So, we are getting a bit of Banjo Cat’s backstory, who so far doesn’t seem to have much history.

New friend or not, I’m not sure today’s daily is worth a three-panel layout, given that the format is often used for dramatic action or panoramic displays. Neither is the case today.

Since we just saw Cherry’s memory replay the harp destruction in yesterday’s strip, today’s repeated flashback seems pointless. Yesterday’s flashback makes sense as a catch-up, since Cherry’s story was interrupted to catch up with Mark’s horse adventure.

Anyway, I’d have thought a 4-panel layout would serve better today:  Cherry could voice her reply in panel 3, but without the flashback imagery. Rivera could have used panel 4 to move the story along a bit further. This story does not need any padding.

Did I just write the word “story”? Frankly, I’m not even sure what the story is just yet. Do you know? Is it just about Banjo Cat? Will the story lead to Doc and Violet reconciling over the talent show? Or will it evolve into a reminiscence by Doc Davis about some related event in his own past?