Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for April 11, 2019

Credit card company. They’re always trying to get me to sign up.

oh, this is perfect timing

Loo. Ser. WHAT is wrong with people these days…. It might be funny if it weren’t so true.

Oh, that this arc had ended a week ago.

Dog, you called it: Gunther is too stupid to not call Luann in the middle of a date.

And I don’t care: Even if she is in the loo, it’s still the middle of a date.

Now, it looks more like the end.

The remaining question: Is Bets a “plot device,” as many asked yesterday, or will she turn her attention to someone else in the cast?

At this point, I don’t think Bets deserves anyone in this cast!

I cannot believe that Gunther is that naive or stupid by immediately calling Luann. I hope that Bets doesn’t quash their date for tonight!

My smugness grows. Lu has FEELINGS for the G-man, but has not completely come to grips with them, yet.

Let’s see….first Luann goes up to a complete stranger and addresses her by what seems to be her nickname, provoking the date to ask, “Do I know you?” Then Luann says to Gunther, “You ‘re dating Bets?”, further provoking Bets. Then Luann tells Gunther’s date, “Gunther and I were fooling around in his bedroom one night”, provoking Gunther. Then Luann tells Bets that Gunther rooms with Les, (not Luann’s place to tell.) Then Luann calls Gunther a “sweet dweeb.”, which is not a flattering thing to say. Gunther has to tell Luann and her tribe to go away, and they do, but they stare at Gunther and Bets from across the room. So Gunther and Bets have to leave to go to Taco Town. Then Luann intrudes some more, texting Gunther about his date, with instructions to “CALL ME…me…me…me…me always ME. Did I leave anything out? Of course I did. Luann has her hands all over Gunther for two cartoon strips. If anyone thinks this is not deliberate…..And Gunther fell into the trap.

The third panel bears a marked resemblance to the panel which introduced ‘Bets’ in the first place. ✨❤️✨

Gunther’s only maybe excuse is that he hasn’t been on enough dates to know good dating etiquette – or to have thought it through. And that kids who grew up in the cell phone era – and Gunther sorta is one – think nothing of whipping out their phones at any old time. But I’m not saying those are good excuses, and I’m willing to bet that Bets doesnt even want to hear them!

And there you have it ladies and gentlemen! Gunther was indeed STUPID enough to actually CALL Luann and STILL be on the phone when Bets returns!

Sheesh! THIS marks the second time that I really, Really, REALLY want to SLAP Gunther upside his numb skull! (The first time is when he STUPIDLY invited Tiffany over to his mom’s dinner and exposed her to Les)

Go ahead Gunther. Be a Boy Scout and tell Bets the truth. Then watch her yell at you before leaving you sitting alone at the table, “Genius.”

I swear, I think I’ll start rooting for Ox!

Luann might mess this up. Nose OUT, girl.

Among Soap Opera fans, there’s an old saying …

“Timing is Everything.”

I just realized the irony of this situation. Gunther meeting Bets happened because Pru told LuAnn to get off her phone, and visit with Gunther face to face. Now he out socializing. And she is back to pestering him on the phone.

Best Play:

Don’t lie.

If you shouldn’t be talking with her, don’t do it. Never cll her again.

Gunther should tell the truth to set himself free. Lying in an effort to maintain a clean image would probably backfire on him.

Noooooooooooo!!

OMG Luann! GTFO and leave Gunther alone

TELL HER THE TRUTH LUANN IS A BUSYBODY

Gunther, what are you doing? Why did you call Luann in the middle of your date with Bets? Couldn’t you just call her later? I mean, seriously??? Are you that naive Ah….yes, you are. Nevermind.

Oh look at that: the plot twist that literally everybody saw coming.

poor naïve Gunther…he’s about to get a lesson in “Dating Etiquette 101”.

I have heard of someone putting their foot in their mouth, this is putting one’s foot in their brain.

Well, Gunther, there is officially no hope for you ….

You who, Bets!

In the style of Kirk saying Khaaaan…

Guntherrrrrrr!!!!!!!

And in the word of Homer Simpson: “D’oh!”

This is getting so painful. Please move on to Tiffany

Do you have relatives in Gold Canyon?

This is so over it is not funny, Thanx Lukhann. We’ll never forget this. And Gunther, you’re your own worst enemy. You deserve what’s about to happen here. I can see someone beaming outta there really quick soon. Get ready, Scotty

Gunther has misinterpreted the text. Is a Jealousy Storm coming?

Oh, sheesh, he really WAS stupid enough to call Luann while his date was going on!

Have fun explaining this, you dolt.

TURN OFF THE DARN PHONE. I do not understand people that have to be connected all the time.

As predicted. Lunann better have a life jacket for him ready. Cause the Titanic is sinking fast. Bye bye Bets.

Meh, somehow it will work itself out. It always does….

Moron. At best you should have just texted Luann to bug off

Well Gunther Luann played you good, and you fell for it.

AAAANNND….

Gunther is a moron.

I call this one, “The Trouble with Luann” who, at this moment, is about as bothersome as tribbles.

Date over. Congrats Lulu for being a meddlesome yenta and also to Gunthie for not having the sense to turn off his phone.

Ahh the irony! Gunther finally meets someone as uptight, obsessive and prudish as himself. Think he’ll learn — or is this his perfect woman?

I have no idea at all why Greg is handling the intro of Bets in this manner. She is a well-drawn character. We’ve been given some insight into her personality. She has indications of being a match up for Gunther; interest-wise. So far she exhibits much the behavior of Gunther. Imagine, for instance, the opposite scenario. Gunther goes to Gets place for the meet and greet, Bets’ friends are the ones to give her grief. I would imagine that Gunther’s reactions would have been almost identical to Bets’, in the current scenario. So why is Greg making this first date so problem prone???

I think Bets will say in the date and in the future. She could be the one. She could be a one. My guess, for now, is that she and Gunther are going to sit down and have a heart-to-heart discussion about what all this means and where their “us” is going. Perhaps the Luann behaviors exhibited so far will be resolved for us readers.

At first meeting, Bets seems like a sincere sweet girl looking for a good relationship. She doesn’t deserve this rudeness by Luann or Gunther.

Bets is gonna get tired of this crap and nonsense in a big hurry.

Frustrating. But, too much work has gone into the drawing of the character Bets, so she won’t just disappear out door, never to return.

Now for something completely different:

There is a major plot development that that has been (suspiciously? deliberately?) left hanging for months. At the time it elicited several comments and much speculation; some of which was dire. And that was Tara’s mysterious disappearance for several days. Mysterious enough that Luann and Jack wondered about it. Tara’s explanation was a complete blow off. Many speculated that the disappearance was related to the wild party that she and Luann attended and that Luann bailed out of with the help of Jack.

In fact, the whole school, chem class arc has been pointedly avoided. Did Greg and Karen runout of steam with this part of the strip? Also left hanging: Why did Tara suddenly appear sitting between Jack and Luann in class? It never happened before – even at the monster truck event. What happened to the offer to proctor the class? And what about the creepy new TA with “eyes” for Luann. Did the #MeToo zeitgeist cause the direction of the arc? Or did it poison it?

Someday we will return to Pitts CC. It will be interesting to see where it picks up. Will it return to the chem class milieu? Or a whole new class scene? Will the disappearance incident be resolved, ignored, or continued?

Inquiring minds are inquiring! :o)

Nothing to worry about, Bets – just me and Luann talking about you behind your back!

Gunther should tell Bets that he got a text from Luann shouting “CALL ME!!! “ which sounded urgent to him. It could have been an emergency. Then he should say, “Maybe we should call it a night. I can’t play defense all night.”. If she goes so be it. If she stays there may be some chemistry.

2

Gunther is being utterly annoying and stupid at the moment.

Luann should not have texted him to call her.

This situation is back to being just a big bunch of frustration.

He is DOOMED!

Dude?! Try this new thing all the kids are doing TEXTING.Turn. Off. Your. Phone.

Dang. The strip is irritating again.

Bets is cute for the guy. I hope she stays around for a while. Maybe a double date with Luann and Jack (wait that could be so wrong)

Get out, Bets!!! Run! This is already a dysfunctional relationship!

“My Mom! I shouldn’t be talking to my Mom when I’m on a date. " Gunther has lied before, he should do it here. Do NOT tell Bets he is talking to Luann in the middle of his date.

And once again Gunthy does the wrong thing. Surprise, surprise. (NOT!)

This dude is so clueless I’m surprised his mommy lets him leave the house without a keeper.

Soooo… Bets has made it clear she abhors liars and cheats. After the disaster at the Fuse, now comes Luann putting Gunther immediately in a situation where, on the fly, has to decide whether to lie or not, and if he lies, even though they are on a first date, this could lead to suspicions of cheater in Bets mind. And why is Luann calling DURING the date? It leaves the strong impression she is really interested in Gunther, putting him in the trickbag, whichever way it goes. Is Luannverse, through Luann having malevolent intent reaching out, or just being a lunkhead? I am hoping Bets puts up with this, and Gunther gets a chance to have a serious date and hopefully future with someone not in Luannverse, but I have my doubts now.

The captain, of course. Truth is, that we’ve been sent to your planet to study you.

Bets: Pull that Tri-corder off your hip and hack his phone.

Luann, Queen of Spock-blocking!

Bets asked a question. I say tell the truth and even show her the texts.

WHY he called at the moment is not even important. WHAT happened is.

The one thing she did hear was, " I should not even be talking to you right now," or words to that effect.

Gunther is doing the “The Right Thing To Do” impulse/reflex in his own mind!

We’ve ALL done it from time to time! Immediately answer a phone – or respond to a text, right THEN – or ‘call right back’ just because you may (or may not) have been told that you HAVE to! That’s all! While there are times one needs to, I’ve done at times and regretted it, TRUST me!

But, I will say this. And it doesn’t really apply to the Star Trek theme here (although there is an oblique connection here)! And …

Paraphrasing what Bets will likely say next: “Gunther!! You got some ’SPLAINING to do!!” :)

luann is so out of her own comic that she’s now calling in her parts

“Oh, Hi, Bets— I’m talking to Luann. She called to apologize for being such a twit earlier. RIGHT, LUANN??? "

Does she not know she is messing up his date or is she rethinking that missed kiss?

Someone mentioned above a curious point: Of all these characters, NONE are in a relationship , i.e.: a steady boy / girl friend. That’s VERY peculiar for this age group. There should be at least ONE couple … and no, Crystal and Knute don’t count!

where’s this going?

I’m not really the jealous type nor have I ever been, and I kind of like getting to meet a person’s friends/tribe (bit of an extrovert &I find I can tell a lot about a person from whom they choose to hang out with, plus it seems awful mean to make someone choose between a romantic interest and their friends/family.) But maybey Bets is looking for something more traditional romantic for dating, that’s really a personal choice, so I can’t really hate on Luann & co for being insensitive. They just have their own ideas on romance – more miniature golf group stuff that quiet dinner for two. I’ll take miniature golf myself.

At least it’s not his mother.

I hope that this comic doesn’t devolve into Betts leaving Gunther because of a misunderstanding. I really don’t want it to fall into that kind of trope. I know that the comic’s protagonists aren’t supposed to be in long term relationships, but Luann’s brother is essentially in one. Let Gunther have this one.

Phone off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Hailing frequencies closed, Captain.” (we can ONLY hope, now)…

Gunther: Do you want to die a virgin?

Geez this is Three Stooges. Luann said, “I meant later when you get home.” OK. “But…How’s it going?” As far as Luann knows, Bets is sitting right there. What a dumb thing to ask in that situation. I guess the thing is that Luann is all excited about Gunther’s date because she has nothing going on for herself. And everybody seems addicted to their phones…

It would be funny to find out that Bets went to the restroom to make a phone call. But it’s really disappointing that Gunther dutifully calls Luann right back in the middle of date. Gunther is sorta amoeba like: poke – respond – poke – respond. Gunther is not suited for the dating scene. He’s best off if some woman chains him up – he can study/work and run home to her from then on.

Sadly, I’m not confident Bets is going to stick around for very long. She’s got the red shirt on, after all…

Luann you need to back off and let Gunther have some fun.

Luann is going to be a busybody, sticking her 2 cents in wanted or not. and a gossip

TRYING SO VERY HARD TO PUT A POSITIVE SPIN ON THIS

……. Perhaps….. just perhaps….. Gunther’s foolish behavior today, and all the rough panels from last week….. maybe…… just maybe…. seems a bit hard to believe though…. but maybe…… this is Greg’s attempt to get every possible fault he can think of about Gunther….. on the table immediately …. so as to then have Bets somehow like him anyway…. and all of his issues will never have to be mentioned to her again?!?!?

I would like the above to be so….. but I sincerely think this idea is only a damn pipe dream.

Just so you’ll all know, I’ll be standing in the throwing booth at the local carnival…be sure to bring your biggest bricks in the hopes that one of them will knock some sense into me after the huge boner I pulled today…

This is only Thursday. By Saturday they’ll be making out in some empty transporter mock-up room.

AAUUUGGHHH… I can’t take it anymore.

Bets? When it comes to Gunther, You have to remember one important thing:

“If you wanna be Gunth’s Lover,”

“FIRST You gotta ‘Know’ Gunth’s Friends!”

“Few things last forever,”

“But Friendship NEVER Ends!” – Spice Girls “Wannabe”

Way to go Luann. Mess it up for Gunther.

Caught!

Based on the evidence at hand so far, it looks like Gunther is in danger of lousing this up.

I just knew from yesterday’s strip that in today’s strip Gunther would get caught by Bets coming back from the bathroom while talking to Luanne. Some things are just that predictable. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of others thought the same.

aw jeez…… can it really be that G&K would take Gunther this far in finding a soul mate and then derail the whole affair over petty behaviors (lack of self control) on the part of both Gunther and Luann. Mord would say YES and that he has predicted the whole thing. The shred of hope that I cling to is that Bets will give Gunther a sharp lecture on proper dating etiquette; Gunther will apologize profusely and the outing will proceed as planned, albeit tainted.

Luann, it is becoming impossible to like you!

Gunther is on the verge of losing again. Can he pull his behind out of the fire before Bets gives up on him?

Wouldn’t it be nice if Bets works professionally with young adults with Asperger’s, and she recognizes it in Gunther and gets him properly diagnosed and into a program to help him? As frustrated as we (the readers) are with his behavior and his bad choices, he (possibly) can’t help it. He’s not an idiot. He reacts inappropriately to almost any social situation he’s in. His (s)mother and his “friends” from high school have been oblivious to his real problem so they made fun of him, or imposed on him with no pushback. And Gunther would just take it until he’d explode, because he can’t articulate his feelings or say “no” to them. Could be a win-win all around! G & K can use this as a PSA for Asperger’s Awareness.

I do think Gunther has some level of autism. All the unusual escapes he immerses himself in: Star Trek, sewing, the toys of his childhood, Christmas displays…

With a friend like Luann, who needs a rival like Les???

Bets, who are you? Date site revealed a girl with an overbite who was into Star Trek. College girl? Majoring in pre-med, pre-law, philosophy, drama? Not in college? Runs an on line dating service?

The question is, why did you call?