The Truth And Lies About Tbbt Being A Romcom.

[Ar Diem]

There is no denying it was funny but it was another clear example of humor being more important than romance.

[Moonbase]

It's interesting because I wrongly had myself thinking that the shamy was untouchable. Sheldon did revert to his old ways in the last couple of episodes, just when it started to feel like things were racing along.

 

They used to do this a lot in the early days, there would be a touching scene and the very next episode Sheldon would show no growth from the experience. I think they are just holding on to the 'no touching' thing as long as they can, maybe just to extend it to the season finale.

 

They might even know about renewals up to S10 already so altered their plan for this also.

[4ofN]

Holy cow. I'm amazed that this thread isn't being flamed.

 

I remember a few years ago when some of us started pointing out that the show was turning into a "rom-com" and we'ed be trashed.

 

I guess it's getting harder and harder to pretend that the show hasn't changed since it started.

[Disgusted]

Holy cow. I'm amazed that this thread isn't being flamed.

 

They are all busy on the shamy thread. There's about 12 pages on how offended, OFFENDED, mind you, they are that Sheldon disrespected Amy.   It's like the monkey slipping on the bannana peel. Sad, but also on a certain level, hilarious. Welcome to Lorre-world, ladies. It's not Munchkin-land.  

Edited March 18, 2013 by Disgusted

[4ofN]

They are all busy on the shamy thread. There's about 12 pages on how offended, OFFENDED, mind you, they are that Sheldon disrespected Amy.   It's like the monkey slipping on the bannana peel. Sad, but also on a certain level, hilarious. Welcome to Lorre-world, ladies. It's not Munchkin-land.  

 

Hey Disgusted. Long time no chat. I think I'll try to find this thread where people are offended and see what is happening.

[rubyanjel]

They are all busy on the shamy thread. There's about 12 pages on how offended, OFFENDED, mind you, they are that Sheldon disrespected Amy.   It's like the monkey slipping on the bannana peel. Sad, but also on a certain level, hilarious. Welcome to Lorre-world, ladies. It's not Munchkin-land.  

Well, for someone who rolls his eyes over that discussion, you pretty much know the statistics. Mind you, I am not really interested at the discussion of that "disrespect" moment, mainly because I'm not bothered by it at all and I find it too shallow to get so worked up on something like it. What I mean is that I kind of realized it's getting too tedious to expect so much from Lorre and his minions. And in reality relationships aren't calm seas.

Also, http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/03/09/at-sxsw-neil-gaiman-and-chuck-lorre-agree-we-love-our-fans-but-we-dont-listen-to-them/

[Ibid]

My only observation. I tuned in for the original premise of the show. If I wanted romcom I would be watching something else. The writers have become lazy. JMHO

[Ar Diem]

Well, for someone who rolls his eyes over that discussion, you pretty much know the statistics. Mind you, I am not really interested at the discussion of that "disrespect" moment, mainly because I'm not bothered by it at all and I find it too shallow to get so worked up on something like it. What I mean is that I kind of realized it's getting too tedious to expect so much from Lorre and his minions. And in reality relationships aren't calm seas.

Also, http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/03/09/at-sxsw-neil-gaiman-and-chuck-lorre-agree-we-love-our-fans-but-we-dont-listen-to-them/

 

 

What really amazes me is that it has taken so long for the disrespect to be recognized.  I have been saying it since I got here that Amy continually gets the short end of the stick in Shamy and I have been told over and over how wrong I was.  I can't figure out what is so cute about a romance resistant boyfriend.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw so many people gushing about his VD gift.  To me that whole thing looked like a prank to see how much they could get away with in the name of romance.

[Disgusted]

Well, for someone who rolls his eyes over that discussion, you pretty much know the statistics.

 

"I am a physicist. I have a working knowledge of the universe and all it contains"  

 

What I mean is that I kind of realized it's getting too tedious to expect so much from Lorre and his minions.

 

Well, better late than never.

 

Forbes is not the type of publication most Lollypop Guilders would peruse, methinks. Sometimes, I think I don't give you enough credit.   That Lorre has an ego the size of a planet goes without saying.

 

Forbes: The relationship between creator and audience ought to be a one-way street.

 

The viewers are the product. The advertiser is the customer. Lorre is the radish farmer. Lorre doesn't care about the opinions of the radishes, all he cares about is harvesting enough of them to sell to the customer. How do you grow radishes?

 

Feed them pelletized fecal manure.

[Disgusted]

Hey Disgusted. Long time no chat. I think I'll try to find this thread where people are offended and see what is happening.

Put on your hip boots.

[Moonbase]

I still think the Shamy is untouchable. Can you imagine the reaction among the Shamyites just on this forum if they were to break them up? I really think some of them would need to seek professional help. The writers might play around with it just to string people along but does anyone seriously doubt they won't be together when the show finally ends? EVERYONE will live happily ever after. It's the surest bet in the world.

 

True. It looks like the show will easily make 10 seasons, but things already feel like they are written in stone. We already know what the endgame is and that limits the creativity. They split up Lenny for a season and a half, I can't see them doing that with shamy.

[Razberrypie]

Ar has shown respect for us and I appreciate it and agree he's made a lot of good points. The reason we don't flame is because we have no right to, most of us have grown up. We've been left alone so it's only right that we do the same to him.

 

Anyway, if you want to save yourself the effort of visiting our long and as you may find, tedious thread, we're simply discussing the changes we'd like to see in the relationship, and yes, we want Sheldon to treat Amy with more respect. Most of us are not crying about it though (at least, I hope not). You'll probably find it quite boring, actually. We also thought breaking Shamy up temporarily might not be such a bad idea (or having them take some sort of break), we were hoping it might even things and maybe make it a little more bearable for some people . As long as the writers can do good job of it, that is.

 

I know some of you enjoy mocking us and by all means do, but I respectfully request that you keep it here, just in case anyone was making plans to do otherwise.

[Ar Diem]

To understand the mind of a Shamy you must first learn about mice on stairs...

 

It is in my nature to be a bit on the mocking side but for the most part I do it in the spirit of light-hearted ribbing.  Well, unless I get pushed then I can be a total jerk.

[Nogravitasatall]

 

The viewers are the product. The advertiser is the customer. Lorre is the radish farmer. Lorre doesn't care about the opinions of the radishes, all he cares about is harvesting enough of them to sell to the customer. How do you grow radishes?

 

Feed them pelletized fecal manure.

Who needs 64 fl oz of fizzy drink in one cup? It's the consumer making the choice. Don't blame Lorre too much. His target radishes are flourishing.

[Razberrypie]

To understand the mind of a Shamy you must first learn about mice on stairs...

 

It is in my nature to be a bit on the mocking side but for the most part I do it in the spirit of light-hearted ribbing.  Well, unless I get pushed then I can be a total jerk.

 

...put those mice in some clogs and you'll have a Shamy epiphany! :D

[bigbangsheldon]

the tales of argie and the mouse, directed by neil.

[Nogravitasatall]

I just went to Shamyville for a quiet visit. I empathise with those feeling edgy/concerned about their 'ship. They may need to be braced or patient because 10 seasons will require some sacrifice and I think it may hurt.

Neil seems... disconcerting. Is it like Bob?

[Nogravitasatall]

That (a weird treasure hunt) is exactly how the relationships should have remained. By that, I don't mean the relationships they are in, but the very finding of relationships. Just like Daphne & Nyles on Frasier, it was the hunt that made for the best story, the best characters and (by far) the best television. Leonard should not have got with Penny so quickly. Hell, they had two dates (one unbeknownst to Penny) within the first season. That relationship was delved into far too quickly. Howard & Sheldon's relationships should never have been contemplated. Sure, some of the situations make for funny moments, but at what expense? Those moments could have been had with temporary girlfriends (like Dr. Stephanie), and no characters would had to have been destroyed in the making. Even better, with different temporary girlfriends, the situations could have drastically changed, giving the audience some variety. The current relationships (especially Howard & Bernadette) are very stale & unfunny. Is this a sit-com or How to fix a nerd 101?

I agree about the URST and the hunt, but HIMYM does almost exactly what you suggest, so in this regard TBBT has differentiated itself, by not having the revolving door of girlfriends/sexual conquests. I'm not sure it would have been plausible for Howard to score often. . They realised their mistake and blew up the Lenny to open more doors but couldn't sack ms cuoco or mr galecki because that was their premise and they didn't retconn their way out of it. They have kept the show hermetic and found the stories inside the relationships instead of outside.

And generally people like to watch people interact. Mythbusters is almost all about Newtonian physics and engineering but that in itself is not enough for entertainment. They add personable nerdish presenters. I'm stretching here but if they had made Mythbusters a comedy with a story and cast instead of demonstrations and presenters, wouldn't that end up looking a bit like TBBT? Then add some quirky characters and you've got your experiment of the week show.

I also don't think they had a strong plan for the five year run. I have no evidence but history. The show has evolved in response to external forces and from story telling opportunities embedded in the pilot episode and first season. Additionally, every renewal meant shifting the goalposts.

I find some of the evolutions difficult to swallow, particularly Sheldon's. However, his contortions are now giving the audience a similar of experience to the Nyles and Daphne elusiveness. While it is not really analogous it is just as unresolved.

[Anomaly]

I just watched the latest episode (The Closet Reconfiguration)... I seriously think I'm going to stop watching new episodes before all the testosterone has been sucked from me. TBBT has become so much of a chick-show that watching this episode actually felt wrong to me. When everyone gathered around, telling their version of the letter, I thought I was going to throw up into my own mouth. I can watch the greatness of seasons 1-3 anytime I want on disc, but the estrogen fueled train that TBBT has become is nearing the end of it's line for me. The only (main) character that may keep me watching for a while is Sheldon... At least until he's been completely destroyed as well. In all honesty, The Closet Reconfiguration completely disgusted me. TBBT no longer even remotely resembles the show that I became addicted to five seasons ago. If this show hadn't jumped the shark prior to The Closet Reconfiguration (which I believe it did), it most certainly has now.

[menotseen28]

Well it might just be me, but I think this new girl that they have brought in for Raj is the most hideous thing that I have seen on TV so far. I think they could have found someone else with a anxiety issue for him. Something about those big bug eyes just makes me feel sorry for the fact that this mutism thing is holding him back. He basically falls at the first woman that shows him any type of attention. I know that is part of his character, but its just getting annoying to me now. 

Howard and Bernie, I wish this had ended by now. I just dont like Bernadette at all, she was ok at the start but she is getting worse as the seasons progress. She is turning into a complete psycho and seems to be trying to take his mothers place. I did like the marriage episode however, it was touching and I did cry on the end when they were holding hands watching him go into space. 

Penny and Leonard, this one is a toughy. I really wish that he would have stuck to his guns on Valentine's day. I think that he should have stomped off like she does when she doesnt get her way and basically stuck to the "you ruined the dinner." She needs to be brought down a couple of notches, just because she is cute as a bug doesnt mean that he couldnt break up with her. Leonard does need to grow a backbone and seriously use it from time to time. I see how if I was in a relationship with either Howard or Leonard the things that I would change, Raj I would have to be drunk just to put up with him. I would definitely treat Leonard like the sweet and caring man that he is, she treats him like a doormat at times. 

All of this aside, I do love this show. It is my favorite since Friends. Friends got to be annoying however because the characters turned whiny to me after sometime. I have all of these episodes to where we can watch them over and over, we do watch a few of them every night when we are playing MMO's or just talking back and forth and it has became the best show ever to us. It never gets boring, 

Speaking of which, the episode where Leonard meets Alice in the comic book store.....Why couldnt they have made that relationship go for a few episodes? I really liked her, she was pretty and liked comic books. I know that he was with Pria, but I am glad that one ended it just didnt end fast enough. The episodes with her in them even though I love them all, are the worst of the bunch. I just didnt like her at all for making Leonard stay away from Penny, however he should have been a man enough to say I will hang out with my friends and if you dont like it, get over it.

[Anomaly]

I'm with you on hating Priya. I can't think of one single thing that I liked about her. As you said, she made Leonard end his friendship with Penny, yet she wouldn't even tell her parents about him. She tried to nullify the roommate agreement, then gave up when Sheldon threatened to tell her parents about Leonard. She didn't have the decency to inform Leonard that she was moving back to India, but when he overheard her & came into the room, she ran out of the room because Mommy & Daddy found out she was dating him. She was ridiculously insecure, yet loved to meddle & dish crap out... Only she couldn't take a lick of it back. She, like her Brother is little more than a spoiled little douche bag. She wasn't even remotely funny.

[Anomaly]

They did the same thing with Scrubs though and they made relationships like Turk and Carla work for most of the show.  The arc featuring their marital problems was weak and things like their wedding and child birth were too cheesy but the rest was decent.  Elements of romcom even predictable romcom like Turk and Carla are not the problem if they are not taking over the show. 

 

Exactly. Relationships exist. To deny them in a sit-com is foolish. Unfortunately, they have completely taken over The Big Bang Theory. TBBT used to be about things like train rides, getting rovers stuck on distant planets, finding seats at the movies, seducing women with eye patches, tattoo sleeves & magic tricks, video games, time machines, movie props, renaissance faires and all sorts of other nerd stuff. Now, relationships are all this show is about, The evolution of the relationships of three couples and their relationship-less 7th wheel, d-bag friend Raj. Like I've said, if it weren't for the specific characters, TBBT would be unrecognizable as the same show that debuted five seasons ago.

Edited March 20, 2013 by Anomaly

[BangerMain]

It's a though TPTB couldn't help but rush through the first & second acts, leaving the show stuck forever in the third boring, predictable act. Very poor overall planning.

 

They had to rush to the "third act" or there would not have been a "The Big Bang Theory" now. Ah, yes. The glory years of season 1 and 2. They finished 68th and 44th in the ratings. The only other time the ratings declined was season 4. They must have something in common.

[Nogravitasatall]

They had to rush to the "third act" or there would not have been a "The Big Bang Theory" now. Ah, yes. The glory years of season 1 and 2. They finished 68th and 44th in the ratings. The only other time the ratings declined was season 4. They must have something in common.

Like, I'm so fond of the show its unhealthy, but for "technical reasons" I've been watching s2 on a loop lately, and it has an whacky, almost sketch type humour that is pacy and a little unreal. In Maternal Capacitance, for example is Beverley is a caricature. And that's fine. They had real moments too  - like Penny & Leonard sober on the couch, before the lime kiss - then they go overboard with the mother/father psychobabble.

 

I think they demanded too much in the way of suspension of disbelief. Many people found it hard work to accept the premise and situations - some of us found it easier. Then they have flipped it such that there was less work to get on board by making the content and themes more relatable. That got them success.

 

I agree it's not the same show.

[Anomaly]

They had to rush to the "third act" or there would not have been a "The Big Bang Theory" now. Ah, yes. The glory years of season 1 and 2. They finished 68th and 44th in the ratings. The only other time the ratings declined was season 4. They must have something in common.

 

Well, seeing as how the show (by your account) went from 68th to 44th, it was already gaining momentum & popularity. The truth is we'll never know how popular it may or may not have become, had it not devolved. That said, popularity is being substituted for quality. As I've said previously, McDonald's is a popular hamburger joint... That doesn't mean they are particularly good hamburgers. Americans especially, have pretty bad taste in things. It makes sense that as the show has become more watered-down, the popularity has risen.

Edited March 21, 2013 by Anomaly