Not that I would promote violence for the sake of violence or even for the sake of ratings, but who can resist enjoying the sight of Honest Ernest taking a strong right to the face? I think we have to give Rivera “artistic license” for a right cross knocking Ernest’s head to the right instead of the left. Well, we just gotta see that face!

I’m glad to see that Olive has maintained her hard edge and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. Of course, Rivera plays up Honest Ernest’s bullying and patronizing behavior for effect. With Olive and Peach now living in Lost Forest, this certainly changes the dynamics of the local cast. I hope.

As Honest Ernest implied, this situation certainly is something of a repeat performance of the situation illustrated in the adventure labeled as “Thanks-alotl for the E-Waste.”  But there is some logic to this, as Ernest, himself, admits when he says they are just reacting to what happened to them before. In other words, this isn’t just a case of Rivera being too lazy to think up a new plot.

But to play Devil’s Advocate, are the Grungy Boys actually breaking any laws? Are they illegally destroying natural habitat? Or are they just horsing around on a riding lawnmower, like kids on ATVs? They don’t appear to be littering, in spite of Olive’s assertions in panel 4 of Friday’s strip.