One Geek’s Opinion: The Big Bang Theory
Randomly television come up in a conversation recently, and a friend of mine, who knows my interest, said “Well I dont even have to ask you, your favorite show must be the Big Bang Theory right?” I wasnt really offended or anything, its a logical connection, I like Star Trek and Battle Star Galactica, so do the characters on the Big Bang Theory, therefore myself, as well as all nerdy people, must love that show… right?
For those of who have never seen the series, the Big Bang Theory is centered around a group of stereotypical nerdy guys, who all work together at a local university, all the classic geek troupes are well represented. One is hyper intelligent yet for all his smarts he struggles to understand the everyday social interactions with other humans seeming to have more in common with the computer he plays games on rather than the people he plays those games with. Then there is the badly dressed, super sexed engineer, who always has a barrage of pickup lines at the ready, all of which are promptly rebuffed, oh and he still lives with his mom (classic archetype). On the opposite side of the spectrum there is his best friend who is so intimidated by women he cant even speak around them unless he is intoxicated. The male protagonist of the show is presented as slightly more normal than the rest, although his, lack of physical prowess and lactose intolerance often off sets his high IQ. Then there is the female protagonist, a very attractive, normal, blonde who is thrust into this eccentric crew and forced to adapt to their ways.
Thats pretty much it, that is the show, and really its a fine show. Its humor has its moments, the female neighbor isnt bad to look at, and really who doesn’t love a Settlers of Catan reference in prime time TV. My issue with the show is that it wasn’t written for me (like the guys) it was written for people like the hot lady neighbor. The show is from her point of view, and the laughs most often come at the expense of the four male co-stars ineptitude or social failings.
This is a show that presents its self as intelligent comedy, but really makes its living on dumb jokes about smart people (with a terrible laugh track I might add), not that there is anything wrong with that, it works for the masses (like the lady neighbor), but its not ALL that I look for in a comedy. I would much rather take a really smart show about dumb people (Arrested Development, Community) or if as a geek I am only limited to shows about my people, then I would prefer something from their point of view (IT Crowd, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared). But hey, that’s just One Geeks Opinion.
****One Geeks Opinion is an ongoing series wherein I offer up one point of view on an issue or topic which affect our community at large. Should you disagree or wish to offer a rebuttal please leave a comment.****
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geekishchibi likes this
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foxfootedfrets said:
I like this “One Geek’s Opinion On…” series. Do more! I’ve never watched TBBT, but I feel like I would agree with this if I did.
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foxfootedfrets likes this
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misguidedgeek posted this
