Bear And The Big Blue House Moon

Okay, let's talk about something important. Something that’s probably shaped your childhood. I'm talking about Bear in the Big Blue House. And, more specifically, its moon.

Yes, that big, friendly, slightly goofy moon. The one that talks to Bear at the end of every episode. I have a confession to make.

My Unpopular Opinion: The Moon is Kinda...Meh?

Don't get me wrong! I appreciate the sentiment. The "Goodbye Song" is a classic. But, and this is a big but, I just don’t *get* the hype around the Moon.

Hear me out! Everyone loves Luna. She’s wise. She's comforting. But is she really *that* great? I mean, she just kinda floats there.

Luna mostly just echoes whatever Bear says. He shares all the emotional heavy lifting. Does Luna offer profound insights? Not really.

Let's Analyze a Typical Moon Scene

Bear: "I had a great day playing with my friends."

Luna: "That's wonderful, Bear! Playing with friends is important."

See? It's...basic. It's the equivalent of someone replying "Cool!" to your life story. While appreciated, nothing substantial.

Maybe I'm being harsh. Perhaps I’m a jaded adult looking back on childhood. Maybe I expected too much from a giant celestial body. But still!

Consider Tutter for a second. That little mouse provides constant comic relief. He brings conflict. He has a clear personality.

What does the Moon bring? A gentle glow? A pre-bedtime summary? I remain unconvinced of Luna's contribution.

The Case for Overratedness

I think Luna's popularity comes from her position. She's the closing act. The grand finale of learning and friendship. Plus, the puppets are really cute.

Because of her placement, we assign her more importance. We imbue her with a deeper meaning than she possesses. It's clever television!

But if Luna was a minor character popping up mid-episode, would we love her as much? I suspect not. Probably.

Also, let's be real: The Goodbye Song is catchy. It’s a total earworm. It sticks in your head for days. But the song is a banger. Luna sings it.

The power of music influences our perception. I am willing to admit, the song is great. Maybe that clouds my judgement, too?

Am I Alone in This?

I know, I know. This is probably sacrilege. Bear in the Big Blue House is beloved by millions. The Moon is practically a saint.

But I can't be the only one who feels this way. There has to be someone else out there. Someone who sees the Moon for what she is: a pleasant, but ultimately passive, participant.

I am expecting angry comments and DMs. But that is okay! Share your opinions. Let me know what you think.

Final Thoughts (and a Plea for Understanding)

Look, I still love Bear in the Big Blue House. It's a wonderful show with valuable lessons. It taught me a lot about empathy and kindness. And Shadow is brilliant.

I’m just saying that maybe, just maybe, we can dial down the Moon worship a tiny bit. Let’s appreciate the other characters. Especially the energetic Pip and Pop.

So, the next time you watch Bear in the Big Blue House, really *listen* to what the Moon is saying. And then, ask yourself: Is she really that amazing?

Maybe you'll agree with me. Maybe you'll think I'm crazy. But either way, let’s agree to disagree. And let's appreciate the joy of Ojo and Treelo!

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. Goodnight, from my Big Blue House!