Little People, Big World: "Cold War!": Why Matt & Amy Can't Stop Putting Each Other Down (2024)

“Do you know what love is? I'll tell you: it is whatever you can still betray.”

― John le Carré, The Looking Glass War

Little People, Big World stars Matt and Amy Roloff are in the "Cold War" phase of their relationship - things are tense even though both have moved on with other partners. Matt's going to marry Caryn Chandler - Amy already wed Chris Marek. When the USA and Soviet Union had their "Cold War," each nation used shady tactics, including high-level spycraft, to throw the other off balance. Now that Matt and Amy are past the heated battle that led to their dramatic split, the war is chilly indeed.

Life goes on, people change, the most intense conflict may cool down - however, the hard feelings inevitably linger, and all of Matt and Amy's Cold War interactions prove this. They're civil, but it costs them. Matt is more comfortable with their new dynamic - however, he was always the cooler customer. Amy's emotional - she's the one who was hurt - Matt left her. In the wake of memories that sometimes come flooding back, they try to co-exist and that's noble. However, their real feelings, repressed and primal, seep out. There is bad blood.

Matt & Amy Roloff's Marriage Was Never Good

This Set The Stage For The Cold War

“We have to live without sympathy, don't we? That's impossible of course. We act it to one another, all this hardness; but we aren't like that really, I mean...one can't be out in the cold all the time; one has to come in from the cold...d'you see what I mean?”

― John le Carré, The Spy Who Came In from the Cold

Matt puts up a frosty front - he has to. If he let more warmth creep into his relationship with Amy, he might need to acknowledge what's unspoken - just how thoroughly he crushed her. Matt broke Amy's heart into a thousand pieces, shattering her dreams. He fell in love with Caryn, a Roloff Farms employee. Caryn may or may not be a gold digger - it's possible that the Roloff patriarch's being taken for a ride. However, Matt's a very intelligent man. He retreats into politeness, occasionally griping about Amy, Cold War-style - i.e. behind her back.

Matt's true feelings surface in these "light" "throwaway" comments - when he jokes with Chris, Amy's new hubby, about her habit of leaving drawers open, he's getting his aggression out. Chris joins in and when he does, Matt destabilizes Amy's relationship. It's so Cold War - Amy can't stand the fact that these Matt and Chris are in a bromance. It grates on her nerves, triggering her. The last thing she wants, as she said onscreen in Little People, Big World, is the two men:

comparing notes

but they do. Causing trouble covertly was what the Cold War was all about. Amy does the same thing. However, she's more likely to turn to her children when she needs to vent. She can, possibly subconsciously, make Matt's life harder just by remaining so close to her children. The kids rely on Amy - she's the warmer one. Amy can give love in comforting and maternal ways - she will cook, she will take care of an adult child when they're sick. Amy was there for Zach when he had shunt issues that led to excruciating headaches. Matt was left out in the cold.

Matt and Amy didn't know each other well before they tied the knot. She said that she wished she'd known more about her partner before she got married. They moved fast and soon welcomed kids who, while amazing, added the usual stress. Matt, like a double agent, had a shadowy side. In the past, he was a bit of a womanizer. Matt even dabbled in cocaine. As a covert "bad boy," Matt may never have loved Amy the way that she loved him.

Matt Roloff's Pumpkin Farm Antics Shook Up The Family

Matt Wants His Way No Matter What

One of the most dastardly Cold War acts was Matt's decision to list part of Roloff Farms for sale instead of selling it to his kids or just letting them inherit it when he passes away. This was rather coldblooded - in particular, Zach seemed to consider it the ultimate betrayal. Amy wasn't happy about it either. Matt said he never promised anyone anything - is this the truth or just a bit of spycraft? Is he using lies to sway public opinion? It's not impossible. Matt could be pushing Soviet-style propaganda.

Double agent Matt's cover was blown - now, everyone knows he's all about the Benjamins i.e. one greedy dude. He's even said he's out for himself - he wants some comfort and peace at this stage of his life. That's why he's building a very accessible rancher home - it's fancy! Caryn and Matt have their smug arguments about interior design elements - meanwhile, Amy and Matt's kids store up rage. Matt wasn't really on their side.

Yes, things could warm up - Matt might acknowledge his failings instead of justifying every shady and self-serving action. Zach might come to terms with the fact that Matt doesn't "owe" him a farm - when that happens, it will be a sign of maturity. Amy could tone down the bossiness and really embrace life with Chris - she could put more emotional distance between herself and Matt and Caryn. However, these wise decisions could kill the golden goose that is Little People, Big World.

Little People, Big World

Reality

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Cast

Matthew Roloff , Amy Roloff , Jeremy Roloff , Zach Roloff , Molly Roloff , Jacob Roloff

Release Date

March 4, 2006

Seasons

25

Network

TLC

Streaming Service(s)

TLC GO