Well! Since the verbal gloves came off yesterday, words continue to fly. By the way, I like how Rivera poses the two Cheddersons, like some kind of Doublemint Twins gag from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Well, “like” may be too strong of a word, but they do look like some kind of 2D prop held up by a board in the back.

Wouldn’t it be just a hoot if, after Trail gets through his entire spiel about evil golf course pollution, the Cheddersons reveal that they use only organic and environmentally-approved procedures for maintaining the course and handling potential runoff; and that they have a seal of approval from every environmental agency in the region. Then they reveal that they saw Ranger Shaw dumping something into the pond several evenings, so they reported it to the EPA for investigation. And that makes sense, given Shaw’s dodgy past with illegal dumping. Fully chastised and realizing how wrong he has been, Mark apologizes, quits his journalism job, and goes to work as a troubleshooter for Chet’s company. At least, no more worries about busted water heaters or Doc Davis’s rent and care at the nursing home.

Okay, that won’t happen.

But, a “Bully”!? C’mon, Rivera! How does that fit into this scenario? I don’t think being a bully is required to operate a golf course or to pollute the environment. Does it? Is that supposed to humiliate Brett? Is it Rivera’s intention to make Mark look like a hypocrite?

As you can see, I’m treading lightly here, keeping my eye and words strictly on the strip. I seriously don’t want this to go the social media route. So, please keep any comments focused on the strip. You can draw your own conclusions about external relationships, but keep them to yourself. I don’t want to see them. And I’ll likely remove or edit out any such comments.