Going Down The Groundhog Hole

Let’s face it, 2020 was the longest 366 days of our lives. Yes, last year was a leap year, so we had an extra day in 2020. The pandemic has changed the way we live, how we work, and how we entertain ourselves. What’s left to do when an area that’s on lockdown? well, unless one is into video games, or playing board games/puzzles with the family, more likely a tone of streaming apps. We’ve probably watched more Netflix, Hulu, and Disney plus, between scrolling endlessly on social media, than we like to admit. Now it’s 2021, vaccinations are going slower than a powerful internet connection. People’s mental health is on a decline, as it seems we are reliving the same day over and over again repeatedly. Kind of like the film “Groundhog Day.”

This 1993 classic stars actor, Bill Murray, as Phil a weatherman who dreads going to this small town to report on groundhog day. He couldn’t wait for that day to be over, only for cruel fate to force him to relive it repeatedly. Just like us, Phil tries to make the most out of this unique experience. If you enjoyed that film, the show “Russian Doll” on Netflix is for you. Whether you’ve seen it already or not, it’s a great watch. It takes the concept of Groundhog Day and cranks it up with eight well-done episode seasons that will keep you entertained to the very end.

The show follows Emmy nominated actress, Natasha Lyonne, as Nadia a software engineer who is forced to relive her 36th birthday. This would be a nightmare for many of us. The mid-thirties’ is usually when people have their midlife crisis. Unlike Phil, who sleeps and wakes up on the same day, Nadia’s character involves her dying and waking up to her 36th birthday repeatedly. Talk about a midlife crisis that seems to have no end. This show's strength is how it balances out the comedy, drama, thrills, and psychological twists. Need I say more? This show can have you laughing one second and in tears in the next. What more would you want from a show? How about being re-watchable. There are deep meanings, clues, and symbols that most people will not catch the first viewing.

Unlike Phil, where he changes his attitude slightly to escape the cycle, Nadia doesn’t get off so easily. She has to investigate and do major personal growth in order to earn her way to the next day. If she messes up, she dies and starts right back on her 36th birthday. Kind of like a video game with little to no save options. She has to learn to open up, admit that she needs help, and most importantly allow others to help her. It’s these personal growths that separate this show from the film.

Lastly, let's discuss our own mental health. If you feel like Phil or Nadia where things seem hopeless, the days feel the same, or feelings of utter despair. You don’t have to suffer alone. You can seek out a counselor, where just talking/zooming with your friends and family isn't enough. Go to psychologytoday.com, type in your zip code, and a therapist in your area should pop up. “ But what if I can’t afford therapy ?” on their profile, look to see if they take your insurance if not, look for the words “ sliding scale.” What does this mean? The Therapist is willing to work with you and your finances. Let’s say they normally charge 100 dollars per hour. With sliding scale option, they may take it down to 60 dollars per hour. We are making progress with this pandemic, but still have a ways to go. Please stay safe and ask for help if you need it, just like Nadia had to in order to break the cycle.