At Last! A ‘Friends’ for the Geek Generation

‘The Big Bang Theory’, Channel 4, Thursdays 2200 hours

After a rather crappy day yesterday, I found myself lifted by the introduction of a new sitcom on Channel 4.

Débuting yesterday, The Big Bang Theory is a 13 part sitcom about two above average male physicists living in an apartment opposite a new female resident (who in non PC terms would be classed as ‘dim’) . One of the main characters, Sheldon, is supposed to have traits congruent with Asperger’s syndrome. His fellow housemate, Leonard looks like the stereotypical geek with the dork glasses. Both characters spend their weekends play Klingon Boggle.

I found the sitcom most easy going (though not in the ‘Fresh Fields’ sense) and laugh out loud funny in parts. This is especially so in Sheldon’s traits where I thought I was watching Eric Olthwaite (’The Testing of Eric Olthwaite’, ‘Ripping Yarns’, BBC 2, 1977) again - or myself! Being on the autism spectrum, I could relate to Sheldon’s monologues and patter - apart from the fact I cannot speak in Klingon. I certainly will be watching the next episode.

As for bad points, I have quibbles with the intrusive laughter track - despite it coming from a live audience. The only other thing was, I tried to compare this with ‘The IT Crowd’ (for Leonard and Sheldon see also Roy and Moss in Graham Linehan’s geektastic sitcom), and ended up likening this to being a ‘Friends’ for the geek generation.

If you liked ‘Friends’ and ‘The IT Crowd’, this may be the programme for you. Especially if you can assimilate yourself with Sheldon as I did.

S.V, 15 February 2008.