As a long-time fan of sitcoms who grew up watching Mayim Bialik in “Blossom,” I found it absolutely delightful when “The Big Bang Theory” referenced her former role not once, but multiple times throughout its run! It was like a nostalgic wink from the creators to the older audience members who remembered Bialik’s earlier success.
For over a decade, “The Big Bang Theory” was one of the most-watched shows on television. The sitcom follows the lives of scientists Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) as their friend group is upended by Leonard and Sheldon’s new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), whom Leonard falls for. As the series goes on, Sheldon and Howard welcome their own love interests in Amy Farrah-Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch).
Despite a decline in popularity for multi-camera sitcoms in recent times, “The Big Bang Theory” consistently attracted a large audience from various demographics throughout its entire broadcast, leading to successful spin-offs like “Young Sheldon.” In 2024, another spin-off titled “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” made its debut, and even five years after it ended, “The Big Bang Theory” remains one of the most enduring television franchises.
Although The Big Bang Theory is widely popular, there are numerous points within it that raise questions, such as suggestive humor and behind-the-scenes details that often elude viewers. While some adults may pick up on these aspects while watching the show, many fans might overlook them entirely.
The Big Bang Theory explores complicated scientific theories
In essence, “The Big Bang Theory” revolves around a close-knit circle of scientists, offering numerous opportunities for science enthusiasts to geek out. A standout instance is found in the initial season’s episode “The Tangerine Factor,” where Sheldon explains the complex concept of Schrödinger’s Cat to Penny to help soothe her anxieties about an upcoming date with Leonard. In a clever nod to the theory, after sharing their first kiss at the end of the episode, Penny playfully references it by saying, “Well, the cat’s alive, let’s go for dinner.
The scientific accuracy of the TV series isn’t merely a product of imagination; instead, CBS enlisted the help of science advisor David Saltzberg to verify the scripts and offer explanations about mathematical equations and screen props. In an interview with Symmetry, Saltzberg explained that the writers wanted him to ensure that the level of scientific understanding required for the show was similar to understanding that Ricky Ricardo is angry when watching an ‘I Love Lucy’ rerun without knowing Spanish.
The television program occasionally references scientific concepts like the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and the Doppler effect, but it’s worth noting that there are instances where the writers have made errors in their portrayal of science. An example is the fictional “super asymmetry theory” which leads Sheldon to win a Nobel Prize in the series finale, though this is not a real scientific concept.
Many legends of nerd-dom make cameos
Throughout its 12 seasons, ‘The Big Bang Theory’ welcomed an array of guest stars including LeVar Burton and Stephen Hawking. The appearances that left the deepest impression on both the characters and older viewers are those that stir up a sense of nostalgia. For instance, in the Season 7 episode “The Convention Conundrum,” Sheldon had a memorable day with James Earl Jones, known for his roles as Mufasa’s voice and Darth Vader, which ended with them playing a prank on Carrie Fisher, who portrayed Princess Leia. Interestingly, this was the first time that Jones had ever met Fisher in person.
In certain episodes of “The Big Bang Theory”, some celebrities made appearances, including individuals who may not be as well-liked today as they were when the show initially aired. An instance that stands out for being rather awkward is Elon Musk’s appearance in Season 9’s episode “The Platonic Permutation,” where his interaction with Howard at a soup kitchen was particularly cringeworthy. However, younger viewers might not realize the importance of this guest spot now.
Nonetheless, several prominent figures often associated with ‘nerd’ culture graced the screen on this show. For instance, Stan Lee was featured in the third season, while Katee Sackhoff appeared in Seasons 3 and 4. The program also brought in real-life science legends for brief appearances, such as Steve Wozniak from Apple and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
The show has been criticized for its portrayal of neurodivergence
The portrayal of neurodiversity on television has been an issue long before “The Big Bang Theory” premiered. The character of Sheldon in particular has been analyzed through the lens of autistic behavior, with some critics noting that the show fell short in its characterization of the latter despite star Jim Parsons’ earnest attempts at a realistic, empathetic portrayal.
Critics often use Sheldon’s fixation on a certain seat in his shared apartment with Leonard as evidence of his neurodivergence. This preference for the specific spot, as explained in the first episode (“Pilot”), is due to its location in relation to the room temperature and the TV. However, some critics argue that this behavior, while possibly neurodivergent, may present a limited view of neurodiversity, similar to shows like “The Good Doctor.
Chuck Lorre purposely didn’t officially label Sheldon due to feeling it was too heavy a burden to accurately portray neurodiversity through diagnosing the character. Nevertheless, various characters on the show exhibit traits associated with autism, such as Raj’s silence in certain situations and Amy’s social discomfort. However, these complex behaviors might be perceived as merely “quirky” by younger viewers.
Sheldon is naive about sexuality
In the popular sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” many adult jokes might be overlooked by younger viewers. It’s important to note that this also applies to the character Sheldon Cooper. Throughout the series, one of Sheldon’s most notable characteristics is his innocence when it comes to sexual matters. This can manifest in his lack of understanding about other people’s personal boundaries or simply a lack of knowledge about how relationships and sex function. In the sixth season episode titled “The Closet Reconfiguration,” an instance that illustrates this is when Sheldon, while cleaning Penny’s closet, asks if she had a dog (after discovering what appeared to be a battery-operated chew toy). This query prompts Penny to quickly escort Sheldon out of her apartment, suggesting that he inadvertently found a vibrator.
In various episodes, the character Sheldon, who is often portrayed as a genius, displays an amusing level of ineptitude. For instance, in “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency” from Season 3, Sheldon helps Penny dress after she’s injured, but he mistakenly picks up something else instead of her arm that needed attention. The show’s creators initially suggested that Sheldon may be asexual, although this aspect of his character evolved over time. Initially, the show’s creator Chuck Lorre defended Sheldon’s behavior, stating that he had chosen a unique lifestyle and there was no need to alter it. However, as the series progressed, they introduced Amy into the show, eventually leading to Sheldon and Amy consummating their relationship in Season 9.
Leonard’s glasses have never had lenses
Trivia: In each of the 12 seasons of “The Big Bang Theory,” Leonard’s glasses are always empty of lenses, and this applies to all characters with glasses such as Amy and Leslie. Although viewers might find themselves occasionally puzzled by this detail while watching “The Big Bang Theory,” there is a particular explanation for why the glasses lack lenses.
As a gamer diving into the world of “The Big Bang Theory”, I stumbled upon an interesting tidbit behind Leonard’s glasses – it turns out that the decision for him to wear those specs wasn’t made during the first episode. Instead, it was Johnny Galecki, who played Leonard, who wanted to don glasses during rehearsals from the get-go. However, there was a hitch in the production process because of Johnny’s height difference with Jim Parsons, and whenever he’d look up at his frequent co-star, the lenses would catch a pesky glare from the lighting rigs above.
Although “The Big Bang Theory” showcases an impressive level of detail in some aspects, it’s striking how numerous other errors can be spotted by observant viewers. For example, inconsistencies might arise in a character’s backstory, or characters may use a salt and pepper grinder as if it were a shaker. The fact that many spectators could watch the entire series without noticing Leonard’s eyeglass frames lacking glasses is truly astounding.
Penny’s acting resume includes some odd roles
In the first episode of “The Big Bang Theory,” the Penny character, as portrayed by Kaley Cuoco, is significantly different from the Penny we see at the show’s end. Initially, her decision to move to California stems from her dream of becoming an actress, a passion that ebbs and flows throughout the series. However, by Season 8, she leaves acting behind to join Bernadette’s pharmaceutical company instead.
In my fandom excitement, I must admit that Penny’s acting journey had some intriguing roles that left me puzzled, yet amused as an adult viewer. One such role was the B-movie titled “Serial Ape-ist,” which revolved around a lewd gorilla murderer. In this film, Penny made quite an impact with her topless appearance, adding a layer of humor, though the title itself is a rather obvious joke from the writers. Interestingly, a vanity card from co-creator Chuck Lorre at the end of Season 7’s “The Indecision Amalgamation” hinted that the sequel was being penned by none other than “Breaking Bad’s” creator Vince Gilligan.
In addition to her main roles on “The Big Bang Theory”, Penny frequently assumes parts with adult undertones. For instance, she often references a bowling alley performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Furthermore, at the beginning of Season 5, she secures a role in a hemorrhoid cream commercial, which ultimately persuades her to stay in New York rather than returning to Nebraska.
Howard is super creepy toward women
In earlier seasons of “The Big Bang Theory”, Howard, among the charming ensemble, was often the most controversial character. Right from the pilot episode, he was depicted as a rather sleazy individual, willing to go to great extremes to impress women, even if it made him appear pitiful.
The caveat to this distinctly unlovable quality is Howard’s tendency to fail when trying to court women who are way out of his league. Adult viewers, especially women, probably relate heavily to the concept of a dorky guy trying way too hard to win their affection, even when the social cues are not in his favor. Things change after Howard meets Bernadette, but it doesn’t change the fact that one of the the creepiest things Howard ever did on “The Big Bang Theory” was spying on Penny via a hidden camera in her apartment.
In simpler terms, some viewers believed that Melissa Rauch’s character effectively balanced Howard’s character, preventing him from being a one-dimensional flawed character throughout the series. However, others argue that while Howard no longer aggressively pursues women once he’s in a relationship, he still displays sexist behavior by expecting his partner to cater to his needs without returning the favor or sharing household responsibilities.
Raj’s dreams reveal a lot about his repressed feelings
“The Big Bang Theory” isn’t the first TV sitcom to use jokes that some people might find offensive about homosexuality, but these moments often make viewers question Raj’s character in a way that only older audiences might fully grasp. Sometimes, Raj’s lines veer into suggestive territory, like in Season 4’s “The Bus Pants Utilization” episode where he innocently tells Howard about a dream they shared of becoming rich and living in adjacent mansions.
According to Raj, there was a hidden passage linking your garden to mine. It seems clear that this discovery might hint at something deep within Raj’s personality. And it isn’t just this incident; Raj’s dreams often suggest he could be more than straight. In one episode from Season 4, Raj imagines himself falling in love with Bernadette in a grand Bollywood-style dance sequence. After exiting the fantasy, he confesses, “Despite the dance number, I’m definitely not gay.
Many critics believe that the show “The Big Bang Theory” neglected to delve deeply into Raj’s character, often skipping over aspects such as his sexuality, romantic prospects, and emotional development. It seems unfortunate that he wasn’t a more prominent character who might have received a spin-off series, instead of Sheldon.
Amy’s painting of Penny is creepy for many reasons
As a gamer, I found Mayim Bialik’s character, Amy Farrah-Fowler, an exciting new addition to “The Big Bang Theory.” However, some viewers noticed her peculiar interactions with Penny that led others to speculate about Amy harboring unrequited feelings for Penny. This theory was reinforced in the fifth season episode, “The Rothman Disintegration,” where Amy commissioned a $3,000 painting of the two of them and presented it to Penny. Although Penny was uncomfortable with the gift, she kept it, which added fuel to the fans’ theories.
In one episode, Amy makes an interesting comment about a painting, saying that the artist initially depicted her and Penny nude, but later added clothes because Amy felt it was too daring for their heterosexual relationship. Later on in the series, there’s a dark humor moment when Amy reveals that the artist took his own life after finishing the artwork, which just makes it even more eerie.
Beyond sparking curiosity about Amy and Penny’s relationship, the painting in question also introduces some intriguing continuity issues in Season 10. After Amy and Sheldon take up residence in Penny’s former apartment, they return the painting to Penny who had left it behind unintentionally. However, later in the season, the painting reappears mysteriously in Penny’s old apartment. The eerie movement of this painting, which seems to have a mind of its own, is arguably more chilling than Amy’s apparent fondness for Penny.
Bernadette and Howard have dark family histories
In “The Big Bang Theory,” there’s usually a touch of dark humor, particularly when it comes to the character of Howard. However, a dialogue can seldom be as somber as the one between Bernadette and her friends Amy and Penny in Season 5, Episode 22, titled “The Stag Convergence.” As they enjoy Bernadette’s bachelorette party, she shares with them about their wedding website that they’ve created together with Howard. Among the fun facts, she discloses a poignant detail: their families in Poland used to live as neighbors.
Initially, Penny seems impressed by something, exclaiming “Oh, that’s neat!”, but Amy quickly corrects her with “No, I’ll tell you about it later.” The series doesn’t provide Amy’s explanation, but a reasonable inference for mature viewers is that during World War II, Bernadette’s Polish-Catholic family might have betrayed Howard’s Jewish family to the Nazis. Alternatively, it could suggest that Bernadette’s family were possibly Nazis, while Howard’s family were imprisoned in nearby Auschwitz, a notorious concentration camp.
Luckily, what dismisses this idea is simply the lack of mentions about Howard’s family experiencing hardships during the Holocaust within the series. While mature viewers might find humor related to historical tragedies distasteful, it’s not the “Big Bang Theory” moments that have stirred up fans the most. As a gamer, I appreciate how the show handles sensitive topics with care.
Mayim Bialik’s former sitcom role is referenced
Mayim Bialik is primarily recognized for her portrayal of Amy Farrah-Fowler, but her career journey from childhood to “The Big Bang Theory” was marked by significant milestones. Notably, Bialik’s breakout role occurred in the 90s when she landed the leading part in the NBC sitcom “Blossom” at just 15 years old. This show was one of the most impactful sitcoms of the ’90s, and continued to exert influence even as Bialik moved on to pursue a doctorate in neuroscience. All these events transpired before Amy’s debut on “The Big Bang Theory.
By the time the debut of “The Big Bang Theory” rolled around, Bialik had already achieved considerable fame. In Episode 13, titled “The Bat Jar Conjecture”, her character was referred to by the show’s characters. When considering a fourth member for their Physics Bowl team, Raj proposed “the actress from TV’s Blossom” due to her Ph.D. This suggestion held an amusing connection since young Johnny Galecki, who played Leonard in “The Big Bang Theory”, had previously guest-starred on “Blossom”. This means that Bialik and Galecki shared their first on-screen kiss as characters in the two shows.
Despite Mayim Bialik becoming part of the cast on “The Big Bang Theory”, allusions to her past role in “Blossom” persisted. In the episode titled “The Holographic Excitation” (Season 6), Amy and Sheldon engage in a discussion about Halloween costumes, where one of Amy’s suggestions, “Blossom and Joey”, served as a delightful nod for viewers who remembered Bialik from her earlier sitcom.
Every episode ends with a Chuck Lorre vanity card
As an ardent fan myself, I bet you didn’t know that each episode of “The Big Bang Theory” concludes with a vanity card penned by the series mastermind, Chuck Lorre. This is a quirk that’s present across all his CBS shows like “Young Sheldon,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Mom.” These cards are always unique, and you never know what they might contain – sometimes there are hints about the episode itself, while other times they offer messages for the audience, but it takes an attentive viewer to catch them all.
Frequently, these vanity cards are either edited by CBS or Lorre personally, but can be found uncensored on his website. For example, in Season 6, Episode 6 titled “The Extract Obliteration,” the unsanitized vanity card contained a harsh, profanity-filled diatribe from Lorre about gun violence and racial issues. During Donald Trump’s first term, Lorre’s vanity cards were notably political and defiant.
In a series rich with subtle references (Easter eggs) for discerning viewers, Chuck Lorre’s signature tags suggest that the creators aimed to engage an audience that was not only large but also mature and intellectually stimulated. Despite its popularity among all age groups, “The Big Bang Theory” continues to offer something appealing for everyone who watches it.
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2024-11-17 18:31