So, Don Draper just wanted to share a Coke with the world. After all, he was undeniably the real thing.
After seven captivating seasons exploring Don’s journey, we finally have clarity—and so does he. The visual of the sharply dressed man free-falling between skyscrapers, with advertising billboards whizzing by, wasn’t merely a foreshadowing of his inevitable downfall. Rather, it symbolized the heights he could reach after hitting rock bottom—because Dick Whitman always finds a way to land on his feet.
His companions navigated their own paths as well. Series creator and showrunner Matthew Weiner honored his characters and delighted fans with their intertwined conclusions. There were certainly tears; the final conversation between Don and his first love, Birdie, struck a deep chord.
Speaking of conversations, why did Weiner choose to present all significant exchanges through a phone receiver? Is it a commentary on how we all, much like Don, often hide from our genuine feelings? Do we struggle to confront “the real thing” in person? Take note of his calls to a dying Betty, daughter Sally, and protégé Peggy. Stan even confessed his feelings for Peggy from the safety of the art department, rather than face-to-face. Joan and Peggy, too, managed to reconnect through phone calls, while their in-person meeting faltered. If only Mad Men fans could accept long-distance connections as viable.
Now that Mad Men has concluded, that distance becomes palpable. As Sally Draper steps into adulthood, she mirrors her father by becoming somewhat of an orphan herself. We can only speculate on what lies ahead for this child of the tumultuous ’60s. Yet, we know just how much this series has impacted us, making it a bittersweet moment as we watch the final credits.
In honor of our beloved Mad Men—and women—we present a tribute through advertising slogans. Because we believe they would prefer it this way.
Donald Draper/Dick Whitman
Coca-Cola: “It’s the Real Thing”
Despite his dual identity, Don Draper was indeed authentic. He was original, widely desirable, and always seemed to shine bright, especially in intense moments. In early 1970, when Don finally received some creative leeway regarding the elusive Coca-Cola account, the timeless tagline reflected his journey perfectly. As the series wrapped up, Don may have ventured off to a spiritual retreat in California, leaving us to ponder whether he’d return or make a permanent exit. With the finale featuring the iconic Coke jingle, the current slogan, “Make It Happy,” resonates well with the character who epitomized reinvention.
Peggy Olson
Snapple: “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Peggy Olson is as New York as Snapple itself. Fans have adored her witty writing and her fierce demeanor. Whether challenging Stan to a game of strip poker upon their first meeting (or playfully insulting him in the finale just before declaring her love); asserting herself against her mentor Don in “The Suitcase”; or confidently striding into McCann-Erickson with an erotic painting and a lit cigarette—she was always a refreshing drink best served cool.
Roger Sterling
Alka-Seltzer: “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
Roger was known for his indulgences—whether it was alcohol, marriage, or agency takeovers. A little Alka-Seltzer was always the remedy he needed. Yet, just like Roger, who exuded effervescence, he eventually met his limits. This led to more binge drinking, followed by another round of relief—plop, plop, fizz, fizz. Rinse and repeat.
Joan Holloway
Ford Mustang: “Presenting the Unexpected …”
With her stunning curves and undeniable allure, everyone wanted to be near Joan. The tagline for the 1965 Mustang could easily apply to her as she showcased true determination and unexpected resilience at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, McCann-Erickson, and beyond. Like the Mustang’s current slogan, “Go Further,” she forged her own path, surpassing expectations and embarking on her own business venture.
Pete Campbell
Morgan Stanley: “One Client at a Time”
Hailing from a wealthy family, Pete was a quintessential salesman who cultivated relationships based on the era’s values. However, in his quest for a secure future, he leaned on solid investments, leading his family to bet on stock options and a fresh start in Kansas.
Betty Draper
Virginia Slims: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
Some might argue this tagline fits Peggy Olson better, given her evolution from secretary to copy chief, or even Don’s second wife, Megan. However, I’m giving it to Betty, who endured her own tumultuous journey. She began as Don’s perfect model wife, faced infidelity, political posturing, and the scrutiny of her daughter. By the series’ end, Betty emerged wiser, perhaps the most Zen character, facing her fate with a serene acceptance.
Bert Cooper
Old Spice: “The Mark of a Man”
Bert Cooper had a knack for elevating those around him, despite his idiosyncrasies. His steadfast loyalty to his talented staff was legendary, and he never wavered in supporting Don even when others questioned him. Bert’s sudden death on the night of the moon landing left Don adrift, yet his legacy was encapsulated in his unforgettable swan song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
Ken Cosgrove
Timex: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”
Ken faced many challenges, from enduring Pete’s antics to a hunting accident that left him with an eye patch. Fans feared he was done for after being let go, but he knew when to strike and ultimately returned to wreak havoc on Pete at Dow Chemical.
Megan Draper
Playtex Cross-Your-Heart-Bra: “Lifts and Separates”
While Joan is the epitome of curves, Megan was a powerhouse in her own right. She genuinely adored Don, even when he was inebriated, and refused to let go of her dreams. Ultimately, she parted ways with Don to pursue her own acting aspirations in California.
Harry Crane
Oscar Mayer: “I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”
Technically a jingle, but in Harry’s case, it fits perfectly—some things don’t need wishing.
Lane Pryce
Apple: “Think Different”
For Lane, a fan favorite who tragically succumbed to despair, this tagline serves as a poignant reminder. Avoid overextending yourself financially and don’t let others make you feel small. Most importantly, keep going.
Dr. Faye Miller
Starkist Tuna: “Sorry, Charlie. Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.”
Faye believed Don loved her based on their equality, but he could only commit to someone who showed nurturing qualities.
Michael Ginsberg
Schlotzsky’s Deli: “Funny name. Serious Sandwich.”
Born in a concentration camp, Ginsberg’s brilliance as a writer emerged amidst the glitzy skyscrapers of Manhattan. However, his depth diminished with the introduction of the agency’s new technology.
Stan Rizzo
Skoal: “Always There in a Pinch”
Stan, our favorite laid-back art director, was always there for Peggy, growing alongside her as a supportive friend. His declaration of love in the finale felt just right.
Henry Francis
Prudential: “Get a Piece of the Rock”
A solid foundation for Betty, Henry provided the stability she needed after Don’s tumultuous ways, offering support even in her final moments.
Ted Chaough
Chiffon Margarine: “You Think It’s Butter, But It’s Not …”
Ted’s indecisive nature leaves us questioning who he truly loves or what he truly desires.
Sally Draper
Kodak: “Share Moments. Share Life.”
Sally is the heart of the show, reflecting life in the ’60s and early ’70s through her lens. We’ve watched her grow from a child to a young woman, sharing in her moments of joy and pain, just as the best television allows us to do.
To conclude, let’s reflect on Don’s poignant speech from “The Wheel” regarding nostalgia: “It’s delicate but potent … [it] literally means the pain from an old womb. It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone.” As we bid farewell to this monumental series, we hold onto the memories it has gifted us.
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