So, Don Draper just wanted to share a Coke with the world. He truly was the real deal. After seven captivating seasons of following Don’s journey, we finally have clarity—and so does he. The imagery of a sharply dressed man plummeting between skyscrapers, with advertising billboards whizzing by, wasn’t a foreshadowing of his doom; rather, it illustrated just how far he could fall before rising again—because Dick Whitman always manages to land on his feet.
The others in Don’s world have also experienced their own journeys. Series creator and showrunner Matthew Weiner did justice to his characters, intertwining their fates in ways that resonated with fans. There were definitely tears, particularly during the poignant final call between Don and his first love, Birdie.
Speaking of calls, Weiner, who wrote and directed this episode, seemed to suggest that we all hide—much like Don—from our genuine feelings. Can we truly face “the real thing” without a barrier? His conversations with his dying wife Betty, daughter Sally, and protégé Peggy all took place over the phone. Even Stan confessed his feelings for Peggy not in person, but from a distance in the art department. Joan and Peggy’s earlier interaction also highlighted this distance; their connection faltered when they met face-to-face. If only fans could embrace long-distance as a viable option.
With Mad Men now concluded, that distance is a stark reality. As Sally Draper transitions into adulthood, becoming somewhat of an orphan like her father, we can only speculate what lies ahead for this child of the tumultuous ’60s. What remains undeniable is the profound impact this series has had on us, making the final credits bittersweet.
To honor our beloved Mad Men and women, we present a tribute through advertising taglines, for we believe that’s how they would prefer to be remembered.
Donald Draper/Dick Whitman: Coca-Cola: “It’s the Real Thing”
Despite his complex identity, Don was indeed the real thing—original and universally appealing, especially in heated moments. As Don was finally offered creative input on the Coca-Cola account in early 1970, the iconic tagline encapsulated his journey. The finale left us pondering whether he would permanently escape to a spiritual retreat or simply jump off a cliff. As the series ended with the most iconic Coke jingle, its current tagline, “Make It Happy,” suits the man who embodied reinvention perfectly.
Peggy Olson: Snapple: “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth”
Brooklyn-born Peggy Olson’s charm and fiery spirit made her a fan favorite. From challenging Stan to a game of strip poker upon their first meeting to boldly walking into McCann-Erickson with an erotic painting, Peggy was always an invigorating presence.
Roger Sterling: Alka-Seltzer: “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
Roger’s penchant for overindulgence mirrored the need for a little Alka-Seltzer now and then. His vibrant personality always bubbled over until it didn’t—leading to more binge drinking followed by the familiar fizz of relief.
Joan Holloway: Ford Mustang: “Presenting the Unexpected…”
With her curves and charisma, Joan was always the one everyone wanted. The tagline for the Ford Mustang could easily reflect her journey, as she demonstrated true resilience and ambition throughout her career.
Pete Campbell: Morgan Stanley: “One Client at a Time”
Coming from a wealthy family, Pete embodied the quintessential salesman. However, his journey into solid investments reflected his desire for stability, ultimately leading him to a fresh start.
Betty Draper: Virginia Slims: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
While some might argue for Peggy or Megan, this tagline fits Betty, who transitioned from Don’s model wife to a more enlightened version of herself by the series’ end, facing her fate with a mix of acceptance and wisdom.
Bert Cooper: Old Spice: “The Mark of a Man”
Bert’s legacy was about loyalty and respect for his staff, leaving a lasting impression even in his absence. His iconic final line echoed his belief in the simple joys of life.
Ken Cosgrove: Timex: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”
Ken epitomized resilience, returning to the fray despite personal setbacks, proving that he knew how to keep moving forward.
Megan Draper: Playtex Cross-Your-Heart-Bra: “Lifts and Separates”
Megan was a true partner to Don, lifting his spirits even when he was drowning in his own issues, ultimately choosing to pursue her own dreams.
Harry Crane: Oscar Mayer: “I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”
Though Harry often found himself in comical situations, he was a consistent presence throughout the series, embodying the lighter side of the advertising world.
Lane Pryce: Apple: “Think Different”
This tagline resonates with Lane, who faced financial turmoil but needed to remember not to overextend himself and ultimately find a different path.
Dr. Faye Miller: Starkist Tuna: “Sorry, Charlie. Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.”
Faye believed in equality with Don, but her inability to meet his emotional needs ultimately led to her exit from his life.
Michael Ginsberg: Schlotzsky’s Deli: “Funny name. Serious Sandwich.”
Born in a concentration camp, Michael’s brilliance shone through in a challenging environment, until the agency’s modern changes stifled his creativity.
Stan Rizzo: Skoal: “Always There in a Pinch”
Stan was the ever-loyal friend to Peggy, always there for her even in the most difficult times, proving his worth as a companion.
Henry Francis: Prudential: “Get a Piece of the Rock”
Henry provided stability for Betty, especially in her last days, showcasing his softer side.
Ted Chaough: Chiffon Margarine: “You Think It’s Butter, But It’s Not…”
Ted’s character was a complex mix of indecision and charm, making him a compelling figure throughout the series.
Sally Draper: Kodak: “Share Moments. Share Life.”
I considered giving Sally a different tagline, but opted for Kodak, as we watched her grow from a child to a young woman, sharing both tender and tumultuous moments in her life.
As we bid farewell to this monumental series, let’s reflect on Don’s poignant words from “The Wheel”: “Nostalgia: It’s delicate but potent… it’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone.”
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Summary: This reflection on Mad Men intricately weaves together the journeys of its characters through iconic advertising taglines, highlighting their growth, struggles, and connections in a world filled with advertising allure.