I’m feeling sorry for the Video Only couple. It’s not because of their obsession with video equipment, though perhaps a pastime such as golf or trainspotting would lead to a more balanced view of the world.
I see no justification of them to be stuck with the sisyphusian task of determining the optimal commercial establishment to procure new video equipment over and over again; one cannot help but compare their predicament with that of Phil Conners (so ably portrayed by Bill Murray) in Groundhog day, but despite the forced repetition of the same day, the aforementioned Conners was still able to achieve real character growth despite the obvious constraints of his situation.
Jane and Doug – as I have taken to calling the couple – are destined to be eternally dissatisfied with their current equipment in their endless task of keeping up with their neighbors, endlessly researching prices on the internet and at other retailers, only to ultimately discover the advantages of Video Only. We follow their voyage of discovery, wondering if they will achieve their goal despite the obstacles in the way, and finally cheering their success, while still knowing in our hearts that their victory is Pyrrhic and confers no lasting benefit.
So, what do you think ?