Well, I figured Dirk would step in, again acting in Mark’s place. But that was so predictable. I hoped that Rivera would have Olive make a stand, gun in hand, and draw down on Rick. I don’t know why Rivera keeps presenting strong women, but leaving them helpless or useless. Consider the fate of Diana Daggers, former kickass bodyguard and driver for Professor Bee Sharp.

It certainly looks as if the Moment of Drama has given way to the Moment of Inanity, as Dirk’s feral hogs (maybe wild boars?) appeared out of nowhere and automatically attacked Rick’s car. Smart pigs!

But the timeline seems truncated. It’s as if Rivera left out some important steps. Yesterday, both Peach and Rick were preparing to get into the car, with Cherry standing by the steps. Today, brother Dirk is already down the steps, alongside Cherry. Peach is still outside, but Rick is in the car, trying to get away! And lo and behold, here come the feral hogs! So much for packing heat, Rick.

The drama we saw the last two days seems to have just been a ruse, as the strip returns to its normal emphasis on oddball characters, light stories, and mediocre jokes. Disappointing.