I'm Thinking Arby's...I'm Thinking Not

Well, I still haven't finalized my full plans for the blog, but I saw something on TV today that I had to comment on.  Not sure if you've seen it or not, but if you have, I'm sorry.  If you haven't, I found a clip of it and posted it below.  Apparently, Arby's has lost their mind in their latest advertisement for their chicken cordon bleu sandwich.  It opens with a slightly overweight, slightly less than average looking guy lying on his bed in sweats and white socks.  From outside the room we hear who I assume to be his girlfriend or wife exclaim that she is "only doing this for your birthday".  At this point, I have no idea this is an Arby's commercial so all I can think is 1. this could get a tad bit racy, and 2. that maybe this guy is a little overdressed.  As the door slowly opens and the porn style music kicks in, the girl (also average looking at best) saunters into the room....in an Arby's uniform carrying a tray of fast food.  He takes a look (I'm not sure whether at the girl or the food) and the Arby's logo "springs to life" above his head...complete with "sproing" sound.  So what was my reaction--confused?  A little.  Turned on?  Not hardly.  Hungry?  Not at all.



There are so many things wrong with this commercial.  First, I know they say that sex sells.  I'm not sure it sells fast food, however.  The thought of naked bodies pressed against each other while consuming greasy, deep fried food just doesn't do it for me.  Maybe I'm in the minority there.  Second, while I'll agree that a person in uniform can have a sexy appeal, I generally leave that to firefighters, police, military, nurses, etc...not fast food workers.  I've not once walked into an Arby's, seen the person behind the counter, and thought "Forget the curly fries, I want you!"  Third, and perhaps worst of all, the commercial called to my attention something that has somehow escaped me all these years.  The Arby's logo is eerily phallic shaped.  I hadn't noticed it before, but as it "sproinged" to life above the guy I thought "Oh my God! Arby's has a penis logo!"  Finally, in case the subtle innuendos of the girl's sauntering gait, the porn music, and the cartoon penis springing to life weren't enough, the guy proclaims "Me likey" in a way that is more creepy than sensual or hungry.  Thanks Arby's!  I'm not sure I would have gotten what your were getting at if you hadn't helped me crack the code with that last piece of dialog.  Again, I'm not sure what did it for Mr. Sproingo, the food or the girl.  All I know is that I only thought I was suspicious of the horsey sauce before!

Until the next post, take care...and enjoy some Arby's.