A lot of commenters here equate this episode with a characterization of the hippie culture as a whole, when in fact I think it strides more to show the extremes of that culture and where it can reach. I see many similaties between the hippie cult shown in this episode with the real life Manson family which murdered the actress Sharon Tate.
The Sharon Tate murder took place in 1969, while this episode runs in 1971, showing influences from this incident are probable. The similarities are astounding: both cults are led by insane figures, both embrace hippie culture and strive for a more simple comunal life, both have music and beautiful women as a way of attracting new members. I don't know how many of you know this but Charles Manson had a song recorded by the Beach Boys.
The Sharon Tate murder took place in 1969, while this episode runs in 1971, showing influences from this incident are probable. The similarities are astounding: both cults are led by insane figures, both embrace hippie culture and strive for a more simple comunal life, both have music and beautiful women as a way of attracting new members. I don't know how many of you know this but Charles Manson had a song recorded by the Beach Boys.