In the end, Don Draper just wanted to share a Coke with the world. He truly was the real deal. After seven captivating seasons of his journey, we finally understand him—and so does he. The dramatic fall of the man in the sharp suit, spiraling between skyscrapers as advertising billboards race by, wasn’t just a sign of his impending doom. It symbolized how low he might go before rising again—because Dick Whitman always finds a way to land on his feet.
The other characters, too, have undergone significant transformations. Series creator Matthew Weiner skillfully tied their narratives together, leaving fans both satisfied and emotional. The poignant final phone call between Don and his first love, Birdie, was particularly heartbreaking.
Speaking of phones, why did Weiner choose to convey so many important conversations through a receiver? Is it a commentary on how we all, like Don, shy away from confronting our emotions in person? Consider his calls to Betty, who is facing her mortality, as well as to daughter Sally and mentee Peggy. Even Stan confessed his feelings for Peggy, not on one knee, but from the safety of the art department. Joan and Peggy, too, connected through their phones rather than face-to-face, where things didn’t go nearly as smoothly. Perhaps fans of “Mad Men” would have preferred to keep their connections long-distance.
As “Mad Men” draws to a close, we find ourselves at a distance. With Sally Draper stepping into adulthood and facing her own challenges, much like her father, we can only speculate about what the future holds for this child of the chaotic ’60s. What we do know is the profound impact this series has had on us, making the final credits bittersweet.
To honor our favorite characters in the advertising world, here’s a tribute encapsulated in iconic taglines, because we believe they’d want it that way.
Donald Draper/Dick Whitman
Coca-Cola: “It’s the Real Thing”
Despite his complicated identity, Don Draper was indeed the real thing. He was original and universally appealing, especially during moments of crisis. In early 1970, just when Don was finally given a chance to contribute creatively to the iconic Coca-Cola account, the tagline resonated with his journey. In the finale, while he might have vanished to a spiritual retreat in California, we wonder if he’d return or take a leap into the ocean. As the series concluded with the famous Coke jingle, the current tagline “Make It Happy” felt fitting for an ad man who epitomized reinvention.
Peggy Olson
Snapple: “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth”
Peggy Olson, born in Brooklyn, has long captivated fans with her sharp copy and fierce nature. Whether challenging Stan to a game of strip poker or boldly entering McCann-Erickson with an erotic painting, Peggy was always best served cool.
Roger Sterling
Alka-Seltzer: “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
Roger’s tendency to overindulge—be it in alcohol, relationships, or agency politics—made him a perfect candidate for Alka-Seltzer. But like Roger, the relief only lasts so long before another binge follows, leading to yet another round of fizzing tablets.
Joan Holloway
Ford Mustang: “Presenting the Unexpected …”
Joan, with her alluring curves and captivating presence, was the epitome of the Ford Mustang’s tagline. Throughout the series, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and ambition in her career, ultimately steering herself into a successful business venture.
Pete Campbell
Morgan Stanley: “One Client at a Time”
Coming from a wealthy lineage, Pete was a quintessential salesman who navigated the social landscape of New York. When it came to securing a future, he relied on solid investments, leading to a fresh start in Kansas with his ex-wife Trudy and daughter Tammy.
Betty Draper
Virginia Slims: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”
While some might argue this tagline belongs to Peggy, I give it to Betty. She began as Don’s perfect model wife, faced numerous trials, and ended the series with a surprising sense of acceptance regarding her fate.
Bert Cooper
Old Spice: “The Mark of a Man”
Bert Cooper enhanced the lives of those around him, offering unwavering loyalty to his team. His sudden death during a pivotal moment left Don in a state of limbo, but Bert’s legacy remained through his memorable swan song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
Ken Cosgrove
Timex: “It Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”
Ken took quite a beating during the series—from being sidelined by Pete to being shot during a hunting trip. Yet, he always bounced back, ultimately securing a job at Dow Chemical, much to Pete’s dismay.
Megan Draper
Playtex Cross-Your-Heart-Bra: “Lifts and Separates”
Megan, the second Mrs. Draper, truly adored Don and uplifted his spirits through thick and thin. She ultimately pursued her dreams, separating from a marriage that could never work.
Harry Crane
Oscar Mayer: “I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”
Harry’s antics often had a humorous twist, making him a memorable character who never shied away from being himself.
Lane Pryce
Apple: “Think Different”
A beloved figure who met a tragic end, I wish Lane had remembered to think differently about his financial decisions and personal relationships.
Dr. Faye Miller
Starkist Tuna: “Sorry, Charlie. Starkist wants tuna that tastes good, not tuna with good taste.”
Faye believed she had Don’s love, but after Betty, he craved a different kind of connection.
Michael Ginsberg
Schlotzsky’s Deli: “Funny name. Serious Sandwich.”
Michael’s depth as a character was evident, but he became unlayered due to the agency’s new technology, leading to his untimely decline.
Stan Rizzo
Skoal: “Always There in a Pinch”
Stan evolved from a laid-back art director to a steadfast friend for Peggy, always ready to support her, culminating in a heartfelt confession of love.
Henry Francis
Prudential: “Get a Piece of the Rock”
Henry provided stability for Betty, especially in her final days, revealing his softer side amidst his tough exterior.
Ted Chaough
Chiffon Margarine: “You Think It’s Butter, But It’s Not …”
Ted’s character was complex, leaving us to question his true desires throughout the series.
Sally Draper
Kodak: “Share Moments. Share Life.”
Sally Draper has been the heart of this show, growing from a child to a young woman as we shared in her life’s journey. Our connection to her has been deeply empathetic, reflecting the essence of great storytelling.
As we bid farewell to “Mad Men,” we reflect on the nostalgia that this series evokes—a bittersweet reminder of the past that resonates deeply within us.
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Summary
This reflection on “Mad Men” explores the journeys of its complex characters, tying their arcs to iconic advertising taglines. As the series concludes, we remember the emotional depth and resonance it has brought to our lives.