March 27, 2011: Sunday Showdown!

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Clockwise from the bottom left:

• Although Leroy has been often portrayed as being somewhat hostile to the arts (particularly when Loretta drags him to a theater or opera), today he displays a surprising interest in being a patron to kitsch clown painters. Of course Loretta does not miss a beat in laying the hammer down on Leroy for his eccentric interests. Interestingly while Loretta gets the burn credit, it doesn't really even seem to phase Leroy's unwarranted confidence in the value of his hideous painting. Only time will tell if Leroy's investment will pan out. As for now, Loretta gets the point.
• It would appear that Loretta has received her latest issue of "Angry Wife Monthly" magazine. It's pretty rare for her to rely on something other than her usual caustic wit to take Leroy to task, but an opportunity is an opportunity. Leroy should really invest some time in trying to find a equivalent husband-centered magazine with their own slanted questionnaire designed to insult the taker. Loretta take a commanding 2-0 lead.
• There is an unexpected sadness to this particular scene. While we're all not strangers to the Lockhorns worrying about their finances at the big desk, they usually involve more cartoonish debt situations like paying down Loretta's ridiculous credit card bill or her outrageous long distance charges. The sight of the Lockhorns struggling with basic necessities like food and heat is a touch too real for my tastes. More crazy shopping receipts please. Score remains 2-0, Loretta.
• I'm not sure why Leroy would ever agree to be stranded for an extended period of time in a small motor boat with Loretta. I can only guess that it's all part of a secret plan to drown Loretta and make it look like an accident. As for Leroy's lack of patience, if he is actually in the room while Loretta is dressing I think his eagerness to leave is more than understandable. I don't think even a blind person could really stand too much time in that scenario. Loretta continues the rout by going up 3-0.
• Seeing has how dire the Lockhorns' home money problems are from the third panel, it's a smart move by Leroy to bear the agony and humiliation of accompanying Loretta to the mall during her latest sprees in an attempt to curtail some of her spending. Despite being given the throughly emasculating task of carrying absurdly tiny bags for Loretta while she clothes shops, Leroy still manages to get a jab in on her expense to a fellow neutered husband. Leroy salvages some respect but still gets stomped 3-1. Loretta takes the day.

Official Count:

Leroy - 33
Loretta - 29

Push - 24