So we've finally met a character in the show that knows both sides Dick/Don. What do we think? Personally I'm confused as to why he is able to be his authentic self with this Ann woman. She seems to be an evolved, happy and strong version of what Betty WOULD be if she knew who her husband really is.

Clearly DD has this connection with her because they were two wounded souls looking for a better version of themselves. Financially beneficial to Ann and DD gets to be Don Draper.

Did Ann's Tarot card reading work? Is he going home? She seems to be the only person on the show that has any influence over our double minded main character....

I think symbolically, she's the puzzle piece that matches up to him. Her "disability" is external, for the whole world to see. His is internal, hidden behind a perfect exterior.

He's able to open up to her because she's someone who can understand—and who did understand—his limitations, his fear, his desire to be like others. She places no judgment on him.

In some ways Betty is just like him... she's also perfect on the outside and flawed on the inside. Dealing with her on that level is frightening because it means coming face to face with his own issues. Betty is a mirror of his problems, while Ann allows him to approach them from a more disassociated perspective.

Also want to add that I don't think Don could get Ann and I think he knows it. She's too good for him and I think he looks up to her for overcoming her limitations.

To my eye, she's just as beautiful as Betty, but part of it comes from the glow of self confidence.

I thought it was interesting how he described Betty to her as being beautiful and happy. That's not how Betty is anymore. But it's how Ann is today.

Interesting comments.  There is still some puzzle pieces missing from Dick/Don storyline.  How did he become this savvy, confident, corporate climber from the scared soldier, emotionally disconnected, whore-child?  Is he still all those things?  It would be beautiful to see him reveal himself to Betty but highly improbable.  I think he will return and be more nuturing to Betty.  She sd to Don "you can convince anybody of anything," I think that is maybe what she wants to hear from him.  During the entire course of the series he has had very little dialogue with his own wife.
There is also a looming tragedy in the near future with the Kennedy assasination that will bring families together.  What do you guys think?

Wow, what a shocker to discover that the original Mrs. Don Draper and Dick/Don worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement back in 1952 and developed an extraordinary, enduring friendship.

They were so at ease with each other, I think he plans to stay on in San Pedro for a while and sort out his life. Why else would he ask the hot-rodders about finding work? (that was another shocker)

In the timeline of October 1962, the Cold War will be escalating out of control with terrifying implications. The Cuban Missle Crisis is on the horizon. The news of impending armageddon, which is still fresh in his mind from the aerospace presentation, should get him on a plane back to NY and his family, with or without Anna Draper.

Obviously he still loves Betty and blames himself for the break-up of their family. He loves his children. He carries the guilt of Adam's suicide. And he knows if the hobo came to his door, the mark of a dishonest man would be carved there now. Don/Dick is one messed up guy, but he didn't take the temptation of running away to the next idylic spot with Joy and the nomads.

When he went into the ocean it was a baptism.

Now we know it was Anne he sent the copy of "Meditations in a emergency" to in the end of the season opening.  That Frank O'hara passage he read describes a two sided character rediscovering self:

"Now I am quietly waiting for
the catastrophe of my personality
to seem beautiful again,
and interesting, and modern.

The country is grey and
brown and white in trees,
snows and skies of laughter
always diminishing, less funny
not just darker, not just grey.

It may be the coldest day of
the year, what does he think of
that? I mean, what do I? And if I do,
perhaps I am myself again."

Don can't confide in Betty because he feels inferior to her. He feels equal and comfortable with Anne.

Betty is hard to figure out. She expects the worst in people. She set up her friend to fail then scolded her.

Betty is selfish and Don feels no warmth with her because she has none.