In this whimsical spot for Planters Peanuts, Mr. Peanut is having his Christmas party when a nutcracker arrives. The nutcracker apologizes for trying to crack Mr. Peanut previously, from which Mr. Peanut has a visible scar and a Band Aid to aid in healing. But right after Mr. Peanut accepts his apology, the nutcracker tries again to bite and crack Mr. Peanut, but a deft move with a cane prevents this wanton act of savagery, thank goodness.
And let it be known that everyone who attempts to eat a Planters peanut will be met with similar martial arts moves and public shaming. Let that be a lesson to all you murderous peanut eaters out there: peanuts are people too and are not for eating! (<At least, they’re not according to this ad, it seems.)
But all is not as it seems at this party, from what I have heard, for while this spot frames the issue with Mr. Peanut as the hero/victim, and the nutcracker as the villain/attacker, the truth is that the nutcracker only sought revenge against Mr. Peanut for the death of his best friend from a peanut allergy. There: who do you think is the villain of this piece now?
Here’s the nutty party piece:
