Blog 3

“The Gang Saves the Day”

The episode is set with the main characters entering a liquor store. As they begin to look for food a robber comes in demanding for money. Then they ask themselves what they are going to do about the situation. We then see the imaginary fantasy of each member as to how they would react. Mac sees himself confronting the robber and fighting off Yakuza members and finally dying a hero’s death. Dee views the robbery as a way to get rid of her friends who try to use her as a way to escape and then betraying both her friends and robber. She goes into witness protection and becomes a popular actress. Dennis’s fantasy is being able to survive the robbery and overcoming physical rehabilitation. Frank imagines the robbery as a way for him to eat as many hot dogs as he can. Finally, Charlie’s perspective shows him saving his love life as she comes inside the store leading to them living a happy life together. In the end they all agree to rush out of the store with as many things as they can.

The episode explains to us the fantasies we usually have and the outcomes we hope for such as glorification and obtaining our desires. Each character has an outcome that benefits and empowers them. Mac’s view shows him being considered a great fighter and a hero in the eyes of his friends. Dee obtains fame by taking advantage of the situation and finding herself working for a show that makes her famous. Dennis is able to feel great about himself because he is able to recover from the accident without anyone’s help. Frank satisfies his hunger by eating as many hot dogs as he wants while the police deal with the situation. Charlie’s outcome leads to him living a dreamy life with his crush. Each situation is meant to boost their self esteem and build their egotistic view of themselves but in reality the situation is much more serious. They all agree to not risk their life and go the easy route out. They escape the scene but not before satisfying their greed and stealing snacks on the way out. As the article “The Relationship Between Television and Culture” states, “…television has both reflected and nurtured cultural mores and values.” The show reflects the amount of value we put into our desires leading to sacrificing anything and anyone to obtain them. In many situations we always hope that we are able to gain something out of it and don’t care about the impact it may have on others. When confronted by an actual problem, people try to run away to avoid the serious consequences that can cause them harm in many ways.