Sometimes, I feel like I should address this subject as if I am attending a recovery meeting.
“Hi, my name is Brian.”
“Hi, Brian.”
“I think The Big Bang Theory is a quality television show.”
Actually, that kind of meeting wouldn’t require the anonymity and potential shame that can come with a gathering of folks in recovery. The show has a massive following.
That speech is probably better suited for some special group of folks who like the top-rated CBS comedy, doesn’t consider it pandering and also enjoys “smart” comedies like Parks and Recreation and critical darlings who did not attract enough viewers to get a chance at a sustained run like TBBT.
I point this out only because some of the most virulent criticism of the Chuck Lorre show, especially in the wake of Jim Parson taking home another Emmy last night, comes from places like Warming Glow, a pop culture site which I enjoy except for its slavish devotion to Community creator Dan Harmon. (I like his show, but the fanboy following is over the top).
My big mistake came when I waded into the comments there and said some things and some other people said some things and I went and clicked the check box which stopped sending me e-mails whenever people replied to my comments because, well, the Internet.
I don’t know why I feel compelled to try and defend a show which does so well that it’s top actors will earn $1 million per episode this year. They don’t need my help. Plus, I really don’t care if other people like TBBT or any other show I like. My God, I watched Raising Hope to the bitter and can’t wait for the final season of Cougar Town. I’m not making my choices based on popularity.
I guess I just take offense at the criticism (from places like Warming Glow) that if you like TBBT, you have no taste and only watch TV to not think and don’t understand comedy. I think I understand comedy pretty well. I watch a lot of shows that critics love. I cut my teeth on M*A*S*H*. My family watched Cheers before it became a national hit.
Sure, Chuck Lorre brought us Two and a Half Men before TBBT, and that brought us Charlie Sheen’s antics and a shocking Emmy for Jon Cryer and the whiny guy who played the kid and then railed against the show. But should the scientists from California pay for the sins of that show just because they share a creator?
I love Parks and Recreation, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t find fault with Brooklyn Nine-Nine, also from the brain of Mike Schur. But the mob mentality against TBBT seems to have to more with reputation than people having actually watched many episodes of the show.
First of all, the cast is pretty damned good. Many wring their hands over Parsons winning another Emmy, but I think the bigger problem with the award system is the lack of recognition for Kaley Cuoco for her performance as Penny. I don’t think she should win, but a nomination would go a long way toward rewarding her for what I feel is the role that makes the show work.
Secondly, the show hardly relies on one simple premise. It’s not just making fun of nerds. For instance, the Leonard-Penny relationship has, in my estimation, handled the “will they or won’t they” with more alacrity than most TV shows with the same dilemma. The ways they have each tried to expose the other to things outside their comfort zone really strengthens the relationship. I doubt the critics could actually discuss those in depth because they haven’t watched enough to see the
Thirdly, who cares what nerds think about it? Community isn’t judged by what people at two-year schools think. Parks and Rec fans don’t worry about the thoughts from municipal leaders. So why do the people who criticize the show often say, “look, even nerds hate it!” It’s a TV show, not a referendum.
Lastly, the way the writers have made adjustments over the years, adding characters to the universe while showing how that affects the other characters and giving them all some sort of social tic to throw something else into the mix has helped keep the show fresh (and let those who discovered it in reruns come into the new shows with a sense of discovery).
I don’t expect the people who hate the show to change their mind, but I selfishly wanted to go over this because it seems like the debate has devolved into nothing but “it sucks” vs. “big ratings.” The reality lies somewhere in the middle. Let’s hope the discussion can get there at some point as well.