Like many, my childhood was filled with the colorful world of Sesame Street. My older sister and I were devoted viewers, and no characters captivated us quite like the dynamic duo, Bert and Ernie. Their contrasting personalities and hilarious scenarios were a constant source of entertainment. So much so, that as we grew up, we playfully adopted their names for each other. She, naturally, claimed the role of Ernie, and I was dubbed Bert.
Ernie happily playing with his Rubber Ducky in Sesame Street
In retrospect, the roles were assigned more than chosen. Being the older sibling, my sister was accustomed to taking charge, and Ernie, the fun-loving and mischievous puppet, perfectly suited her desire to be the playful one. This left me, perhaps unfairly, with the label of Bert, the more serious and sometimes uptight character.
For those less familiar with the residents of Sesame Street, Bert and Ernie are iconic for their distinct and contrasting personalities. Ernie embodies youthful exuberance and curiosity. He’s the friend you’d excitedly invite to any celebration, especially a 6th birthday party, bringing with him a sense of fun and wonder about the world.
Bert looking characteristically serious from Sesame Street
Bert, on the other hand, is the pragmatic and rule-oriented member of the pair. Often exasperated by Ernie’s antics, Bert is frequently found explaining the “right” way to do things. He’s the brother you might feel obligated to invite to that same birthday party, especially if you wanted to ensure Ernie’s attendance, acting as a sort of grounding force.
Recently, a wave of nostalgia washed over me when my sister unearthed her old Bert and Ernie dolls. Bert, in a state of slight disrepair requiring some re-gluing, sparked a trip down memory lane. I decided to revisit some classic Bert and Ernie video clips, eager to relive the fond memories of their humorous interactions.
However, what I rediscovered was not quite the Bert and Ernie I remembered. Instead of the lighthearted and innocent dynamic I recalled, I began to see a different side to their relationship. A side where, dare I say it, Ernie often seemed to be… well, a bit of a jerk to Bert.
Consider this classic scenario: Ernie leaves the bathroom faucet dripping. Bert, understandably bothered by the incessant noise, asks Ernie to turn it off. But instead of simply resolving the issue, Ernie’s response is to mask the dripping sound by turning up the radio and switching on the vacuum cleaner.
This isn’t just playful obliviousness. Ernie is well aware of Bert’s need for “peace and quiet,” especially after 8 PM, as it’s the only way Bert can get to sleep. Ernie’s actions suggest a deliberate avoidance of responsibility, a refusal to address the simple problem of the dripping faucet. It’s either a blatant disregard for Bert’s comfort, or a passive-aggressive tactic forcing Bert to fix Ernie’s mess. Either way, it leans towards undeniably jerky behavior.
Delving further into Bert and Ernie clips reveals a pattern of Ernie making surprisingly unkind remarks towards his roommate. Lines like:
“I didn’t bring my radio and now I have to listen to your yucky music.”
“If you took a bath, you wouldn’t be such a grouch.”
“You are so great at being mad.”
“You look better like that, when you’re not talking.”
These aren’t just innocent jabs between friends. They are pointedly dismissive and even mean-spirited comments directed at Bert.
Perhaps one of the most egregious examples of Ernie’s inconsiderate behavior is the infamous sheep incident. In the middle of the night, Ernie decides to have a sing-and-dance party in their shared bedroom… with a flock of sheep. The result? Bert is not only woken up but then burdened with the task of returning the sheep to wherever they came from, all while sleep-deprived and clearly annoyed.
And the list goes on. There’s the time Ernie intentionally places Bert behind a lady with an enormous hat at the movie theater. Or when Ernie refuses to share his umbrella with Bert in the pouring rain. And who could forget the time Ernie stole Bert’s nose for a sculpture project?
It’s no wonder Bert is often portrayed as grouchy! Imagine constantly dealing with Ernie’s endless stream of thoughtless pranks and inconsiderate actions. Bert’s lack of restful sleep due to Ernie’s nighttime disturbances, coupled with the daily cleanup of Ernie’s messes, would make anyone a little grumpy.
Oscar the Grouch looking typically grumpy from Sesame Street
Maybe I’m not so far off being nicknamed “grouchy” myself, considering this newfound perspective on Ernie. And I’m not alone in this observation. Other commentators have also noted Ernie’s less-than-angelic behavior, pointing out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways Ernie can be a bit of a jerk.
Perhaps we sometimes simplify characters, especially in children’s media. It’s easier to remember a character by a dominant trait, and often only those traits are highlighted. Or maybe, sometimes, creators don’t fully explore the complexities of their characters beneath the surface.
This observation about Ernie actually leads to a useful exercise for character development. To test the depth of a character’s personality, start with an obvious statement, like “Ernie is fun-loving.” Then, consider the opposite: “Ernie is a jerk.” Try to build a case for this opposing view. You might be surprised at what you uncover. A well-developed character will often have nuances and contradictions that allow for multiple interpretations. Fun-loving characters might have moments of selfishness, and even grouchy characters have reasons for their moods. Characters that resonate with us are rarely one-dimensional.
Bert and Ernie laughing together in Sesame Street
Ultimately, it’s these complexities that make Bert and Ernie so enduringly beloved. Their personalities are richer and more layered than simple labels suggest. We love them not just for their positive traits, but also, perhaps surprisingly, because of their flaws. Their imperfections make them feel real and relatable, even as puppets on Sesame Street.
And who can truly resist those faces?
Do you think Ernie is secretly a jerk? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
