Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Episode # 302 - March 8th, 2011

30 comments:

R Smith Jr said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
R Smith Jr said...

We all know Kyle is going to cave and accept Richard back in his life.
However I think this would be a really cool time to flashback to the time Richard and Kyle met and how they became best friends.

Peter said...

First you think 'Justice is finally done', but we all know that in the end he'll take Richard back in. In the mean time R can sweat it out in the snow.

Eddie Joe said...

I hope he doesn't let Richard back.

I'm all about forgiveness, but the gay community is way too tolerant of a promiscuous guy hitting on men in relationships. It's like, "Oh, that wacky Richard," when in fact, he's a home wrecker.

Richard's years of obsession with sex, perfect bodies, and a man led him right here. He could have spent some of that time looking at his own shadow so he didn't act out. But now, let him deal with the consequences.

Anonymous said...

Twilight Line.

Carles.-

Unknown said...

That's right, Kyle. There's only one side to every conflict. Now go back inside and curl up with Breyer, who is no doubt looking exactly like the cat who ate the cream.

Anonymous said...

R Smith Jr, I agree.

It does seem that Kyle might be Richard's ONLY friend or is Delia's his friend too?

But Richard was drunk. He did apologize.

LOVE the close ups.

Every time I read this comic strip, I am a little sadden that I come to the end.

diana green said...

You know, I'm not sure if Kyle CAN do that.
He's running a business. If Richard has paid his rent, his personal affairs, no matter how sleazy, are not sufficient cause for eviction.
Any lawyers out there got a take on this?

Anonymous said...

Here's a thought: We know that the recurring character of "Steve" is an angel, who shows up to provide insight and guidance to folks in the strip who need a little help seeing the light.

Is it possible that the character of "Price" is the devil (or one of his minions), bent on causing trouble and disharmony in the house? This latest drama could be another example of his actions.

Could be that's one reason Lance hasn't been able to find any record of Price's past employment.

Whatever the reason, it's a fun read... (And I'm glad I live in California where I just have to LOOK at the snow)!

Michelle said...

I doubt if Richard pays rent, or if it's even close to the full amount, according to Price a few panels back. Why is everyone blaming Breyer? He didn't want to tell Kyle, if it weren't for the movie issue, he probably wouldn't have.

Troy Phillips said...

My view on this is this:

1. Richard fucked up royally. A best friend, a good friend, or even a regular friend would NEVER do what he did period. He crossed a line which was one that no true friend ever should.

2. Kyle is in his right to throw the bastard out. Plain and simple. He can send any remainder of his rent to him in the mail. Richard does not have any right under the law --the owner of any hotel-like proprietor can in fact remove anyone for disruptive behavior. Again, it is a Bed and Breakfast, not an apartment complex.

3. I think Kyle was wrong in throwing things in the snow (he could be sued for any damages including cleaning bills). He should have had things packed in boxes and the like.

4. Will Kyle cave? That I do not know, but I hope not. Let RIchard go his own way; feminine sluts are a dime a dozen.

5. It really shows two things: relationships like Kyle’s are good and strong; and attempted homewreckers should be out on the street like the common bum.

Anonymous said...

If Kyle's relationship is so strong, exactly what threat did Richard present?

diana green said...

To the last anonymous comment: kinda not the point. Either you can trust your friends or you can't. And "best friend" is a big responsibility, which Richard screwed up big time.

Leni said...

Richard did this while drunk-he did not even try to stop himself-he tried to hide it from his best friend-sorry I think this serves him right.

The idea of price being the devil is really intriguing:-)

Troy Phillips-Ditto.

Anonymous said...

I bet Richard gets back in.

Liam said...

Sorry, I just don't accept the "he could have controlled himself" lines. He was drunk and it is a well documented fact that people don't have proper control while inebriated. So I am kinda on Richard's side on this one.

I do think he should have been the one to tell Kyle. But to through him out without even giving him notice to find someplace first. Sorry, Kyle's letting his emotions get the best of him.

Liam said...

errr. . . throw, not through. >.>

Anonymous said...

Being drunk is not an excuse.
I've known lots of guys who were wasted and didn't go hitting on other guys lovers. Richard was a long time coming - crying about his troubles and drowning them.

And one thing about Breyer , when Richard starting coming on to him and then made a move to kiss him - he should have told him to leave right off and certainly have grabbed him when he tried to kiss him. Kyle needs to talk to Breyer about dressing a bit more conservatively then in his underwear etc. Yeah its a bunch of gay guys but they are guests and its not their house.

Dan45 said...

Well, this is a surprise, and I think kind of uncalled for until Richard, who SAID he had an explanation, has a chance to explain to Kyle what's going on.

Great work, Greg... this is why I keep coming back for more, time after time.

Doilydude said...

Of course this is all pretty pushy considering Richard was drunk. I noticed Breyer failed to mention that particular detail. Well maybe now you'll let him get help for his alholism and begin his sobriety. On another note Price as the devil's minion is perfect! Anonymous has nailed it. Ooo, maybe Richard was possessed and they'll need an exorcism. Still love the strip either way!!!

Unknown said...

Richard has been miserable over his inability to maintain a relationship for a long time. Which Kyle KNOWS. He'd just gotten dumped in a particularly nasty way by the last guy he was dating, and he was drunk and extremely vulnerable. The fact that Kyle - who spends every waking moment as the self-imposed arbiter of what gay men should be - won't even listen to Richard's side of the story before tossing his shit out in the snow says way more about Kyle than Richard's mistake with Breyer says about Richard.

Have we ever seen Richard make a serious move on ANY of his committed-relationship friends before? Have we ever been led to believe that Richard was in love with Breyer, and was waiting for an opportune time to try and steal him away from Kyle? Have we ever been presented with ANYTHING that would lead us to believe that what happened between Richard and Breyer was anything more than a drunken, momentary lapse in judgment by a very miserable and lonely man?

No, we haven't. And while Richard should have told Kyle what happened himself, it's not like he was delighted at keeping it secret. He's been portrayed as very upset and contrite for what he did. And while he was clearly motivated primarily by self-interest, I believe he would have told Kyle himself, in time, if only so that he wouldn't be burdened by the secret anymore. Sadly, we'll never know, because Mr "I Won't Tell Kyle Because He's Going Through Too Much Right Now To Find Out His Best Friend Hit On Me" was subjected to the extreme duress of Kyle asking him TWICE what was bothering him, and, understandably, he folded, because who wouldn't under such a savage, relentless inquisition? I'm sure Breyer was absolutely HEARTBROKEN to burden Kyle with the news.

Far as I'm concerned, the only unforgivable thing Richard did was show the bad taste to throw himself at BREYER, who is even more insufferably self-righteous than Kyle. A more obnoxiously holier-than-thou couple I've yet to meet, in fiction or reality.

raven said...

this is the most controversial episode that I have seen as part of greg's writing and I applaud it. the many responses show how completely affecting the events are and I have found myself disturbed by the developments.

richard is not a completely sympathetic character, but I have wondered what it means when the character that most exhibits the personality of stereotype, the behavior that I find least attractive in the gay community is banished. by own shame at my own self-prejudices makes me sad.

I think richard also represents what is most lonely in all of us (in spite of sexual orientation) and deep loneliness can lead to boiled rabbits and other disturbing behavior.

it's all too easy to want the great looking guy who could be the dangerous, angry beast, but is actually the loving, protective partner (perhaps the longed-for absent parent?). that is the stuff of fantasy. richard is the stuff or reality. sad as it can be for most of us.

Cory said...

Kyle needs to shut the hell up and calm down.
Does he even know the whole story?
Richard didn't butt rape Breyer in his sleep or something...
it was a drunken kiss
no more,....no less...

Anonymous said...

I agree in certain respects to how Kyle is feeling. Warranted he can be a soap box queen and his holier than thou attitude can be quite grating but he had every right to to get upset and toss Richard out.It's a B&B not an apt complex - im surprised Kyle allows people to be permanent tenants period and especially those who cannot pay for it like Richard and even Brad who cost him thousands of dollars to provide room and board for them. A B&B is a place to go for a vacation not to live - ,most avg 100 or more a night so that would be like 3000 a month rent to start

So here we have Richard who was a tenant in his b&b and pretty much Kyle gave him a roof over his head and food for next to nothing -I mean what does Richard actually do for a living ? I've never seen a strip about a job or him doing anything around the B&B besides do laundry. If anything his life revolves around partying , getting drunk,ogling every newcomer at the B&B or the same tired sex gossip like all queens do around the gym or bath house or becoming wallowed in self pity over the latest dating disaster and wondering what went wrong when it is quite obvious to everyone except him that he needs start acting like an adult and take some responsibility for himself and probably stop drinking for awhile. So in closing , If I was Kyle , I would have kicked him out too . After all I did for you in letting you stay here ,feeding you , not charging you full rent , being a friend and what do you do , stab me in the back and spend the money i dont charge you on booze and come on to my lover. I mean how many times do i put up with your worthless crap around here. Enough , your outta here and dont come back,

Anonymous said...

I came back and didn't expect to see this many comments. Perhaps the author touched on a nerve?

It seems that this bed and breakfast has both permanent residents, vacationers, or short term guests. It's more like an extended bed and breakfast.

Whoever came up with the idea that Price could be a demon, good call. We'll see if the author/artist write that into the strip?

Angelo Ventura said...

Well, BREYER is a REAL BASTARD. First, he says "won't tell Kyle, It'll break his heart", then he spills the beans exaggerating what happened. Richard has made a big mistake, but it was the "first offense" of this kind, so why not put him on parole? i mean, he was sincerely sorry for what he did. and Kyle, well, he should have heard Richard's side of the story first. Poor Richard, I fully sympathize with him.

Guy said...

I agree 99% with March 14 Richard’s comment. However Kyle’s reaction was a bit over the top and far from the calm cool collected Kyle we know. Yes Richard crossed a line he shouldn’t have and being kicked out will prove to be the best thing that happened to him. Richard had been the eternal adolescent and now is his chance to grow up; Kyle wouldn’t be a true friend if he were to change his mind and allow Richard to move back. He may have many flaws to his character but Richard had been in Kyle’s life long before the opening of the B&B and the friendship will only depend from this crisis, painful but necessary.

Anonymous said...

For those who say "Richard had an excuse" - well, what excuse did he have?

"I was rejected, I was drunk, I was lonely".

Kyle's heard this way too many times. So have we. And making a pass at your best friend's boyfriend IS over the line. And does it matter what Breyer was wearing? Brad routinely walks around the house in jockstraps and underwear. Eduardo wears droops and nothing else.

Truth is, Richard IS a perpetual adolescent, going from one drunken circuit party binge to the next, leering at anyone who comes within range and who needs to grow up. Perhaps Kyle's action will help Richard take that first step toward the maturity he so desperately needs to attain.

R Smith Jr said...

Breyer didn't tell Kyle what happened right away. In my opinion, Richard had plenty of chances to be the one to tell Kyle first.
Apparently he wasn't that torn up with guilt.

Michael said...

I agree with Kyle. I would have done the same thing. I've had so-called friends stab me in the back, and I, though normally mild-mannered like Kyle, told them to hit the road and don't come back. I'm sorry, but they should have thought of my friendship before they pulled all their nonsense. What Richard needs to do if he's serious is join a strong 12-step program or faith-based program to sober up and never touch alcohol again. If there's a problem in your life, you have to correct it, even if that means a complete break from the substance, situation, or person. Then, if a few years down the road, he's radically reformed, maybe Kyle will be his friend again.