newcritics - Latest Comments in February, 1962

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:36:19 -0000

Thanks Thirteen, I do find this interesting. I completely forget about the "Pepsi Generation," which was still around in the seventies, when I heard it. Of course I didn't realize the import of that slogan. Poor Don Draper--he is so not part of the drink of a "new generation."

Re: February, 1962

Thirteen1031 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:19:05 -0000

Pepsi wasn't new, as you've learned, but (and perhaps you already know all this, but hey, indulge me!) this is one of those layers and nuisances that makes the show so glorious. First, remember that for someone like Dan Draper, a depression era kid, sodas were special. They may have only cost a penny, but a kid rarely had that penny and when they did, it was precious. If they had the money, parents bought much needed milk, not indulgent soda for their kids to drink. By the 50's however, that age of prosperity, the kids were taking sodas for granted; they had the money to buy one anytime they wanted one. These "kids" that they're taking about in the episode are the sort who were raised on soda, not milk, and pour it on their cereal. It implies that they take for granted what Draper sees as a special. Further, soda at that time was seen as a kid's drink and coffee an adult drink. When a kid was given coffee rather than milk or soda, he/she was an adult.. To pour soda on their cereal emphasizes that these "kids" refuse to grow up.

Also (and, once again, here's the wonder of this show, that this one line has so many layers), Pepsi had started a new campaign in the 60's making itself hip and, yes, youthful. In fact, it beat out Coke because of it. It was the drink of a "new generation." That was the ad slogan. And the ad campaign involved things like pop art to make it more hip. In fact, your googling didn't go far enough, because the title of this episode comes from, yes, Pespi. To quote:

"1961: Pepsi further refines its target audience, recognizing the increasing importance of the younger, post-war generation. "Now it's Pepsi, for those who think young" defines youth as a state of mind as much as a chronological age, maintaining the brand's appeal to all market segments.

1962
Pepsi receives its new logo, the sixth in Pepsi history. The "serrated" bottle cap logo debuts, accompanying the brand's groundbreaking "Pepsi Generation" ad campaign."

By 1963, Pepsi would be telling the baby-boomers that they were the "Pepsi Generation," connecting themselves with all things young, new, vibrant and hip. All of which is probably a lot more than you wanted to know--and maybe did know, but I do adore the incredible richness of this show. One line says it all.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:56:29 -0000

Hahaha - yes, I await that cultural tsunami with great interest indeed. I may have to put my narrow ties away.

Re: February, 1962

JamesS — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:45:36 -0000

Did anyone read the Sunday Times biz section today?

I think I found the year 2035 remake of "Mad Men"...

"In depositions and court filings in the second suit — ultimately settled under undisclosed terms — Ms. Epstein and other Endeavor employees described office escapades that included rampant pot-smoking, obscene hazing at corporate retreats, sexual frolics on desks, and one agent demanding that his assistants book prostitutes for him."

Those poor souls had no idea of the impending cultural tsunami that would totally change their world...

Right.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:02:14 -0000

Well, I always enjoy the encore presentation - until the clever opening credits are over. Then it's good night!

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:01:40 -0000

Oh, we forgot to speculate who Don is sending O'Hara to--

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:00:04 -0000

It seems like a crutch for Weiner. If he hasn't gotten his point across, he knows he can just tell us about them.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:59:40 -0000

That was so clearly a soundstage.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:59:03 -0000

He's still haunted and searching at 36.

Most promising new character?

The mechanic, hands down. What's his home life like?

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:58:05 -0000

The color of the hedges in that scene and the red of the mailbox were entering Pushing Daisies territory.

Re: February, 1962

clairehelene7 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:56:49 -0000

My favorite was, "It's been 14 months and Don is older and feeling it." It's been a year and now he's 36 instead of 35. He's aging quickly. Sheesh.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:55:44 -0000

Yeah, especially "things have changed."

Ridiculous!

Re: February, 1962

clairehelene7 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:54:54 -0000

God, I think these explanations at the end to be so obnoxious. How many times do we need to be hit on the head with what happened?

Re: February, 1962

jameswolcott — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:51:33 -0000

That overhead shot at the mailbox must mean something--but what?

Re: February, 1962

clairehelene7 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:50:39 -0000

Betty annoys me to no end. Partially because I think the actress is just not very good.

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:49:28 -0000

Belle du Draper in her dreams?

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:46:07 -0000

The Esso - nice reference.

Re: February, 1962

jameswolcott — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:45:01 -0000

Gallantry isn't dead, at least in the elevator.

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:42:37 -0000

Okay, who did say "sex sells"?

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:39:59 -0000

Stepford Cooper is very strange. Well, the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 1956---maybe it's really Pod Peggy, Pod Don

Re: February, 1962

clairehelene7 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:39:29 -0000

Didn't Don push for Duck to come to the firm in the first place? I guess that's the change in 18 months.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:39:13 -0000

She so wishes she had a single golden ounce of Shirley MacLaine.

Re: February, 1962

tomwatson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:36:58 -0000

Hee hee. Good one.

Re: February, 1962

jameswolcott — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:36:20 -0000

Shouldn't Peggy be less robotic by now?

Re: February, 1962

MaPeel — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:36:11 -0000

Oh my gosh, one of the Clancy brothers is applying for copywriter