The Adventure of the Blue Diamond Shrimp continues as Mark finally got out of the cabin to meet with Robbie’s dad, Ranger Shaw. I’m hoping that Ranger Shaw is being sarcastic with his comment in panel 4, slapping down Mark’s paranoid delusions. It’s hard to tell with him.

Is it just me, or do you think it is a bit insulting for Mark to imply (panel 3) that Ranger Shaw is a negligent parent for not knowing that his son makes online purchases? I mean, does Mark think Robbie has his own credit card!? Well, does Rusty? (feel free to disagree)

But honestly, Mark sounds like one of those self-righteous neighbors who gets upset and starts up a petition because the Hobsen’s teenage girl across the street started coloring her hair and wears tats that are only partially visible below her dress. What’s Mark’s next fear, I wonder: That Rusty and the other kids in school dress up like blue diamond shrimp for Halloween!?

Alas, I can’t figure out what Mark is focused on here: Kids buying ornamental shrimp? Kids buying stuff on the Internet? Possibly letting shrimp loose in the river? The machinations of a mysterious online dealer?  The possibilities numb the mind. Or maybe it’s the story, itself. I’ll get back to you on that.