Don experienced some of this kind of life with Midge in season 1. This was just the extreme of that. He's attracted to it, perhaps because it's an escape. In general, it does seem meaningless, but it must be exhausting for every action to be directed. I liked when Don was playing the game of places at dinner and actually seemed to be enjoying himself, saw that there could be happiness in frivolity.

It was brief, but when Joy is reading in bed and Don touches her, she seems to have to steal herself to smile. As I say, it was just for a split second, but from then on I thought of every thing about her as an act put on for Don's benefit.

This was the high-end version of the Bohemian life of Greenwich Village. Somehow, though Don's escapist tendencies are quite strong, I can't believe he would find the "Jet Set" lifestyle very challenging or inspiring.

I think Don is weary of his internal struggles and personal/work problems, but a month with these folks would bore him to tears no matter how relaxing and trouble-free it feels. They seemed like a vapid and shallow lot to me. Can't feature Don's intellect being engaged or inspired by them for very long.

I thought the meeting with Joy had the feel of a 'what if' sequence. What if, back in the day, Don first hooked up with Betty when she was at a bar with a friend, he stopped her as she left and asked her out. In the California sequence of events, however, what if, Don is letting himself think about his life if he didn't do that. What if he let Betty walk out and found another hot young thing. What ifs are the essence of mid life crisis.

I thought it was interesting how when Don said "you must all be well off" the table got very uncomfortably silent.

He continued to wait for the answer even after they changed the subject. They must be old money and therefore find it very low class to make mention of means, although Joy made it clear that her father would support Don if he went with them.

What an odd bunch. While i think Don may have been enjoying himself, he definatly the creep vibe when he learned about Joy's father.

These are the type of idle millionaires Don warned Betty about at the swimming pool. Only more up-scale.

What is Don's history? Outside of the military and his poor family and brother, that is. How did he get into advertising and raise to the top of the field? And how did he get to be so good at it and well respected? There is so much not known and that's what makes the show great - and yet so frustrating.

I told ya so! I knew Don would reverbetate on the same frequency as California - I just didn't think it would happen in only 2 days. And I'm kinda suspicious of these folks as well. They are not really Californians.

Cool!!!! I thought I was the only person who caught the similarities to the movie La Dolce Vita. Marcello, in that movie, had the same world-weariness, the slick black hair, the handsome suit. Put a pair of Wayfarer-type sunglasses on Jon Hamm and you would have Marcello.
The film was released in 1960, so I believe this episode was somewhat inspired by it (or that it was one of the inspirations). The beautiful young Europeans who spend their time drinking, swimming, prancing around naked, having meaningless sex, making up party games... just like this bunch.

Sizzie - I caught that fleeting expression on Joy's face too. I'm pretty sure it was not a mistake. I just can't figure out why. Any ideas?

I thought it was interesting when Pete was introduced to the titled Euro-nomads that he responded with his title - Peter Dykeman Campbell. I got the impression that he was familiar with that crowd from his upbringing. Don on the other hand acted as though he had met a new species.

kac,
I noticed that too, when Pete stuck his old-money-New York middle name in there. Playing a bit of one-upmanship with Don. I loved it that the Euro-nomads were thoroughly unimpressed. Shot down again, Petey!

Wasn't that whole California scenario something out of Fellini? Although Fellini had nothing in his bag of tricks who resembled Jon Hamm!

Fellini did have Marcello Mastroianni, and he was incredibly hot in his heyday.

I also noticed how Pete got shot down by the Euro crowd when he tried to impress by using his old-money name. He's such a weasel!

kac, it would be interesting to think that Joy had to steel herself to perform with Don, the man who has so many willing bed partners. That look made me think Don was her assignment, not her choice. The scene with Roger and Jane opened in much the same way, and that could be telling us that both women similar motives behind their interest in older men. They both want something. Also, Don is the good looking, in charge, youthful man about town. But, Joy's view might be he is some old fogy she has to put up with for reasons we don't know yet. Subtle humor, but very realistic.

Sizzie - I had the same thought that he was her "assignment". Jane really has hit the jackpot with Roger. She is only 20 and he has already had 2 heart attacks. They marry for a few years, he dies and she is is rich. Not bad for a few years of work. Once married, I'm sure that Jane won't even bother being nice to him. I can't figure out the motive of Joy, yet. The dad Willy seemed a little too interested in Don.

Yep, the whole thing's a little "Anna Nicole Smith"-ish.

Ah...Marcello!

I think that line "you must be well-off" came from Dick, not Don. I don't think Don would have said that...Dick would have.

I am missing posting on these boards...I'm working in NC for the Obama campaign like 7 days/week, 12-14 hours/day and haven't been able to post but once in weeks!

kac,
I' don't think so. Roger is going to fleeced in his divorce and if this merger goes through, he'll have even less money. Jane is going to dump Roger on his ear as soon as it becomes clear there is no money.