January 9, 2011: Sunday Showdown!

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Clockwise from the bottom left:

• Call me crazy, but I would classify Leroy's wild party behavior to be a bit more outrageous than mere clowning around, but I suppose Leroy's high school isn't likely to give out an award for "Most Out-Of-Control Binge Drinker" in his honor. Since Loretta really has her pick of the litter when the lampshade makes its inevitable appearance, I expected something a bit more cutting; but in the end a simple layup and a thunderous slam dunk are worth the same in the end. Loretta goes up 1-0.
• When I first scanned over this panel, I thought it originally had Loretta telling the doctor that he wouldn't find anything in Leroy (I guess it would be in reference to his head or heart), but I guess this one works too. I wonder what sort of ailments and maladies was Loretta so confident that Leroy had? Knowing Loretta she probably had some hand in actually causing them. Loretta takes control with a 2-0 lead.
• Leroy's sharp jab works on two levels: first, it could be a dig at how Loretta cakes on so much makeup that she resembles a camouflaged commando ready to storm a fort or, second, Leroy could just be saying that Loretta is so hideous that she is some sort of fort attacking monster. It all works well either way. I assume that Loretta is subtly wiping a sad tear from her eye after that one. Well played Leroy, 2-1.
• Why would any couple ever go to either Lockhorn for advice on a happy marriage? When have the Lockhorns ever projected any indication that they were the least bit happy or content with each other or even themselves? Are these young lovers just intentionally goading Leroy into going off on a rant about the horrors of marriage for their own sick pleasure? Are they just blind? In any case, Leroy should watch out, it look like Loretta is dead set on smashing those mugs of hot coffee in his face. A furious comeback by Leroy ties it up at 2.
• What should have been a thrilling last panel win for Loretta now gets downgraded to a anticlimactic tie. So disappointing. Everything is here for a classic: a sardonic Loretta, the clever insult, the dead eyed friend as an audience; all except Leroy. If only Loretta could have waited for Leroy to wander into the room or have come within a visible distance. Unfortunately the "presence rule" is clear "no other Lockhorn no insult". A swell effort but the day ends in a push.

Official Count:

Leroy - 4
Loretta - 3
Push - 2