Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for July 31, 2004
Transcript:
Sam (on phone): Daddy, mommy says I have to go to bed, so here's a kiss for yoru big nose *smack* and one for your hurt leg *smack*! B.D.: Thanks, sweetheart. Good night. Sam: By the way, you look very handsome with your helmet off! 'Bye! B.D.: Oh, yeah... my helmet... What the hell was that all about?
Come to think of it, I think the permanent loss of the helmet represents BD losing his defenses. He’s no longer able to hide behind the persona of BD-the-Football-Star/Coach, BD-the-Soldier, BD-the-Cop. His mannerisms and behavior always shifted slightly as his helmet changed to suit whatever role he was playing. Now, for better or worse, he’s only… BD.