Appreciating all that makes America special

The Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory, Great American Things

Science jokes? Really? Who knew they’d be the Next Big Thing. Uploaded by georgespigot.wordpress.com.

All right, let’s see a show of hands: How many people thought a sitcom about four geeky geeks (well, how would you describe them?) and an attractive girl would be a huge hit? Didn’t think so. And not just a hit, mind you, but one of the truly funny shows on television. The Big Bang Theory has been a surprise on all fronts.

Big Bang Theory, www.greatamericanthings.net

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One of the primary reasons for the show’s success is the incredible characterization of Sheldon Cooper by Jim Parsons. All of the other characters are believable, sure, or the show wouldn’t work. But there’s no way to envision Parsons as being anything but Sheldon. Parsons has received two Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He reminds me of another sitcom characterization that seems equally uncanny, Jack McBrayer as the NBC page Kenneth on 30 Rock.

Science humor, who knew? Jokes about comic books, sci-fi, fantasy. Not exactly the territory mined by Seinfeld or Friends. And yet, The Big Bang Theory does it well. As Albert Einstein wrote in his paper “Zur Quantentheorie de Strahlung,” this show is “bitchin’.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFS1F-3XVtk

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