Last night the MTV’s Gen Y cult hit Rob and Big came to an abrupt end with an unexpected series finale in which Big announces the pending arrival of a his first child and subsequently moves out of the house.
Rob and Big has garnered an expansive audience in just under two years (3 seasons) and was establishing itself as a staple of pop culture amongst younger crowds. It was one of my favorite shows and was seemingly embraced by a large majority of people I know. It was an entertaining show that will be missed. Below is some personal commentary on its rise and abrupt conclusion.
The Premise:
(starts 20 seconds in)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ypvBqG_rpdM
Rob is 30 something professional skateboarding mogul and successful entrepreneur. Big (short for Big Black) is his bodyguard, roommate and best friend. With no real responsibilities, a comfortable lifestyle, and comedic chemistry, the rambunctious duo tackled a variety of shananingans on a weekly basis.
Their 2 year reign as pop icons included the procurement and ownership of 2 new pets ( bulldog and Mini house), the setting of 23 Guinness World Records, the production of a R rated but hilarious R and B music video, and trips to all over North America yielding entertaining adventures.
Bobby Light Video (R Rated)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VucGM7S_Ztw&hl=en&fs=1
Why so Popular?
Simply put the duo was consistently entertaining, but there is more to this story than their comical hijinks. Rob and Big and their circle of friends was a window into a lifestyle hoards of young people dream of.
With no real jobs, a personal assistant on payroll, and ample wealth, the two were free to create their own adventures and fun. Rob and Big’s enthusiasm for adventure, new experiences, creative luxury and satirical expenditures, and dedication to optimism and goofy satirical comedy, really resonated to younger audiences hoping that adulthood could only be this perfect.
Rob and Big were young at heart and seemed to embrace the idea of never growing old. Their corky friendship and sporadic choice of activities captivated young audiences who dreamed of living such spontaneous and worry free lifestyle.
The Abrupt Ending:
Although there were reports that Rob and Big was ending due to Big Black starting a family, these reports flew under the radar as the show neared its completion. Suddenly it was clear that last nights hour long season finale was more likely a series finale as Black lets Rob in on the news that he has a child on the way.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sfa_Di26HM4
We never meet Big’s girlfriend, making the finale all that more sudden. Rob takes the news pretty harsh, but is supportive of Black.
The final scenes show Big’s new baby and Rob’s terrified state upon holding a baby for the first time. Black is beaming with pride and seems focused on the chapter of his life, while Rob is shell shocked that his partner in crime is moving on… and out.
In the end Black moves out of the house, but not before Rob gives him a going away gift. Rob gives Big two nostalgic gifts highlighting Rob’s ownership of the lamest jacket ever created (one for Big and one for his baby). They have a final laugh as Big drives away to his new home with his new family. Rob looks dejected and subsequently throws his jacket in the trash.
I am sure we all know the feeling as good friends we are close to move away seemingly pre maturely for college, jobs, girls, etc.
The show seemed to be hitting its stride and was growing in popularity which probably could have enabled both co stars to continue making the show but for a higher price. Instead Black opted to move out and focus on his new family, a rare mature decision the world of reality tv.
I think we’ll see the duo again, but for now its definitely sad to see their commitment to fun on hiatus due the responsibilities of parenthood.
Congrats to Big Black on his kid, and I am sure Rob could have his own reality show trying to find a new roomate to wreak havoc with including myself. Rob and Ben Koo? Should be sweet.
