Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for June 14, 2018

Yes. About leverage we shall talk.

Leverage, but done honestly?

What does a TV show have to do with anything?

I don’t care for the sound of this. Have no idea how much Les owes but this sounds like Ann could get by with her scam. If so, she’ll do it again. The gang should have gone to the cops as soon as they realized the had been scammed IMHO.

Ah, “Leverage.” In other words, “Blackmail.” Nice going Al. Now We KNOW why things get done whenever you’re around. You’re holding something over EVERYBODY’S Head. J. Edgar Hoover would have been proud.

Well Les. looks like your debt to Ann is about to get CANCELLED. Seems like Crime DOES pay.

Depending on Who’s holding ALL the “cards”…..,

At the risk of being an I-told-you-so, the solution to this arc will not involve the police, let alone a prosecutor.

When Less runs into someone smarter than him, he’ll succeed. Looks like he’s about to do just that, thanx to uncle Hitch. He’s quiet, not stupid!

@TIARELLACLARK – We haven’t heard from you for about 6 days. You’all OK?

And, by Tom Farrell not taking action, any legal, out in the open, clear her name now and forever action, to keep his girlfriend free from harm action, Tom can now never be looked upon as an honest upright Better Business Bureau model citizen.

There is no leverage unless the police were never contacted.

@MORDY – Don’t read Luann Againn today.

On BABYLON 5 a fellow working with the shadows kept asking folks what they really wanted. I think it was Vir who told him he wanted to see his head on a pike or a pole. Had a nice ending too.

I thought Les paid off his debt to his mom when she made money off her fake lingerie scam.

So the Souffle client list will be used for good eh? Looks like blackmail, you leave me alone mom, and release me from the debt, and we go our separate ways. Or your vulnerability will be exposed. Interesting that letting go of a bad parent, by a young adult, seems to be the path the arc is taking, just as it did for Tiffany. It’s all about the parents, and how they can be negative on their offspring, and the offspring have to find their own path to make emotional progress. What happens to Tom and Tiffany remains to be seen I think. Romance with Tiffany? Gunther or Les? I think that is not on the table. People can change, give Les a chance.

Uncle Al: “I work in construction and I know all about leverage. This paper, for example, would make a very poor lever.”

Leverage = blackmail. Al Gray wants that as much as Les! Now they’re a team against Ann. Just how does he plan to use that guest list?

I thought of this weeks ago and posted in the comments. Les trades the guest list and gets off Ann’s case – and Ann writes off the remainder of whatever Les owes her. Ann will be steamed – however I think Ted would tell her to go for it.

Now the next question. What do you plan on doing once she’s gone?

Al seems like he has experience in this department.

Les’s debt is transferred to Al?

That very silly idea that Les’s policeman dad set up a wining lottery ticket trust fund now looks a lot Les silly.

Leverage does not equal blackmail. Leverage means using a resource that you have to get a result you want. Les has the list that Ann wants. Al is simply advising that, instead of Les trying to get those who were scammed to contact Ann for a refund they probably would never get, that Les let Ann know she can only have the list back if she first agrees (in some legal form) that Les no longer is obligated to pay her back for his use of her credit card.

Of course, none of this would return money to those who were scammed, and Ann would not be penalized for the scam. But Les would get to ‘move on’ with his life, in much the same way that Tiffany can move on with her life if she stops trying to convince her father to spend time, not money, on her.

Not the solution that those eager for ‘justice’ want, but a solution to one problem, at least. And maybe when Les gets his distance from Ann, he gets to be ‘less’ and ‘less’ of a bad guy….

Speaking of leverage, what happened to all those boxes of unsold lingerie left behind at the Fuse? Last we saw, they were sitting in the background before Ann stormed out (March 1, 2018). https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2018/03/01

Ann probably has some other type of leverage to counter his leverage.

I think Al Gray’s surname is just a cover. Methinks it’s more likely “Gotti” or “Gambino”. Just saying…

Mr Gray’s character had quite been eponymous- gray suit, dark face, gray personality without any visible emotions. Now with a single word ‘leverage’ Greg has finally given him some colour.

I like the idea. Truly, they have very little on her. Without the manufacturer taking her to court it’s nothing except a threat to “out” her to the people she scammed. The chances that the manufacturer will press charges is very small. Court cases are expensive and she is one little side show seller.

How can he cut ties with her without cutting ties with Al?

I’d say Mr Gray learned a few things while growing up on how to survive his sister’s schemes.

Mr. Gray! How little we thought we knew you!

Could someone remind me why Les owes his mother money?

Yep. It’s “Al the Fixer” mode. Looks like those who proffered that Al would “Make her an offer she can’t refuse” weren’t too far off.

Ooo – I like where Uncle Al is going with this.

And of course, Al should decide what he wants out of this, besides helping his nephew. Can he make her leave town and fess up to Tom?

Not sure I like where this is going. It sounds like Al is going to offer a trade which will reinforce in Les the idea that being crooked works. The deal is: “Mom, I’ll let you get away with fraud if you write off my theft of funds.”

I hope that’s not the case. This certainly would not be A cartoon I would show my kids. I basically taught myself to read as a kid by reading “the funny papers.” It also developed in me a wide vocabulary. But then, the strips of the 1940’s are a lot different than today. Today there is no longer a Prince Valient.

Reading (most) of the above comments leads me to think that many of you are clueless…

Les has found his muse!

Whether or not the list, on its own, is leverage, has yet to be determined. We have to hope that Tiff didn’t keep a copy of it nor sent it to Souffle. Otherwise, it’s no leverage at all, the cat being out of the bag. And, as someone stated above, Ann could have her own leverage. We’ll have to see. But I like how Al is teaching Les how to approach the issue.

As I said… time to talk to The Expert.

Whatever happened to the French lady in Paris (forgot her name) who owns the Souffle business? SHE is the one who should take action against this fraud. And she was alerted, wasn’t she? Or am I mis-remembering? This arc seems like it started quite awhile ago and my memory is crap nowadays.

Watch Grasshopper—and learn from the Master.

COMING UP ON A VERY SPECIAL ‘LUANN’

Ann – “Alright You little Blackmailer, what do you want?”

Les – "It’s called “Leverage,” Ann. I’m a uuuh, Leveragemailer! And What I want is My Debt to you CLEARED once and for All! And I want $2,000 a month for life! Oh, and I also want your car! And if You DON’T do this, I’m gonna call all these nice ladies on this list and tell them you ripped them off! Plus I’m calling the Cops!"

Ann – “Why You miserable little %^#@!”

Les – "I’m not finished. I’m also going to introduce myself to your Boyfriend Tom, and tell him how much I’m looking forward to him being my “Dad!”

Ann – “NOOOOOOOOO! Alright, (Sniff) its a deal! Here’s a check for 7 grand and the keys to the car. I’ll mail you the title later along with the 1st two thousand dollar check! How could You? And to Think I once breastfed you!”

Les – "THAT, was the ONLY “Good” thing you ever did for me,Ann. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go to Tiffany’s place and celebrate Vigorously all night long…..,

Looks to me like Mr. Gray has some experience with “family” matters!

MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT IN THE DORMITORY PARKING LOT

Les – "HEY!! “Who” are You Guys???"

Manny – “Don’t You remember us? I’m Moe. I’m the ‘twerp’ you shoved out of the way on 06/02/2014! And I’ve been working out at Gold’s Gym every single day since, looking forward to the day I pound your nose up into a 45 degree angle!”

Moe – “My name’s Moe. I’m the guy you extorted money from on 06/03/2014!”

Jack – “And I’m Jack. I’m the guy you had shoved up against the wall and threatened on 06/05/14! And We’re all here for You, Les Knox!”

Les – “(GULP!) That was in High School! You all supposed to for forget all that! Wh…,What are you going to do???”

Moe – “Well you see Manny here is going to POUND you into the pavement while Jack and I CHEER him on. Unless….,”

Les – “Anything! Anything! Just don’t hurt my nose!”

Manny – “Good. I want you grovel in abject FEAR while you lick my boots!”

Moe – “And I want my money back at 10,000% Interest!”

Jack – "And I want your car! Oh and there’s this Guy named Gunther, who couldn’t make because he had to attend a sewing bee. He says He wants your future girlfriend Tiffany, that SHOULD have been HIS in the first damn place back in 2015, but the creators thought that by pairing her with you, AND making him look like a jealous chump, there’d be more “material” for future story lines. And Gunth says wants you to leave the Strip and NEVER return, just like Aaron Hill!"

Les – “It’s a Deal. Just DON’T Hurt Me!”

Manny – “Smart move! Now there’s just one more thing….,” (Punches Les in the stomach)

Les – (Gasp, Wheeze, Cry) Wh…What was THAT for??"

Manny – "THAT was from some girl named “Rosa.” She said to tell you, “Hi.”

Careful. This strip is being taken over by outsiders talking about another outsider. The only outsider I want to invite in is Tara in the drawing class.

TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT HERE! Last week, wasn’t our fear that Les would only focus on getting out of payments to Ann? Now, apparently, that’s exactly the advice Les is going to get from Al!

It’s now apparent that Al is fully aware of Ann ‘s checkered life. It’s also clear he’s aware of Les ‘ checkered past (though that’s not surprising, either). And while it’s not necessarily Al ‘s responsibility to “take her down,” his advice appears to gloss over Les ‘ responsibility for his (Les) actions in the past.

As in, “You want out of paying off Ann, follow me!”

Wasn’t Les under some kind of court order to repay the money he stole from his mother? Wasn’t Mr. Gray appointed his guardian or something as a result? Or am I just imagining what would happen in the real world?

I’m liking Uncle Al more and more. His caring (& love?) comes through his savvy mind….

I LOVE that man!!! Mr. Grey is such an awesome guy.

Give me Leverage and I’ll move the world!!! It’s how all the best deals get done. Always has been, always will be.

I’m sure the 72 women on that list would be relieved to know that their financial lost was not in vain, because now it’s “leverage” in a family dispute. No need to call the cops, now!!!

Well, they seem to have Les’ issue in had but he forgot about Tiff’s

Feel like Al has sent folks to sleep with the fishies.

I’m not sure how this would not be a one-time blackmail situation, since money is involved. Les actually financially gained from the lingerie scam. What lesson is Al teaching his nephew? Also, if Ann forgives Les’s legal obligation, how would she be able to trust that all copies of the guest list have been destroyed?

I still say that they should just give the list to Souffle Lingerie, and have them launch an investigation on Ann and her scam. Sure, chances are Mr. Farrell might try and intervene on her behalf, but that will show what kind of man he is… and why Tiffany needed to be so popular.

It’s good that Tiffany wants to move on with her future, but Ann’s crimes need to be addressed.

4

For me, while the story is definitely intriguing, I am feeling disappointment that it appears Uncle Al is encouraging manipulative behavior in Les (it appears to be leading towards blackmail).

Do not get me wrong….. it is a very believable story arc fitting in well with the “mafia-esque” demeanor alot of folks have been assuming for Uncle Al. It is just…. I don’t know…. sort of “souring” to see that the bad behavior appears to not “fall far from the tree”. It seems evident by today that “Mamma Ann”, Les, and Uncle Al all willingly engage in subterfuge and illegal behaviors.

1. We have long known this is the M.O. of Ann.

2. We have identified this behavior in Les, but have seen him show some efforts to be better than that too.

3. But, now, at least by today’s comic, it appears evident that Uncle Al also is fine with illegal manipulation of others by suggesting that the guest list of swindled folks be used as “leverage” by Les to get himself from out of debt by Ann.

Again, it is a great story line…. but I am disappointed in Uncle Al. I had been rooting for him to be better than that.

owing (and paying) a person money needn’t imply a personal relationship; heck I owe money to people I’ve never even met !

In the spirit of the impeccable logic to this arc thus presented so far….

Ann agrees to transfer Les’s debt to Al Gray, with Al’s payment to Ann of 25 cents on the dollar.

(Ann gets a lump sum of cash she never really expected to receive.)

Les owes Al the full amount, but now at zero interest with no minimum monthly payment.

With the return of the Guest List, 73 named individuals, both Al Gray and Les agree to never contact said individuals by email to inform them of the questionable origination of what was sold as Souffle brand lingerie.

Said document to be signed by Ann Eiffel, Al Gray, and Les Knox.

Copies of said document to be sent to all aforementioned individuals.

Ann signs, receives a nice certified check, and Al Gray proceeds to make the 76 necessary copies.

Ann signed it. A copy of the document to each one of the 73 individuals.

Mailed.

No email. As stipulated.

Seems a rather poor leverage. Ann’s known about the guest list being with Les & Tiff for a while now and hasn’t gone to any great efforts to get it back. I think Grey’s on the right track though, get Les thinking about a better paying job to pay his debts down quicker. The Fuse can’t pay that well.

knisabre 7 days ago

OK, going to predict the end to this. Let’s see how close I get. Les gets the list from Tiffany and he offers it to his mom in exchange for a cancellation of his debt.

So far, so good.

I’m liking Al more! “Leverage” is good….

Parsing Engaged, Leverage….And Time" (♩♪)

or

“Got A Whole Little Love” (♪)

Baseball and Law, are both on my list of boring things. All I can say is defense attorneys seem to have strange hair styles, and like baseball players are over paid. Another unimportant thing I’ve noticed over the years, is that lawyers and teachers like to announce their professions whether you’re interested or not.

Mr. Gray is smarter than te others have been so far.“Cutting ties” is more encompassing than having a debt forgiven.I suspect that Mr. Gray would expect a contract with a signature to make it binding.