It turns out Jake Thompson just wanted to buy the world a Coke. He really was “the real thing,” after all.
After seven captivating seasons of watching Jake’s journey unfold, we finally have our answer—and so does he. The image of the man in the sharp suit plummeting between skyscrapers, with advertising billboards flashing by, wasn’t a foreshadowing of his grim fate. Instead, it symbolized the depths he could reach before finding his footing again—because Jake Thompson always manages to land on his feet.
His fellow advertising colleagues have undergone their own transformations. Series creator and showrunner Matthew Weiner did an admirable job weaving their stories together, satisfying fans in the process with their poignant conclusions. There were tears, no doubt about it. The final phone call between Jake and his first love, Lily, struck a deep chord, resonating with ache.
Speaking of the telephone, why did Weiner, who both wrote and directed this episode, choose to deliver every significant interaction through the other end of a receiver? Is he suggesting that we all, much like Jake, hide from our genuine emotions? That we struggle to handle “the real thing” face-to-face? Think about his calls to dying Betty, his daughter Sarah, and apprentice Mia. Even Stan finally confessed his feelings for his copy chief, not on bended knee but from the comfort of the art department’s distance. Joan and Mia also reconnected through their phones; their in-person encounter didn’t quite go as smoothly. If only Mad Men enthusiasts could accept that long-distance communication has its merits.
Mad Men has come to an end, and that distance is now a reality. As Sarah Thompson steps into adulthood, becoming somewhat of an orphan like her father, we can only speculate about the future awaiting this child of the tumultuous ’60s. What we do know is the profound impact this series has had on us, and the bittersweet sentiment as the final credits roll.
In tribute to our beloved Mad Men—and women—in advertising, we present taglines that encapsulate their journeys. We suspect they wouldn’t want it any other way.
Jake Thompson
Coca-Cola: “It’s the Real Thing”
Despite his dual identity, Jake Thompson was indeed the real deal: original and universally desirable, especially during heated moments. In early 1970, just as Jake was finally invited to contribute creatively on the coveted Coca-Cola account, this iconic tagline perfectly mirrored his journey. In the finale, he might have temporarily vanished on a spiritual retreat in California, leaving us to ponder whether he would drop in and out for good or take a leap from an ocean cliff. As the series concluded with the most famous Coke jingle of all, the current tagline, “Make It Happy,” also seems fitting for the ad man who practically invented reinvention.
Mia Anderson
Snapple: “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth”
Snapple is a product born in New York, much like Brooklyn-born Mia Anderson. Fans have always appreciated her witty copy and how she stood her ground against anyone who dared to challenge her. Whether it was challenging Stan to a game of strip poker when they first met or standing up to her mentor Jake in “The Suitcase,” Mia was always a refreshing drink.
Roger Sterling
Alka-Seltzer: “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
When overindulgence struck, as it often did for Roger, a little Alka-Seltzer was just the remedy. Similar to Roger, who was perpetually vibrant and full of life, there comes a point when it simply stops working. This cycle leads to more binge drinking, followed by the familiar plop, plop, fizz, fizz—oh, what a relief it is. Now: Rest and repeat.
Joan Holloway
Ford Mustang: “Presenting the Unexpected …”
Those curves. That confidence. Everyone wanted to take her for a spin. In 1965, when this ad debuted to promote the hottest car on the market, Ford’s tagline could easily have described Joan, who consistently showed resilience and determination at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce and beyond. Just like the Mustang’s current tagline, “Go Further,” she charted her own course into the sunset, moving past Richard and far beyond what anyone expected.
Pete Campbell
Morgan Stanley: “One Client at a Time”
Coming from a lineage of wealth, Pete hailed from a New York institution. A true salesman, he cultivated relationships—and the width of his lapels—by adapting to the times. Yet, when it came to investing for the future, he chose a secure path, which is why he, ex-wife Trudy, and daughter Tammy invested in stock options and a new beginning in Kansas.
Betty Thompson
Virginia Slims: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
While some might argue that Mia deserves this tagline, I believe it fits Betty, who navigated the complexities of her life. From being Jake’s model wife to confronting her husband’s infidelities and facing her own demons, Betty matured into one of the series’ most poignant characters. She ended the series with a quiet acceptance of her fate, embodying wisdom and resilience.
Bert Cooper
Old Spice: “The Mark of a Man”
Bert Cooper elevated those around him, even if he didn’t smell like roses. His loyalty to his talented team was legendary. Unfazed by Jake’s troubled past, he steadfastly supported his creative director, even during tumultuous times. Bert’s sudden departure during the moon landing left Jake stranded in a metaphorical void, yet his legacy remained with the memorable swan song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
Ken Cosgrove
Timex: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”
Ken faced many challenges, enduring the whims of Pete while also overcoming injuries. After being unceremoniously fired, fans feared he would fade into obscurity. Yet, he seized the moment to secure a position at Dow Chemical, becoming Pete’s worst nightmare—a true comeback story.
Megan Thompson
Playtex Cross-Your-Heart-Bra: “Lifts and Separates”
While Joan possessed the hourglass figure, it was Megan who truly lifted Jake’s spirits. She adored him and pursued her own dreams, ultimately separating from him to follow her acting career in California.
Harry Crane
Oscar Mayer: “I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”
Although this is technically a jingle, we can appreciate that Harry’s always been a “wiener” in his own right—some things don’t require wishing.
Lane Pryce
Apple: “Think Different”
This is the tagline I envision for Lane, a fan favorite who faced financial ruin and took a tragic turn. Lane, remember to take care of your firm’s budget and avoid overextending yourself. Please, think different.
Dr. Faye Miller
Starkist Tuna: “Sorry, Charlie. Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.”
Poor Faye, who believed Jake loved her for their equal partnership. However, after Betty, he could only commit to someone who could embrace motherhood.
Michael Ginsberg
Schlotzsky’s Deli: “Funny name. Serious Sandwich.”
Born in a concentration camp, Ginsberg’s brilliance as a writer shone through the chaos of Manhattan’s advertising scene. His wit and depth were unparalleled until the introduction of a new, cheesy computer stifled his creativity.
Stan Rizzo
Skoal: “Always There in a Pinch”
Stan was the pot-smoking art director who evolved throughout the series. He became a steadfast friend to Mia, always ready to support her. When he finally expressed his love for her in the last episode, it felt entirely right.
Henry Francis
Prudential: “Get a Piece of the Rock”
Having worked for Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Henry was a solid foundation for Betty, especially in her time of need. His tears over her diagnosis revealed his softer side.
Ted Chaough
Chiffon Margarine: “You Think It’s Butter, But It’s Not …”
Ted is a man filled with contradictions. His loyalties remain unclear, yet his persuasive words often mask his true feelings.
Sally Thompson
Kodak: “Share Moments. Share Life.”
I considered giving Sally the Nikon tagline, “At the Heart of the Image,” as she represents the heart of the show. We witnessed her grow from a child into a woman, sharing both joyful and painful moments along the way. This is the essence of great television—an empathetic view into another’s life.
To close, let’s reflect on Jake’s poignant words 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 groundbreaking series, let us cherish the moments shared. For more on home insemination, consider checking out this resource for valuable insights. If you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, this retailer offers reputable options. And for further reading, don’t forget to explore this blog post to keep engaged.
Summary: This reflection on Mad Men captures the essence of its complex characters, their journeys, and the profound impact of the series. With a unique take on advertising taglines, we find parallels between the characters’ lives and iconic slogans, celebrating their growth and tribulations while acknowledging the bittersweet end of the show.
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