Why did Don Draper go to California? In my last Mad Men review, I suggested that it was a way to remove himself from his problems.
In this case, that would be the particularly difficult moment his marriage is experiencing. It is unlikely that another accident quite as convenient would present itself. Also, Don has a family now. And yet, despite the logistical issues, the opportunity to elope and become a yet another person does present itself when Don meets a group of eccentrics that are probably what give this episode its name.
The most important member of this group is Joy Laura Ramsey , a twenty-one year old woman that sets her mind on Don The age difference between Don and Joy must be intended to draw parallels with Roger and twenty-two year old Jane, whom we see together in the first scene of the episode. Joy describes herself and the other Jet Setters as nomads. All these weird people, and Joy especially, are impressed by Don, and so, he gets the offer to come along with them.
Of dedicating his existence to the relaxing occupation of doing nothing. But Don is not the kind of man who could be an eccentric aristocrat type. Like Freddie Rumsen when he asked what he was outside the office, Don too has dedicated too much time to his job, and to making a name out of himself.
Don Draper is, essentially, a brand, and as our current economy must have thought us, brands are invaluable. Turns out that two of the Jet Setters Joy hangs out with are her parents. Joy swims topless in the pool with Don, while her parents are about six feet away making out.
