CBS's The Big Bang Theory: Chemistry Works in Sitcom About Geniuses - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Skywalker · 09-21-2007, 11:39 PM

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features..._features_util

Chemistry of The Big Bang Theory hangs on actors' stellar performances.
Tom Jicha

It's almost a misnomer to label the first episode of The Big Bang Theory "the premiere." If you watched CBS at all this summer, you've seen practically the whole show in promotional teasers. Maybe you've gotten a chuckle, or even a belly laugh, out of the brief spots. If so, the full episode won't let you down.

The Big Bang Theory isn't a threat to break into the ranks of classic comedies but it's thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to brilliant star turns by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki as roommates Sheldon and Leonard, academic geniuses but social misfits. Their stellar performances are somewhat neutralized by Kaley Cuoco's characterization of their new neighbor Penny, a stereotypical ditzy blonde. It's not Cuoco's fault. The way the character is written, it's as if Penny is channeling Three's Company's Chrissy Snow, except Suzanne Somers' ditzy blonde was more worldly.

Sheldon and Leonard are agog when the breathtaking Penny moves across the hall from them. Unfortunately, they're not speechless. That would have spared them making fools of themselves as they attempt to impress her with their intellectual prowess, which flies so far over her head it's a wonder it doesn't blow the roof off the building. They have as much of a shot with her as she has of solving the complex equations that are their source of entertainment. But guys can dream, can't they?

The shortcoming in this premise is that as the guys stammer and stumble in Penny's presence, she doesn't have a clue about the effect she is having on them. She even asks to take a shower in their apartment — the design on their shower curtain is the periodic table, one of several clever sight gags — and naively emerges barely covered by a towel. Nobody is that dense.

You wouldn't expect a couple of dweebs like Sheldon and Leonard to have cool friends. Still, it's astonishing that their closest buddies are even geekier than they are. One of them, Howard, thinks he can wow Penny with a Stephen Hawking impression. The other, Rajesh, goes mute when Penny is in the room. Simon Helberg, as Howard, is a scene stealer; if the producers are smart, they'll work him into the series as much as possible. Judgment will have to be reserved on Kunal Nayyar as Rajesh, since he does little more than sit on the couch.

There's reason to be optimistic that The Big Bang Theory will improve with seasoning, given that Chuck Lorre, the creative force behind Two and a Half Men, as an executive producer. Lorre rejects the notion that the sitcom form has to be resuscitated from the dead. "We're all tired of the 'death of comedy' story," Lorre said. "It was never dead for us. We've been doing great on Two and a Half Men. We're alive. People still want to laugh."

The Big Bang Theory effectively services this need.

puertaazul · 09-22-2007, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the great article- I'm really looking forward to this one. I think it looks really clever and I'm glad to hear that the cast vibes as much as they appear to on the previews. It premieres this Monday- yay- finally! Anyone else planning on watching??

Superbowl · 09-22-2007, 08:23 PM

I am definitely going to watch. This has a chance to be the best and funniest new sitcom in a while.

Skywalker · 09-22-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puertaazul

Thanks for the great article- I'm really looking forward to this one. I think it looks really clever and I'm glad to hear that the cast vibes as much as they appear to on the previews. It premieres this Monday- yay- finally! Anyone else planning on watching??

No problem.

I'm gonna watch it. Looks like it could be a pretty good show based on the promos and reviews I've seen so far.

09-21-2007, 11:39 PM	#1
Skywalker Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2003 Posts: 14,204	CBS's The Big Bang Theory: Chemistry Works in Sitcom About Geniuses http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features..._features_util Chemistry of The Big Bang Theory hangs on actors' stellar performances. Tom Jicha It's almost a misnomer to label the first episode of The Big Bang Theory "the premiere." If you watched CBS at all this summer, you've seen practically the whole show in promotional teasers. Maybe you've gotten a chuckle, or even a belly laugh, out of the brief spots. If so, the full episode won't let you down. The Big Bang Theory isn't a threat to break into the ranks of classic comedies but it's thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to brilliant star turns by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki as roommates Sheldon and Leonard, academic geniuses but social misfits. Their stellar performances are somewhat neutralized by Kaley Cuoco's characterization of their new neighbor Penny, a stereotypical ditzy blonde. It's not Cuoco's fault. The way the character is written, it's as if Penny is channeling Three's Company's Chrissy Snow, except Suzanne Somers' ditzy blonde was more worldly. Sheldon and Leonard are agog when the breathtaking Penny moves across the hall from them. Unfortunately, they're not speechless. That would have spared them making fools of themselves as they attempt to impress her with their intellectual prowess, which flies so far over her head it's a wonder it doesn't blow the roof off the building. They have as much of a shot with her as she has of solving the complex equations that are their source of entertainment. But guys can dream, can't they? The shortcoming in this premise is that as the guys stammer and stumble in Penny's presence, she doesn't have a clue about the effect she is having on them. She even asks to take a shower in their apartment — the design on their shower curtain is the periodic table, one of several clever sight gags — and naively emerges barely covered by a towel. Nobody is that dense. You wouldn't expect a couple of dweebs like Sheldon and Leonard to have cool friends. Still, it's astonishing that their closest buddies are even geekier than they are. One of them, Howard, thinks he can wow Penny with a Stephen Hawking impression. The other, Rajesh, goes mute when Penny is in the room. Simon Helberg, as Howard, is a scene stealer; if the producers are smart, they'll work him into the series as much as possible. Judgment will have to be reserved on Kunal Nayyar as Rajesh, since he does little more than sit on the couch. There's reason to be optimistic that The Big Bang Theory will improve with seasoning, given that Chuck Lorre, the creative force behind Two and a Half Men, as an executive producer. Lorre rejects the notion that the sitcom form has to be resuscitated from the dead. "We're all tired of the 'death of comedy' story," Lorre said. "It was never dead for us. We've been doing great on Two and a Half Men. We're alive. People still want to laugh." The Big Bang Theory effectively services this need.

09-22-2007, 02:33 PM	#2
puertaazul Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 18, 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 264	Thanks for the great article- I'm really looking forward to this one. I think it looks really clever and I'm glad to hear that the cast vibes as much as they appear to on the previews. It premieres this Monday- yay- finally! Anyone else planning on watching??

09-22-2007, 08:23 PM	#3
Superbowl Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 1,107	I am definitely going to watch. This has a chance to be the best and funniest new sitcom in a while.