Mad Men: Does Pete know Peggy had his baby?

The question of whether Pete knows Peggy had his baby in the TV show "Mad Men" has been a topic of debate among fans. The show did not provide a clear explanation of what happened to Peggy and Pete's secret child, but there are hints and clues throughout the series that suggest Pete may indeed know about the baby. Some fans speculate that Pete's behavior and interactions with Peggy indicate a possible knowledge of the situation, while others argue that it is unlikely for him to know given Peggy's secrecy and decision to give the baby up for adoption. The implications and consequences for both characters, if Pete were to find out the truth, would be significant, potentially leaving them devastated and potentially ruining their already complex relationship.Analysis:The question of whether Pete knows about Peggy's baby is a complex one, as the show leaves many details unclear and open to interpretation. However, there are several hints and evidence that suggest Pete may have some knowledge of the situation. One clue comes from the Baby Scoop era in which Peggy and Pete's affair occurred. During this time, unmarried pregnant women often had their children taken away by nuns, so it is plausible that Peggy's gender and social status would have left her with little choice but to give up the child. The socio-economic realities of the time also made it difficult for Peggy to raise a child while pursuing her career. This suggests that Pete, being aware of the cultural norms and the challenges faced by unmarried pregnant women, may have had an inkling that Peggy had given birth to his child.Furthermore, there are specific episodes and scenes throughout the series that provide evidence for Pete's potential knowledge of the situation. In one episode, Peggy reveals to Pete that she had his baby and gave it up for adoption. This revelation highlights the importance of secrets in their relationship and suggests that Pete may have been aware of the situation all along. Additionally, Pete's behavior towards Peggy, particularly in moments of vulnerability and intimacy, indicates a deeper connection between them that goes beyond their professional relationship. This connection may suggest that Pete had some understanding or suspicion about Peggy's pregnancy and subsequent decision to give up the child.On the other hand, there are arguments against Pete knowing about Peggy's baby. Peggy kept the pregnancy a secret and gave the baby up for adoption, suggesting that she wanted to keep it hidden from everyone, including Pete. Peggy's sister's comment about the State of New York deeming Peggy "unfit" to be a mother raises the question of whether Peggy had a choice in the matter. If she was forced to give up the child, it may indicate that Pete does not know about the baby due to the circumstances surrounding the adoption. Additionally, in scenes where Peggy congratulates Pete on his wife's pregnancy, she appears flustered, leading some to believe that she may be suppressing her own emotions about their past affair and the child they had.Overall, while there is evidence on both sides of the argument, it is more likely that Pete knows about Peggy's baby. The hints and clues throughout the series, combined with the deeper connection and moments of vulnerability between Pete and Peggy, suggest that Pete may have had some knowledge or suspicion about the child. However, the show intentionally leaves it ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations and discussions among fans.In contrast to the ambiguity surrounding Pete's knowledge, the question of what would happen if he were to find out about the baby raises interesting possibilities. Given their complex history of betrayals and forgiveness, the revelation could potentially ruin their relationship. It would force Pete to confront his own actions and the consequences of his affair with Peggy, while also realizing the weight of Peggy's sacrifice in giving up their child. The emotional impact on both characters would be immense, leading to a highly charged and dramatic storyline that the show could have explored had they chosen to reveal Pete's knowledge.In conclusion, the question of whether Pete knows Peggy had his baby in "Mad Men" is one that remains open to interpretation. While there are hints and evidence that suggest Pete may have known about the child, the show intentionally leaves it ambiguous. The deeper connection between Pete and Peggy, as well as the socio-economic context of the time, suggest that Pete may have had some understanding or suspicion about the situation. However, the secrecy surrounding the adoption and Peggy's emotional suppression of her past may also indicate that Pete remains unaware. Regardless of the answer, the potential consequences for both characters would have been significant, with the revelation potentially ruining their already complex relationship.