Lately I’ve been catching up on the fantastic nerdosity that is The Big Bang Theory. I’ve known from the beginning that I would like this show, but I just never seemed to get a chance to sit down and watch it. In fact, I seem to have been behind on TV since about 2003, so there you go. I have to say, though, that this show has single-handedly renewed my respect for sitcoms—a respect I lost a long time ago, by the way, somewhere circa Dharma & Greg (also a Chuck Lorre show like BBT) and Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place (you know, that show that had Nathan Fillion AND Ryan Reynolds before anybody knew who they were?).

Anyhow… The Big Bang Theory is smart, speed-of-light comedy that doesn’t dumb down its material for its audience. That in and of itself is refreshing, and impressive, considering that the show is based around two theoretical physicists, a space engineer, and……. whatever it is that Raj does.

Recently Jim Parsons won an Emmy for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper, easily the smartest and most idiosyncratic of the four main characters (there’s really five, including Penny, they’re not-so-bright-but-definitely-pretty neighbor), and I could not be more pleased for Parsons. He really is the highlight of the show, managing to be by turns obnoxious, obsessive-compulsive, condescending, and childlike, but undeniably brilliant all the time.

If you haven’t checked this show out yet, I really encourage you to do so. It is clever, delightfully open in its geekiness, and at times, absolutely sweet. It is undoubtedly one of the best shows on TV right now, and I’m happy to see it not only surviving the ratings battles, but thriving and gaining some well-earned recognition.

And for fun, here’s a fun clip of the show, with Parsons at his very best. If that doesn’t convince you the show is worth watching, I don’t know what will.

A little backstory first, though. Sheldon knows Penny has gotten him a gift and has decided that society dictates he return the gesture, but at the same price-value as Penny’s original gift. Because he doesn’t know what her gift is, he’s decided to buy multiple gift baskets and open her present first, then give her whichever is closest in value. The result is perfection.

Congrats on your win, Jim! This fan is proud of you. 🙂