(Strip Number 1026, Original Publication Date, 13 March 1986)
Panel 1: We find ourselves watching Mike reaching into the fridge as he mutters angrily under his breath about how cruel Elly is to expect him to set the table and peel carrots when something good is on television and there are cookies and soda to wolf down.
Panel 2: He foreshadows Meredith's later wailing about how HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD it is to do chores by making one very tiny peel off the carrot.
Panel 3: He further proves a genetic tendency to just fold up and throw a damn tantrum when being told to do stuff by screaming about how he HATES it and CAN'T do it and WILL NOT peel these carrots.
Panel 4: He then tells Farley that no one can say he didn't try.
Summary: The problem is that they can and will do so and be justified. Time and again, when there's the least bit of difficulty, Mike makes a big production about the work he doesn't actually have and folds up like a punk. The only thing that can stir him to action is the threat of punishment....as we'll see tomorrow.