The Keane family of "Family Circus" fame has such a strong dynamic - weak-kneed Bil largely remains in absentia while put-upon Thel must tend to wandering Billy, emotionally-disturbed Dolly, mentally-unstable Jeffy and mute PJ - that we've never even considered someone might try to upset it. Enter Bobby, a random urchin who appears to have designs on one of the kids' spots.
In yesterday's comic, Bobby appears so starved for love and attention that he's willing to stay and watch the Keanes eat their dinner without partaking in the repast. While the action seems mind-boggling, we think it's pretty clear that Bobby is just sort of "casing the joint," as it were. He's looking for weaknesses, places he can strike.
Maybe he'll get Jeffy in trouble; perhaps he'll find a way to have Dolly sent away to boarding school. Whatever his diabolical plan. the Keane kids might want to make sure their place in the family is secure. This Bobby seems intent on upsetting the natural order.
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