The salesman in these panels is played after a recurring character on many 1950’s sitcoms, particularly I Love Lucy. The actor’s name was Frank Johnson. You might recognize him if you could hear his ‘Ooooooh! You Got Me There!’ remark.
As for the same old characters… yup, that’s generally what a ensemble comic strip does.
Of course it is but he needs to use some of that aggressiveness to get Brandy!