I'm sure you TV buffs have witnessed the birth or adoption of another child on a long-running family sitcom or drama. Usually this happens when the youngest of the original clan has experienced a growth spurt and is no longer the cute, funny, adorable moppet you grew up watching. It's happened with the Bradys, the Huxtables, the Keatons, the Drummonds, and yes, even the Waltons (for one season anyway). Why? Ratings tend to slip when TV show kids start hitting puberty. Gotta do something to make the show fresh again. Sometimes it works, but most of the time....not really. The Brady Bunch, for instance, was already suffering from bad scripts and sinking ratings by the time season 5 came around. Unfortunately, the obvious solution was not put into motion early in season 4, that being Carol Brady announcing she's pregnant. No, the quickie solution was to import a young relative in the form of cousin Oliver halfway into season 5. Sure, he wasn't the cause of the Bradys getting cancelled, but he sure didn't help!
I am digressing a bit, though. The point is, Harvey Comics decided to add another character to Richie Rich's world. Is Richie going to be getting a baby brother or sister? FORGET IT! Richie ain't having that! But the Van Doughs, relations to the Riches, are expecting! But this being a Harvey comic, there's no way the author of the following story is going to be so blunt and direct regarding the Birds and the Bees. And we're sure as hell not going to get any graphic visuals! That's a given! But join us now as Richie meet for the first time his baby cousin Penny!
Mater? Pater? If I ever called my folks by those monikers, I probably would've gotten smacked! This is obviously a thing among rich kids. At least in the world of Harvey Comics. Anyway, Reggie's parents are oblivious to the presence of their son and nephew, going around mumbling and being deep in thought.
Even Richie is affected by their lethargic behavior. Hey, Rich, Regina is your mother; your aunt's name is Vanessa! And she's obviously too pre-occupied to correct him.
Yes, what IS going on? Maybe Mr. Van Dough decide to have a vasectomy. Or Vanessa is having her tubes tied! One spoiled rotten, mean, bratty kid is enough!
Say, that's some souped-up ca...hey, WAIT A MINUTE! What's Richie doing driving? He can't be more than 11 or 12 years old! Simple! He's Richie Rich, bitch! He can do whatever he damn well pleases!
Aw, that's cute! Mr. Van Dough gets his consonants backwards! And since when do doctors take on the role of bellhop? He better not be expecting a tip!
Ya know, I have to question the quality of education these rich lads are receiving!
What, was Peewee in the womb for over 5 YEARS??? I know that sex education is a sensitive topic for some, but a five-year gestation term is just plain wrong!
Is Reggie that upset he's not going to be an only child anymore? Frankly, I'm surprised the Van Doughs decided to have another child! You'd think they would have learned their lesson unleashing Reggie on the world.
Is the doctor the only one working this hospital? Is there a nurses' strike going on?
Never mind all that! We're now treated to the first appearance of the next Harvey Comics cash cow (maybe).
Aww, so cute! Eyes wide open and a full head of hair with just a hint of a blonde dollar sign on her forehead!
Oh, boy! We're told to watch for more Richie Rich comics featuring Penny! I'm looking forward to that about as much as Baby Trixie's adventures in the bland Hi And Lois comic strip, like the example below:
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OK, that's going to do it for now. I'll try to have the next post up before Thanksgiving!
Excelsior!
Alan
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