The Big Bang Theory

Staying in is the new going out. Are there weak episodes? Yes, there are. Is it too set up? Way too much! Do we get lame jokes? Not downright lame, but there are some dead moments where things don’t work so well. But you know what? It doesn’t matter; even the “weaker" episodes had me crying with laughter three or four times. And you should see me when I’m watching a really good one! Not to mention that I love all of the characters (but Sheldon is out there in front, of course; primarily from episode seven when they make him into a perfect asshole). It’s not cheaply moralizing (hi there, How I Met Your Mother), not to mention that I know those obstinate rows about nothing all too well. And I’m probably not alone, am I? And I didn’t cry with laughter just with the first few seasons, but even with the more recent ones, which are thought of as weaker. Undoubtedly it isn’t the same any more, but more than less humor, it underwent a transformation into a purely relationship-based sitcom "à la Friends". And as the cast gradually swelled, now everybody has about five minutes of fame every episode, but often because of this it’s like it’s coming from nowhere, going nowhere; the main thing is to be funny. The final seasons already simply freewheel, but even so, you find a good episode here and there, no doubt about it. And I have to admit that even the less good episodes still hold to a solid quality standard. (01.07.2009)