Unrequited love

The series is well known for its use of the theme of unrequited love. Unrequited love is love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such, even though reciprocation is usually deeply desired. The beloved may or may not be aware of the admirer's deep affections.

There are many characters in the strip who suffer from unrequited love, most famously Monica Fanning for Lou Richardson. Other characters suffer from it as well, such as Deputy Darla and Violet Love for Lou.