Geeksploitation – The New Cool Kids
I’ve recently discovered the phenomenon that is The Big Bang Theory. I’m not referring to the attempt by science to explain the wonder that is God’s creation, but the less wondrous but thoroughly hilarious creation of the minds of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. I’m referring to the 30-minute sitcom that airs Mondays at 9:30 EST on the CBS network.
I caught a piece of an episode sometime last year or so and wasn’t that keen on the formula. A bunch of geeks living across the hall from an airhead blonde bombshell? Sounded like an overplayed cliche. It wasn’t until I took the time to watch a bunch of fan posted clips on Youtube when I realized how great an ensemble cast this show is.
I’ve found that I am drawn toward TV shows that are driven by the performances of the actors and put a greater focus on the relationships and personal growth of each character than purely on a clever or mysterious plot line. Nothing beats a well written character portrayed to the tee by an actor that fits the role. Except when you put a bunch of the same together and the chemistry just pops.
The Big Bang Theory, or TBBT as it is referred to by its fans, does just that. Not only are the guys that play the geeks totally believable but everyone can relate to them. Everyone has that inner geek in them, the love that they have of something not so socially acceptable. As much as you want to say that you sympathize with these guys, the truth is that really you can emapthize with them. And the fact that you won’t admit to that is proof positive that I’m right.
My first thoughts on the blonde neighbor, Penny, played by the bubbly Kaley Cuoco, was that she was a point of comic relief, providing an opportunity to exploit the shortcomings of the resident geeks weaknesses for easy laughs. Yes, she does play that role but has also become strangely assimilated into the group, growing her character and exposing her character to vulnerability and thus allowing the audience to relate to her on a level that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
Great writing, great acting and great chemistry. It’s the formula that everyone hopes for in producing entertainment, but rarely achieve.
Props to Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and all the folks on the TBBT team for their success. May their ratings continue to reflect the greatness of the art that they are creating.
