Hugo believes that what he sees inside the TV is real life. It’s like Poltergeist where ghosts commune with a family through the television set. The difference here is TV dogs speak directly to Hugo.
Hugo has a soft spot for neglected hounds.
The second ASPCA commercials air, Hugo runs to watch them. Once over, he spends time carefully looking behind the TV in a vain attempt to get to them.
At the dog park.
You’ve seen the Progressive commercial where the primary speaking line by a progressive agent is, “At the dog park,” right? Welp, Hugo has advanced to knowing the music and voice sounds from this Progressive commercial and upon hearing it, he immediately bolts to the TV.
Sure, it seems harmless. But the first time Hugo turns and eerily intones, “They’re here,” that’s it. We’ll no longer be watching TV around here. If glasses break or spoons bend? We’ll be moving to a safer location. 😉
Now you know: The film, Poltergeist, was released June 4, 1982 and earned $76 million in the US making it the highest grossing horror film of the year, and 8th overall.