Thursday, May 9, 2019

Mary Worth 3123

In just a few days, Estelle has gone from eating microwaved falafel to cat chow straight from the bag! Things don't look good for Libby.

I've been in the final week of rehearsals for "The Man Who Came to Dinner" at Haddonfield Plays and Players in Southern New Jersey. We have our first live audience tonight. If you've been wondering where I've been, that's the answer. And if you're in the area, come on by and say hi.

49 comments:

Delilah said...

Gosh, my hair looks like Cat-Food-Eating Estelle's on a GOOD day. Break a leg, Wanders!

KitKat said...

Wanders, are you playing Sheridan Whiteside? Whatever your role, break a leg! I wish I could be there.

Estelle looks like something the cat dragged in. (Okay, that was too easy.) How she managed to fill that petite saucer from the Big Sack o’ Generic Cat Chow without spilling it all over is beyond me. She overfilled the dish, so here’s hoping Libby eats it all and promptly throws up everywhere. Estelle deserves that. Instead of sighing in relief at dodging the grifter bullet (except for the ten grand), she’s pining over her radio silent beautiful man. Oy vey!

fauxprof said...

Wanders, break a leg! Will you post cast pictures for us?

As to Estelle, she must not have any real friends (Mary doesn’t pass muster, and Toby’s never been in the same panel). She’s invested so much of her meager personality into the fantasy of her “beautiful man” that she’s on the verge of a complete meltdown. Can we feel sorry for her and exasperated at the same time?

Chester the Dog said...

I hope she serves Libby water with that dried cat food.

Tim said...

Does Libby know what radio silent means?

Anonymous said...


I'll bet even Arther doesn't let an animal eat off his kitchen counter. (On second thought, he probably tolerates the ants and roaches. Change "animal" to "pet.")

-- Scottie McW.

Knock 'em dead, Wanders

Darth Curt said...

Estelle needs to get about 20 more cats. Then all will be well with her.

Darth Curt said...

Continued - I mean... they could be sisters.
https://simpsons.fandom.com/wiki/Eleanor_Abernathy

Tim said...

I have an ongoing issue with the Worthverse. Nobody seems to have a friend other than Mary. Estelle has no friends or family to talk, or split a bottle of wine with. There's nobody to tell her to be careful with her beautiful man. Wilbur had nobody to talk to talk to when he was singing in the shower. I'm sorry that's entirely absurd.
Rant finished.

LouiseF said...

The fact that she is STILL not mad as hell at this a%%%$$$!# really makes me wonder about Estelle. If she's waiting on advice from Libby, she's a ripe target for the latest scammer pretending to be her condo association collecting overdue fees for landscaping.

Maggie said...

Break a leg, Wanders!

Chin Napkin Groupie said...

Amazingly, Estelle hasn't figured out that she has been scammed. She expects Arthur to call and apologize and, once paid, show up at her door with roses. It reminds me of a scene form Dumb and Dumber. Lloyd: "Tell me straight. What are my chances?"(with you)".... Mary: "Not good...About one in a million" Lloyd: "So you're telling me there's a chance. YEAH!!!!"

Sandi Ego said...

She won't even have Libby to talk to if she keeps feeding her that crap cat food.
As Elizabeth Taylor advised, "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together". I would add brush your hair.

Sandi Ego said...

And break a leg, Wanders! What fun!

LouiseF said...

So great, M. Wanders! Enjoy!

LouiseF said...

I looked at the reference to the Simpsons and the similarity to Estelle, and it is uncanny how similar Estelle looks to the Crazy Cat Lady character, Eleanor. Having seen this, however, I was unsettled about how the Simpsons character, Eleanor Abernathy, was described: a crazy hoarder, but with two degrees (MD and JD) and a "supporter of women's rights". I doubt Estelle has any of these qualities, but it disturbs me that someone who has the scourge that is mental illness would be played for the laughs that the Simpsons' writers did here. Even Estelle doesn't deserve this comparison, and it bugs me even more that the Simpson's Eleanor character is described as a supporter of women's rights as if that necessitates being crazy. Thanks for the stigma, Simpsons writers. I know I'm taking this too seriously, but I don't care how fun and lovable the Simpsons writers thought Eleanor was, their depiction did damage. OK, I'm done now. And I'm feeling even more sorry for Estelle than I ever thought I would...

Regina Wolfe-Parks said...

Break a leg Wanders! Knock 'em dead. The Man Who Came to Dinner is one of my favorite movies! If I lived closer, I would come see you!

Anyway, back to Estelle. She is definitely turning into Miss Haversham right before our eyes. Let me get this straight. Arthur/er demands money then asks for (as the characters on In Living Color would say) "mo money, mo' money, mo money." She says no and he curses her out for not giving him what he asks for and she has been texting, emailing him, phoning him, and he is as she says to Libby "radio silent". I'm sorry to say this, but Estelle's got a screw loose or maybe the dearly departed Jimmy treated her like this and she's use to abusive behavior. Either way, she should get some help. Maybe Wilbur can refer her to Dr. Sweater Vest therapist. I also hear karaoke helps.

Also, I am in agreement with the cat on the counter. That cat's paws have been in cat litter and who knows what else. My cats know better than to jump on a counter. (But then I have one who is too fat to jump.) Maybe she and Arthur/er would get along well. They both are unsanitary. Also, why is she confiding in a cat??? I can't believe this dummy has no support system. But then it seems no one has a support system in that building except for Mary being said support system.

MissScarlet said...

@Louise: satire.

Anonymous said...

One word for you, Estelle : Karaoke !

Tim said...

Will she meet Wilbur at the bottom of a scotch bottle?
If this isn't a rebound relationship in the making, I don't know what is!

Bill the Butcher said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
KitKat said...

Does Mary roam the Charterstone halls with random steaming food? What if Estelle wasn’t in, or wouldn’t open her door?

Since the casserole is for both Estelle and Libby, did Mary use Fancy Feast Classic Tuna?

Does only Toby rate muffins?

Will Estelle’s grasp knock that casserole out of Mary’s hands and onto the floor? Maybe even onto Libby?

Regina Wolfe-Parks said...

@KitKat, you covered nearly all of my questions!

Some other questions: If Estelle hadn't opened the door, would she have left this steaming mess in front of the door for Estelle to walk on if and when she leaves her apartment?

If Estelle hadn't answered, would she have encountered Wilbur in the hall, who would have happily taken it off her hands?

Doesn't Estelle have any family or friends other than Mary that she can talked to? The way she grabbed Mary is totally creeping me out. I don't think I've ever grabbed any of my neighbors like that.

All that being said, the first thing I thought of when I saw the strip was Motormouth Mabel in Hairspray (the good one, not the lousy one with John Travolta) when she said "Oh Poppa Toony, we got a loony"

Anonymous said...


Looks like Mary transported that casserole in the bottom of a shirt box from Macy's.

Who shows up uninvited and unnannounced with a hot casserole?

Aren't you supposed to cover food before transporting it?

Does Mary expect Estelle to eat it now, since it's hot?

What if Estelle doesn't like tuna? Or can't eat noodles?

Isn't it kind of dangerous to tackle someone holding a container of hot food?

The answers to these questions and more will not be found in the Worthiverse.

-- S. McW.

@KitKat: Fancy Feast Classic Tuna! Hilarious!

Chester the Dog said...

Estelle, get a grip! Not on Mary, but on yourself. Her husband is really in a much better place now, away from her, whatta mess she is!

I am glad the casserole is home made, and not some frozen glop from Food Team.

Tim said...

@Regina Wolfe-Parkes I have those same questions. Doesn't Estelle have any children or siblings?
I also wonder why she isn't angry at the man who stole from her and then verbally abused her.
And why does Karen Moy hate healthy and happy relationships?

LouiseF said...

A few more questions: Is Mary fishing (no pun intended) for a compliment about the fact that her tuna casserole is "homemade" in panel 1? What quick maneuver did Mary have to employ to avoid scalding Estelle with her steaming casserole as Estelle flew into her arms, and why didn't JB choose to illustrate THAT? I imagine it would have been similar to the dive Mary had to take into the Charterstone pool a few years ago when she saved Olive TummyBrain from drowning...

Yahoonski said...

It's a good thing there is some dialogue in today's strip. Otherwise we might conclude that Mary is finally delivering the used litter box that she forgot to include when she foisted Libby on Estelle, who, by the way, as she peers from the darkened interior of her dwelling, looks somewhat like Fiona Gallagher as she hits rock bottom near the end of the latest season of "Shameless."

Regina Wolfe-Parks said...

I only hope that Arthur/er is on his way to get his 5 grand and Estelle can finally see what a bullet she dodged.

To be that weepy and depressed over a man that she's never seen in person and a man that yelled at her, cursed at her and demanded she give him $5,000 or "it's over" shows she has some deep seated psychological problems. I still say she go to Wilbur and get the number to Dr. Sweater Vest Therapist. He cured Wilbur after one visit, although I think Estelle may need two or three.

lmjb1964 said...

I have so many questions about these last few days of MW, but fortunately you've all expressed them already. I've been wondering for a while why Estelle seems to have no one in her life besides Mary and Libby. I guess that would explain her latching onto Arther so desperately, and losing it so completely now. That first panel, when Estelle opens the door to Mary's cardboard box o' tuna casserole, is downright creepy.

Break all the legs, Wanders! Wish I was close enough to see you the show.

Tim said...

I honestly believe Estelle should be righteously enraged at the man who stole from her and then verbally abused her, as opposed to heartbroken. And nobody in Charterstone has a friend other than Mary.
When Wilbur moved into his shower there wasn't a man who would have an adult beverage with him.
Somebody needs to introduce Karen Moy to the real world.
When my wife died I didn't need a old bitty of a know-it-all to bring me muffin comfort. That's a good thing because I don't like muffins.
I had friends, including men to talk with.
I'm getting worked up here so I'll stop.

KitKat said...

SATURDAY
Of course you should have seen it coming all along, Estelle - you bought way too much felafel. Now you’re stuck with it, and with Mary’s tuna casserole a la glop, too.

Anonymous said...


"Now, now, Estelle, don't say you 'feel like a fool.' You ARE a fool. Now eat this casserole before it gets cold. I'd join you, but I can't stand the stuff."

-- S. McW.

meg said...

Wanders, if you are playing the titular role, break a hip.

Who makes tuna casserole anymore?

Carlye said...

@meg-the same person who makes salmon snacks with canned salmon.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet Mary made that casserole for herself last week and after eating it every night since then, she's now foisting off the leftovers onto Estelle. Her Apple Mary days won't allow her to let any morsel go to waste.

And Meg, I hate to admit this but I actually like tuna casserole. I never make it though because my husband hates it, I don't like it enough to eat it for 10 days straight, and I like my neighbors too much to foist the leftovers onto them.

Chester the Dog said...

@meg-the same person who killed a dog with her salmon treats!

Carlye said...

When my mother and father were engaged, her mother had them over for dinner, which was tuna noodle casserole. My father made his bride-to-be promise that, once they were married, she would NEVER make tuna noodle casserole. And she never did. Blissfully, I grew up without it.

meg said...

I’m a Texas girl. Whenever I make a dish no one wants to eat, it’s Frito Pie.

Anonymous said...


When my sibs and I were growing up, tuna casserole was a regular part of our family's supper rotation. It was cheap and filling, and we liked it. And it was so simple to make, even Dad knew how to whip some up on those few occasions when he was called on to feed the crew.

Today my bride and I still like it, and we have it fairly regularly, especially during Lent.

-- S. McW.

fauxprof said...

Haven’t had tuna noodle casserole in many years, but I rather liked it. It was a staple, especially for pre-Vatican II Fridays. I preferred Mac and cheese (still do, still make it). My poor Dad was the world’s pickiest eater, and Mommy would always make scrambled eggs, just for him.

As to Sunday’s strip, Mary promises not to judge Estelle. Oh, c’mon, Mary, that’s your entire job description!

meg said...

Can’t wait for the Toby-Mary judgefest when this story wraps.

Regina Wolfe-Parks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Regina Wolfe-Parks said...

Mary is showing such self-righteous indignation over Arthur/er scamming her dear "friend" out of Ten large and she is going to hunt Arthur/er down and get that money back.

I'm curious of who their going to report this to. Silverdaters? the police? Officer Toby? I'm not sure what crime Arthur/er committed. He told a lie to get money out of her. Is it a crime? I'm not so sure. The only crime here is the crime of stupidity on Estelle's part. This dope sends money sight unseen to some sketchy guy who reads her sappy poetry. My sympathy for her is (and I quote Dean Wormer from Animal House) "Zero point Zero."

Regina Wolfe-Parks said...

Let me add to the tuna casserole debate. I never had it in my household, despite being a Catholic and the whole "don't eat meat on Friday thing". (We would have fried fish or even worse, Mrs. Paul's fish sticks, which my mother never got the oven temperature right and the middle would be frozen.)

However, my husband said his mother made it all the time and it was a staple in his house. (Being one of five children, big meals were my mother-in-law's specialty.) I think this is one of the reasons he no longer eats seafood and begged me never to make it. I told him don't worry because I wouldn't have the slightest clue how to make it. I should get Mary's recipe for this and salmon squares just to punish my husband when he's bad LOL.

KitKat said...

“Estelle, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me every horrible thing Arthur said!”

@Regina Wolfe-Parks, maybe Mary will report this sordid tale to Terry Bryson.

Today’s “Real Life Adventures” comic is about tuna noodle casserole;

https://www.gocomics.com/reallifeadventures

fauxprof said...

I agree with Regina: to whom should she report? I’ll bet SilverDaters has one of those disclaimers (that everyone agrees to but nobody reads) that basically says “use at your own risk”. The phony Arthu(e)r sold her a line and asked her for money, which she freely gave him. A $10,000 transaction should alert the IRS, but it’s Estelle they’ll be looking into for possible bank fraud. Nope, Estelle is just going to have to chalk it up to experience. She’s looking way, way older, but not much wiser.

Anonymous said...


Yeah, back in the day, we couldn't eat meat on Friday EVER! And my folks had six kids, so it was a cheap Friday feed.

After Vatican II, comedian George Carlin mused, "I wonder how many people are still in hell doing time on the meat rap?"

-- S. McW.

Wanders, no glorious tales of treading the boards?

lmjb1964 said...

Too bad Estelle hadn't read this before going on SilverDaters: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/OnlineDatingRomanceScams.asp

Apparently there are steps Estelle can still take. The Attorney General recommends the following:
Cease all contact and block phone numbers, IM accounts, and email addresses.
Keep copies of all communications.
Report the matter to the dating website.
Report the matter to your local police.
Report the matter to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.external link icon
Report the matter to the Federal Trade Commission.

Of courses, the website also says:

"Online dating and romance scams are sophisticated operations that are typically conducted by criminal gangs."

There was definitely nothing sophisticated about Arther's operation, and no gang I could see, unless you count the dog. Or dogs. Still not sure if the dog hanging around outside the trailer was the same as the dog inside the trailer.