The Big Bang Theory: The Griffin Equivalency
By fred | October 14, 2008
(S02E04) I think most people would agree with the assertion that Sheldon is the pivotal element of The Big Bang Theory. It’s not necessarily that the show couldn’t survive with him, though that’s very likely, but he is simply brilliant and – of course – hilarious. Especially portrayed by a Jim Parsons who couldn’t have been a better fit for the character.
But Sheldon isn’t the only character on the show, and while we’re not talking Heroes-cast here we don’t usually spend that much time with some of the supporting characters, like Raj or Howard. It’s not really a bad thing, they fulfill their sidekick roles perfectly, and the mystery that surrenders them, since we don’t know that much, just makes for better comedic situations.
But while the focus is usually on Sheldon, one way or another and even if the episode isn’t about him, this week was not as much the case as in the past. Oh of course Sheldon was still very present and the source of the biggest laughs this episode had to offer, but for a moment there we focused a bit more on Raj.
Now the first thing I’d like to say is, and from day one, I never really liked that idea that for some magical reason he couldn’t speak a word whenever there’s a girl in the room, even when he’s not really addressing her directly. It’s supposed to be very geeky and funny, but it’s more silly and never really made me laughs I gotta say. And while I can suspend disbelief on occasions, for instance when he gets into the room to announce his good news, sees Penny, and shuts down, it really just looks stupid to me that he can’t just find it in himself to “truly” say he’s sorry, at the end of the episode.
Anyways, focusing on him was fun because while we found out a little more about him, we didn’t really learn anything, it wasn’t so much about him than it was about the rest of the group being jealous. Howard was jealous because he made the mount for the telescope Raj used to discover his “Planet Bollywood” and yet wouldn’t get any credit, Sheldon was jealous just because he didn’t see noticing a block of rock as a (scientific) accomplishment, and Leonard might have gotten jealous when Penny became Raj’s date.
But of course they all couldn’t stand his obnoxious behavior and the way he kept rubbing it in their faces. Also Sheldon wanted paper towels in the men’s room and couldn’t get it, so he had to bring his own baby wipes, Howard had dibs on the new office Raj will settle in, and Leonard might be thinking he and Penny spent the night together… is there tension coming up in the group ?
But the real awesomeness of the episode was without a doubt Sheldon’s forced grin. He had to be supportive, be happy for his friend, but he wasn’t. So he was told to smile, something that apparently he’s not really used to, and every single time he put that huge scary grin on his face I ended up laughing. Once again, Sheldon makes the show, and Parsons is perfect.
Side note: though she’s part of the regular cast now, Leslie was completely MIA this week. I guess this shows that, except for picking on Sheldon whenever she can, she still hasn’t really found her place within the group of friends.
A few quotes for fun…
Penny: (To Howard, after he made some remarks only he could make:) Sit over there!
Sheldon: (Walks in, sees Penny sitting in his place.) Sit over there!
Penny: I’ll just go eat… by myself.
Leonard: Penny, you don’t have to do that.
Penny: No it’s okay, between him [Raj] not talking, and him [Sheldon] talking, and him [Howard], I’m better off alone.
Leonard: (To Sheldon, after he ruined Raj’s excitement.) You proud of yourself ?
Sheldon: In general, yes.
Sheldon: How will Raj ever reach true greatness if his friends lower the bar for him ? When I was 11, my sister bough our father a ‘world’s greatest dad’ coffee mug, and frankly the man coasted until the day he died.
Leonard: Okay, let’s try it this way: what if this People magazine thing is the best Raj is ever going to achieve ?
Sheldon: I had not considered that… I often forget other people have limitations, it’s so sad.
Howard: He can feel sadness ?
Leonard: Not really, it’s what you and I would call condescension.
Raj: They’re going to digitally add a supernova, they say it’s the perfect metaphor for my incandescent talent.
Sheldon: Right, a bowl of hot flaming gas that collapses upon itself…
Refusing Raj’s invitation:
Howard: Jee, I’d love to, Raj, but I can’t make it.
Leonard: Well, uh… No I ca…, uh… no.
Sheldon: I can make it, but I won’t.
Raj: Hey, buddy! I’m gonna be in People magazine !
Charlie Sheen: Yeah, call me when you’re on the cover.
Sheldon: Were you distracted by the possibility that Koothrappali might have intercourse with Penny tonight ?
Leonard: He’s not gonna have intercourse with Penny.
Sheldon: Then there’s no excuse for this chicken !
Posted in Reviews
Shows: The Big Bang Theory
