Mr. Herriman

[Howard]

I always believed Herriman was firm but fair (in his Edwardian way). I do think he did like to go a little overboard on Frankie, because her father (someone who really was subject to Herriman's yammering). Herriman was a strong bunny however. What I liked about him was he was willing to admit when he was wrong, but stuck by his decision when he knew he was right. Like Cass said, not too many people have the guts these days to do so.

[Another Castle]

Now we all know that Mr. Herriman dislikes Bloo with great intensity, and still resents that him living there is breaking a golden rule. But what does he really think of Mac?

The rest of the house loves and adores the boy, and whilst Mr.H knows he will not loose interest in his IF anytime soon, and is grateful for him saving the day in House of Bloos, he still wants rid of Bloo and perhaps resents Mac for all of Bloo's mischief. He treats Mac just like he treats everyone else (with strict rules of course).

I have just watched Let Your Hare Down, in which it seems he wants Mac to turn up exactly on time everyday or he will let Bloo be adopted. :-0

[Lynnie]

I never sensed Mr. H resents Mac for not allowing Bloo to be adopted so he could finally be rid of him. I always saw it as he was just such a strict rule follower, and the rules include Bloo being put up for adoption if Mac doesn't come visit right after school. And, being Mr. H, he's just very strict about it. Because when Mac does arrive, even when he's running late, Mr. H shrugs it off with a "Ok, very well then" type of attitude. I'm not recalling him ever having the attitude of "Fine, you win", or just disappointed that Mac showed up.

And yeah, he definitely treats Mac just like he does with everyone else- wanting him to follow the rules to the "T", and getting irritated when an exception is made.

[Major Abbey]

I think Lynnie said it best. Mr H just treats Mac like everyone else. I don't think he particularly likes him or dislikes him - or if he does, he doesn't show it. Bloo's the one he "dislikes with great intensity" and he just really wants to get rid of him. Does anyone remember this, for instance?

I'd say the reason he's so strict about Mac being on time is mostly because that's just part of his character; and maybe he just wants to get Bloo out of the way. Either way, I don't think he has any real problems with Mac - after all, he "let it slide" when Mac couldn't make it to the house in "Goodbye to Bloo" (although Mac did call him in advance, so that might have been enough for him).

[Another Castle]

That those sound like a better explanation. After all, he did invite Mac to join the big photo.

Do we think he also always been so strict, and passionate for rules? I mean, even in Madame Foster's childhood? Or maybe it just came on since she opened the house?

[Major Abbey]

I think Mr H was always passionate about rules. It's quite a contrast to Madame Foster, who is considerably more easy-going.

Actually, there was a comic that explained why Mr H is so concerned about rules. Here it is: (Sorry if I'm not allowed to post a link to this. Just tell me and I'll delete it)
http://www.theneitherworld.com/fosters/illwill1.htm

[Lynnie]

Don't worry, Sparky owns that sight, too. And in fact, she posted the same link here a few years ago when the comic was first released.

Haha, I remember that one, thanks for bringing it back to memory.

[Major Abbey]

It's hilarious, isn't it? Poor Herriman...

[Another Castle]

One other thing about him- I've recently watched Who Let The Dogs In, but was distracted about halfway through, so I didn't catch everything- why is he afraid of dogs?

[Major Abbey]

Because dogs eat rabbits, to use his exact words. Of course Mr H isn't really in any danger from them, but maybe it's just his natural instinct to be afraid of them.

That's one of those episodes where I can really identify with him, actually, because I have a similar phobia of dogs. I'd probably freak out too if I saw a large one in my hallway.