Despite The Big Bang Theory’s semi-slow start, it’s b
ecome one of my favorite shows this season (and any other season for that matter). At the beginning, the show was too formulaic. Sheldon and Leonard were too stereotypically nerdy. Penny was too hot. Everything was exaggerated to the point where I wanted to scream, “OK, we get it!” However, a friend brought up that sometimes it is a necessity to overstate the premise of the show at its start. That idea coupled with the fact that it has become brilliant is enough for me to overlook the first few episodes of Season 1 (which to clarify were not horrible, just average).
Since those first few episodes, Big Bang has exemplified the true meaning of “must-see television” (a phrase coined by NBC in the 90’s to describe their Thursday night line-up which included Friends, Seinfeld, ER, and various other shows over the years). Throw How I Met Your Mother into the mix, and it’ll blow NBC’s version of “must-see” out of the water any day.
So what is it about The Big Bang Theory that makes it so wonderfully addictive? In a word, Sheldon. Sheldon (portrayed with excellent comedic timing by the talented and relatively unknown Jim Parsons) is the reason we all can’t wait for the next episode, the reason we find ourselves laughing over and over again at our favorite scenes, and the main reason for the show’s success. I wish I could 
say that this is a true ensemble cast (ex: How I Met Your Mother), but it really isn’t. This is the Sheldon Show, and I can’t get enough of it. This is not to say that the rest of the cast is terrible, not even close. Leonard is likeable and amusing enough (see Episode 1.6 The Middle Earth Paradigm in which Leonard puts Penny’s meathead ex-boyfriend in his place). Wolowitz is creepy without being too creepy (most of the time), and he has one of the best[1] mother/son relationships on television. Koothrappali is also an engaging character, and surprisingly his “can’t talk to women unless he’s drunk” schtick has not worn out its welcome yet. I also enjoy that he finds things slightly racist at times, but doesn’t go so far as to take real offense to anything. In fairness to the show, I should at least mention Penny. Penny doesn’t need to be “hot.” She could be average, and the guys (minus Sheldon) would probably still fall all over her. She’s “hot” in order to emphasize the fact that she is on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of looks and intellect. (I also think she’s “hot” as a ratings ploy, but it’s really not necessary due to Jim Parson’s comic abilities). I really have no feelings for Kaley Cuoco one way or another, but I will say that not everyone could have believable chemistry with this cast. That is one reason why she’s good for the show. It’s believable that she genuinely likes these nerdy guys, and I’m not sure another “hot” actress could pull that off.
[1] “Best” does not equal healthy.
March 17, 2009 at 11:58 am |
I agree completely. Although my fondness for Sheldon does not go so far as yours, he is definitely the glue holding the show together. It’s refreshing whose life doesn’t revolve around trying to be cool. I’m actually surprised at how popular the show is considering the abstract and intellectual references made repeatedly in each episode.
I still think just about any hot actress could play Penny. Penny is vapid and generic. I know they are developing her character more, but so far she is not a compelling character to me. As of now, she is a foil for Sheldon, an out-of-reach ideal for Leonard, an object of flirtation for Wolowitz, and a mute button for Raj. I don’t think she exists on her own. I anticipate they continue to explore her attempts to leave the waitressing world behind. Maybe Penny Blossoms will become successful – if she could just motivate the labor force.
March 17, 2009 at 1:06 pm |
a sea shanty might help