Beyond just beer and BBQ, the SuperBowl is as much a lesson in advertising as it is in football. Long considered, the most expensive ads on television ($2.6 million for a 30-second spot), this year’s crop of commercials were mostly uninspiring or noteworthy.  Granted, you had those cute talking baby E-trade commercials, the classic Clydesdales, and “the much to do about” Tim Tebow controversy. But it was Google’s love story that stole the show. With lots of social media buzz the day after.

The following 60-second spot, marked Google’s first foray into TV advertising. More importantly, it tells a story, and a memorably charming one at that. Without ever uttering a sound, beyond the overlay soundtrack. Notice how it invites you as the viewer to participate. It gets you emotionally invested both in its content and in its form. Of course it helps when the subject is a romantic Parisian star-crossed love.

What do you think? Comments welcome.