Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for January 18, 2018

Just to be silly, but why would the cops arrest Ms. Eiffel for dating Mr. Farrell?

DeGroots?

Police?

My money is on Tiffany!

What an Andy Hardy moment.

We have Luann, we have TJ, we have the DeGroots. We have the Fuse to work in.

“Hey gang, let’s plot a revenge.”

Nothing can bring her out of a funk better than pure visceral hatred.

Who are they gonna call to get this job done, I wonder …? ✨

If they are going to bring down Eiffel, please don’t let it run as long as the TJ “revenge on Ann Eiffel” story line that ran on for months and months and months.

Told you a long time ago that once Bernice finds out that Ann Eiffel was responsible that Ann Eiffel was in for it. Tiffany will be the one to do the dirty deed, though. She knows how to get even. This will give her her purpose back.

Oh. Detail to note. The real plot development to come……

That last “I” will become a “We” by mutual consent and character development.

Since Tiffany’s Dad goes to France, etc. – possibly those products are the real thing. He might be involved with the manufacturer for generating interest in select locations. There’s another twist of some kind on the horizon. I don’t wanna lose Ann Eiffel. The Evans’s might generate another interesting character when Tiff’s Dad shows up.

The whole storyline is silly. After what Ann Eiffel did to Brad, Luann would have told her parents immediately who would have investigated even if they couldn’t kick her out. And Luann never would have bought from her.

Tiffany to the rescue!

Bernice: “WE need to…”

Dez: “WE need to…”

Tiffany: I need to…"

Tiffany’s not taking any chances – doing it herself to make sure it gets done right!

The DeGroots (including Luann) should be informed first.

The DeGroots and their partner – Al Gray – should have a summit conference and then decide rationally how to proceed, perhaps after consulting with an attorney. Presumably, either the police or the D.A. would be brought in at the appropriate point.

Bernice agrees with that strategy. But Des is flipping right into sheer panic – “Where’s my money?” – mode. “CALL THE COPS NOW! She might get away!”

And Tiff may try something outlandish. I guess she could call her father, but that seems very premature.

Well… they could just cut through the crap and call in TJ the Terminator!

I would be tempted to put Robert Mueller on the case, if he weren’t tied up at the moment.

Go get her Tiff! Bring her down, then sit on her. We are all cheering for you!

Maybe they should double check first and make sure the stuff is actually fake. Just because Tiffany owns some of it doesn’t make her an expert. They’re just taking her word for it.

Contact whoever owns the line and let them handle it. They’ll have the time and money to prosecute Eiffel if they decide it’s needed.

A typical thing for the characters at Moony University:

Bernice:  “We……”

Dez: “We….”

Tiffany:  “I…….”

This is probably the safest line of attack for those involved—they report it and sit back to see what happens. However, in this mad, crazy, cartoon world, the characters have to take action themselves.

And, apparrently, the police handle scams and fraud….

the Degroots handle evil, manipulative characters…

but Tiffany brings down the girlfriend of her father- who’s been stealing not just people’s money and jobs….but Tiffany’s time and attention away from her father…

Are we forming a new cadre here? Where are Luann and Tara in all this? They got ripped off too. Will it be The Three Mooneyteers? Or the Furious Five?

So Ann books the Fuse for a series of events that she says are “lingerie parties”, but she restricts the attendance to 100 invited guests, she won’t let anyone from the Fuse attend, she insists that she be given the key to exclude anyone from the staff from being present, she blacks out the windows, she won’t let her son the doorkeeper know what’s going on… so what is happening inside? Is she dealing drugs? Is she operating an illegal gambling parlor? Are the 100 invited women gathered around their laptops to conduct an Internet scam? No, all that set-up for a “lingerie party” was, in fact, for a lingerie party. It was just to sell knock-off lingerie, to 100 women at at time, none of whom have ever known the difference. Why all the secrecy to exclude the De Groots and limit the attendees? When Les decided on his own to add Luann and her friends, it turned out that Ann didn’t care after all. So why did she insist on all the security precautions that she proceeded to ignore when Luann walked in? Of all the possible dishonest and illegal endeavors that could be happening as a result of all that prolonged set-up to a clandestine activity, it turns out to be the very dullest, least important result. Figures.

My comment didn’t work out. Can’t get the D*** thing to format properly.

Movies based on this:

Murder by Lingerie. Grumpy Young Adults. Arsenic and Fake Lace. — based Hitchcock’s “The Rope” - “The Nightie”--———————————————————————-Songs: Annie Eiffel’s song. Take the money and run. Rock Island (First song in the Music Man… “CASH FOR THE MERCHANDISE, CASH FOR THE HARD GOODS”)Indiana wants me (that’s why I’m in Pittsville.)

“Four Scores, And Seven Thousand Dollars Ago…”

“The Get-A-Splurge Redress”

“They Spotted A Cheater”

“You Say You Want A Restitution….” (♪)

“Tiffany’s Biggest Role”

“Lights….Camera….Action! "

“Grand Bunk, Railroaded” (♩)

“An Eye-full (of seeing their recompense and justice, speeding) For Ann Eiffel”

“Larceny, On The Far Side”

“You’re A Big Fraud-y Cat!”

“Tiffany’s Biggest Role”

“The Redemption”

or

“It Takes A Grief”

I concur that the DeGroots and Al Gray should be notified first (who should then notify their legal counsel), before involving law enforcement. Remember, although he’s at odds with her, seriously, Al Gray is family to Ann Eiffel. And I’d think (I’d hope) that he’d want to find a solution that doesn’t involve the law, or jail, etc. especially now that we know Ann is Les’ mother. Like it or not, Al may need Ann free to keep Les in check.

Unfortunately, that won’t stop Tiff from doing what she will, and maybe I don’t want her to stop. That, and it may not stop the other “customers” who suddenly realize they’ve been ripped off with counterfeit goods. So, they (Dez/Bern, etc.) better get to the DeGroots and Al Gray, pronto!

Well I can’t and won’t comment on some of the comment I have read so far. I was too tired to write anything last night, but I will say this: it makes all kinds of sense to let Nancy and Frank know that Ann is running a scam in the Fuse, so that they can go about cancelling the contract, and retaining the reputation of the Fuse, it definitely is to be expected that Tiffany has the means and opportunity and purpose to try to take down Ann, and that should be fun to see, and while calling the police might seem a bit arch, it makes sense. Dez feels like she has been conned, which she has, her money is stolen through fraud, and the “police” could very likely have a unit that could investigate and refer for prosecution fraudulent schemes. The point is not what should have happened, but that all of this has been converging together, and how that convergence will resolve, and will set up ever new arcs as a result. Frankly I am looking forward to all the events that will happen as a result of the “ANN” bomb that Greg has been carefully setting up.

The problem for the Evanses is that Ann must escape any traps, lest they lose a delightful villain. Most likely Tiff’s dad will play a strong role. We will probably never actually meet up with him.

Ann has no idea about the S*** Storm coming her way. Of course we will have to wait until late February to see it.

Go Tiffany!

Go Tiffany!

We haven’t said much about Les here – it will be interesting to see how he factors in.

They must tell the Frank & Nancy so they are aware of what’s going on and can fire Prudence for her lack of prudence. Then they need to consult a lawyer ASAP. I find it interesting that Tiffany & Bernice are now buddies like this. At one point I would have said that those two being Star Trek buddies was “highly illogical”!

If the police are not helpful the DeGroots could probably have the problem solved by Mr Grey.

6

Morning pipe & coffee commentary:

Overall, I can understand the emotions portrayed by each of the three female characters today, and each is in keeping with their innate personality. So, that seems to be covered very well. In regards to Ann, however, I seem to have a very different opinion compared to what most folks are thinking will happen:

1) I am thinking that at worst what will happen to Ann is that she will refund the money to those shoppers who complain (probably Dez, Luann, and Tara).

2) I tend to doubt that Ann doesn’t already have some sort of “loophole” worked into her scheme so that she will not get into VERY serious trouble. I imagine that either a) there is a variation of the branding that makes it different enough from the real “Souffle Lingerie” that she is not culpable or b) she will be able to produce some documentation that “suggests” she was duped too and had firmly believed (wink, wink) it was legitimate product, or c) she can show that her variation on “Souffle Lingerie” is somehow a “legitimate” company that makes legal “knockoffs”.

3) The reason I firmly believe that something akin to what I suggest in #2 will happen is because I cannot imagine Greg wanting to fully eliminate the one “super villain” character that has made a variety of different story plots interesting over the years.

Pipe finished…. one more swallow of coffee and then back to work for me.

If anyone can stop Ann, it’s Tiffany!!

Notify the DeGroots. But, instead of the police, they should contact S.L., and report discovering counterfeit products. Let S.L. contact the proper authorities.

If Tiffany still wants to plot to bring down Eiffel, she should seek help from T.J.

The old Tiffany is back

Bring down Ann Eifel? What could be simpler? “Hey Dad, meet your future stepson”.

Yesss! Go get ‘em, Tiffany!

Where is Pru? She is the gullible person that allowed all of this to happen!

Bring it!!!

Ann Eiffel is our Miguelito Loveless.

Don’t get rid of her. Just thwart her for a year or so.

wasn’t there a movie tag line: “this time, it’s personal!”

Dun dun da dum!

This, this outrage, Gentle Readers, this cataclysmic deception has Unleashed the Beast in Tiffany Farrell. Now thoroughly motivated, she will become the svelte avenger—make that Svelte Avenger, the caped crusader who will make Annie Awful contrite and repentant and unhitched from Daddy Farrell. Bernie and Dez may have good intentions, and their informing may not hurt, but it is the Svelte Avenger that Eiffel must fear! When she least expects it,her undies-scheme shall be left in tatters, for all to see. And Sheraton St. Louis shall have had her moment of victory!

I wonder if this will eventually lead us back to the stolen TV.

When is Tiffany going to lose weight? Maybe she could go to a weight loss clinic and see what others feel. Maybe make her a better person?

Well, so long as you ladies don’t do anything rash acting out from a place of feelings! Glad to see the grown women the characters have all “matured” into. Nothing unites two (or 3 women) like the mutual hatred of a 4th women. The best course of action right now is to get the facts straight before going to anyone with concerns. But, you know, witch hunts and rumors are fun too – they keep HR departments in business. Also, Luann might want to consider that The Fuse was on financially unstable ground before Ann E. and her panties parties. Try not to kill the cash cow before you have a fiscally solid backup plan….

Well, so long as you ladies don’t do anything rash acting out from a place of feelings! Glad to see the grown women the characters have all “matured” into. Nothing unites two (or 3 women) like the mutual hatred of a 4th women. The best course of action right now is to get the facts straight before going to anyone with concerns. But, you know, witch hunts and rumors are fun too – they keep HR departments in business. Also, Luann might want to consider that The Fuse was on financially unstable ground before Ann E. and her panties parties. Try not to kill the cash cow before you have a fiscally solid backup plan….

And the carrot to add to this stew…Dirk shows up as the officer to arrest Ann Eiffel.

Also Tiff? Your dad can date whomever he chooses to date. His body, his choices. If you are concerned that Ann is getting her hands on “your” money, I suggest you consider that it never was your money and go get a job, or at the very least be honest with your father about what you want – a reassurance that his money will become your through a will, prenup etc. If you want love, then stop hanging around the dorm and put yourself out there. You can’t make dad love you or stop making bad dating decisions but you can protect yourself fiscally and otherwise.

Also Tiff? Your dad can date whomever he chooses to date. His body, his choices. If you are concerned that Ann is getting her hands on “your” money, I suggest you consider that it never was your money and go get a job, or at the very least be honest with your father about what you want – a reassurance that his money will become your through a will, prenup etc. If you want love, then stop hanging around the dorm and put yourself out there. You can’t make dad love you or stop making bad dating decisions but you can protect yourself fiscally and otherwise.

Count on Les being arrested too, as an “accessory” to the fraud scheme. And Ladies, don’t get your “panties” in a bunch.

Social media, e.g. Facebook, is the effective way these days to malign someone and give them a bad reputation. They can do this without saying anything to anyone.

By now, the super-efficient Delta — without the distractions of appearing in this strip — has probably finished law school and can advise how to proceed.

Tiffany, the best thing you can do is get your Dad away from Anne the grifter, before she starts hitting him up to pay for her legal fees. Anne reminds me of Santa Kimes, before she started killing people. Even when she had a rich guy like Kenneth Kimes Sr., she couldn’t stop doing illegal stuff like smuggling girls into the country illegally to work as maids and then not paying them. Or burning down houses for insurance rather than sell them. Or shoplifting from the store when she could have paid for the stuff. So then Kenneth had to spend a fortune on legal fees. Unless Tiffany’s dad wants to wind up in the poorhouse paying his sweetie’s lawyers, he better run while he can.

BTW does anyone else find if funny that “hippy” Dez’s is angry that her designer lingerie, bought to make her feel more feminine, is fake and her first reaction is to call the police? I’m gonna go ahead and say she’s more of a trustifarian who thinks she looks good in dreads. Maybe some tension tamer tea and a chat with some actual hippies at the retirement home will help her perspective. I do like the idea of what would Janice Joplin do in this situation though.

BTW does anyone else find if funny that “hippy” Dez’s is angry that her designer lingerie, bought to make her feel more feminine, is fake and her first reaction is to call the police? I’m gonna go ahead and say she’s more of a trustifarian who thinks she looks good in dreads. Maybe some tension tamer tea and a chat with some actual hippies at the retirement home will help her perspective. I do like the idea of what would Janice Joplin do in this situation though.

Well Finally! Tiffany has decided to ACT. She SHOULD have Confronted Ann Months ago!

Now the Question IS: Will Tiff Confront Ann “Alone” or will She have Compatriots with Her?

As a Reminder, the Last Tiff went up against Ann, on 10/30/2012, (As a Favor to Old Smiley) She BOMBED Miserably…….,

In light of the present attitude in this country, these women aren’t going to allow themselves to be taken advantage of by anybody, man or woman. And looking like a middle linebacker, Tiffany is leading the battle. Show ‘em what for, Tiff, but watch out for daddy……he may be grateful for the head’s up, or he may defensive at any attack on his new girl friend.

BTW the police love those calls – “Hello Officer? I feel hurt!” “Uhh..are you bleeding?” “No! But my suspicion is I was ripped off at a fly by night college lingerie party” “Huh. A lingerie party you say? We’ll need proof, but we can spare a few officers.” (don’t try this if you look like Janice Joplin.)

I thought Dez would be too laid back to care, but looks like she is in as well. They should also enlist Toni, who has no love for Ann, and TJ, who knows how to deal with her. Of course the one hurdle they may have is that none of them know of Ann’s relationship to Mr. Gray or Les and one of those seeking to bring Ann down could accidently tip off Ann’s family.

Ann is a seductive spider lady tracking a potentially rich guy. Tiff’s father is a self centered play boy who thinks he can buy anything or anyone. Probably a good match.

Maybe they’ll call Shannon so she can bite Ann’s finger again…one or two posters on this board might suggest turning on the “Brat Signal”…!

Call the DeGroots, the police, the FBI, BTAF, and Tiff’s hit man!

Call the DeGroots, the police, the FBI, BTAF, and Tiff’s hit man!

CAN SOMEONE FILL ME IN? I KNOW EVERYTHING GOING ON NOW…BUT WHEN DID BERNICE WORK FOR ANN EIFFEL? Yes I am a 52 year old guy, who has been hooked on this strip for years, I like the plots….

Who knew Ann Eiffel was a villain? First she fired Zane and made Bernice’s life miserable. Second, she destroyed Brad’s relationship with Toni. What else?

Pru is oddly absent. Did she realize her mistake in allowing Ann host parties at The Fuse and is hiding? Perhaps Bernice will call Luann about Ann and Luann mentions to Pru, and Pru confesses.

And there IS a Fraud Unit in a police station in larger cities but in Pittsville? Not sure. They might need to contact the Fraud Unit in a neighboring larger city for assistance.

Avoid angering the insane.

Note: You can never be certain anyone is sane…

The entire premise of this plot line is a little silly. First off, Luann knows who Ann is, what she did to her brother at Wienie World and what she did to Bernice at the bookstore, so why on earth would she buy anything from her for one and, more importantly, why wouldn’t she go straight away and tell her parents about Ann and how she shouldn’t be trusted to do anything in their place of business? Secondly, Dez is always so laid back and knows the calm approach to solve any issue. Her indignation and cries for the police seem so out of line with her character as she has been developed thus far.

The entire premise of this plot line is a little silly. First off, Luann knows who Ann is, what she did to her brother at Wienie World and what she did to Bernice at the bookstore, so why on earth would she buy anything from her for one and, more importantly, why wouldn’t she go straight away and tell her parents about Ann and how she shouldn’t be trusted to do anything in their place of business? Secondly, Dez is always so laid back and knows the calm approach to solve any issue. Her indignation and cries for the police seem so out of line with her character as she has been developed thus far.