September 20, 2009: Sunday Showdown!

(Click to enlarge)

Clockwise from the bottom left:

• Leroy is absolutely correct. What could possibly compel Loretta to put up a "How's My Driving?" bumper sticker, thus opening herself up to more liability for her poor driving; not to mention give more fodder for Leroy's insults. Is she just as hopelessly deluded about her driving abilities as to her singing abilities? Is the bumper sticker due to some mandatory court order? Whatever the case may be, it looks like the Lockhorns' home line will be absolutely swamped for the immediate future. Leroy kicks things off with a point.
• Poor Leroy, he obviously came to the antiques side show with high hopes about the inherent value of his home sculpture, only to be mercilessly mocked and humiliated. It looks like he'll have to find some other scheme to supplement his meager income as he struggles to tread water in the sea of debt Loretta has created. Also, I'm a little suspicious about that shady looking guy in the back with the white package and the crooked smile. Doesn't it looks like he's stealing the package? Loretta wins the point.
• Many times Loretta may resort to some degree of hyperbole to really drive home a good insult on Leroy; however, in this panel, there is no need for any additional exaggeration to belittle him. In a frightening display of feebleness and frailty, Leroy seems to be straining to exercise with free weights that are so insubstantial that I suspect they are black painted baton sticks. Leroy really needs to take stock and evaluate his terrible physical condition if this is what constitutes strenuous physical exercise. Loretta goes up 2 to 1.
• Loretta makes light of Leroy's crippling depression by getting him the "gag gift" of a day planner with blank empty pages to reflect the blank emptiness of his life. I wonder if she went to a Spencer's Gifts or if she had it custom made? Of course there is no gift buying hurdle too great for Loretta to overcome when it comes to making fun of Leroy. Meanwhile, Leroy continues his second straight day on the couch, curled up in a fetal position, trying to vain to muster enough will power to get up an function. Loretta takes control of the day, 3 to 1.
• The disdainful expression on Loretta's face in response to Leroy's art critique would seem to indicate that the painting was probably Loretta's choice in the first place. Frankly the Lockhorn homestead could use a few pieces of vibrant abstract art to break up the monotony. Half the time the Lockhorns seem to just live in a monochromatic purgatory devoid of furniture, doors, windows, or even a floor. Leroy salvages the final panel, but in the end Loretta wins the day 3 to 2 and secures her 100 victory of the year!

Official Count:

Leroy - 79
Loretta - 100
Push - 84