Sci Fi Fidelity Podcast: Groundhog Day Episodes
Our genre television podcast hosts share their list of shows that had great time loop episodes in the style of the movie Groundhog Day.
In these days of coronavirus quarantine, one day can feel exactly like the next, and it reminded our Sci Fi Fidelity podcast hosts of the many repeating days that appear in time loop episodes of some current and classic TV shows. Bill Murray in Groundhog Day may have set the standard in cinema, but imitators on the small screen have taken the idea to new creative levels even as they emulate certain familiar aspects that have become the norm for episodes of this type.
For example, usually only one or two characters notice that a specific period of time is repeating, and they typically have a very difficult time convincing those around them that this has all happened before if they even try. Assuming there is a scientific or magical cause for the loop, there usually is a singular solution that the aware characters must find to break out of the cycle. Often, the show in question is able to use the Groundhog Day formula to force growth on the trapped character that they would not have otherwise been able to achieve.
The discussion begins with a classic example from Travelers episode “17 Minutes,” one of the shortest loops during which the Director must try to save the lives of the entire team.
The podcast’s earliest example comes from “Monday,” a standalone episode of The Magicians’ episode “Oops… I Did It Again,” which contains a loop that ends in the destruction of Earth unless one character can prevent it.
As usual with Sci Fi Fidelity discussion topics, the listeners contribute their own favorites including examples from several spin-offs of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and many more. The Groundhog Day episode has become a genre television standard that usually produces more enjoyment than the average bottle episode. To hear the full discussion, subscribe to Sci Fi Fidelity! Each week we review a currently airing show, discuss a topic of interest to genre television, or interview someone from behind the scenes of our favorite series. Find us in your podcast app of choice or simply listen below!