(Strip Number 4180, Original Publication Date, 2 June 1982)
Panel 1: It's an hour or so after John asked Phil what the time was; Phil tells John, who's watching the late show, "So long, man. I'm going to sack out."
Panel 2: He then reassures John by saying that he doesn't have to worry about Elly; she'll be home.
Panel 3: Rather than admit that he's concerned for her well-being lest she somehow later twist it into his wanting to chain her to the stove, John reacts by huffily stating that he's not waiting for Elly, he's watching a movie.
Panel 4: His stating that he happens to like Shirley Temple only makes sense if, for some reason, real men aren't supposed to.
Summary: Put this one in the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't file, gang; if Elly realizes that John was waiting up for her, it's because he doesn't want her to have any freedom. If John doesn't care when she comes home, it's because he's lining up her replacement. Either way, John loses.