How have TV commercials changed in the past six months?

When I used to be a regular TV watcher, I viewed commercials as a kind of cultural pulse, as well as information about the demographic that was expected to be tuned into the show I was watching. (Car and beer ads are for one expected audience, disposable diapers and hand cream for another.) Now I see them only when I watch TV once every 4 years: Olympics, presidential elections. So even if I tuned in now, I wouldn’t be able to make a comparison. I’m curious, though.

A surprisingly consistent theme I’ve observed in American television advertising in the past (10 or more years ago) has been essentially this: “You deserve, are entitled to, owe it to yourself to have or enjoy this {luxury | convenience | pleasure | benefit}.”

I am wondering how the advertising message may have changed during these worried times. Is there less emphasis on the indulgent, more on the practical? Is there a twist toward inexpensive luxuries? Is there a big trend toward (low-cost) escapism, as there was during the Great Depression? Is the predominant theme to save, save, save money? Or is it about denial and optimism?

What are your impressions of how television advertisers and marketers have changed their tunes to suit the times?