Mad Men: 10 Greatest Episodes

10. The Jet Set (Season 2, Episode 11)

The Jet Set makes the cut for the juxtaposition between Don’s leisurely foray into sun-drenched California decadence and the earth-shaking developments moving into place back home in New York City without him.

More than that, though, it’s the way the episode takes the man at the centre of the mad world of Mad Men and charts him on a dreamlike journey into hedonism triggered by his decision to abandon Pete and business engagements, and pursue a path shrouded in intoxicating mystery.

Wholly unnerved by the apocalyptic tone of the latest advances in rocket technology and nuclear arms, Don’s acceptance of the invitation of the strange and wealthy titular jet setters plays like a retreat into a haven. In an surreal haze of sex and idleness, he’s free of the many responsibilities chaining him.

But only temporarily; the Rocket Age is bringing about change more quickly than our characters can handle. With the final reveal that there’s another person in the world who knows of Dick Whitman, Don Draper emerges from the rabbit hole that is The Jet Set with entirely new and wholly enticing dimensions. When he returns home, he’ll find the status quo transformed in his absence - the imminent sale of Sterling Cooper to a British firm beckons new masters for all on the horizon.

It’s a bold move to so suddenly trigger tremors through the foundations of the show without the presence of the main character, but it’s a creatively fascinating one. This is a standout hour in a terrific season.