[toshiba tony]

It seems from the poster lacing isn't starting so at this stage the reel idler (if fitted) will not be employed. Does the drum rotate at any stage? On vcr's of most makes the mech usually shuffles in both directions, probably to check if the tape has snapped. If either reel goes too fast the vcr will detect this and eject the cassette. Another reason the mech shuffles is to prepare the tape for lacing, (no possible slack).