Let's be honest, this commentary was going to be inevitable; even if I have only just started to really watch the Big Bang Theory...
My initial stance: intrigue. At the time when it really started to gain popularity, I was in the middle of getting my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Apparently some of the field's "catch-phrases" were being used as punchlines. So many friends, family and professors brought this show to my attention, often in the form of, "this Sheldon guy sounds just like you!" (or from my professors-- "...sounds just like US!" followed by a happy dance and an awkward attempt at a high five.)
Then I watched the show...And thus began, which I know now to be (thanks to BBT) as Schrodinger's Friendship (see: Big Bang Theory Wiki). In this case- I simultaneously like and dislike The Big Bang Theory (and even more specifically, Sheldon Cooper).
After my introduction to the show's existence, I just had to see it for myself. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I couldn't find the humor using philosophical or scientific terminology as a punchline, when it's being used in (usually) a correct way. This is just how people talk, right? (Although in this case people = geeks, I suppose. But those are my people anyway). Sure, I should be relieved that they were using it correctly, but that doesn't mean it's funny. It's just dialogue at that point, and I couldn't understand why it was always being followed by a laugh track. Are they laughing with them or at them?
Also, Sheldon is a kind of a jerk. Not a villain, but definitely disturbed (I don't care if his mother had him tested!) He's rude, stubborn, arrogant, and rude again. Who cares how brilliant his character is supposed to be; I'm pretty sure a comparison is not a compliment. (Thanks a lot friends and family...although in a moment of fairness, anyone who knows me personally may be justified at times in making said comparison. Except my mortal enemies.) So why would I want to watch a show where the alpha-geek is such a jerkish and unlikeable character? Sheldon Cooper, you are on my list!
Plus, the show's growing popularity has seemingly created, or enhanced, a sub-culture of geek wanna-be's (I wanted to call them "wanna-be-geeks", but then it turned into "wannabeeks".) Geek culture has now become mish-mashed within pop-culture. Generally speaking, geekery's trademark is not being cool (and if I may say so, not caring if one is cool). And there hasn't really been any desire from outsiders to imitate. But now that being a geek has become a trend, thanks to shows like Big Bang Theory, it's created a horde of wanna-be's. There are now people who have fake interests in our hobbies and pursuits. They laugh every time Wil Wheaton is on an episode, but they wouldn't watch an episode of Star Trek (any generation!) if you paid them...well, maybe if you paid them. It's become very frustrating to try to talk to someone about geek interests, when their interests are so insincere...Or conversely, they will only like something because Sheldon and his gang like something, but would never even considered it otherwise (no matter how many times you may have recommended it before).
Simultaneously, and as I've watched more episodes, I've started to actually appreciate how relate-able the show can be at times. I'm not a scientist by any stretch, and I've given up on staying in academia, but I am drawn to the show for it's smart dialogue and witty banter. Sometimes it really can be funny; e.g., Schrodinger's Friendship is pretty darn hilarious, I think. Plus, watching them play D&D or shop for comic books is kind of awesome. I remember how awesome it was on How I Met Your Mother when Ted confessed to meeting his then-girlfriend on World of Warcraft. So to it's credit, Big Bang Theory is like that just all the time...
And I've decided that it's laughing both with and at them. And sometimes it's even at ourselves. But that's okay. It means we aren't taking ourselves too seriously, which means we are on track to avoid becoming even more like Sheldon than we all probably are.
And that's another thing. Sheldon is kind of a intellectual badass. I haven't figured out why yet specifically. But I suspect it's because he 100% reflects the notion that a geek doesn't care if they are cool are not, or popular or not. He just is geek for the love of geek. And a balance of smarts and smart-ass. Could it be that perhaps I've become envious of my mortal enemy for attaining a level of geek-awesome that I can only hope to achieve? Probably. Dammit.
Lastly, I do have to give major props to the writers and actors of Big Bang Theory for bridging the gap between geek culture and pop culture so successfully. I mean, not many shows have had such a widespread audience that includes both geeks and non-geeks alike; they seem to have mastered their formula by incorporating Kaley Cuoco's character, Penny, and showing that we really can all get along. Most of the time. So there is no denying that the lines have been blurred; especially with the mass appeal of comic book heroes' movies, and other similar shows like the IT Crowd. And the wannabeeks? I suppose it's not so bad to have people want to be a part of what makes us so awesome, you know? And if it does result in someone actually learning to appreciate our hobbies and interests and pursuits then it's not so bad. The more the merrier, right?
Geek out-
BeetHats
No comments:
Post a Comment