new show review: The Big Bang Theory
September 26th, 2007 by screenwriterguy
Earlier this week, I posted that Back to You has everything going for it. It stars sitcom veterans, was written by creators of past hits, and the pilot was directed by sitcom guru James Burrows. Still, somehow it comes across as little stale.
The Big Bang Theory is likewise a powerhouse of talent. It also offers an experienced cast, featuring Johnny Galecki of Roseanne and Kaley Cuoco of 8 Simple Rules (and her water bra.) Chuck Lorre (Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men) and Bill Prady wrote the script. And the pilot was directed by sitcom guru James Burrows.
But the difference between these two new sitcoms is significant. The Big Bang Theory feels soooo much fresher.
It’s concept is very, very simple. An attractive blonde moves in across the hall from a pair of nerdy physicist roommates, and one thinks maybe he has a chance with her, while the other derides his friend for that belief. Done.
Where this premise might have worked out to be trite, in fact the script is mostly quite elegant. I can’t tell whether or not if it’s my own nerdiness that makes the whole thing resonate, but overall it works for me. Characters who consider sperm donation in order to be able to afford faster internet… that’s funny to me. At times the script is a bit joke-y. However, I can’t think of ever having seen such shamelessly geeky characters in leading roles on TV, so even where it’s obtuse, at least it’s original.
Bonus points for the trucker cap with the number 42 on it.
Best aspect: Klingon Boggle? It’s like regular Boggle, but in Klingon.
Worst aspect: The nerdspeak feels forced at times. But at least it’s technically accurate.
Verdict: I’ve set my DVR to record the season.
Odds of success: High. CBS’s Monday night remains one of the last, safe, ratings-earning bastions for sitcoms still existing. Nestled between How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men, it would have to be pretty flat to fail. Overall, it’s original and witty enough to pull its weight in the CBS Monday line-up.
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Posted in Reviews | 3 Comments »
Oct 1st 2007 at 8:33 pm
You just have a soft spot for the three-camera crap fest, eh?
Oct 1st 2007 at 8:34 pm
Or is just the hope that some hot chick will move in across the hall and be turned on by your love of sci-fi?
Oct 2nd 2007 at 12:12 am
Hey, let us not dis the three-camera show. After all, most of us were raised on three-camera TV. And they were still getting it right as recently as Seinfeld and Friends.
I just watched the second episode, and I liked it even better. Still a little joke-y, but not bad. And we’ve seen a person go downstairs to check out a burglar many times. But how many times have we seen them use a light saber?
Overall, the main reason I will continue to watch this show is that IT’S THE EXACT KIND OF SHOW I SHOULD BE WRITING ON. A dorky guy with one foot in nerd world and one foot in reality, hitting on a hot girl who’s out of his league? That’s what I write. That’s what I LIVE!