Watching Sitcoms

Alright, it’s week three and I’m still enjoying The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Mondays at 8:30). I see that the ratings slipped a little, from to an 8% share (8.6 million viewers) in its second week from 9% (9.52 million) in its debut week. But when you think that the highest numbers of that night went to Dancing with the F-Listers, er, sorry the Stars (20.3 million viewers), one fears for humanity. But that aside, of all the new sitcoms I’ve (been forced) to watch so far this season, I think this one is the best.

I particularly enjoyed seeing Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert together again. Apparently, Sara will have a short-term recurring role as Leslie, Leonard’s work colleague. I always liked Roseanne (although sometimes now when I catch a bit of an ep in reruns, I’m not sure why) and I think its fun to see actors reunited in different roles. Plus, I loved this whole interchange between the two of them:

LEONARD: Leslie, I would like to propose an experiment. I was thinking more of a biosocial exploration with a nuerochemical overlay.
LESLIE: Wait, are you asking me out?
LEONARD: I was going to characterize it as a modification of our colleague-slash-friendship paradigm with the addition of a date-like component, but we don’t need to quibble over terminology.
LESLIE: What sort of experiment would you propose?
LEONARD: There is a generally accepted pattern in this area. I would pick you up, take you to a restaurant, then we would see a movie, probably a romantic comedy featuring the talents of Hugh Grant or Sanda Bullock.
LESLIE: Interesting. And would you agree that the primary way that we would evaluate either the success or failure of the date would be based on the biochemical reaction during the goodnight kiss?
LEONARD: Partly, pheromones, etc, yes.
LESLIE: Then why don’t we just stipulate that the date goes well and move forward to the key variable?
LEONARD: You mean, kiss you now?
LESLIE: Yes.
LEONARD: Can you define the parameters of the kiss?
LESLIE: Closed mouth, but romantic. Mint?
LEONARD: Thank you. [chewing] Shall I count down from three?
LESLIE: No, I think it needs to be spontaneous.

Sorry, but I just love that. I’m looking forward to more fun with these two. I think I almost like seeing Leonard with Leslie more than with Penny (played charmingly by Kaley Cuoco). Maybe it’s just that when he’s with his own kind(!!) the conversation is just so perfect. Although, I do like trying to see the geeks explain things to Penny. Or when they make a joke that’s only funny if you get it and she never gets it. I also like the way Penny’s character is a little dumb, but not so stupid that she’s annoying. I think it’s a good balance, actually, because they are neither so smart nor she so dumb that they can’t communicate at all, but just enough to make it fun.

Oh, and don’t let me forget my fav line of the night: I am the sword Master!!

The Big Bang Theory, Johnny Galecki, Sara Gilbert, Kaley Cuoco, Roseanne, Dancing with the Stars