Maybe tomorrow Bernice and Luann will use the puppets to role play — what Piro really thinks vs. what Luann thinks she’s doing for him. Then Luann will get the puppet show out of her system and not inflict it on Piro.
“Look, Luann, I can’t go into detail, but Piro has told me some things that make it 100% clear that your ‘fun’ is NOT something he’d appreciate. Now go do what you must, but leave me out of it.”
Normally, I’d side with Luann, but I’m siding with Bernice right now. Luann is butting into Bernice’s business, making her look bad, and trying to put her on the spot. This time, I’m on Bernice’s side. Never thought I’d say that.
If she’s doing all this prep to make a tiktok or instagram short using props then it’s cool. He doesn’t have to watch it. If she’s preparing to make an in person show she expects him to sit and watch then she an imbecile.
Bernice has a serious reason for say nothing, but for Luann this is just another time that her BFF, who always demands that she tell her everything about herself, keeps secrets. It’s normal for Luann to feel offended, Bernice doesn’t trust her enough and doesn’t want to explain to her why she thinks her idea is wrong. She’ll probably make a fool of herself in front of Piro, but Luann finally wants answers and doesn’t accept Bernice’s criticism. Maybe the time has come for Bernice to admit, at least to herself, that she still likes Piro and ruin a lifelong friendship for this reason. But probably Luann will understand. Sigh.
Luann can be pretty self-centered and out of touch with the current realities. Bernie has to step back and let her friend fail. Otherwise she should not become a therapist.
Trying to produce a cartoon day after day, year after year, with better than average art work has got to be a mighty task. I couldn’t do it, so I’ll let Greg run his own show, even if it is a dumb puppet show.
This being a Wednesday transition day an opaque opportunity to try to figure out where the story, much less the weekly arc, is going, my advice is to be cautious. If one takes the character-driven interrogatory approach, then it appears that Lu is being clueless, while at the same time, trying to manipulate Bern into revealing. interestingly, WHO, she, Bern, is trying to help, rather than what Walt/Piro said, particularly, that he wants Lu and Tara to back off, and for Bern, she seems confused, between giving in to Lu’s gentle, but prominent imperative, saying it seems like Bern is trying to hide, WHO, not what. I don’t know what to predict, other than to say, most will be wrong. Wait, all will, eventually, be revealed.
Luann really touched a nerve there. Bernice’s face looks full of anger. But, her anger is airmed at the Piro puppet. Sometimes, participation in puppetry may allow our true feelings to immerge.
I think Bernice is shaking Piro’s mask in frustration. By ignoring his problem and keeping it to herself, she’s not really helping him. Quite a quandary for her. It’s not lost on Luann. She a bit alarmed by Bernice’s stress.
Why is Bernice shouting? Is she having a nervous breakdown? Hopefully, this will teach her that a person is only as good as their word.
I just wonder why Piro would put her in this position. He probably doesn’t want to hurt Luann and Tara’s feelings, but he could have just as easily asked Bernice to let Luann and Tara know how he felt about their antics (since he doesn’t have the balls to do it himself). Maybe he really still wants them to fuss over him.
It’s unfortunate, but when you choose the people you are going to associate with, you also agree to support, discourage or ignore their behaviors.
“Seems like you’re just trying to hide”. Like behind a bush hide? Or should there be a “something” in there somewhere, like a secret, maybe. Luann is every bit as bad as Bernice when it comes to snooping into each other’s business.
I heard an interview with the creator of Breaking Cat News. She was dropped from a group of papers and only one woman writer was left, Lynn Johnston. Karen didn’t count because she was uncredited but Luann remained in the papers.
Bernice DID help, once she got it through her head that Piro didn’t want platitudes, jokes, or ham-handed attempts to jolly him out of depression. Luann is obsessed with her own feelings about the matter; she’s not doing this for Piro, she’s doing this for herself, so she can be “the good friend.”
beb01 6 months ago
I’m sure there is some subtle but obvious answer to today’s strip. But I’m afraid it has gone straight over my head.
J. Scarbrough 6 months ago
And now Bernice seems to be slipping into a little bit of madness brought on by her conflicting quandary.
Joe1962 Premium Member 6 months ago
Thanks Bernice for keeping your promise to Piro, you are doing he right thing, and one day Luann will understand that.
red_tape 6 months ago
Bern trying to hide, says the one speaking from behind a mask.
Namrepus 6 months ago
Help, I need somebody. Help, not just anybody.
RSH 6 months ago
Luann is being manipulative; she’s literally gaslighting Bern into breaking her promise to Piro. I’m not liking her right now.
Doneaver 6 months ago
Stand strong Bernice.
Azul0858 6 months ago
Maybe tomorrow Bernice and Luann will use the puppets to role play — what Piro really thinks vs. what Luann thinks she’s doing for him. Then Luann will get the puppet show out of her system and not inflict it on Piro.
Argythree 6 months ago
B looks totally confused. I don’t think Luann is being manipulative; I think she’s genuinely asking who B thinks she’s helping…
Ahuehuete 6 months ago
Bern, just let her crater, it’s the only way she will learn.
9thCapricorn 6 months ago
Hang in there Bernice. You know her game and don’t fall for it.
Amina Rush 6 months ago
That puppet show is super-creepy!
jmworacle 6 months ago
Please change the script…..
French Persons Premium Member 6 months ago
It certainly isn’t helping any of us in the viewing audience.
Wilkins068 6 months ago
Th way Bernice is holdin Piro’s puppet it looks like she’s relly getting in to this puppet show!
snsurone76 6 months ago
As I said last week, Bernice—like Tiffany—is finally maturing into responsible adulthood.
The same can’t be said of Luann—a personification of the “Peter Pan Syndrome”!
Troglodyte 6 months ago
Luann’s puppet show idea is strangely unsettling…
sueb1863 6 months ago
Can’t Bernice just tell Luann that she can’t go into details, but she knows this isn’t what Piro needs right now.
cmxx 6 months ago
Pooh-pooh-er. No poo involved.
diverbelle 6 months ago
Bernice is helping herself; self-control and even, perhaps? maturity.
PaulAbbott2 6 months ago
Bernice, caught between the Scylla and Charibdes
tremaine53 6 months ago
“Look, Luann, I can’t go into detail, but Piro has told me some things that make it 100% clear that your ‘fun’ is NOT something he’d appreciate. Now go do what you must, but leave me out of it.”
Black76Manta 6 months ago
I don’t think you’re helping anyone, I guess!
OneTime59 6 months ago
Halper not a helper
Mordock999 Premium Member 6 months ago
That’s a fairly decent looking cut-out puppet of Piro.
Luann should also make one of Bernice.
Then, from now on, Lu and Bernice should NEVER appear in public without their puppet masks up to their faces. Especially when talking to others.
Old Piro will take one look and soon forget his “problems” and figure that His life ain’t all that bad.
At least not as BAD as his two “friends” who now appear to have gone completely round the bend. ;-)
cssr3451 6 months ago
Walk away Bernice.
SpicyNacho Premium Member 6 months ago
I like how Piro’s puppet looks as sad as he always looks. It’s almost as Bernice created it.
Ellis97 6 months ago
Normally, I’d side with Luann, but I’m siding with Bernice right now. Luann is butting into Bernice’s business, making her look bad, and trying to put her on the spot. This time, I’m on Bernice’s side. Never thought I’d say that.
Ichabod Ferguson 6 months ago
If she’s doing all this prep to make a tiktok or instagram short using props then it’s cool. He doesn’t have to watch it. If she’s preparing to make an in person show she expects him to sit and watch then she an imbecile.
rrsltx 6 months ago
Just let Piro tell Luann to buzz off with her childish antics. She needs a hard dose of reality.
carrissima 6 months ago
Why is Luann acting like this?
Aladar30 Premium Member 6 months ago
Bernice has a serious reason for say nothing, but for Luann this is just another time that her BFF, who always demands that she tell her everything about herself, keeps secrets. It’s normal for Luann to feel offended, Bernice doesn’t trust her enough and doesn’t want to explain to her why she thinks her idea is wrong. She’ll probably make a fool of herself in front of Piro, but Luann finally wants answers and doesn’t accept Bernice’s criticism. Maybe the time has come for Bernice to admit, at least to herself, that she still likes Piro and ruin a lifelong friendship for this reason. But probably Luann will understand. Sigh.
elbow macaroni 6 months ago
Creepy
ctolson 6 months ago
Looks like LuAnn is pushing for her way or her way.
dobransf 6 months ago
Luann doesn’t see Bernice as competition for Piro’s attention. She’s too dense to realize that Piro may have talked to Bernice about what’s going on.
Solomon J. Behala Premium Member 6 months ago
We need something completely different. Completely unexpected. Cue the Spanish Inquisition.
srmalone 6 months ago
Only my opinion, but this is one of the dumbest storylines ever.
DaBump Premium Member 6 months ago
Using puppets IS a kind of therapy. Might not work for Piro but it might help here.
kappy.mrnustik Premium Member 6 months ago
Cue the next arc.
R.W.Singer -SF 6 months ago
Is that star shaved in his head? How is that done? I have questions.
Frank Farkel Premium Member 6 months ago
Lame and boring. IMHO
d_odds 6 months ago
“Whom am I helping”. Bernice is too precise to get that wrong. That is all.
BJShipley1 6 months ago
It figures that the one time Bernice is actually right is the one time Luann manages to gaslight her into backing off.
mruch 6 months ago
Y’all realize this is a comic strip. No Piros were hurt during the writing. LOL
rebroxanna 6 months ago
The art for that puppet face makes Luann look demented to go with her demented mindset.
Shanana 6 months ago
Wouldn’t it be easier if Piro just said “Leave me alone” to Luann and Tara?
Diane913 6 months ago
Luann can be pretty self-centered and out of touch with the current realities. Bernie has to step back and let her friend fail. Otherwise she should not become a therapist.
Call me Ishmael 6 months ago
The arc descends to tedium. I wonder what Puddles is doing…
nightflight 6 months ago
Trying to produce a cartoon day after day, year after year, with better than average art work has got to be a mighty task. I couldn’t do it, so I’ll let Greg run his own show, even if it is a dumb puppet show.
BuckarooDave 6 months ago
tomorrow: Does Luann swat Bern in the head with the “puppet”, or does Bern swat Luann?? =:-O
luann1212 6 months ago
This being a Wednesday transition day an opaque opportunity to try to figure out where the story, much less the weekly arc, is going, my advice is to be cautious. If one takes the character-driven interrogatory approach, then it appears that Lu is being clueless, while at the same time, trying to manipulate Bern into revealing. interestingly, WHO, she, Bern, is trying to help, rather than what Walt/Piro said, particularly, that he wants Lu and Tara to back off, and for Bern, she seems confused, between giving in to Lu’s gentle, but prominent imperative, saying it seems like Bern is trying to hide, WHO, not what. I don’t know what to predict, other than to say, most will be wrong. Wait, all will, eventually, be revealed.
preacherman Premium Member 6 months ago
Luann really touched a nerve there. Bernice’s face looks full of anger. But, her anger is airmed at the Piro puppet. Sometimes, participation in puppetry may allow our true feelings to immerge.
Maikekai 6 months ago
Luann, you can be a positive, supportive, upbeat friend without being a freaking Court Jester!Tone it down a little….
hoffquotes2 6 months ago
Maybe LuAnn should be an artist instead of a writer
YorkGirl Premium Member 6 months ago
I think Bernice is shaking Piro’s mask in frustration. By ignoring his problem and keeping it to herself, she’s not really helping him. Quite a quandary for her. It’s not lost on Luann. She a bit alarmed by Bernice’s stress.
Jeu D'Esprit 6 months ago
The play is the thing in which we will catch the conscience of Bern.
comic reader 22 6 months ago
Why is Bernice shouting? Is she having a nervous breakdown? Hopefully, this will teach her that a person is only as good as their word.
I just wonder why Piro would put her in this position. He probably doesn’t want to hurt Luann and Tara’s feelings, but he could have just as easily asked Bernice to let Luann and Tara know how he felt about their antics (since he doesn’t have the balls to do it himself). Maybe he really still wants them to fuss over him.
It’s unfortunate, but when you choose the people you are going to associate with, you also agree to support, discourage or ignore their behaviors.
Caldonia 6 months ago
Putting a mask of your own face in front of your face is not going to bring the fun.
melodymucisa 6 months ago
SMH!
David Huie Green AmericaIsGreatItHasUs 6 months ago
If he answers, check yourself in.
astahl2003 6 months ago
Yourself, Bernice. Your helping yourself.
BJShipley1 6 months ago
Featured Comment from Beer Baron @ the Comic Strip Club:
Adults. These are adults.
Susan123 6 months ago
Luanns idea is absolutely ridiculous. May be ok for a classroom full of 1st graders but not for a grown man.
The Quiet One 6 months ago
Stay true to yourself and Piro Bernice. Luann is trying to help, but it’s on Piro to ask her to stop and give him space.
comic reader 22 6 months ago
“Seems like you’re just trying to hide”. Like behind a bush hide? Or should there be a “something” in there somewhere, like a secret, maybe. Luann is every bit as bad as Bernice when it comes to snooping into each other’s business.
pearlyqim 6 months ago
Pretty childish! Piro is not 6 years old!
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 6 months ago
Try “The Lonely Goatherd”
dlestersprint0 6 months ago
This arc is getting dumber as it progresses or regresses.
eb110americana 6 months ago
All you have to say is, “Piro needs his space right now. As a psych major and a friend, you gotta trust me on this.”
BuckarooDave 6 months ago
Luann’s only half the problem …how does Bernice deal with Tara? :-/
WilliamVollmer 6 months ago
Good question, Bernice. Except for that last piece of advice, you weren’t really helping, Piro. As for helping Luann…
MT Wallet 6 months ago
I heard an interview with the creator of Breaking Cat News. She was dropped from a group of papers and only one woman writer was left, Lynn Johnston. Karen didn’t count because she was uncredited but Luann remained in the papers.
ct0760 6 months ago
Bernice should be honest and tell Luann how she is annoying Piro because he really needs the space that she doesnt give
HodgeElmwood 6 months ago
Bernice DID help, once she got it through her head that Piro didn’t want platitudes, jokes, or ham-handed attempts to jolly him out of depression. Luann is obsessed with her own feelings about the matter; she’s not doing this for Piro, she’s doing this for herself, so she can be “the good friend.”