Little People, Big World
Little People, Big World

HOLLYWOOD—The TLC hit “Little People, Big World” returned for its eighth season this week reuniting the family that viewers have come to love. When the series officially ended in 2010, a lot of people suspected the show was done once and for all. It later became apparent fans wanted more, and series specials were unleashed before the series came back in its full capacity last year.

This time around Jeremy is graduating from college and has begun to ponder his future with girlfriend Audrey who he has decided to propose to. He’d be the first in the family to perhaps get married on the farm, as he predicted would happen last season. The episode titled “The Proposal” revolved around Jeremy’s plans to surprise his girlfriend Audrey.

I was a bit surprised to discover that both Amy and Matt have still been living apart for almost a year. They are separated, but not yet divorced. Most of the family was rallying around the big celebration for Jeremy who was graduating from college. Matt and Amy’s daughter, Molly was unable to attend the event as she was studying abroad in Costa Rica.

Amy was thinking about new endeavors considering most of the kids have left the farm, and that new venture included a pop-up restaurant. The idea seemed very interesting and a perfect fit for Amy who has always loved being in the kitchen.  In Santa Barbara, Jeremy, Jacob and Zach began to realize the pressures of adulthood.  The real world was hitting Jeremy in more ways than he expected, but he had no reservation about popping the question to Audrey. He traveled to Los Angeles to pick up the custom made ring that he created for his girlfriend; the jitters were definitely getting to the eldest Roloff.

Matt was taken aback by Amy’s new business proposal, but supported his wife fully, who got support from her sons to assist with the big event. The pressure was building as Amy found herself burning dishes and dropping plates left and right. She managed to pull things together to successfully complete a dream of hers.  Jeremy continued to plan his proposal to Audrey with the help of Zach. He utilized his typewriter, yep a typewriter; can’t remember the last time I saw one of those things.

When he informed his parents of the news, they were ecstatic and happy for their son. Amy literally gushed about Audrey. She indicated it would be difficult to be happy for her son if he was marrying someone she didn’t fully approve of. Matt being Matt wanted to ambush Jeremy as he popped the question, but Amy refused to allow Matt to interrupt this special moment.

During the final moments of the episode, Jeremy finally popped the question to Audrey in a coy, but clever way. The couple had a picnic in a special place on the farm. When she realized Jeremy was asking for her hand in marriage, she gushed with giddiness. I would argue Jeremy’s proposal brought Amy and Matt a bit closer. It forced them to evaluate their relationship and the crossroad they have entered in their relationship.

The promo for the rest of the season hinted that Audrey and Jeremy would be getting married by the end of this season, but also noted that Zach, Jeremy’s twin bother, would be popping the question to his girlfriend Tori. I’m so happy to see this family show back on TLC, it just brings smiles to my face. “Little People, Big World” airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TLC.

By LaDale Anderson