Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for October 06, 2017

Live long and prosper, Gunther. (How about Food Network and/or Travel Channel instead?)

ok, moving along now……………… and dancing with trekkies.

Just stay away from HGTV, or you’ll never leave the couch

Nothing. Nothing new presented here to comment upon.

Long arc.

At least get rid of the donuts and eat healthier.

Tiffany exemplifies what happens to sheltered children that never experience failure.

This, alas, points out that they’ve very different tastes.

I get Tiffany. Tired of struggling, fighting against, like a fish swimming upstream – feeling unvalidated and unworthy. Wanting to just sit down and say he** to it all and drown in my sorrows, be that Ben and Jerry or filler donuts. Watching marathon TV shows is calming and mesmerizing. So easy to forget your troubles and the world. Been there and done that. Tiffany will bounce back, perhaps not to the old Tiffany but a grown up version – she would have to, after this epiphany.

I am worried that there is not a buildup for a good surprise cliffhanger for tomorrow.

All I can think of is Tiffany’s phone ringing.

“Dad?’”

Hey, Gunther and Tiffany. I have this vague recollection that you both go to a university. How about doing something at the university?

Man after my own heart Gunth

In a few months, she’ll be able to plant herself on the couch, eat donuts and pizza, and watch the Olympics.

Well, she’s halfway there. She’s aware that she’s always competing. She just hasn’t figured out that life’s not supposed to be a competition.

Hey Gunth? Turner Classic Movies! Like “His Girl Friday.” or of course “Casablanca.”

Or something a bit more recent, like the “Graduate.”

OR (WAIT for it) “Breakfast at Tiffany’s!”

Tender with doughnuts. Has its good points, but now I can’t predict, accept that I hold on to the theory that this is tied to Ann Eiffel and her machinations, and the Fuse, and TJ, Mr. Grey, Les, and the whole crew. Tiffany needs to grow, but part of that is finding out what her relationship with her father, the shrew who seems to be crowding her out (Ann), and how Gunther fits into the scenario, friend, or more? Oh the possibilities!

This is turning out to be a much more mature (emotional-wise) story arc than what people seem to have expected. Though part of me says “good for her” for no longer working so hard for daddy’s approval. Another part still wants her off the couch, and into the world. Or maybe that’s part of the problem. She’s spent so much time and effort trying to live up to what daddy would approve of. She is unsure of what she wants for herself

Whoa, Gunther is into marathons?

Oh come on there must be something a little more “adult” to watch…may I suggest “The Dreamers”, it’s about college kids too.

If sitting is the new smoking, that makes us all smokers. Please pass the asstray.

Hmmmm, the look Tiff gives Gunth in the final panel is very telling. As Spock himself might say… “Fascinating.”

Am I dreaming or does Tiff have a gleam in her eye?

Tiffany’s awareness that she viewed life as a competition and struggle for her father’s approval is huge. Tiffany letting her hair down and telling Gunther about this is even bigger, as is the camaraderie that they seems to be growing between them. This is one of the most emotionally mature arcs we’ve seen in this strip – right up there with Toni and Brad’s long slog to the altar. It’s kind of a surprise, though a nice one, that it features Tiffany rather than Luann.

They are actually talking and Tiffany is connecting dots. I agree that there is some emotional maturation going on here.Gunther may be introducing Tiffany to something new and not academic. At the very least they can share a humorous moment. Friendship may be growing broader.There may be something here that wasn’t here before. I sure hope that Gunther doesn’t divulge details as at least Luann and Bernice are going to want to hear.

The way Tiffany is looking up at Gunther in the last panel, it is as if she has reached acquiescense with him, a kind of “I’m done, you tell me what to do next.”

.

I have this feeling that she is comfortable with Gunther to the point where she would like him to hug her, to hold her, and Gunther, realizing how fragile she is at this moment, will silently respond to her without being his usual awkward self. Sometimes someone just wants to be held, nothing beyond that, nothing wrong with that.

I’m holding out hope for these two – however Star Trek marathons is not the answer. Tiff dosn’t need a lesson in nerdiness.

Upon further reflection – maybe the Star Trek marathon IS a good idea – if Tiff & Gunther would wind up asleep in each other’s arms.

I would suggest cop shows, but then – all those donuts!

Not sure I’m ready for this…

Love me some History/Military History Channel

This has been an interesting arc, but today it has kind of slowed to a crawl. Something a little more exciting – positive or negative – has got to happen on Saturday.

For some reason Gunther doesn’t strike me as a Star Trek fan.

C’mon, he could’ve suggested, hey maybe we could do something healthy together to get your mind off of it. How about a Jog, a healthy meal, etc. ? Something positive would be great during these times out here in the real world the vicious jungle called life.

Careful with that Restless Young Doctors Dance with Housewives stuff there, Mr. Evans; some network executive somewhere might read it and start thinking it’s a good idea…

Great choice! Depends on which! But to each their own too!

Every episode of “The Walking Dead”.

Law and Order does it for me. Those marathons rock, Best episode ever was “Screwed”.

When I was very depressed, and was unable to sleep, I watched Dr. Who marathons. After a while it was “Who’s Who?”

I may just not remember, but has there ever been an explanation as to why Tiffany’s mother is not around?

The best Tif can do is put her dad on the back burner, use his money, get an education, become a bigger success than him, then rub it in his face and land Gunther

Good choice Gunther. There’s nothing legitimate on the History Channel anymore.

I think Gunther should get her dressed for a hike and they should go seek salamanders again, and read about their slippery wiggling, in the name of science. Now that she seems to have emotional overeating, get her out of the house!

Avuncular advice to my toon niece from Luanaphile: 1) Quit trying to change what you have no power over. 2) Get a “trade” and independence by being smart about your college education 3) No need to compete with dad, or his girlfriends, or to earn his conditional love. Family or not, we have to let go of people who are toxic for us. 4) Does seem like Gunther will have to be wooed, if you really have that kind of interest. Otherwise, what a great friend! (worth more right now). 5) Don’t get hung up on my advice either, Sweetie, it’s your life.

Actually, these days the History Channel is pretty much just phony “reality” shows, too.

5

Several thoughts while I have my morning coffee and pipe break:

1. I am quite pleased at how Tiffany is being honest with Gunther, but I think it is even more valuable that she is being honest with herself about her feelings. In the past, she would seemingly ignore her feelings by shopping, or “flaunting” her wealth etc.

2. She states today that she has always had to work hard to get her father’s attention. This statement supports my opinion that Tiffany’s Dad has been more of an “absentee” father…. he is her parent/guardian… but he is not around much nor very focused on Tiffany. He easily and willingly works to “handle” his parenting of Tiffany by throwing money at things. This is why I have had the assumption also that he is a sort of “player” and probably has dated extensively over the years.

3. The television binging on the “soapy-dancing” sorts of shows with donuts is kind of sterotypically true. Often, it could also involve ice cream or chocolate. “Dancing With the Stars” and the various soap operas all tend to skew more to a women dominant audience.

4. However, I think Gunther has a great idea here today. Even though Greg made the “Star Trek” comment as a commentary of the respective differences in likes by Gunther and Tiffany….. I think that if Tiffany were to watch some of the Star Trek episodes (especially the original series), she would probably find their philosophical constructs enlightening and valuable…. and they would help her perhaps see a bigger world view than what she is feeling at the moment.

Pipe and coffee are finished. Back to work for me.

By now should not have whatever Sketchy-McGoo plan that Ann and Leslie were cooking up have gone down?

I like this story but telling someone with obesity issues to simply exercise more or to stop eating donuts is simplistic and highly insensitive. As the story shows there are emotional reasons behind Tiff’s problem and platitudes or blaming the victim do not help at all. I hope none of you treat obese people in your real lives with such obtuseness. Gunther is doing the right thing, listening and offering light-hearted advice. A friend is what Tiff needs now, not a school marm.

GREAT Comments from Just About EVERYBODY, Here Today. And Some Interesting “Solutions.”

However, I STILL Say that Tiffany NEEDS to Face Her “problem” Head On, by Meeting Her Dad’s “Girlfriend,” at a family setting, much like the “Berger Family Dinner.” And Tiffany Should Take Gunther WITH Her, when She does.

And While it’s too much to HOPE for that the Girlfriend has a HOT 19 teen year old Daughter, Let’s Also HOPE She DOESN’T have a Slimy, Sleazeball Nephew, like Les…..,

This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Why, so she can glean guidance from Counselor Troy?

Something happened in the last panel – some kind of unspoken communication or something.

Boo hoo hoo Whiny spoiled Tiffany. Ivanka Trump when Daddy …whoever! Geez.

Gunther, put on this episode from Star Trek, TNG: “The Inner Light”…

Tiffany, with doughnuts, at Moony U. Gunther, when the tears fell.

The Evans’ are commenting about certain TV shows and are implying that they’re pretty much a waste of time (sorry, but the bulk of their references are just that). HOWEVER, I like that they did a TV Title Mash-Up, and as I admire satire and parody so much, I’m compelled to catch up on THESE shows:

“Match Game of Thrones”

“Dr. Who’s the Boss”

“South Parks and Recreation”

“The Simpsons of Anarchy”

AND, from a little while back:

“The Wild, Wild West Wing”

“Small Wonder Years”, and,

“Touched by Charlie’s Angels”

That’s a new side of Tiffany. She is becoming human.

Tiffany is starting to be a ‘real’ person, a human being that needs attention and approval now and then. But her efforts are misdirected. She’s trying too hard in all the wrong ways. With Gunther she doesn’t have to try so hard.

It’s extremely rare for me to favorite a strip, but this one makes the cut. :)

It’s a beautiful depiction of the comfortable teasing that can only go over well between good friends – for now, Gunther is definitely cheering Tiffany up just fine, with acceptance and humor.

“………..But it’s all right now, i learned my lesson well. you see, ya can’t please everyone, so ya got to please yourself…….….”

-Ricky Nelson

The Tiffany Epiphany

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The Tiffany epiphany may be ipso facto just as you see.

The epiphany of Tiffany is all quid pro quo from her daddy.

Our Tiffany epiphany is all amicus curiae. On bended knee.

My epiphany towards Tiffany is nolo contendere—just let me be!

Again, pinch-hitting for JayBluE:

“Submitted For Your Dad’s Approval”

“A Compete Confession”

“A Star Trek Marathon, With Gunther To ‘Cling On’!”

“The Don’t-Wannabe”

Nice to see her smile a bit in the last panel. Even though it’s a tired, slightly sad smile. Lean to your left, Tiff. There’s a nice shoulder to rest your head on.

yeah.. anger can be exhausting.

Comments on two recent comments in relation to character development:

1. Understanding the basis of Tiffany’s need to compete gives very important insight. If relayed to Luann it may also help her.

Having Tiffany recognize this after much needed introspection is THE FIRST STEP TOWARD SELF-DIRECTED CHANGE.

That makes today’s strip very important!

2. We have spoken about the possibility of Tiffany’s father feeling overwhelmed when he became a single dad.

This brings up two warring definitions of the word, “ignorant”.

In the most common modern definition there is the implication of a willful failure to learn.

But in the 19th century educated class definition (esp in the sciences per C Maxwell) there was a very different take. Then the word “ignorant” implied entering an intellectual frontier to explore. Obviously, that definition was a very positive one.

I could imagine Tiff’s dad perhaps first considering his changed role in the second way, but as he felt overwhelmed receding more and more into the comfort of his more familiar work setting. Obviously, i coukd be wrong on either point, but it might fit.

The last panel should be a complete blackout. Then I wonder how all of you would speculate on what’s going on with them.

This is that moment, that point in their relationship where one right or wrong word will make Gunther and Tiffany just friends for life, or a romantic couple.

It can be nice to just secede from the world every once in a while. But then you have to re-join it.

Everything in life I need to know, I learned from StarTrek.

They fall asleep watching bad TV. It matters not what program.

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Wake up heavy Tiff’ny, wake up. wake up heavy Tiff’ny, wake up.

The TV wasn’t so hot, it didn’t have much of a plot

We fell asleep, out goose is cooked, Bernice is still such a snot.

Wake up heavy Tiff’ny, wake up. wake up heavy Tiff’ny

What are you gonna tell your RA, what you gonna say to Dez

What ya gonna tell your friend Luann? Did you really choke on Pez?

Wake up heavy Tiff’ny, wake up. wake up heavy Tiff’ny

Well I told my mama that I’d be back by e’ght

Now Tiff’ny, did we really have a tête-à-tête?

Wake up…

.

Wake up heavy Tiff’ny, wake up. wake up

No, not Star Trek, Gunnther! Get Tiffany to watch some of those things on PBS/educational channels—carpentry, gardening, all kinds of DIY projects. Anything that will get her moving again! Even Richard Simmons!

Luann = dysfunctional relationships are us.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Looks Like Dez had the Right “Idea”……,

I doubt that Tiffany has gained as much weight as the sweats would seem to symbolize, but more than she is used to carry, more than a young woman in her strata would find acceptable. She seems to be made up, so that habit has remained. This is a pretty telling arc in the strip; I’ve seen the actions of peers and acquaintances what can happen when a parent is distant from a child. Now we know in part why Tiffany always has to be ‘the winner’ even when there’s no contest announced, as we now have a clue about Leslie’s rage and bullying.

The problem with marathon tv watching is that one tends to mindless eat whatever while you’re watching. Better to get Tiff out for a nice walk in the garden.

Could your treatment of women possibly be any worse in this comic? They’re either the “dream hot and sexy girl that the nice guy gets” (but forget about the guy ever being physically attractive— he just has to be nice); the ‘housewife who goes out with a young doctor’ (of course, god forbid should a doctor be female); the ‘sexy lingerie girl’ (I thought I was going to be sick), the ‘oh my god, she’s not anorexic so that means she’s fat’ girl who ‘ate too much so now she’s unattractive’ (but almost all the guys in your comic are chubby and no one bats an eye); and let us not forget that the one time Gunther moved away for a woman, of course in the end you created an arc where it ’didn’t work out’ so he ultimately moved back. But of course women always move to where men need to be and no one has a problem with that!