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Ch860101

Calvin asks a bad question... and loses TV privileges.

Watching television is among Calvin's favorite pastimes. His parents often criticize him for this, and Calvin's television privileges are occasionally revoked.

Calvin's exact television schedule is unknown, however, we do know that it is the first thing he does on Saturday morning, and that he watches it after finishing his homework. He does not appear to watch it on school mornings.

It is often used as a point of contention between Calvin and his dad. Calvin seems to be able to spend any amount of time, at any time of the day watching television, but his dad thinks that Calvin's time would be better spent outside, saying it "builds character". It is also used occasionally as a link to 6-year-old influences, such as murders and violent scenes. Calvin seems to greatly enjoy television, which led to some fights in past strips. He watches it every day when he gets home from school as well. It was stolen when the robbers broke in to Calvin's house. However, the TV is seen after the break-in, so they either got it back or bought a new one. Either way, it was in the following strips. One time Calvin and Hobbes lost TV for a whole week, and, at one point, Calvin's father stated "that he was tired of arguing with Calvin, and for all he cared, Calvin could watch TV until his brains oozed out of his ears," and Calvin stated to Hobbes that it was a hard fought battle.

In some strips, Calvin would complain about how all his friends' families either own a VCR or subscribe to cable television whereas Calvin only has "dumb ol' summer reruns". Unfazed by the comparison, the father dryly comments "How cruelly we mistreat you". Calvin's mom agrees that a VCR would be a good idea. She has pointed this out too: in one strip, she and Calvin return home from a kids' matinée, Calvin's father asks Calvin "How was the kiddy matinée movie?"—Calvin vaguely remembers that he saw a movie and states it was OK; when Calvin's mother enters, visibly worn out from whatever antics took place, she grabs the front of his shirt and angrily tells him, "We...are...buying...a video player!" 

Ch900412

Calvin is not pleased about losing TV privileges... for a whole week.

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