a big crowd is standing in a park-like clearing off a residential street. they are gathered around a large mound of dirt enclosed by a rail fence, waiting for the big moment. for a cold gray dawn, there is the atmosphere of a festival here. an area close to the mound is roped off for news reporters and cameras. rita stands there, a pocket of genuine beauty in this sea of potbellied old union guys and blow-dried reporters.
phil is walking through the crowd. he spots nancy, walks up to her and greets her half-heartedly .
the crowd is waiting expectantly for the groundhog to appear phil is a wreck, squatting unprofessionally in front of the camera.
the groundhog is just poking his head out of the hole. he stands full height and looks around. phil looks directly at the groundhog with hate and scheming madness. suddenly, phil whips out a big kitchen knife from under his icoat and dives at the groundhog. town officials and police throw themselves on phil as the groundhog scampers safely back into his hole. rita and larry videotape the incident, aghast at phil's insane attack.
rita and larry are in the packed press area, beginning to set up the equipment. phil arrives, carrying two cups of coffee.
phil stands in front of the camera, giving his report.
phil is delivering another report.
phil is delivering his report. everyone there is silent and listening to phil. even the other reporters have turned their cameras on him.