These are the commercials that got Super Bowl viewers talking — but not in a good way. And some of them weren’t particularly good to watch over nachos.
Marmot
We can’t think of a reason sporting and clothing goods outfitter Marmot, of all companies, would need to get controversial in its Super Bowl ad. But this commercial, about a man and a marmot exploring the great outdoors together, took a turn for the worse when the man leans in for a kiss. The marmot, as the extended version of this ad makes clear, is a dude, and “not that kind of marmot.” That makes this entire commercial one long “no homo” joke, with an extra little sprinkle of implied bestiality. Why did you go there, Marmot?
Prius
The Prius was supposed to be the focus of this Toyota’s Super Bowl ad, but some social media users found the ad’s cavalier approach to a police chase a bit tone-deaf in the context of current events. Four white guys (fun fact: All played by actors from “The Wire,” a show that understands race) rob a bank and lead the police on a wild chase — with shades of O.J. Simpson — except everyone is more enthralled with the fact that they’re in a Prius than the multiple crimes they’ve committed.
Bai
When this gold chain-wearing guy introduces himself as a horse whisperer (“Fancy prance, yo!”) we raised an eyebrow. There’s a borderline offensive joke going on here about a white guy who is heavily influenced by hip-hop (or at least thinks he is). Or maybe it’s just dumb — we can’t decide.
Xifaxan
The mascot for this medication, prescribed to treat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, is a little pink bundle of intestines. Don’t think about what his mouth is.
I'd like to urge all Americans to take good enough care of their intestines and their toenails so that these ads are no longer economical.
— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) February 8, 2016
Jublia
What, you thought you’d make it through Super Bowl 50 without seeing a toenail fungus commercial? For what it’s worth this year’s spot featured three celebrated retired NFL players: Deion Sanders, Howie Long and Phil Simms.
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