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In the episode Red in the Face (S01E07), Don pays the elevator attendant to deny access to the elevator when Sterling and Draper show up later.

Why would Draper do that considering that both Draper and Sterling would have to climb stairs all the way to the 21st Floor? Was he trying to teach Sterling a lesson of some sort for hitting on Betty the previous night?

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That's exactly it ... Don was getting revenge on Roger, upset that Roger had made a pass at his wife. Hence Don pushing the martinis, oysters, and cheesecake on Roger, knowing that it would be a lethal combination which, when combined with the long stair climb (which Don, being quite a bit younger, knew he could handle), would lead to the projectile vomiting in front of the clients.

The season six premiere called back to that episode when Don vomited at the funeral of Roger's mother.

(Also note that the episode you reference was not in season two, but in season one --- episode seven, entitled "Red in the Face." Here's the scene in question on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzsJsbGLTUY).

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    It also looked like Don was having the waiter or bartender water down his drinks since he didn't order his usual Old Fashioned or rye whiskey but Roger's favored martini (aka the "Roger Sterling diet") where this wouldn't be as evident.
    – jfrankcarr
    Aug 3, 2013 at 19:47
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    Also, I believe Sterling's obsession with youth and youthful women, this was also his weakness. He was Drapers boss, had power and status, but the one thing he desired and did not have youth. Don used that against him. Well played Draper, well played.
    – JayCouture.com
    Sep 29, 2014 at 8:56
  • If roger didn’t know or suspect that this event happened based on Draper getting revenge for hitting on his wife then I don’t see how it was effective at all. Seems sort of passive aggressive. Now if Roger embarrassed Draper in front of everyone and it was about being young or something I could see this being a perfect revenge.
    – The Muffin Man
    Apr 12, 2020 at 9:24

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