THE WRITER'S LIFE
"Anyone, anyone, anyone...”
As Saturday transitions into Sunday, I often get attacks of insomnia, and this is one such. Having spent the day reading the news, thinking, researching and writing, I have a lot on my mind. Sometimes I write. Other times, I'll have a DVD binge.
Given the size of my DVD library, I have a lot of choice. I can pretty much watch something whichever mood takes me. When my mind is really in need of a sedative, beyond Mirtazapine, I turn to a regular favourite. Because there's one show which appeals to many of my senses and emotions. I know I'm not alone in being a fan, but I wonder sometimes if I may be being obsessive. But to me, that's the appeal of this show.
I'm sure others have written in greater detail but I question whether I should look, for fear of becoming even more obsessive. For now, I suspect I'm alone, or in very minority company, in analysing The Big Bang Theory in such depth, way beyond these few thoughts:
Sci-fi series aside (I'm thinking Firefly), as a general entertainment show, TBBT is one of my favourites, because there's so much beyond the surface.
Personally, I see "Friends", as just “The one where only the one with any apparent brains (Ross Geller) was always shouted down as some sort of boring, intellectual elitist”, at the expense of Chandler's "Wit"; Joey's Harmless-but-slightly-sinister-misogynist-guy-acting-dumb-and-vulnerable-getting-away-with-it; Monica's neediness and OCD; Pheobe's hippy, floaty, histrionic personality; and Rachael's poor rich kid. With all that potential, little was made of it by the writers. For a more in-depth comment on this, see David Hopkins' article, How a TV Sitcom Triggered the Downfall of Western Civilization.
Which is why I like TBBT so much: Intelligent writers; scientific consultants; and cast members with academic qualifications themselves. Actors who are accomplished in artistic and scientific fields, away from this show.
And it stands up to repeated viewing, because behind the first act, there are so many layers: Deep personalities and back stories; humour intelligent enough to evoke a double-take; but above all, the ongoing, in-depth analysis of complex human emotions.
Again, I suspect I am alone or at least lonely, but anyone who appreciates the intricacies of Leonard Hofstadter, his relationship with Penny (never had a second name, before Hofstadter (this is how much of a geek I am)); Penny and Sheldon's relationship; and Sheldon's relationship with Amy, will know what I mean.
And this is before I analyse Raj, Bernadette and Howard. Even though the latter is generally repugnant, the acting portrays a deeply troubled and insecure character. The characters in Big Bang are very complex, which is what gives the show so much appeal to me.
But the greatest thing for the geek in me is the supporting cast: Stuart Bloom, Beverley Hofstadter, Mary Cooper...; And the sci-fi legends who are game enough to make cameos: Katee Sackhoff, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy. And Wesley Crusher, always game as he plays Wil Wheaton (If no-one else gets that gag, I am truly alone).
I can't think of any instances in that other show where anything outside the trials and tribulations of a bunch of stereotypes were explored. Sure, it was “funny”, in an escapist way. And Big Bang is escapist too, but it makes me think more. It makes me think; not the thoughts which keep me awake, but those which allow me to go on exploring.
Do androids dream of electric sheep?
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