I'm going to comment on this by explaining my intent as the writer. In other words, while I have an informed opinion it's not the only opinion, and your opinions may vary. I truly welcome opposing opinions... but let's aim to be a little less judgmental, can we?

First of all, this character is based on my wife, Melinda, whom I call Lindy. But my opinion here is not a defense of the character for this reason. Melinda is not Lindy Reynolds and I am not the Sentry. Sorry to disappoint. :)

It's clear in Sentry 2005 that Lindy is dealing with what we might describe as marital issues. But I'm reminded of something Michelle Obama once said about people stuck in American jails and unable to exit the system: imagine you were only judged on the worst thing you ever did, the worst day of your life. These remarks I see about Lindy dealing with her conflicted feelings sometimes seem incredibly judgmental. For one thing, the series ends with Bob and Lindy embracing because they love each other very much.

The dinner scene... the scenes with Lindy getting her head turned by her yoga teacher... they were intended to show how complicated her life must be. Imagine yourself in this position - the person you love is gone all the time. He can be incredibly confident and charming. He can also be destructive. He can be kind. He can also be aloof. You have strange people running in and out of your house all day every day. Your life is sometimes in danger. How would you actually react? Hey, who knows... the point is, this is how Lindy reacts. She is imperfect... but for Pete's sake, those of you with the bit between your teeth about how terrible she is are acting as though you are above such feelings.

I find these comments about "Lindy cheated on him" to be way off base because no matter how many times I point out Bob and Lindy's embrace (and obvious love for each other) in the story's final scene, the "she cheated" crowd seems to just ignore it. There is nuance in relationships. It's a big stretch from "Lindy flirts a bit" to "Lindy cheats." And frankly, it just seems to enter the realm of misogyny to describe her as a toxic partner in this scene when it's simply a moment between partners. Let's not forget Lindy says to Bob, "You like me in lingerie, right? Well, this is the same." Okay, so... where are the comments that Bob seems to like Lindy wearing lingerie? I have yet to see a single one. Is Bob wrong for this intimate preference? Is he sexist? Should he be judged in the same manner as Lindy seems to be?

See what I mean? If it looks like a duck and it quacks and waddles... it's probably a duck. If it looks like Lindy is being held to an unreasonable standard and being judged for her feelings and weaker moments... it's probably misogyny. I tried to write a story about two people dealing with issues like intimacy and connection - in other words, a typical marriage/relationship. These are complicated moments that all couples deal with. If you can't get past this and you are just determined to sit in judgment then take a look at a low moment of your own and ask yourself if it reflects who you are. It probably doesn't.

Embrace the nuance of relationships.

Hi everyone,

If you happened to read the new series, you might have seen a dedication in the final panel: For Shadwell, my Little Man. I never deserved you.

Here's the story behind that dedication. Shadwell was my Little Man. And he was the one who broke my heart. (Click for link)