OK, at least he’s back to being the feckless, clueless, insipid kid we all love to mock and abuse…

And in moves Raul, with nothing more than a dime-store badge!  Although we can’t see what is in his right hand…

…but it’s apparently enough for Juanito!  SLAM goes the door and we avoid a hostage taking opportunity!  Rats!  That would have carried this story line into the summer at least!!

As Mara speaks wisdom and suggests a less risky path, Juanito pops out from the shadows and lays a Cheshire-cat grin on his victims… Hostage situation?  You betcha!

And since when did Rusty sport the blue highlights in his hair??  What- is he a junior Mark Trail?

We can only hope, right?  Happy new year, Campers.  I have been hiding in the tall grass waiting for something to happen, but three’s my limit…

“Great!  You found them!” says Joe, “Well, Raul, I have a very angry and anxious Mark Trail with me…”

Where’s the new library?  Are we suggesting that the only library fell into disrepair and now the poor people of Santa Poco have nowhere to turn when they want to borrow the latest Tom Clancy thriller?  That’s right, Raul.  Fools rush in.  That includes Rusty, Mara and now you…

Suddenly Ol’ Sleepy Joe is on the case… barking orders.  Mark’s expression remains unchanged even as Joe suggests that this might turn into a hostage situation!  I am sure he is conflicted about this… thinking wistfully of carefree days without a stepson in his charge…  Or days when he could smoke a pipe and still stand for Earth and Conservation!