Pilot Review: The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Premiered September 24, 2007

Any show that manages to knock both blogs and “Battlestar Galactica” in its first ten minutes has already earned my contempt. Fortunately for my objectiveness, that is not all that is bad about this show. Every one of the characters is so blissfully unaware of just how unintelligent they really are. Sure, the geeks have high IQs, but their actions are just too dumb. They insert non-germane scientific words and facts into their everyday sentences just to remind us that these guys are in fact nerds. The pretty blonde next-door neighbor is just too truthfully dumb to be sympathetic. USA Today raved that Jim Parsons, portraying Sheldon, is a breakout star stuck in a poor show. I do not think his character is too difficult to portray, but I suppose he does a fine job. Honestly, though, there just is not anything funny here, just an obnoxiously heavy amount of awkwardness.

How will it work as a series? Think of it as a mystery: how nerdy can these guys be? Another mystery: will anyone tune back in after watching one episode?
How long will it last? CBS gave “Out of Practice” a full season, “Rules of Engagement” a second season, and “The New Adventures of Old Christine” an Emmy. A Monday night launch on CBS is a good thing, but I do not that can save this pitiful show, which should fall off the schedule within a few weeks.

Pilot grade: F