It Takes All Kinds

[akirlu]

I am mildly croggled that people think anyone besides Leonard is the central character in Big Bang Theory. But then, I was equally baffled by the Tumblr post that inspired that poll whose interpretation claims that Penny is the central person that the audience is meant to relate to. The whole idea that the show is really only about sneering at the nerdy fanboys doesn't get off the ground for me. Yes, it's possible for non-nerds to take that away from the program, and the fact that that reading is available is undoubtedly part of the amazingly broad appeal of the show, but the guys are too often unquestionably the heroes of the day, in their own highly stylized geeky way, for the show to be exclusively, or even primarily, about laughing at them. The show operates on many levels, including many where empathy for the male nerds and familiarity with their experiences and interests, individually and collectively, is the main point of the show. The fact that that too is available is also part of the broad appeal of the show. And, for that matter, the show spends a fair amount of its time laughing at the foibles of Penny and other "normal" characters -- Penny's lifestyle, job, boyfriends, background, and intellect are certainly regular objects of fun, and no more kindly handled than the boys are.

So the show sometimes pokes fun at the guys. So what? At the end of the day, is it not possible to admit that obsessive, and even pompous arguments over which superhero wins under what circumstances really are a bit silly and laughable? The real power and glory of geekdom, is the ability to retain a sense of play. But the real danger to fandom -- any fandom, be it of NCAA basketball or Golden Age DC comics -- is allowing the playful passtime to gain a distorted importance. Which is a failing I think we're all subject to from time to time. If the show brings along a pin to prick various over-inflated icons of fandom, I'm not sure that's a bad thing either.

Comments

Awww, someone talking about one of my favorite shows...

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

I don't know what prompted the topic, but I just have to join in.

The very best sitcoms (at least the ones I like best) are workplace/family comedies with an ensemble cast of zany characters and one more-or-less normal person who just keeps trying to hold things together. Think of Dave on "News Radio," Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Mary Campbell on "Soap," Michael Bluth on "Arrested Development." Every zany comedy needs a straight man, and that's Leonard's role.

It's always the central role but it's also kind of a thankless one. The rest of the cast gets to evolve or go nuts or jump the shark and the poor old straight man has to just keep on being consistent as a foil for the others. That means he (or she) may not be the funniest character, or even the most interesting. In the first 3 seasons (which is all that I've seen so far) I thought the most compelling characters were Penny and Sheldon. Kaley Cuoco is a darn good comic actress and the emotional heart of the group. And Sheldon's fumbling attempts to become a "real boy" are just ... well, we all know a few Sheldon's don't we? Sometimes they drive us crazy, but who could watch that Christmas show where Sheldon actually HUGS Penny without tearing up a little?

As for who we're supposed to identify with - pretty much anybody but Howard, I think.

[apostle-of-eris.livejournal.com]

Mary Hartman, Mary Hatrman

[wild-patience.livejournal.com]

I see it as a true ensemble show. All the characters get their story line, and the cast grows. I was thrilled to see 3 women in the opening credits. I really like Stuart and am glad to see him added this season as well.

I agree that Leonard is mostly the POV character. I confess to dragging my husband to the TV, making him watch a scene with Mayim Bialik as Amy Farafowler (or however that name is spelled) crying, "Isn't she just like [female fan we know]!" Penny is actually the character I identify with the least. I'm more like Amy, I'm afraid, but that's okay, because I married a Sheldon.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Last night, I was at the home of some decidedly fannish friends, and we got into a discussion about whether or not the Mirror Universe had appeared in any episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. We probably discussed this for 10 minutes or so, and the erudition on the subject of Star Trek in all its incarnations (even Enterprise) was pretty damn impressive. I was immediately put in mind of the Tumblr essay of which you speak. I've been thinking about the essay quite a bit. I may end up writing about it myself in the not-too-distant future.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I suspect that anyone who thinks Penny is the central character does identify with Penny, which is fine with me, because it makes for a larger audience and keeps the show on.

I don't really identify with any of the characters, but if I had to pick, I'd say some characteristics of both Amy and Bernadette. The show has become so much richer with the addition of those two.

Were I a young woman in their social group, the guy I would be most interested in is Stuart, though I would lust a bit after Raj. (But that business of his having to drink to talk to me, not so much.)

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

"So the show sometimes pokes fun at the guys. So what?"

Considering that...well, pretty much every other sitcom ever made in America and Britain has poked fun at its characters at least now and again, I'm not sure why Big Bang Theory would be singled out. Friends comes to mind. So does the episode where the 4077th decides to turn the tables on Hawkeye and make him the victim of a practical joke.

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

Oh, and for good or ill, I mostly self-identify with Leonard. :)

[harvey-rrit.livejournal.com]

There was actually an episode specifically about how Sheldon had it made unmistakably clear to him that Leonard was the key character in all these people's lives. Penny* is important because she's important to Leonard.

I suppose to some people "context" means a story written by someone in jail.

Mind you, my favorite character is Amy. The first time I tuned in was the episode that introduced her, and with her first flat declaration I was hooked: "I can accept the idea of a deity but I have trouble with the concept of one who takes attendance."

Magic.



(*I fondly recall the one where she's explaining the guys' vulnerability with a Star Trek metaphor, and immediately follows it with, "Where the hell did that come from?" Clearly she has been assimilated. Resistance is futile.)