In the end, Don Draper just wanted to buy the world a Coke. He truly was the real thing, as it turns out. After seven captivating seasons of exploring Don’s complex journey, we finally arrive at a resolution—one he discovers alongside us. The dramatic fall of the man in the tailored suit, descending through the skyline as advertising billboards flash by, wasn’t merely a foretelling of his inevitable downfall. Instead, it symbolized the potential distance he might fall before rising again—because Dick Whitman has always managed to land on his feet.
His companions, too, have undergone their own transformations. Matthew Weiner, the series creator and showrunner, skillfully crafted interwoven storylines that satisfied both the characters and the audience. There were certainly tears shed, especially during the poignant final phone call between Don and his first love, Birdie, which cut deeply.
Speaking of communication, why did Weiner, who penned and directed this episode, choose to depict every significant interaction through the lens of a phone call? Is he suggesting that we, much like Don, often conceal our true emotions? That we struggle with facing “the real thing” directly? Consider his calls to a dying Betty, to daughter Sally, and to protégé Peggy. Even Stan confessed his feelings for Peggy not in person but from the safety of the art department. Joan and Peggy, earlier in the episode, attempted to reconnect through the phone; their face-to-face meeting fell flat. If only fans of Mad Men could embrace long-distance as an alternative.
Now that Mad Men has concluded, that distance is palpable. As Sally Draper steps into adulthood, mirroring her father’s own orphan-like existence, we can only speculate about her future as a child of the tumultuous 1960s. What remains undeniable is the profound impact this series has had on us, making the end feel bittersweet.
With that in mind, we pay tribute to our beloved Mad Men—and women—through advertising taglines, as we suspect they would have preferred it this way.
Donald Draper/Dick Whitman
Coca-Cola: “It’s the Real Thing”
Despite his dual identity, Don Draper was indeed the real thing: he was authentic. He made things happen effortlessly and was sought after, especially when the stakes were high. In early 1970, as Don was finally allowed to contribute creatively to the Coca-Cola account, the iconic tagline mirrored his journey perfectly. The finale shows him disappearing to a spiritual retreat in California, leaving us to ponder whether he might drop in and out for good. As the series concluded with one of the most famous Coke jingles, its current slogan, “Make It Happy,” fits well for the ad man who reinvented himself time and again.
Peggy Olson
Snapple: “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth”
Both Snapple and Peggy are New York-born and bred. Fans adored her sharp wit and her no-nonsense attitude. From challenging Stan to a game of strip poker to standing up to Don in “The Suitcase,” Peggy was always a refreshing choice, much like a cool drink on a hot day.
Roger Sterling
Alka-Seltzer: “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
Roger’s overindulgence in alcohol, relationships, and agency takeovers required a remedy like Alka-Seltzer. He always brought a bubbly energy but eventually, the fizz runs out, leading to more binge drinking and the inevitable plop, plop, fizz, fizz relief.
Joan Holloway
Ford Mustang: “Presenting the Unexpected…”
Joan’s striking presence and determination embodied the exhilaration of the 1965 Ford Mustang. Throughout the series, she showcased her resilience and ambition in unexpected ways, steering herself toward success, far beyond anyone’s expectations.
Pete Campbell
Morgan Stanley: “One Client at a Time”
Coming from old money, Pete was a quintessential salesman who understood the value of relationships. He ultimately sought security for his future, investing in stock options and a new beginning in Kansas with his ex-wife and daughter.
Betty Draper
Virginia Slims: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
While some may argue Peggy deserves this tagline for her growth, I bestow it upon Betty. She started as Don’s model wife and evolved through numerous challenges, emerging older and wiser, facing her fate with acceptance.
Bert Cooper
Old Spice: “The Mark of a Man”
Bert’s presence elevated those around him. His loyalty to his talented staff was unwavering. Even after learning of Don’s true identity, he stood by him, leaving a lasting mark with his legendary farewell, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
Sally Draper
Kodak: “Share Moments. Share Life.”
Sally Draper has been the pulse of the show, and we’ve witnessed her grow from a child into a young woman. We’ve shared in her life, embracing both her joyous and painful moments, which is what the best television offers: an empathetic glimpse into another’s world.
As we reflect on the series, it’s essential to remember Don’s poignant words from “The Wheel”: “Nostalgia: It’s delicate but potent… it literally means the pain from an old womb.” This powerful sentiment resonates as we bid farewell to Mad Men and look ahead.
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Summary:
This reflection on Mad Men captures the essence of the characters and their journeys, exploring themes of nostalgia and transformation. Through clever taglines, we pay homage to the iconic figures of the series while acknowledging the emotional impact it has had on viewers.
Keyphrase: Mad Men Reflection
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