diff --git a/piker/ui/__init__.py b/piker/ui/__init__.py
index 941b7bb6..bc6e6ac9 100644
--- a/piker/ui/__init__.py
+++ b/piker/ui/__init__.py
@@ -1,7 +1,13 @@
 """
-Stuff for you eyes.
+Stuff for your eyes.
 """
 import os
+import sys
+
+# XXX clear all flags at import to avoid upsetting
+# ol' kivy see: https://github.com/kivy/kivy/issues/4225
+# though this is likely a ``click`` problem
+sys.argv[1:] = []
 
 # use the trio async loop
 os.environ['KIVY_EVENTLOOP'] = 'trio'
diff --git a/piker/ui/monitor.py b/piker/ui/monitor.py
index 237f6432..7404a750 100644
--- a/piker/ui/monitor.py
+++ b/piker/ui/monitor.py
@@ -252,8 +252,7 @@ async def _async_main(
             quotes
         )
         try:
-            # Trio-kivy entry point.
-            await async_runTouchApp(widgets['root'])  # run kivy
+            await async_runTouchApp(widgets['root'])
         finally:
             # cancel remote data feed task
             await quote_gen.aclose()
diff --git a/piker/ui/option_chain.py b/piker/ui/option_chain.py
index 4267ac01..4ebe9dac 100644
--- a/piker/ui/option_chain.py
+++ b/piker/ui/option_chain.py
@@ -498,8 +498,7 @@ async def _async_main(
         )
         async with chain.open_rt_display(nursery, symbol):
             try:
-                # trio-kivy entry point.
-                await async_runTouchApp(chain.widgets['root'])  # run kivy
+                await async_runTouchApp(chain.widgets['root'])
             finally:
                 if chain._quote_gen:
                     await chain._quote_gen.aclose()