Mad Men: What happened to Beth Dawes, who slept with Pete?
- Beth Dawes, the wife of Howard Dawes, had an affair with Pete Campbell while her husband commuted on the same train as Pete.- After their encounter, Beth requested that Pete treat it as a happy memory and move on from it.- Later, before undergoing electric shock therapy, Beth wanted to see Pete again.- The storyline involving Beth and Pete is considered a standout plot in Mad Men.- Beth's psychiatric treatment adds another layer to the storyline.- Pete's obsession with Beth consumes him throughout the storyline.- The episode "The Phantom" is relevant to the question and takes place around Easter 1967.- Pete has a final encounter with Beth Dawes.- Pete meets Beth at her hotel room, where she reveals she is starting electroshock therapy.- Pete visits Beth at the hospital, but she does not recognize him.Analysis:The storyline of Beth Dawes and Pete Campbell's affair in Mad Men is a complex exploration of desire, secrecy, and the consequences of infidelity. Beth's involvement with Pete becomes a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection, forcing him to question the emptiness of his suburban life and the choices he has made. While the available evidence does not provide a definitive answer to what happened to Beth after her institutionalization, it is clear that her mental health challenges have a significant impact on her life and relationships.One theory is that Beth's psychiatric treatment, specifically electroshock therapy, may have had a profound impact on her memory and emotional well-being. The fact that Pete visits Beth at the hospital, but she does not recognize him, suggests that her memory has been altered or affected by the treatment. This raises questions about how her relationship with Pete is ultimately resolved and what implications this may have for their future interactions.Another theory is that Beth's affair with Pete serves as a turning point in her life, prompting her to seek treatment and potentially make changes in her marriage. It is worth noting that Beth requested to see Pete before undergoing electric shock therapy, indicating that she may have wanted closure or resolution to their relationship before moving forward with her treatment. This suggests that Beth may have been grappling with her feelings for Pete and the impact their affair had on her overall well-being.It is also important to consider Pete's perspective in this storyline. His obsession with Beth drives much of his actions and emotional turmoil throughout the series. Despite the pain and longing he experiences, Beth continually rejects his advances and declines further involvement, leaving Pete despondent. This portrayal adds depth to Pete's character and highlights the consequences of his choices and actions.In comparison to other characters and storylines in Mad Men, the relationship between Beth and Pete stands out as particularly intense and dramatic. The illicit nature of their affair, combined with Beth's mental health challenges, creates a sense of uncertainty and complexity that adds depth to their interactions. This storyline also exemplifies the overall themes of the show, including the exploration of personal identity, societal expectations, and the consequences of one's actions.In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that Beth Dawes' affair with Pete Campbell leads to significant consequences for both characters. While the exact outcome of Beth's mental health treatment and her future relationship with Pete remain ambiguous, the impact of their affair and the emotional toll it takes on them is evident. The Mad Men storyline surrounding Beth and Pete serves as a compelling exploration of desire, morality, and the consequences of infidelity in a complex and nuanced way.