Bad Machinery by John Allison for September 23, 2019

Never tit about with Hypokalemia, Wickle.

Shauna really has a huge pride. She can deal with Mr. Knott’s judgment without weakness. Really impressive. But Blassom was right to protest. She was the victim of an ambush.

Blossom doesn’t participate in any school activities, does she? (I assume the D&D gaming is all completely extracurricular.) So isn’t she getting off with just a warning that if she fights again she will be suspended?

I realize that school is almost out for the summer (which is why Mr. Knott said that suspending them would just extend their vacation), but why is it in session at all? The girls were looking at their exam scores on the bulletin board, so what’s left after their exams?

Assuming they’re in Knott’s office, I like that his plant is a cactus.

I have to assume it can’t be much of a punishment for either of them since the school term is almost over. Unless he’s banned them from clubs forever — which would be out of proportion to the offense. And frankly, they have a good argument for no punishment since Blossom was ambushed, no adult would step in to stop it, and Shauna was the only person willing to help her.

Remember, children: After you tear the Council of Bitches to shreds, be sure to eat a banana.

What does Mrs. Lord teach, again (besides being fabulous, I mean)?

Well, he didn’t ban you from swimming exactly, he just banned you from the swimming club. So get your friends together for a weekly visit at a city pool. Surely there’s still one somewhere in the UK that Lottie hasn’t been banned for life from yet…

That all said, I agree with Knott too, and frankly I think he’s going light on them because he’s smart enough to recognize there was a bigger story behind all of this, and that this didn’t happen “just because.” But he can’t condone them fighting, as that’d only encourage it happening again, and it’s part of his job to ensure that it doesn’t. Otherwise, well, all heck breaks loose as we already saw happen with Knott’s would-be replacement.

I wonder what punishment the 5 brawlers from the Council of Bitches received. They were sent to the head’s office, so I assume it was worse.

Potassium is important at moments like these.

Ruddy – euphemism for bloody.

Reddish in colour.

Where’s that ruddy lightbulb? I’m ruddy sick of losing em!