Original Commentary
The thing where you spend more on a claw machine than the prize is worth? We've done that. Not just more than the prize costs - because those things can't wholesale for more than a dollar or two. But "We could've gone on eBay and got one for less than this. Including shipping" money. - Terrence

Modern Commentary
This part is kinda based on a true story. Our local Dennys had a claw machine like this. It had a Furby plush that Isabel wanted, so I tried to get it for her.

Fortunately, the machine had a cap of $20, so if you spent that much it would let you pull until you got something. This was at $0 when we started, of course. We kept having to go back to the hostess for more quarters, hoping that some kid wouldn't come in and pity break us.

Fortunately for me, Isabel actually wanted this and wasn't just trying to get me to go home. It cost me the full $20, though - Terrence

Original Commentary
After a while, it's not about the prize itself any more. It's about not wanting to lose and wanting to do something nice for the person you love and trying to make sure the night ends well.

It's 50 cents a try, so he's up to $30. But at this point, it's not about the brant toy. It's not about impressing his woman. It's him versus the machine, and he's not going to back down first - Terrence

Modern Commentary
Yeah, re-reading this, I don't think Jane really wanted the brant toy. She would've been just as happy if he had skipped this. He's fixating on what he wants to do for her rather than what she wants.

Much like Patrick two chapters ago, Robert is tired and could've been charming but isn't. - Terrence

Original Commentary
Almost as cute as a real Brant, isn't it? - Terrence

Modern Commentary
The trick is to grab it by the head. The limbs are all sewn together so there's no way to get a claw arm in there. - Terrence