The Big Bang Theory's Biggest Problem Is One That Most People Completely Overlook

[TMC]

https://www.looper.com/1232498/the-b...tely-overlook/

BY NINA STARNER/MARCH 21, 2023 3:00 PM EST

There are lots of issues with "The Big Bang Theory" that, frankly, feel pretty obvious. There's the fact that it depicts nerds as some sort of freakish "other" when, realistically, most people like superhero movies now. There's the fact that pretty much every one of the actors is terrible at eating on screen. There's the laugh track and the awkward pauses that come with it. There's the casual racism, the "adorkable misogyny," the fatphobia, and other aspects from sitcoms of its era that haven't aged well in recent years (though those things certainly aren't unique to "TBBT").

There's another problem, though, and it's probably the biggest one: "The Big Bang Theory" treats women like absolute crap.

"But wait!" we hear you saying. "Just a minute here! The ladies of 'The Big Bang Theory' are way cool and strong and hashtag girl bosses! They're vital to the show and just as important as the men!" Nice try, but no dice — that's exactly what the show wants you to think. Starting off with street-smart, book-dumb Penny (Kaley Cuoco), who doesn't have a last name until she gets married, the issues start to become clear — such as how the show pretends that, in her own way, Penny is just as smart as the boys, while also repeatedly indicating that she isn't. Adding in Amy Farrah-Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch) was a nice attempt to level the playing field, but did it work? No, it did not, and here's why.

[Chocolate Moose]

Oh, I see. Well, it is entertainment but it's also a commentary on life. The writers could have done better.

[Reinhold_Weege]

I am not giving the author of that piece a single mouse-click. I hate these critics that take something that is reasonably entertaining and rip it apart.

[Duster76]

Originally Posted by Reinhold_Weege

I am not giving the author of that piece a single mouse-click. I hate these critics that take something that is reasonably entertaining and rip it apart.

I agree, the drivel that comes from sites like looper and Facts Verse aren't worth clicking on.

Penny is the second most important character on the show. Her significance can't be overstated. Her talents are not in science, true, but to be so narrowed minded that you can't see what they are reveals a lack of understanding of why the series went from a successful comedy series to a mega hit.

[icecream]

Originally Posted by Duster76

I agree, the drivel that comes from sites like looper and Facts Verse aren't worth clicking on.

Penny is the second most important character on the show. Her significance can't be overstated. Her talents are not in science, true, but to be so narrowed minded that you can't see what they are reveals a lack of understanding of why the series went from a successful comedy series to a mega hit.

I agree Penny is an important part of the show creatively. However, The Big Bang Theory did not become a hit because of any writing but being moved to the post Two and a Half Men slot on Mondays at 9:30/8:30. Just one season there made it strong enough to make the big move to lead off Thursdays.