Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson for December 13, 2023

Hmm maybe he is made up.

Because when you hear him play, you want to hurl…

Maybe you’re both imaginary. If either one of you stops believing in the other, then both will vanish.

One time there were five sets of teeth.

Panel 3: Got sort of a Teddy Roosevelt thing going there.

I’ve always thought the entire strip is Petey’s dream. Remember the Newhart show? Like that.

The band gonna be rockin’ with Ernesto aka “Chops” and “The Hurlitzer” in da house.

Very few shows beat the ending of the Bob Newhart show

I’m going with that imagination thing too, Petey. With regard to a lot of people in this world.

Does he know how to play the trombone? LOL

Does Ernesto even know the old name for the trombone was “saqueboute" (in French) or a “sackbut” (in English)? Saying Sackbut might embarrass Petey.

Peak Ernesto.

I hope that Ernesto’s doesn’t steal Petey’s seat next to the xylophone. Viola D’More and Petey Potterpoop make beautiful music together.

“…for all the silver I’ve let slide…”

That’s a reasonably good name for a trombone.

Quite the set of choppers, there. Maybe Ernesto is related to the Cheshire Cat, and pops in and out at will.

Looks like Petey’s backpack weighs more than he does.

A gentleman is someone who can play the trombone but doesn’t.

Stand by your Imagination, Petey! Coming up with bizarre “Ernesto Lacuna” is a great imaginary scenario (far better than toad zombies, as far as that goes)….

I felt the same way recently, on waking from a particularly vivid dream. I felt as if I was watching—while participating in—a very well-made television drama. Fascinating story, great production values. I impressed myself.