Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for January 28, 2021

touché to Bernice and touché to Luann as the pendulum swings

now who has a terrible alibi?

And so the Battles of the Sexes begin — Ladies! Please, no hair pulling!

She got a cat, maybe.

I was just gonna say everyone has gotten a recent love interest arc…Bernice and Piro, Tiffany and Gunther then Gunther and Bets. The last person Luann had feelings for was Quill and that feels like forever ago

Still going with kids.

“We barely slept” was Luann speaking to who was standing outside.

Uh, Bernice, it’s none of your business.

The confrontation begins. Luann’s does not act as ifl she has anything to hide, so I’m not holding out hope for a major disclosure. Sigh…

Bernice is getting rather angry; perhaps she needs to be reminded that she’s not an RA anymore and Luann doesn’t owe her an explanation. Luann would be fully justified in telling Bernice to pack her bags and live somewhere else.

Okay, let’s go at it, girls. Luann, we KNOW you had someone in your room, and as Bernice pointed out, there is the screen on the floor below the window. Funny, the last time I saw that was when YOU were in Gunther’s bedroom and he snuck you out so Les wouldn’t see you walk out of his room. Following this logic, you snuck someone out who you don’t want Bernice or your parents to see walk out of your house. Someone they don’t know about or do not approve of…or someone forbidden? Someone WE the fans haven’t met yet?

im betting it is a cat

Bernice is jealous because Luann had a gentleman caller. Well bern, you could also have a gentleman caller if you would just stop over thinking and over-analyzing every potentiality. She knows she’s jealous but doesn’t want Luann to know it or realize it so she’s trying to shame Luann for having a guy over.

This is where Luann needs to remind Bernice of her place in the house and if she doesn’t like it—— she knows where the door is.

In panel 3, Luann reveals herself to be as unconvincing a fibber as Bernice was in yesterday strip. Or, it’s just possible that Luann is pranking Bernice and doing a very convincing job of it. Argument against the pranking hypothesis: Why would Luann have bothered making the “call me” sign? (Was she thinking Bernice might actually barge into the room at that moment or something?) Argument for: If Luann were really having a clandestine rendezvous in her bedroom, wouldn’t she have made sure to put the screen back in the window before opening her door, instead of leaving it on the floor where anyone in the household might happen to walk by and see it? If she is pranking Bernice, intentionally letting her see the screen makes perfect sense. (On the other hand, maybe Luann was just careless about the screen.)

So what’s actually going on? I’ll go out on a limb and predict that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday’s strip won’t reveal the answer.

Last panel Luanne looks like she’s been smoking some legal California ganja!

Luann, you should have put the screen back before leaving your room but then again you probably did not know you had someone listening at your door either. I do not think it is a guy, I am betting that it was Tara, for whatever reason. The girl is known for doing some off the wall things and I really doubt Luann is going to be sneaking a guy into her parent’s house for romantic purposes. If she had a secret romance, I think it would more likely be Luann disappearing at certain times of the day where Bern does not know where she is (kind of like when Bern disappeared when she was supposed to having dinner with her family) and Bern might get suspicious if Luann says that she was, say, at the library or park…..

BTW, I still do not know why Bern is staying at the DeGroot’s in the first place. Hasn’t her family have a rollaway bed, a sleeper sofa/futon or considered purchasing one? As Bern was avoiding Ben perhaps she got the room with the DeGroots before telling the family her RA was dissolved so the topic of moving back home was never brought up. You almost expect Rod Serling to pop out into a panel smoking a heater and saying: “For you consideration, college student Bernice…….”

Luann could just say, “Last time I checked, you are not an RA at the DeGroots.”

The only way to find out what stupid thing was going on, is to have Luann tell this entitled harpy, which she shouldn’t have to do. It’s kind of amazing.

Bernice se precipita asegurando que Luann tenía a un chico en su habitación, cuando podría haber sido una chica.

1st panel: Bernice is way out of line. It is none of her business what Luann does in Luann’s own home. Bernice’s confrontational, judgemental tone and body language only emphasize what a nosy, busy-body she is being. No one put Bernice in charge of Luann. What makes Bernice think that Luann owes her any sort of explanation? Why does Bernice feel entitled to demand one?

2nd panel: Maybe Bernice needs to move her bed to a different wall if Luann’s whispering is disrupting her sleep?

3rd panel: And now Bernice thinks she’s inspector Clouseau. Her behavior is leading her and Luann to the kind of quarrel that poisons a relationship for years. Frankly, I’d be glad to see the last of the killjoy Bernice. For years now her role seems to be to act like a flat tire or a wet blanket whenever other characters are trying to have fun. How does the strip benefit from having this sanctimonious spoilsport as part of the cast?

Next time —

Luanne: “Hey, why don’t a couple of you go surprise Bernie? Don’t forget to bring her back here.”

Bernice Buzzkill – whether an RA in the dorm or a houseguest Chez Degroo, it is her job to be sure no one is having any fun.

So will we find out who it was on Monday?

I’m just gonna throw this out there (I know it’s not going to happen), but…

What if it was actually Jack? Knowing that Bern is warm for his form, that would certainly change up the relationship between her and Luann. And especially because Luann knows how Bern feels, that would be a pretty rotten thing to do-but it would make for interesting reading.

sorry for asking stupid (continental) questions: what is it with this screen? what is that for ? winter nights are longer dark and no insects – what is that about ? is it for insects or darkening and the cartoon does not care about seasons ?

The house belongs to Nancy and Frank, Luann is technically a tenant who pays no rent. Bernice was invited by Nancy to take up residence in Brad’s old room as a guest. Bernice did not sign any rental agreement like Pru did.Luann is free to leave the Degroots family anytime like her brother did and engage in grown up activities.

Gads, Bernie – you have already been released of your R.A. duties. Go back to bed and dream of you and Jack taking an ocean voyage on the RMS Titanic. You will probably be the one still polishing the brass as the last of it slips below the waves.

Hard (though not impossible) to imagine Luann sneaking a guy into her room at night. But there will be an explanation – maybe she and whoever it was were planning Borenice’s surprise birthday party? Why she would deserve it at all is an entirely different question!

Bernice is completely out of line here. She’s a guest in Luanne’s home, there by courtesy. And even if she weren’t it’s none of her business if Luanne has a man in her room, or a woman, or every consenting adult in the First Unitarian Church of Kennebunkport Maine unless they’re tracking mud through the kitchen or eating her Cheerios.

It’s Ben.

Boy, the Bernice haters are out in force tonight. Of course it would have helped if Bernice had included among her reasons for snooping Luann saying don’t wake Bernice.

Have anyone noticed that the characters stop having any school-related storyline. The power outage storyline started at Degroots, Ferrell Mansion, the Fuse, and back to the Degroots. Desdemona, TJ & Tiffany and the public garden. Ben York, Jack and Bernice. Everyone is waiting for Brad-n-Toni to have a child. Maybe it is an elaborate prank?

Luann tries to deflect Bernice’s suspicions, by trying to say see was dreaming like Bernice was when Nancy gave that “bodice ripper.” Too bad Luann forgot about the screen. Bur we still don’t know for sure what, if anything, went on in Luann’s bedroom. Greg will probably stretch is out a little more, and, we’ll find out it’s nothing like our obsessed minds think it is.

Better tell the truth. The RA may turn you in…

It’s probably Gunther and they’re working on Bernice’s costume for the “Biggest Busybody Contest”.

Bernice is releasing the R.A. inside her, the only difference is that she now works for Nancy and not for the college. It seems that Luann has no intention of telling her who the mystery guest was. Maybe only because she feels spied by Bernice and not for any other reason. I just hope her friend doesn’t cheat on her by telling Nancy everything. That would be the end! But surely, their friendship is stronger than this mystery.

You know what?

I kinda hope We CON’T find out “Who” or “What” that was in Luann’s bedroom by Saturday.

And that by Monday, We switch to a whole new arc and are left “hanging” for awhile.

Or Would We?

If THAT were to happen next week, whoever “stars” in the next arc could be a “clue” as to “who” Lu had in her bedroom.

Just saying……, ;)

Time to go. She’s overstaying her welcome.

@Bernice: It’s HER house, and she’s an adult now, you teenage fussbudget. (I’ve despaired of the sanctimonious scold this character has tuned into.

None. Of. Your. Business, Bernice. And how dare you even “look” disapproving?

For a “smart” person, you would think Bernice would have just looked out the window to see who it was.

One more reason why I dislike Bernice’s character. Sanctimonious while being hypocritical. The only 1 time she ever acted like a friend was when Quill & Luann broke up and she thought Pru was the reason. Other than that, she’s mostly judgmental, condescending, and annoying. I’d rather Delta had stayed and Bernice left.

I’m sensing a feud coming on.

Regardless of what Luann is doing in her house does not give Bernice the right to snoop. Bernice has to get the dorm monitor role out of her system.

They must have been really quiet right up until he/she left. They didn’t make any noises even though they didn’t sleep.

For someone who doesn’t like being judged, Bern is certainly judgmental.

They complement each other, no?

Sure why not, Frank claims he’s sleep walking when he’s looking in the refrig for a snack.

Its Puddles

I wouldn’t be surprized if Luann did stage the whole thing and that there’s no one who really climbed out the window. She deliberately said “we don’t want to wake Bernice”, knowing Bern is a light sleeper and would hear that. After removing the screen from the window and saying “call me” to no one, Luann walked to the door and opened it? Why? I think she knew Bern would be out there.

I don’t know why everyone is criticizing Bernice. Luann pokes her nose into Bernice’s business all the time. Aren’t they supposed to be best friends? Luann’s facial depiction today, with her cagey, calculating expression is really unattractive, but she is the least likable character in this comic strip so no big surprise. Maybe if they want to practice drawing expressions of people in an argument they shouldn’t use characters who are supposed to be friends, it doesn’t work. But then, this friendship doesn’t really work either. Bernice needs to move. Her long time relationship with Luann isn’t going to let her be complacent about what’s going on and they have obviously grown apart. It all started when she wouldn’t do the “wall talk” Luann wanted.

Busted!

No, she was sneaking someone OUT of her bedroom!

Luann and Bernice are like an old married couple.

“Friends don’t lie”

I don’t think Bernice is upset that sex may have occurred. I think she is more upset about having some strange man in the house right next to her room. Remember how she carried a bat when Piro was sleeping in her dorm room. It is a safety issue for Bernice.

Gunther.

Are those really tell tale signs of Luann having sex?

too many minds in gutters.

Bernice— Just how much of this is any of your beeswax? Now you’ve snooped, lied, AND judged. Not ‘friend’ material, IMO.

NOYB……

Probably Tara

I bet it’s Puddles… The “coat” thing is just to throw us off.

MYOB, Bernice

Projection is a way to enjoy this overall story, much less this arc, or the relationship between developing virginal female adults in this hilarity ensues family oriented fantasy, but I continue to refuse to follow that lazy thinking (sorry but my opinion and I am subject to it too, although I try to follow the story without being judgmental); IMHO this story is meant to portray a relationship issue between friends, Bernice is understandably curious, Luann is not drawn with an intent to fool Bernice, although all the noise and those thin walls knocks that plan in the booty, but in the end it will come out what is going on. It will be surprising, whichever way it goes, I find it interesting (my lawyer background, but that is projection) that Luann did not deny Bernice’s assertion that Luann is sneaking a guy into her room, with a deflection rather than an indignant denial for instance; as I have stated before, lets just see where GnK takes the arc.

Oh, FFS! Bernice’s authoritarian ways come back and rear their ugly little heads. She’s NOT THE “dictator RA” of the dorm anymore! It’s not up up HER to enforce some unwritten “rules and regulations” and interrogate her HOST while living as a freeloader in said host’s home! Sheesh!

Lose the attitude and the angry eyes, Bernice! Luann might be involved in some silly hijinks involving bringing someone thru her bedroom window, but Luann does not answer to YOU, Bernice, the mini-Fuhrer! Dial it back!

I said days ago that Luann should be introducing any friends or any BF to the folks and bringing them thru the front door, but I didn’t ever say that it’s up to Bernice to police any of that. She’s out of line, and, if I were Luann, I’d be completely offended by by “best friend’s” attitude and body language and presumptuousness.

These two besties can’t stay out of each other’s business. It’s just the way it is.

I don’t now why so many want to inject sex into this. two people (friends) lying face to face could just be a friendly relationship (especially in Luann’s case). But I’m not yet convinced it wasn’t planned. And Puddles has slept through the entire episode. Animals would respond if someone had come through the window.

i have a feeling Bernice is more mad at the fact Luann might be doing something she wishes she was doing with a certain jock

Plot twist. It was Shannon. It is how Jonah dumps her off on people.

This accomplishes two things. First opens the door for a Luann love interest, something that is long overdue. If the writers are going to keep her unattached this long maybe she should explore “flying nun” as potential occupation.

Second, this exposes Bernice’s jealousy of Luann that often manifests itself in degrading little jibes and generally acting like she is superior in some way to Luann. The instant anger and the misplaced attempt to flex some authority over her bears this out. Glad to see Lu is having none of it.

She wasn’t sneaking him in. She was sneaking him out.

Seems that she still believes she is the fun police.

Presumptuous of Bernice to assume it’s a guy!

Sorry Bern: you aren’t the RA – you’re the guest. So shut up and go back to bed.

Luann’s face. I suspect this is something ridiculous, maybe Puddles?

All of this because Shannon spent the night in Luann’s room. Get a life Bernice, your behavior is awful. It’s none of your business

It’s no one’s business what Luann does in her own room. But like everyone else I am curious!!!!!

(Repeat of what I said to Tyge earlier)

Tyge began by saying, “Luann’s does not act as if she has anything to hide” – and I answered by saying:

Which is why this is once again stacking up to be another “nothing-burger” (as some of you call it). (Not a bad idea, either. I may continue to use it)

Right now, I’m more convinced than ever that no one was in the room last night except Luann. She was probably talking to someone in the street. Don’t know why the screen is down, but there are many plausible reasons for that – other than sneaking someone into or out of the house.

Look for a “Three’s Company” closure to the screen anomaly.

The torture here is, once again, have-it-both-ways G&K have decided to plunge us into what appears to be a compromising situation, allowing enough audience members to assume the worst -

If for no other reason than, as per the script, one of the lead characters has assumed the worst.

Gee, Bern…who do you think you are? The Dorm Police?

Last time we were given solid reason to believe LuAnn lost her virginity it was to Quil and we did not find out what really happened in the car. So, it might take months o find out who or what went out thbwindow

Looking back to 2 days ago, I think Luann was planning to leave the room when she discovered Bern outside the door, hence her asking if she was snooping. She had not replaced the screen yet, maybe because she planned to do it later, maybe because she had to pee? You know, morning stuff?

Who made her “house detective”?

She could have removed the screen in her sleep. People have done worse things than that during somnambulism.

Common Luann. Show us you are spicing up your life. You’re like what? 20 in Luann years?

Dun dun DUUUUUUUNNNNN!!!

Well, Bernice is Luann’s best friend. If Luann can give advice about how Bernice interacts with her family, Bernice can hear about Luann’s love life.

Or else Bernice can move back home and be Aunt Beezee— which may be the best thing for her anyway.

3

While it is not appropriate for Bernice to be “angry” acting towards Luann here…. it is normal for Bernice to be curious. In my opinion, I am taking Bernice’s angry posture to be her reflex to having been caught snooping on Luann.

I do think the more important aspect of today’s comic, though, is how will Greg resolve this “individual of some sort” who came and left through Luann’s window? I still feel:

1. It will not be a “boyfriend” or any sort of romantic partner. IF Greg were to portray such a thing, I cannot believe he would just have it suddenly happen almost “out of nowhere” like it appears to be being portrayed this week. I think that if Greg were to portray that sort of romantic partner scenario, there would be considerable buildup over probably weeks if not months in the comic before it would occur.

2. I do not have any firm idea of which potential “non-romantic” way Greg will conclude this. There are far too many options. I just hope that the arc ends on a “hilarity ensues” sort of note and not a note of rancor.

3. It will be interesting to continue to watch this unfold, although the panels today do not really give me much “hilarity ensues”. Today’s effort feels rather painful and challenging to me.

None of your business, Bernice. No, really, it’s not!

Just tell busy-body Bernie to take a hike, Luann. She is not worth the trouble of keeping as a friend….

Bern grilling Luann like a cheese-sandwich!

The actual answer will be, I fear, a tad anticlimactic……

I find it interesting, that all this spying and intregue, are heating up, right before a holiday that many Pittsvillains love/hate. The water is starting to boil, the girls are fiercely riled up; meanwhile Bets and Gunthie are incognito.Just what’s going down in the Gulag? Perhaps a February reveal?

“Tara” has been my thinking all along…definitely not a guy.

Bernice is not a friend, she never has been. You can do better Luann.

Mind you own business Bernice. It’s not like she is a teenager anymore.

Who is Bernice? Luann’s mother?

Luann should pull Bernice’s chain by telling her that she and Jack have done this frequently, he just left, and that she is carrying his baby. Paul Anka had a song for that:

.

♫ Havin’ my baby,

what a funny way of sayin’ that we gotta get married… ♪

My vote is on a stray cat.

Seems to think she’s still a dorm cop

A number of commenters above have expressed a concern that if someone other than Luann was in the room, Puddles would have responded. Perhaps it was someone Puddles was very familiar with and is comfortable around…

say the line, robotnik

Another day, another acting legend lost…

Cicely Tyson has passed away at the age of 96.

R. I. P. to a superstar.

So along the line of pranking Bernice, what if Luann was talking to Jack and then is setting up Bernice to meet him at the dog park because she is too chicken to just hang out with Jack and get to know him? Its a stretch, but plausible. I’d personally like to see Luann involved with someone again. Maybe it was Ox bcause he was upset about Tiff? Or Les?

Bernice, you’re not my mom

Actually, Bernice, you’re way out of line here. This is not your house. You are a guest in it. What Luann does in her own room is none of your business. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, you are NOT Luann’s mother. Or father. So, button your lip, girl, or you’re going to find yourself homeless again.