From Dell’s lead agency Y&R NY comes this enchanting new TV spot that tells the story of a cubicle slave named Thomas and his aspirations to be something more.

Obviously, 2013 finds Dell in quite a different spot than they were in a decade ago. While “Dude, You’re Getting a Dell” was seen as a major success in convincing parents worldwide that their college-bound spawn actually needed a computer, the company is now the butt of tech jokes. In fact, consider this headline from last week’s edition of The Onion: “Dell Acquired By Gateway 2000 In Merger Of 2 Biggest Names In Computer Technology.” Yes, Michael Dell‘s buyout of the company is seen to be as relevant as Gateway 2000. Ouch.

Dell has been relying big on Y&R, especially after parting ways with Sid Lee and Arnold in January. With spots like “Thomas: Creator of an Alternate Universe,” Y&R proves that Dell made a wise move consolidating their commercial work with one agency. Not only do we get some great visuals, but we actually see the Dell XPS laptop in action, looking (to be honest) surprisingly forward-thinking for a company that my generation sees as playing catch-up for the last few years. Add to great advertising some bold business moves, and Dell could yet find the pathway to long-term profitability. Credits and a behind-the-scenes clip after the jump.

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Never heard of Bojangles’? Don’t be too surprised. According to their website, Bonjangles’ are only located in these states (and Honduras, for some reason). They’re like Chick-Fil-A or Popeye’s, but only located in SEC country where people talk in a drawl and most folks subsist on a diet of exclusively chicken and biscuits. It’s a strange place, the south, so their televisions ads must seem as odd to those in the godless north as the idea of wearing a button down Confederate flag shirt to a fancy restaurant. It would seem, for example, that Kentucky is apparently too forward thinking for a Bojangles’ franchise.

It would make sense in this case that “It’s Bo Time” is Bojangles’ slogan, after “Ain’t no party like a Bojangles’ party” proved to be a bit of a mouthful (kidding). In the spot from production company HELLO!, LA titled “Coach,” the high school (or college) football coach in question truly deserves some sort of award for his acting chops. When his players pour a bucket of hot chicken grease on his back, wow does he look surprised!

Residents of the southern United States, this is how stupid a production company from LA thinks you are. This is how stupid BooneOakley, NC thinks you are. This is how stupid a fast food restaurant thinks you are. They think you’ll find this crap hilarious. You know what? Yankees assume you’ll laugh at this, too. This whole campaign is a sad mess of condescension being vomited out in your face with a side of gravy.

Two more spots and credits after the jump, including one ad that offers a quarter gallon of iced tea for 99 cents.

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