Matches Malone wrote:
Let's tackle the Malcolm Jamaal V. Senor Bridges argument first. It has to be Willis, and no not just by default.
Theo
As RPB pointed out, props to Theo for getting the "tough" kid from school to come over and admit it was his joint. After that though, what really is there. He rebelled by not cleaning up his room and getting his ear pierced. He was punked in the neighborhood by snowball throwers. Granted, they threw them at Cliff too so we won't downgrade him to much. But what else? He never really brawled with anyone did he? Physically all he ever did was throw Rudy into the wall but that was an accident. Yes he had dyslexia, so that was tough, but he also messed around with one of his boy's woman.
Willis
Nothing, and I mean nothing Theo ever experienced comes close to what Willis endured. First off, he loses his mother and now not only has a young sibling he feels responsible for but he also must pick up and move to a new life not of his choosing. Yes I know, it's quite a plush life he'll be entering but let's not kid ourselves, the Huxtables had plenty of money too. That's a hell of a lot to ask any adult to deal with, let alone a teenager. Flash forward : Willis is finally starting to feel comfortable and here come James to let him know he's doing it all wrong. One must not forget from whence one came.
Moving on, Willis, defending his little brother and friend, is brutally beaten and hospitalized. Theo shaved his head. While in high school Willis is forced to deal with not only Crazy Larry's gun toting ways, but also Larry's lust for his adopted sister who he feels he should now protect. Wait, it gets tougher. Now the idea is floated of changing his last name to Drummond as a present to his adoptive father. Yet how can one forget the legacy of one's own mother? Tough decision no? What did Theo have to decide? Oh yeah, the whole should we get a Helicopter for prom thing. See, those are just a few examples and it's not even close. Willis trumps Theo everyday of the week. If you really break it down though, Arnold is one of the toughest kids ever on a sitcom but we'll leave that for another day.
I'm working on my Lemont Sanford post. It'll be up later for those eagerly anticipating it.
That's solid work right there. Love the throwing Rudy into the wall part.
He did punk her into telling her parents that she fell on some shoes, though. That's gotta count for something...
