Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for June 05, 2019

and we’re back to square one of why Tom likes… I mean loves Ann whereas Tiffany dislikes… I mean hates her and Tom doesn’t listen to reason

But Tiff has seen…

So I wonder where this arc is going.

I have never met a more despicable man than Mr. Farrow

Boy, is he in for a rude awakening.

No redemption arc, please. ✨

Perhaps Tiff will find an ally in Mr Gray…

The way this is headed, both Tom and Tiff will be sharing a room at the DeGroots. Love can truly be blind and at times some stupid is thrown in to make things ‘interesting’. It is sad to think that Tom believes that Ann actually has feelings for him. I hope for his sake, that this is a deep cover (ya ya, I know what you are thinking) criminal investigation to finally get her charged out with a crime.

Tiffany, you’re fast talking out of your tuition money. Shut up and walk away. Just say, “I will just bunk up with someone. Thank so much for paying my tuition.” You can’t tell someone blindly in love that their love interest is rotten to the core. They simply don’t see it. Sociopaths are charming – they learn to be in order to conceal their true selves.

Kudos to Tiffany for expressing her dislike of Ann Eiffel in no uncertain terms. No, that’s not how you “win friends and influence people” or even arguments. But the person she has no choice but to live with is herself – and she’s just done a brilliant of standing up for herself.

One piece of wisdom, reflective of my own experience:

Hate is, indeed, blind!

Not showing her dad’s face is stupid. Granted he can only draw 8 distinct faces, but fer cryin out loud, just pick one and move on!

Seems Tiff needs to have Mr. Gray have a little sit down with him……and Les…..

Tiff do not shut up and walk away stand your ground let all out this is your one chance so take it. Tom is a ass who really does not care about his daughter. But he so in love with a woman that will burn him in the end.

Tiff this your moment in time use it wisely.

Time for Bernice, TJ, Toni, Brad, and everyone else who has ever been wronged by Ann Eiffel to show up and educate Tom Farrell.

Tiffany, you need to swallow your pride, choke on it if you have to. Yes having to live with Ann is going to feel overwhelming but it’s only temporary. You’ll graduate college with a degree, then you can get a great job, and move out on your own.

This is one big reason I like this comic so much, these brilliantly planned and executed panels with the carefully planned stories ending up into meaty, substantial story lines, ones we have been looking at and wondering about for a long time. Slow but steady, gradually a line graph of suppressed emotion, then BOOM. Yeah Tiffany! You know what we have all seen about Ann for years, and how she is trying to control you, being such a crook, and manipulator, and now just when your dad is showing some personal love to you, your dad falls in love with her. Money tight? Hmmm? Hate is not a good emotion, but in this case I am with Tiff, she is not the blind one. I hope she grows up and decides that she has to live her own life. I love how she has asserted herself. Man has this taken a long while. Lets end in growth and not surrender Tiffany Farrell.

She needs to approach this tactically. Agree to stay at home if he has a background check run on Ann and it comes back clean.

Tiffany just has the luxury of seeing a side of Anne Effel that her dad can’t or won’t see.

Second panel Tiffany’s eyes are so big, they are about to take over her head.

Everyone seems to think Tom can’t see Ann’s evil side. perhaps Tiffany’s father is…evil…as well? Muah aahh hh ha ha ha (Dr. Evil laugh with the pinky)

Run away, Tiff. Let Tom go down.

You GO GIRL!!!

Tiffany needs to excuse herself from the table, say thank you for what he has done so far, then address him as any other stranger. It’s done.

Greg’s not done with her yet, so much more misery he can inflict on her. This’ll be a real test of her strength. Some might just decide to fold it up and do the unspeakable, and I’m thinking this is what Greg is planning.

Tom has completely lost his mind for Ann (so sweet). I think he knows what a mean person she is, but he don’t care. Tiffany has to understand that. I’m sorry for her, but the best option is to avoid him and find a place for herself. Cheap, maybe very small and with other people, but far away from Ann.

Well, there it is – Tom Farrell is “whipped,” and for sure.

So maybe there’s a spare room where Ox lives…

Based on the third frame, possibly a reconciliation between Tiff and Eiffel? Or at least a truce pact?

Pardon my French but Tom is thinking with his small head.

I see in panel 1 that Tom’s falling for Ann has made him just a “shadow of himself”.

In this case, no hate isn’t blind, since Tiffany has clear, specific, and legitimate reasons to hate Ann.

Would Tiffany rather live with her dad and Ann, or in a broom closet at The Fuse?

He may be a good businessman but he’s not much of a mediator.

Ann, a mentor?! I don’t think so!!

I am hoping for an arc where Ann Awful is abducted by aliens, there is enough angst in this whole strip without her.

Tom must see his business Soul Mate in Ann. I can’t see any reason-beyond skin deep, why he’d fall in love with her.

If this is the way we will get Tiff to grow up and get off dad’s pocket so be it. She dont need to be home with Anne Awful, she will study business and eventually succeed in life, by herself. Should take advantage of Tom paying her tuition, and the rest should be up to herself. Tom has to learn his lesson as well. So let him!

Walk away Tiff. Find a roomie, work hard, study hard, and pay your own way. Your daddy is thinking with his member.

Tiff, of course you can stay in your private dorm room – just pay for it yourself.

Love and hate both tint how we see people, love is more likely to excuse, hate is more likely to fault.

In this case, hate was caused in part by what was seen, already observed.

Now would be a good time to Les to step up with the evidence on Ann

Poor Tiffany. I really feel for her here.

Okay, your pop is a love sick MORON when it comes to Ann, Tiffany. And no amount of talking is going to change THAT.

But what SHOULD Tiffany do now?

Why not change the subject, Tiffany? Ask your dad about his current money woes and specifically how and WHEN it started. (It would be Interesting if they started about two years ago) Sure your dad may not want to talk about that, but be polite and persistent. Just say it you want learn EVERYTHING about the business World and HIS line of work, including the “hard times.”

It would be GREAT if Tiff and her dad had a Joint Checking account. Then she could SEE where the money is going. It would be even BETTER if Tom still got paper bank statements, provided Ann hasn’t shredded them or have them locked up. One of Tiffany’s friends with High Level computer skills could help her get into her Dad’s (and Ann’s) laptops where important info is kept. Tiffany Spending a day or two at work with her dad wouldn’t hurt, either. That way she could get chummy with co-workers. Lots of loose information, there.

Above ALL, Tiffany SHOULD go home! She needs Put those acting skills to work and PRETEND to go along with the program and that she’s tolerating Ann. Sooner Ann’s guard will drop. Here’s a hint: Ann LOVES submission and flattery. Tiffany should use BOTH to her advantage.

Time to do some reconnaissance before the next attack. Above all, don’t tell ANYONE what you’re up to, ESPECIALLY Les! Okay. Do tell Gunther. You’ll need his computer skills later.

“Keep Your Friends Close But Enemies CLOSER,” Tiffany!

No point taking summer class if can’t stay in dorm

So let me get this straight… Delta was dropped… an intelligent, driven positive role model for young women of all ethnicities – and Ann Eiffel is still around, having some kind of interaction with every other member of the strip and yet this woman isn’t in jail for all these crimes? Got it.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Tiffany wearing a tie. But now I think it looks good on her. Several years ago, a friend of mine wore a blue tie and she wore a sparkling blue blazer at our class reunion. It looked good except she didn’t tie her tie very well and it was really crooked and her collar was sticking up. Anyway, Tiffany should look for a way to live on campus or find an apartment of her own.

Forgive ’em all. Let God sort ’em out…

Hate isn’t always blind. Some times it’s earned

I find it curious that they are at the Fuse, where several people who know exactly how bad Ann is work. Where are ANY of them when Tiff needs them?!

Touche.

This is probably the first honest heart-to-heart talk Tiffany has ever had with her dad.

Ooooo! Now we’re gettin’ down to business! Looks like they’re locked into two irreconcilable positions right now.

Tom should take Ann to Paris for a nice vacation….and MAYBE bump into Simone of Souffle Lingerie. OR send Tiffany to Paris to stay with Simone and learn the right way to become a business woman.

Tom will soon learn that Ann is the source of his money problems. We may need help from Les on this!

I wanna go home.

But home is not home.

I’m surprised at how many people are thinking Tom has no idea of Ann’s past. Would someone in his position be so naive and NOT have her checked out? unlikely. He knows she’s been on the shady side of business efforts, and is Ok with it. IMO.

Tom thinks Anne is a good businesswoman? Let’s see, her bookstore job led to them shipping her off to Japan to avoid a sexual harassment suit. She got fired from WeenieWorld. She got caught selling knockoff lingerie as the real thing. Even if Tom buys her story that she didn’t know, that just makes her look stupid.

And yet, folks….Tom’s last comment really hits the mark, no? Not that I even vaguely like the man, but he has a point, there.

Here we go….like I said yesterday, this is going to be like hearing a family fight through the thin walls of a bad apartment building.

While I agree with Tiffany’s description of Ann, Tom has a valid point, too…

Some commenters have voiced the opinion that perhaps Ann Awful is truly in love with Tom. Yeah, right!

Even if she does “love” Tom, and even if he is having money problems beyond her making, she has treated Tiffany in a cruel and hateful manner. Moreover, she has a specific reason to wish Tiffany ill. Remember that Tiff outed her illegal lingerie scam; causing monetary harm, the threat of a crime report and the eventual loss of her son, Les.

Stick with your position Tiff! It may take years, but he’ll see the light eventually.

Tom thinks Ann would be a good mentor for Tiffany. Funny. Ann told Les the same thing nearly 2 years ago. Don’t believe a word of it. Ann is very manipulative. https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2017/10/16

Tiffany should skip all the emotions and tell Dad factual things that Ann has done. Leave her feelings out of it and give him the facts. Bring Les and TJ into the conversation.

Here’s a good example of Ann at work. She’s extremely manipulative.

https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2018/03/02

Tiffany left Ann speechless once.

https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2018/02/28

Tom didn’t answer Tiffany’s question. He evaded it. That isn’t business like. I wonder how he made it without being able to communicate properly.

An interesting question here is does Tom’s financial problems have anything to do with Ann?

I just stumbled on a little mini novel Greg posted on the Luannfan site. It’s s fast read: http://luannfan.com/novels/

and this is why he’s having money trouble. I sure hope they don’t make Ann out to be the hero of this whole relationship. That will kill this strip for me..

I’m always troubled by this storyline – it does not make sense to me why they don’t out Ann’s thieving and be done with it.

Because of you, Tom Ferrell, Tiffany gained weight because you’re in love with Ann Eiffel and you’re too blind to notice how desperate she is. Shame, shame, shame.

Tom doesn’t realize that Ann already has started embezzling him. When he told Tiffany that he could pay her summer tuition and that money was tight that was the hint of bad things to come for the both of them. Ann will bleed Tom dry and maybe then he might listen to Tiffany (But I highly doubt it.). Even then he’ll still be in “love” with her. By the time Tom wakes up, it will be too late. He will lose everything, and will only have himself to blame.

Interesting, Tom indicated money is tight, and Ann doesn’t seem to be concerned (other than cutting Tiffany down). He’s either getting cheap (pay for college but not for room) or someone’s pushing buttons (after-all, education is tax deductible, but the dorm room is not)

Given discussions about the family yacht (I seem to remember something about Tom and Ann or maybe just Ann on the boat) and I would wager that sporty car she sped off in was also Tom’s money.

Maybe if they marry, she can get Uncle Gray to take her in too… learn from the real master

Also, isn’t it awfully coincidental that Tiffany became a target once Les got out from under her. Not sure if it’s revenge or just the need to have someone under her thumb.

7

Wow. Today had many expected occurrences…. but one thing was very unexpected to me:

Expected items:

1. Tiffany balked at living with Ann. I am glad she did express her feelings in this regard.

2. Tiffany stated her feeling for Ann. I am also glad that she did verbalize this to her father.

3. Tom “Cat” proclaiming “love” for Ann. Even though I doubt he knows the full meaning of love (it is more than feelings in his groin)…. I am not surprised that he has stated that he loves Ann.

But, what is unexpected to me is:

Tom saying “And hate isn’t?” To me that shows an almost “philosophical” mindset to Tom that I never imagined in his personality. To me, Tom has always seemed very non-emotional, mostly a do-it, get-it-done, don’t think about anything other than the goal sort of fellow. His saying in reflex to Tiffany, “And hate isn’t?” feels very, very different, and rather “odd” for him. I wonder if this is simply an off-hand comment that will not progress nor will mean anything… or if perhaps Greg is using it to show that in fact, Tom, is a bit deeper emotionally than his past actions have lead us to believe?

I think this is how cult get started.

Note to Tiff: get a roommate, or two, find your own place, but don’t move back in Dad

He may think it’s love but it may just be lust.

Tiff – tell him in a calm unbiased voice about the lingerie scam, how she cheated your friends, and your concern due to your experience with Ann’s dishonest manipulation skills. That is how a business woman deals.

Greg- you can get another villian – it is time for somesatisfaction. Let’s see Tom put this one to the curb! We all know what Ann is made of and it is fake sugar and poison spice!

Ok. What happened to the camping arc?

In real life, a woman like Ann would not want the daughter living with them. Ann would prefer the freedom to manipulate the man without any witnesses.

TJ is coming……

Tom Ferrel is thinking with his little head.

So he doesn’t like her? If my better half said that I’d freak!

Maybe money is tight because Ann has access to the finances.

It’s a package deal. Tiffany, if you want your tuition paid for, you live At home. Even if Dad has or doesn’t have the money for both, Ann wants her home for the summer. If Tiffany finds a place elsewhere to stay she can also find a way to pay her own tuition.

Excellent comments, all. My hope is that eventually Ann does something that swings the 2X4 of sense and realization upside Tom’s head. It is an awfully juicy drama that may take a long time to resolve.

Very well Dad. I am indifferent to her. That allows me to see clearly that she is an evil person. I actively dislike her lack of ethics and I am sad that she has managed to drive a wedge between us. You are my father and I will always love you. I don’t know how to get past your delusion about her and so I am not going to try. But this is a relationship I can not support or condone. And you might ask yourself why your business suddenly began to go down hill once she entered the picture. Just know I will be here for you when it all falls apart. My love for you is not based on your bank account. You know where to find me.

looks like Bern is going home for the summer; she didn’t get the internship she wanted. if Dez is staying maybe Tiffany could move in with her for the summer. Dez has been a good (humanizing) influence on Tiff. We should hope that Tiff does NOT move back home.

Does anyone in this strip have a heart? A regard for anyone but themselves? I’d say Rosa, Knute and Crystal, and maybe Delta, but they’ve all been exiled.

Does anyone else find it suspicious that all of a sudden Tom is having money problems, after he has been living with Ann for a bit? Far as I can remember his path his has been paved with gold. Wonder if she’s ripping him off?

Alright Tiffany, maybe instead of vague generalities like “she’s a big mean stupidhead” you should try telling your dad why you consider her to be dishonest. Describe the activities and behavior that she’s engaged in that you find objectionable so your dad might know where you’re coming from. Because this is reminding me of the advice the military gave me for writing evaluations on junior soldiers: specifics and statistics. Say exactly what they did, and back it up with numbers whenever possible. So instead of “very responsible”, say “responsible for over $100,000 worth of equipment and 3 subordinate soldiers.”

Be specific, girl!

I like that Tiffany is being blunt an straight forward with Tom. She doesn’t have to have a private suite at Mooney but her education (overall) should be a priority for Tom.

I hate it when people sneak in moral lessons in to my cartoons….. :)

Me thinks Tiffany need to have a long talk with Mister Gray. Farrell suddenly short on money? I bet he has seen Ann take plenty of rich men to the cleaners. This maybe be the most educational summer of Tiffany’s life.

The Tiffster has good reason to “hate” (okay, maybe not the best choice of words) that wicked Scam Artist. So do we all.

Wake up, Tom Farrell, or, poor boy, you’re gonna die! Hang down your head, Tom Farrell….

A relationship where you love’em but don’t like’em is a relationship that will fail.

TIME OUT for a second:If you have every liked Procol Harum, and basically only knew them by 1 or 2 songs, well first off you do yourself a dis-service.Still going strong, albeit with ONLY Gary Brooker from the original lineup. But the sound is there. most of the members have been there since about 2003. hey tour all the time. Well in 2017 they released their latest studio album NOVUM, ( first since 2003) Here is a track from the current band!This has a really cool Steely Dan feel!https://youtu.be/gMMGd3Jh9dg

You may now return to your regularly scheduled debates.

Looks like Tiff may learn about the world of student loans and ramen noodles soon. Also, AE is going to hightail it out of there once she squeezes all she can get left out of Tom.

Assuming a Dad’s love for his daughter is stronger then he’ll compromise for her to keep her happy as well.