I’m sure you’ve seen the new Subway commercials by now. Foremost, it’s nice to see Subway sticking with Michael, and during what we can call the “off season” for National/World swimming. But the commercials are a bit odd.
The concept of the “swim to Vancouver” one is cute, and I like how summer Olympic sports get a plug. But the mechanics of Michael’s “stroke” are bizarre. Swimmers immediately recognize that this “windmill-swoop-over-the-head” free is not Michael’s stroke; let’s hope non-swimmers don’t head off to the pool inspired to copy him as seen in this spot.
In the other commercial, Michael is sort of treading water. After asking some unseen person to get him subs, Michael then sort of semi-submerges/treads water again. His face is blocked by water — you can just see his body. I don’t really get what’s going on here, or what Subway wants us to think.
Does he need someone to get a jump on his sub order since he stays behind to train more than anyone else? Or, is he staying in the pool until his subs arrive, then getting right back in after eating them? And what’s with the hidden face? As proven in past promos and interviews, he certainly can string a sentence or two together, so it can’t be because he bungles lines. Fellow swimmer and friend Barkley’s explanation? Subway is capitalizing on what’s most attractive: Michael’s body.
Maybe I should just apply one of my favorite “mom-isms” here: “Some things are not meant to be understood, just enjoyed.” So, according to my mom, I should quit trying to find the storyline in these spots and just be happy to see a swimmer in the T.V. spotlight.
Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist
January 28th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
That Barkley, always making comments….lol