Since 2010, Wendy Thomas has filled the void left by her father in advertisements for their family's fast food restaurant. Speaking directly to the camera, the Thomas' earnestly share their devotion to making the best burger within their abilities. This set them apart from gimmicky and trite competing ads.
In the past year, however, their sensibilities have changed at the hands of Kansas City agency VML. Wendy Thomas has been all but removed from the air, while a much thinner, prettier "Wendy" spouts puns and catchphrases. This is not to fault actress Morgan Smith Goodwin, who is simply doing her job. The fault lies on the culture that would sideline a powerful Wendy's executive and the original mascot because an agency doesn't deem her camera-worthy. The Thomas family deserves better.