Darin’s market research produces mixed results: he manages to coax a couple lucid responses from Harry before the fog rolls back in.
Meanwhile, over in Centerville:
I can’t let myself even try to comprehend the time/space complexities ‘twixt the Funkiverse and the Cranksphere. A still recognizably African American Cayla Williams displays a fearsome fastpitch.
Did I say Montoni’s was deserted? I stand corrected: as long as the coffee’s free, there will be “Crazy” Harry Klinghorn taking up space at the counter. Darin unwisely decides to use Harry as a one-man focus group to market test his latest hare-brained scheme. Sadly, though he still wears a postal uniform, Crazy’s been unemployed since before Act III began (think about it: have we ever seen him deliver any mail?) and is reduced to scrounging free grub from his old friend Funky. Hence, Harry’s preoccupation with where his next meal is coming from.
Meanwhile, over in Centerville:
Snarker Flummoxicated emailed SoSF to call my attention to a ver-r-r-ry intriguing Crankshaft crossover: Cranky is introduced to the daughter of his friend “Smokey” Williams. Damn! She looks very familiar…
Even a meeting of Montoni’s board of directors is more welcome than a continuation of Les’ Story. Wunderkind Darin, whose “I-Phone” app was a huge success (as the sight of the deserted restaurant will attest), apparently has another brilliant notion. In expressing his disapproval, Funky manages to disparage both Darin and Tony. He forgets that Tony’s worst idea probably was making a partner of Funky, whose reckless expansion plans and cost-cutting measures nearly sank the business that bears his name.
Effin’ Les. After they dine together, Cayla tells Les “This was very nice.” Les responds, “My pleasure.” Yes, it pleases Lord Les to buy you a meal. Les, she wasn’t saying “thank you”; she was letting you know that for some unknown reason, she actually enjoys your company. How about “It was nice”, or “I really enjoy being with you”? God, I hate Les.
Finally: a respite from Les!
The titular character and his missus are celebrating their anniversary, at…where else? Montoni’s! And according to this news item, “Tom Batiuk, the cartoonist, specifically requested the use of the song as a loving tribute to his wife for their 40th wedding anniversary.” Awww! Happy anniversary, Tom and Cathy.
I have to give Funky (and TB) credit for musical taste: “Til I Gain Control Again” by Rodney Crowell is a pretty sweet tune (though it was never the “B” side of “The Rock of My Soul“, which was recorded 26 years later…
Son of Stuck Funky 
