Instead of digging into an ad genre--as I have in previous weeks--I'd like to profile an advertising character we all know: Flo, Progressive's own calendar girl and, for some, sex icon.
Just kidding about the sex icon part.
In October 2009, The Boston Herald referred to Flo as "the commercial break's new sweetheart," according to Wikipedia (this is a blog; I'm using it; don't even GAF). I just don't get the appeal.
She creeps me out. I mean, LOOK at her. She looks like Paula Deen's homicidal alternate personality ... or a homicidal puppet.
But she's apparently got something going for her. She's been going strong since 2008 and has appeared in over 53 commercials (Wikipedia).
I think it's the smile. It's ambiguous. What does it mean? Is it the I'm-gonna-sell-you-some-freakin'-awesome-insurance smile or the if-you-try-to-escape-my-basement-one-more-time-I'm-gonna-eat-your-foot smile?
For me, it's the latter. I guess Progressive meant it to be the former, but they missed the mark with this potential customer (I went with GEICO instead--I have trouble being scared of a British gecko who was originally voiced by Kelsey Grammer).
Also, I'm pretty annoyed by her name. Flo. Seriously? Is that a reference to the infamous Aunt Flo? If so, why? Why, Progressive?
It's apparent from the commercials she's some sort of cashier in Progressive's store in Purgatory, but what is her real role in Progressive's hierarchy? Could it have anything to do with her masterminding that band we've all forgotten about?
But seriously, Flo is portrayed by actress and comedian Stephanie Courtney. One good thing I can say is she's pretty down to earth about it. She is quoted on IMDB as saying no one could be that perky all the time because "they'd strain something."
I don't find her comedy that funny, though. I think her comedic flow is just a little off. BAHAHAHA don't kill me.
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