Michael: I dig these Allstate commercials. And it’s all because of the shining star who is Dean Winters. I mean … the guy’s been on everything: Homicide: Life On The Street, Millennium, Law & Order: SVU, Oz, Rescue Me and more, more, more. Each and every performance is highlighted with his unique take, vim and vigor.
Is it any wonder he makes these spots so brilliant?
Tara: Sometimes they make me nervous. But I guess that’s the whole point. To make me so panicked that mayhem will happen and I won’t be prepared, that I’ll run and join Allstate. You know, the whole “call to action” thing.
I do like Dean Winters. He’s perfect. I routinely chortle a bit at this jogging mayhem commercial. The mental picture he creates with his little pink headband slays me.
Michael: The thing that cracks me up is the disclaimer: “Demonstration only. Do not attempt.” It shows up right as Mayhem starts to jog. Seriously, no one should attempt jogging in a 3-piece suit with a pink headband. I can see where watching something like that would cause mayhem, y’know?
Michael: And then, in the commercial below, same thing. There’s that rockin’ disclaimer once more, warning the casual observer of the dangers of laying on a snow-topped roof in the dead of night. Because, you realize, if they didn’t put that disavowal, some Bozo nose would give it a try …
Tara: They absolutely would. Haven’t you watched all the stupid crud people do (and videotape) on America’s Funniest Videos? I’m getting awfully tired of disclaimers though.
Michael: Still, Tara, despite your weariness of them, they serve a purpose: “Don’t try this at home.”
Michael: Another thing I like is the background music in these little ditties — perfect ambient noise to accent the mayhem going on.
Tara: And Dean’s kinda hot too. I think it’s hilarious how he has all the cuts and band-aids from previous “mayhem.” It’s subtle. I like that. Oh, wait! *takes off pink headband*
Michael: Now, that last commercial? There’s nothing really outstanding about it, but it’s Winter’s delivery that really turns my crank. He seems so cool … so calculated … unaffected by anything around him. I mean, not even hearing “the market’s down a million points” fazes him. Mayhem: Tons cooler than the coolest guy you know …
Tara: And that would be you Michael … NOT! (I still cannot believe you haven’t seen Wayne’s World!)
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Apr 29, 2011 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
I love the GPS one! It always makes me think of that episode of The Office … love these commercials! :)
“Recalculating.” Perfect.
He also just came back as Dennis on 30 Rock last week.