Anyway, as a former resident of California, when I watched Palm Springs and saw those dinosaurs, I just assumed this was a reference to the the Cabazon dinosaur Dinny, an Apatosaurus (created 1975). The catchphrase for the dinosaur sculptures (there’s also a T-rex) is “by design, not by chance” — the company that created these wonders is Creationist. This would point to a more deterministic outcome of “Palm Springs.” Sarah, who as you rightly claim is in more need of grace in this Groundhog Day situation than Nyles, was predestined to follow him sooner or later into the cave and then “by (her) design” work her own way out of the situation to move past this traumatic day while bringing Nyles with her.

In the loop situation, Sarah and Nyles are not unlike those dinosaurs – they are creatures from the past, unnatural on the wedding day since they have technically long moved beyond it into the future. If we don’t yet see them as relics, we must when they don that 80s garb when dancing in the bar (recall here Sarah’s side ponytail). Thus, they are relics of the past, much like the dinos but also like Palm Springs itself with it’s former Hollywood 1950s/60s glory, and are misunderstood by everyone on the perpetual day they must relive.

Also, if one is unaware of the existence of these dinos when cruising through Cabazon, they very much seem a Fata Morgana when they suddenly appear on the roadside as they are so lifelike (and true to size). One can’t help but think of the brevity of this life and the opportunities we have to make of it what we will before we too become fossils or (maybe better yet) a future roadside attraction created by whatever life form should take an interest in us next.

Okay, that’s my 2¢ to the dinos!