting to impress and "fit in." Maybe it has the opposite effect.
Fly: Progressive Beliefs
Despite hanging around a particularly conservative office and partaking in a very conservative business, Pete is one of the most progressive characters on the show. He usually predicts the future, like Kennedy defeating Nixon, he openly despises acts of racism, and he attempts to capture the potentially fruitful African American market, even though his superiors and clients don't want "their" business. It makes sense, seeing as how Pete is one of the youngest members of the office, and, therefore, the one most likely to embrace societal change.
Never Fly: 70s Hair
And, for that matter, no one should ever attempt Pete's 70s hair. Ever.
By the time 1970 rolls around, Pete has adopted the new, looser style of the time. Unfortunately, this comes at the great cost of his physical appearance. The latter seasons see Pete grow out his hair and sideburns, resulting in a horrific appearance that accentuates his receding hairline. It screams "aging businessman desperately trying to be cool," but, then again, that's the point. Just keep it in the 70s where it belongs.
Fly: Refusing His Rich Father-In-Law's Help
It's established that Pete comes from money and that his immediate family was once very powerful within Manhattan. However, that has collapsed, and Pete grows increasingly reliant on his rich and powerful in-laws.
However, Pete often rebuffs his father-in-law's financial help—aside from business arrangement—and resents his help, and this often portrayed as a positive within the show. It proves that Pete wants to be successful in his own right.
Never Fly: Gross Need For Approval
If Pete has one major character flaw, it's his inferiority complex. This inferiority complex often leads Pete to behave in a gross manner, often sucking up to Don and various superiors in the most blatant and manipulative form imaginable. This never really works, as most people can see through it. Of course, Mad Men often criticizes Pete's behavior, often portraying his need to be liked and respected as something to laugh at or pity rather than admire.
Fly: Saving His Marriage With Trudy
In the end, Pete gets back together with Trudy, effectively completing his character arc. While he generally treats Trudy like garbage throughout much of the show, he ends the story by declaring his love, apologizing for his past behavior, and stating his intention to start a new life in Kansas with their daughter. It works, and the two fly away into their future. There's a lesson in that.