I just watched an episode of Big Bang theory

[NormannTheDoorman]

Thought it was a terrible representation of "nerds" and other people of that sort.


I got the jokes buy they weren't funny.

 

[deadpixel]

The show can be pretty funny at times, but the way they portray nerds on that show can kind of be perceived as homosexual. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying that you can be nerdy without looking like a homo.

 

[Cherry Cola]

@OP: That sums up the show pretty well.

@Cooper: Homosexual how? Why? Never picked that up, not looking to critique just wondering.

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

The show can be pretty funny at times, but the way they portray nerds on that show can kind of be perceived as homosexual. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying that you can be nerdy without looking like a homo.

It's actually funnier without the laugh track. Not a good funny.

 

[deadpixel]

@OP: That sums up the show pretty well.

@Cooper: Homosexual how? Why? Never picked that up, not looking to critique just wondering.

To me, sheldon projects an image of feminism. Thats just my opinion, others may see it differently.

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

Comedy nowadays seems to be a little dumbed down. All I hear are references and references which seem to appeal to a certain age level. Not necessarily a terrible thing but it gets old after a while.

Deadpan comedy will always be my favorite form of comedy.

 

[Architect]

I've enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure Jim Parsons (Sheldon) is an INTP, which he channels into Sheldon, who is some kind of INTP/ISTJ synthesis. Penny bugs me, perfectly boring and ordinary, which is probably the appeal for many people. I enjoy the science in-jokes.

Interesting example of how one character can make or break a show. Parsons is the key to their success, I'm sure he's quite rich now and makes more than the rest of the cast. How did he do it? By channeling his inner Ti INTP.

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

I've enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure Jim Parsons (Sheldon) is an INTP, which he channels into Sheldon, who is some kind of INTP/ISTJ synthesis. Penny bugs me, perfectly boring and ordinary, which is probably the appeal for many people. I enjoy the science in-jokes.

Interesting example of how one character can make or break a show. Parsons is the key to their success, I'm sure he's quite rich now and makes more than the rest of the cast. How did he do it? By channeling his inner Ti INTP.

We should start a TV show. Inside the mind of an INTP. I agree with your statement that Sheldon is the star of the show.

 

[doncarlzone]

I've enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure Jim Parsons (Sheldon) is an INTP, which he channels into Sheldon, who is some kind of INTP/ISTJ synthesis. Penny bugs me, perfectly boring and ordinary, which is probably the appeal for many people. I enjoy the science in-jokes.

Haven't watched in a while but when I did, I thought it was really great for a sitcom. I think Sheldon is a brilliant character and I love how they take his lack of social/emotional intelligence to the extreme. Now that it is very popular, however, it is naturally becoming cool to bash the show. It's just a sitcom, it's not supposed to be a perfect portrayal of nerds - if that even exists. My INFP brother has always been a stereotypical nerd and I can see his traits portrayed quite consistently on that show however.

 

[Jennywocky]

TBBT seemed to be "nerd humor" for non-nerds. I'm kind of surprised by all the non-nerd types who watch it and think it to be funny, but it seems pretty old hat to me. Maybe there is no novelty in it for me?

(I mean, I've already thought about using D&D dice to make daily decisions. )

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

(I mean, I've already thought about using D&D dice to make daily decisions. )

I've used thread numbers to determine what I want to do next.


L2D = what I do after school

Kind of goofy

 

[pernoctator]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy1Xq9a1qOI

 

[Redfire]

Jim Parsons is a genius. Other than that, the show is fairly mediocre. Watch Rick and Morty.

 

[redbaron]

I mean, I've already thought about using D&D dice to make daily decisions.

Basically this.

Plus, I find nearly all TV shows incredibly boring as is, let alone another laugh-tracked sitcom full of subpar actors.

 

[Puffy]

I haven't watched it in ages, but at the time I thought it felt written from an 'outside looking in perspective', or from Penny's perspective in a sense, and that because of this it doesn't really feel like it's about nerd culture but more making fun of the popular conception of that culture.

*shrugs* most representations of comic book stores make me nerd rage, but then most comic book stores make me nerd rage also.

 

[NormannTheDoorman]

I haven't watched it in ages, but at the time I thought it felt written from an 'outside looking in perspective', or from Penny's perspective in a sense, and that because of this it doesn't really feel like it's about nerd culture but more making fun of the popular conception of that culture.

*shrugs* most representations of comic book stores make me nerd rage, but then most comic book stores make me nerd rage also.

I always found comic book stores rather boring. Far from being chaotic. Then again, I haven't been travelling a lot lately.

 

[Lot]

I hate the show. I also hate when people tell me I would like it, because I don't. I get most of the humor. The show might get a small smile out of me, but nothing laugh worthy. The faux geek culture is pretty annoying, in general.

 

[nexion]

I think it's generally not a bad show, but, as has been posted already, the way it portrays typical nerd / geek culture is such that it is digestible by the masses. It displays the same problems that almost every sitcom every made has had, in that it consists almost entirely of one-liners and the characters have barely any personality apart from the bare essentials of what's necessary to drive their humour value. I actually do have respect for the producer of the show, Chuck Lorre, though. He puts 'vanity cads' at the end of every episode and, having read a few, he seems to be a complex and thoughtful person, in contrast to most of the work he produces.

Also, laughtracks. I guess it's fine when it's filmed in front of a studio audience, but other than that it feels like whoever put it in there is putting in an auditory cue, NOW you can laugh. It's cheap and fake, and diminishes the humour and limits it only to what was intended to be humourous.

 

[Ribald]

Sheldon has clever lines and is likable. The rest are annoying vaginas.

 

[Minuend]

I don't think there is a single sitcom I enjoy and think funny. My sister watched two episodes of Big Bang Theory a couple of days ago, I didn't even smile

(which is my reaction to any sitcom)

 

[Pyropyro]

My Physics PhD friend enjoys the show, seems that she can at least slightly relate to all the jargon being thrown about.

I see Sheldon as a very cartoonish version of INTP's. It gave me a few laughs but that's about it. However, I do like how they try to make nerds more mainstream. I guess it's the thought that counts.

 

[nexion]

However, I do like how they try to make nerds more mainstream. I guess it's the thought that counts.

Maybe it's just the innate hipster within me (yeah, I'm so hipster I can call myself hipster without being mistaken as part of the wannabe hipster "culture"), but I really dislike it when someone has the bright idea to try to push some culture that isn't mainstream into the mainstream, only to have that culture be misunderstood, appropriated, and made meaningless in the onslaught of the masses. They rip apart whatever they want like ravenous dogs, and fashion from the pieces a grotesque monster, a raping of anything natural. Theirs is a culture that is perfectly fine with taking whatever is likeable from anywhere they feel like it and ignoring anything that offends their shallow sensibilities. There are very few things I am displeased about, but that is certainly one of them.

 

[Pyropyro]

Maybe it's just the innate hipster within me (yeah, I'm so hipster I can call myself hipster without being mistaken as part of the wannabe hipster "culture"), but I really dislike it when someone has the bright idea to try to push some culture that isn't mainstream into the mainstream, only to have that culture be misunderstood, appropriated, and made meaningless in the onslaught of the masses. They rip apart whatever they want like ravenous dogs, and fashion from the pieces a grotesque, a raping of anything natural. Theirs is a culture that is perfectly fine with taking whatever is likeable from anywhere they feel like it and ignoring anything that offends their shallow sensibilities. There are very few things I am displeased about, but that is certainly one of them.

You have a point. But I guess nerds have been so misunderstood for so long that another distortion wouldn't hurt. Like the Russians, they no longer care that they're the "generic bad guy" in a lot of Hollywood films.

Anyways, it all boils down to the writers' artistic license IMO. Reality is kind of boring so they need to adjust and exaggerate to make the work more palatable and earn money. (Although adding Guile's theme might help). It's also why "reality" shows are freaking pretentious.

 

[kris]

TBBT seemed to be "nerd humor" for non-nerds.

I get the same impression. Shows have to appeal to a broad enough audience. If they made their science jokes or nerd culture jokes too niche, they'd risk alienating too many people.

Like many shows, it feels like they ran out of material to support the premise pretty quickly. It decomposes into a comedic psuedo-drama -- Friends with comic book references -- which is watchable, but not compelling.

 

[deadpixel]

Screw the big bang theory.

The silicon valley series that just aired a few days ago on HBO is much better. Here is the first episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvkmsI54ss4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Pizzabeak]

Re: Screw the big bang theory.

screw both shows, screw this silicon valley one even harder
thanks for bringing it to my attention, now there's one more form of stimulus to waste away to
i could have made steps toward complete understanding but got distracted by quasi learning material. now the search must be further postponed but there's a slight chance watching this program will trigger a key event, catalyzing an important process that wouldn't have happened otherwise or sometime in the near future had i not wasted time viewing this program which was of minute immediate significance.

 

[deadpixel]

Re: Screw the big bang theory.

screw both shows, screw this silicon valley one even harder
thanks for bringing it to my attention, now there's one more form of stimulus to waste away to
i could have made steps toward complete understanding but got distracted by quasi learning material. now the search must be further postponed but there's a slight chance watching this program will trigger a key event, catalyzing an important process that wouldn't have happened otherwise or sometime in the near future had i not wasted time viewing this program which was of minute immediate significance.

Relax man, take a deep breath.

 

[kris]

Re: Screw the big bang theory.

Super depressing show...

... but I still laughed.

 

[Methodician]

Re: Screw the big bang theory.

Tempted to pretend you didn't just bring this to my attention. I've already started to despise BBT but since I'm so far into the show (buying seasons on Amazon Prime) I feel compelled to finish!

 

[Cherry Cola]

Re: Screw the big bang theory.

Shows that go on forever are a waste to watch, in particular bad ones like The Big Bang Theory, watch enough of them and eventually you become accustomed to shit, it starts to taste decent enough. In a way you should be selective about what you put into your brain like you should about you put into your mouth imo.

Jam for instance only aired for one season before it was cancelled because it involved sex and the killing of children as well as because it was generally weird and creepy in a lynchian way. Yet it endlessly more fun than your average show, and it lets you get into the mind of its creative creator so that you may harness some of his imagination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrANdklh5vw

Just look at this doctor killing children and adults by diagnosing them with coma:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2vhaLtx6oM

 

[space_gandalf]

I watched the first season pretty recently and frankly, I was disappointed. I find various geeky references more funny than sexual humor. That is my personal opinion.

 

[Jaffa]

I never got into the Big Bang Theory. On the other hand I absolutely LOVED The IT Crowd. A much better representation of 'nerds'. Just like Sheldon, Maurice Moss (Richard Ayoade) makes that show what it is.

 

[Lobstrich]

It's not just a terrible representation of 'nerds,' it's an insult.

 

[ENTP lurker]

My favourite show. Sheldon's narcissism bugs me a bit. It seems to make him INTJish. He is likely an INTP.
There is just too many similarities between me and characters.
If I compare myself to Sheldon I'm bit cockier IRL but internally much more humble and extroverted. My IQ is also higher.

 

[Sinny91]

I love the Big Bang Thoery.. I'll admit it was better before the ratings and mainstream popularity took off... Only a real fan would notice the changes that have taken place to accommodate a wider audience, but hey - that's the life of show bizznizz.

I love Penny, and all the relationships they have developed.
The nerd stereotypes are hilarious.. The people that disagree are probably hard core nerds, and the stereotypes have probably hit a nerve or three haha.

I find Howard rather icky tho.
Blehhh yuk.

 

[Brontosaurie]

The nerd stereotypes are hilarious.. The people that disagree are probably hard core nerds, and the stereotypes have probably hit a nerve or three haha.

what?

it's just lame and not very funny. i wonder how you excluded that possibility.

 

[Sinny91]

I excluded it on purpose to see who would be the first to make your comment

Forumship is so predictable.

 

[Ex-User (11125)]

Bigbang theory is stupid and lame...even lamer than 2 and the half men
the canned laughter makes me want to kill myself

 

[Sinny91]

Bigbang theory is stupid and lame...even lamer than 2 and the half men
the canned laughter makes me want to kill myself

Nothing on this planet is lamer than 2 and half men

 

[Jennywocky]

I excluded it on purpose to see who would be the first to make your comment

Forumship is so predictable.

What, for thinking that someone might not like a comedy show because they... don't think it's funny?

How controversial and unexpected.

 

[Sinny91]

What, for thinking that someone might not like a comedy show because they... don't think it's funny?

How controversial and unexpected.

No, for making it a necessity to re-buke my opinion, which of course excluded a lot possibilities, not just one.

 

[Jennywocky]

No, for making it a necessity to re-buke my opinion, which of course excluded a lot possibilities, not just one.

I'm considering whether to respond to this or not.

*rolls d100*

37

Alas, the dice giveth and the dice taketh away... I won't be responding.

 

[Ex-User (11125)]

which of course excluded a lot possibilities, not just one.

Lol...

 

[Sinny91]

I'm considering whether to respond to this or not.

*rolls d100*

37

Alas, the dice giveth and the dice taketh away... I won't be responding.

Effectively you just did

 

[Jennywocky]

Effectively you just did

(rattle rattle shake spill)

59

... nope, still not responding...

 

[Brontosaurie]

I excluded it on purpose to see who would be the first to make your comment

Forumship is so predictable.

that's the worst excuse for being stupid

because it's still stupid

 

[Jennywocky]

(roll roll roll)

02

yeah, the dice say that was pretty stupid too.


... life is so much easier once I started coming to conclusions by rolling dice.

 

[Brontosaurie]

which of course excluded a lot possibilities, not just one.

yes, let's discuss irrelevant things. finally

 

[Sinny91]

that's the worst excuse for being stupid

because it's still stupid

I fail to see your reasoning that my opinion was stupid, after all it's only my opinion and I used the word probably which absolves my sins.

Secondly, you asked why I didn't include the possibility that 'big bang is lame', and I answered and gave you the reason; reason, not excuse, I'm certainly not excusing myself to anyone here.

You know I was nice enough to even answer your question, and now you and Jenny feel the need for an ego-boost - which is fine by me, I'm just musing at your expense.

 

[Jennywocky]

...
You know I was nice enough to even answer your question, and now you and Jenny feel the need for an ego-boost - which is fine by me, I'm just musing at your expense.

(roll roll roll)

73

Nuh-uh.