Mastercard Trots the Priceless 'Icons' Back onto the Stage

"Icons," a McCann-Erickson/NY spot that aired during the '05 Super Bowl, is a fond standby of Mastercard's "Priceless" campaign.

Imagine a passel of brand mascots -- Count Chocula, the Vlasic stork, Jolly Green Giant, Pillsbury Doughboy -- having Soul Food-style dinner as Mr. Clean slaves merrily at the sink. A lot of the icons weren't even animated for TV prior to this. (Thank animating crew Calabash for bringing them to life.)

Too much good stuff. There's even some illicit Facebooky pokeage between Doughboy and Morton Salt girl. Scandale!

Anywho, the ad's being re-aired. It's a total cash-saving tactic, but it's refreshing to see these old faces again -- especially now that people are racing back to values they mistakenly believe once sustained them. (Nostalgia's no permanent salve, but I feel past-due for a revisit with crinkle-eyed mascots that weren't constantly trying to swat me with the hipster stick.)

Brace yourself: this is the first of a handful of "Priceless" pieces that'll enjoy regrooming and recirculation.