(September
24th, 2007. - Editor)
Kaley Cuoco ("8 Simple Rules"), Johnny Galecki
("Roseanne"), Jim Parsons ("Judging Amy"), Simon
Helberg ("Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") and Kunal Nayyar
star in the half hour situation comedy Big Bang Theory, airing Mondays on
CBS.
Super smart best friends Leonard and Sheldon may be able to
tell you more than you want to know about quantum physics, but getting
through most basic social situations totally baffles them. How lucky
is it, then, that babe-alicious screenwriter-waitress Penny just moved
next door to them? Will worlds collide? Does Einstein theorize in the
woods? Sheldon is smitten and sets about to win the heart, mind and
anything else he can get, or the beautiful girl who has just moved in
next door. Leonard is convinced there will be long term damage as a
result, but he knows that his friend has to defy the odds and give it
his best shot.
The is a hard and fast rule about situation comedies. It has to do
with timing and chemistry. The shows that have it enjoy good ratings
and a special place in our hearts is reserved for the really good
ones. The shows that don't have it are gone so fast that we don't even
remember their names. This one has the potential for greatness, but
unfortunately that must be balanced against characters that are not
the norm and lines that make fun of smart people to an audience who
may or may not get the jokes.
Every member of this cast makes a positive contribution to the overall
humor. The gang of geeks who surround Leonard and Sheldon are quirky
and funny, but not stereotypes. These guys are just like the guys who
are really out there. Check any college campus. The difference here is
that they offer their characters compete with good lines and good
timing.
This comedy will have to overcome its own smartness if it is to find a
mainstream audience. It won't be the first show to make that trip, but
it is an uphill climb. Episodes two and three will have to shine if
this one is to keep the time slot for the rest of the season. The CBS
stable of comedies is growing and there is another waiting in the
wings if this offering fails to draw the right numbers. Here's hoping
this one beats the odds.
-- Editor --
