The Big Bang Theory Seasons 1-10 Episode Tournament

[April]

1 hour ago, bfm said:

I meant on TV. Interesting. When I visited European countries I noticed some filmed teen shows that were dubbed (and are not dubbed here) but I didn't think this habit includes shows for adult audiences too. I wonder if there are other countries where subtitling prevails.

Local TV (and movies) is also subtitled here most of the times, makes it easier to catch up if you didn't hear something.

German is one of the most spoken languages in Europe (#1 as first language) so it's worth it to dub everything because the audience is big enough.

It's of course a big hassle for everyone who actually knows English and prefers to watch US/UK shows and movies in their original language. You have to resort to all sorts of methods as described by @luminous And of course once you know the original it's hard to go back cause the dubs are often not as good by comparison. Either the translation is rubbish or the voice actors are a bad fit or a combination of both. It's rare when they get it right, imho.

[vonmar]

Warner LA airs TBBT on Spanish language TV channels in Southern California.  It was originally aired with sub-titles and then they changed the format to dubbing.  People were so pissed off. It resulted in a very passionate Tweet storm that lasted months.

[spidergirl]

12 minutes ago, April said:

German is one of the most spoken languages in Europe (#1 as first language) so it's worth it to dub everything because the audience is big enough.

It's of course a big hassle for everyone who actually knows English and prefers to watch US/UK shows and movies in their original language. You have to resort to all sorts of methods as described by @luminous And of course once you know the original it's hard to go back cause the dubs are often not as good by comparison. Either the translation is rubbish or the voice actors are a bad fit or a combination of both. It's rare when they get it right, imho.

Exactly! Imo it is great here the foreigner shows have  subtitles because the original voices from  the cast. If you have not hear them ever, it is easier as viewer to watch a dubbed version. If you have heard the original voices before, it is too weird to watch a dubbed version .  For the subtitles, there is always bad translations unfortunatelly. Here happens too and my choice usually is like reading a book in english: if you have a chance to read it in original language, it is much better. As Sheldon said about his howardette wedding vows in english translated from Kligon, it misses always something!

[Jonny]

In British TV culture we used to get dubbed foreign shows usually for comedic effect, the voices were usually so over the top. Shows like Eurotrash or the cult classic Japanese tv series 'Monkey' for example.

[3ku11]

From a comedy sense Adhesive Duck is prob top 3 best episode this show ever did. So not surprised its trouncing LD. 

Final between Bath Item and Adhesive Duck. Most likely.

Touch choice. Two GOATS. But have to go for Bath Item. For the Lenny Story.

[Stephen Hawking]

19 hours ago, 3ku11 said:

Two GOATS.

It's Buridan's Donkey, isn't it?  

[Stephen Hawking]

Adhesive Duck won.

On the down side, that makes the final round a hard choice for me.

[Tripper]

The third round has now closed and the two winning episodes have made it through to the final round.

In the last round, The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis was the winner against The Opening Night Excitation with 53.6% of the vote, and The Adhesive Duck Deficiency won against The Long Distance Dissonance with a 56.6% share.

The final round between The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis and The Adhesive Duck Deficiency is open now. Check back on Friday, August 25 for the result.

Cast your vote in the final round of our The Big Bang Theory Episode Tournament

[Stephen Hawking]

Well, I went with Adhesive Duck over Bath Item.

While the napkin present was an iconic moment, both for the show and for the Penny/Sheldon relationship, I didn't care for the Dave Underhill part of the story.

Adhesive Duck, OTOH, was good all the way through.

[serena_1995]

On 8/16/2017 at 3:19 PM, HeWolf said:

Adhesive Duck should trounce LDD. The Shenny parts of AD are some of the best ever TBBT. Nothing in LDD compares.

I voted for Adhesive Duck Deficiency over Long Distance Dissonance.  8 years have passed ( ! ) since the TADD but its' A plot still holds up for me, today, as Sheldon knocked his way to 4B towards Penny’s shower and explained why his ducks holding umbrellas are “whimsical”.. That is thanks in part to the amazing comic beats of Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco, esp.  Jim in the ER scene and Kaley in the final Soft Kitty scene. I also found Sheldon to be a bit more likable, witty and grown up in TADD compared to Long Distance. He seemed to be on an even footing with Penny, while still retaining his oddness and insanity. I like role reversal and Sheldon caring for Penny and singing with her showed a bit of his well-meaning and decent side, without sacrificing comedy or beating us over the head with it.

Edited August 20, 2017 by serena_1995

[3ku11]

I know people always say the DU story in Bath Item is bad. Particularly Lennys. But My view point is different. Yes from the stance of Penny was a cow to Leonard most of the episode. But that does not mean its not quality writing. Just because your not getting the shippy feels lol. In terms of character development. It was a huge episode for Penny. First time she outgrew those type of guys she would go forward. Good looking and rich. Who would eventually let her down. And first time she started to appreciate and love Leonard. I mean they used to blend character development and humour so well back then. So personally I've always loved the DU story. Less for the story. And more the meaning. Combined with the iconic napkin scene. It's as vintage tbbt as you can get when it comes to this show. And the great superman dialogue. So while AD had some of the best physical comedy, and the best comedic beats of the series between Jim and Kaley. The ER scene top 3 funniest moments From this series. I went for Bath Item in the end. 

Edited August 20, 2017 by 3ku11

[HeWolf]

While I will always see Bath Item as classic TBBT, I had to vote Adhesive Duck. The Shenny story in AD is absolute gold. Wonderfully acted, laugh out loud funny entertainment. This was Sheldon 1.0 at his best and the interaction between Jim and Kaley shows so clearly what wonderful chemistry they had in those days. One thing that makes Jim Parsons such a great comedic actor is his ability to work with his cast mates. This shows through in every scene with Leonard, Amy, Howard, etc. 

The B story in AD is amusing, though I honestly wish the whole episode could have been the Shenny plot. It was an okay B story, but it just seems to be filler in between the better A story parts.

I do not have any issues with the Dave Underhill/Penny story in Bath Item. This was, regardless of the insistence of Penny fans to the contrary, who Penny was in those days. While she could be sweet and charming, she was also somewhat shallow concerning the type of man she found attractive. And, they wrote the character as someone that saw dating and sex as being inseparable ideas. She was, in all probability, going to sleep with Stuart on their first date. That makes the DU plot very believable for her character. As Leonard had not overtly expressed his romantic interest in her there is no reason to see her behavior as being unkind or inconsiderate of his feelings. She felt an attraction for DU and he reciprocated. Yes, he was a scumbag, but Penny was just being Penny.

Edited August 21, 2017 by HeWolf

[3ku11]

10 hours ago, HeWolf said:

While I will always see Bath Item as classic TBBT, I had to vote Adhesive Duck. The Shenny story in AD is absolute gold. Wonderfully acted, laugh out loud funny entertainment. This was Sheldon 1.0 at his best and the interaction between Jim and Kaley shows so clearly what wonderful chemistry they had in those days. One thing that makes Jim Parsons such a great comedic actor is his ability to work with his cast mates. This shows through in every scene with Leonard, Amy, Howard, etc. 

The B story in AD is amusing, though I honestly wish the whole episode could have been the Shenny plot. It was an okay B story, but it just seems to be filler in between the better A story parts.

I do not have any issues with the Dave Underhill/Penny story in Bath Item. This was, regardless of the insistence of Penny fans to the contrary, who Penny was in those days. While she could be sweet and charming, she was also somewhat shallow concerning the type of man she found attractive. And, they wrote the character as someone that saw dating and sex as being inseparable ideas. She was, in all probability, going to sleep with Stuart on their first date. That makes the DU plot very believable for her character. As Leonard had not overtly expressed his romantic interest in her there is no reason to see her behavior as being unkind or inconsiderate of his feelings. She felt an attraction for DU and he reciprocated. Yes, he was a scumbag, but Penny was just being Penny.

I always found the Stuart plot in s2 weird. She wanted to slow things down with Leonard. But with Stuart clearly she was intending of sleeping with him. If it's was not for Sheldon interrupting. One of the few times in the series I cheered a Sheldon interruption lol. Of course she was using Stuart as a substitute for Leonard. As evident when they were making out. No Sheldon this time, and said Leonard's name. So could argue that was always inevitable. I guess you could argue she deeply cared for Leonard. And she saw the relationship with Leonard either romantically or platonically, or as neighbors as a long term thing. Still found the plot weird though. Same as when they wrote out Stephanie.

Agree with you on Penny in the DU story. Theirs no issues with the story technically. I remember The Killer Robot Instability. When she feared Howard a new one lol. Leonard remarked how Penny can be very sweet. But then she can turn into the hulk. At that point I agree Penny saw Sex and Dating as well not mutually exclusive. And like you said being inseparable ideas. So back then it was just Penny being Penny. Falling for a good looking scumbag. Who would eventually let her down. At that point until Leonard burst his way through her door. Penny had saw no expression of romantic interest from Leonard through out s2. So to me it was the first time Penny started to realise theirs more to relationships then just well externals. First time she realised the guys across the hall we'll  always be their for her. And this gif perfectly illustrates the moment for me. 

 

 

[bfm]

9 hours ago, 3ku11 said:

I always found the Stuart plot in s2 weird. She wanted to slow things down with Leonard. But with Stuart clearly she was intending of sleeping with him. If it's was not for Sheldon interrupting. One of the few times in the series I cheered a Sheldon interruption lol. Of course she was using Stuart as a substitute for Leonard. As evident when they were making out. No Sheldon this time, and said Leonard's name. So could argue that was always inevitable. I guess you could argue she deeply cared for Leonard. And she saw the relationship with Leonard either romantically or platonically, or as neighbors as a long term thing. Still found the plot weird though. Same as when they wrote out Stephanie.

Agree with you on Penny in the DU story. Theirs no issues with the story technically. I remember The Killer Robot Instability. When she feared Howard a new one lol. Leonard remarked how Penny can be very sweet. But then she can turn into the hulk. At that point I agree Penny saw Sex and Dating as well not mutually exclusive. And like you said being inseparable ideas. So back then it was just Penny being Penny. Falling for a good looking scumbag. Who would eventually let her down. At that point until Leonard burst his way through her door. Penny had saw no expression of romantic interest from Leonard through out s2. So to me it was the first time Penny started to realise theirs more to relationships then just well externals. First time she realised the guys across the hall we'll  always be their for her. And this gif perfectly illustrates the moment for me. 

 

 

It's like she could go with either a nice or a smart guy but not nice and smart at the same time ><

[3ku11]

46 minutes ago, bfm said:

It's like she could go with either a nice or a smart guy but not nice and smart at the same time ><

Leonard's not nice and smart? :D

[bfm]

6 minutes ago, 3ku11 said:

Leonard's not nice and smart? :D

Exactly. At the time she didn't want to go out with him but went with Stuart and Underhill.

[HeWolf]

2 hours ago, bfm said:

Exactly. At the time she didn't want to go out with him but went with Stuart and Underhill.

I see one major difference between Dave Underhill, Stuart, and Leonard. Both, Underhill and Stuart, were proactive in expressing their interest in Penny. Leonard was passive and I don't think that works for Penny. 

[Capt. Hilts]

4 hours ago, bfm said:

It's like she could go with either a nice or a smart guy but not nice and smart at the same time ><

It drives me NUTS the writers gave Leonard other attractive partners, but not Penny!!!

[HeWolf]

1 hour ago, Capt. Hilts said:

It drives me NUTS the writers gave Leonard other attractive partners, but not Penny!!!

Attractive how? Penny was never seen going out with anyone (except Stuart) that would qualify as physically unattractive. They might not have of great character, or intelligence, but they were not unattractive. If you mean they never really gave her a relationship while Leonard had several I totally agree with you.

Leonard went out with Leslie and she wasn't winning any beauty contests. She's not unattractive but she's not a beautiful woman. Stephanie was a smart, and pretty woman who was a good match for Leonard. The whole Leophanie break-up was contrived and unbelievable. Priya was a smart and beautiful woman. She also was not very nice to Leonard and was clearly bothered by him not being Indian.

[Spaced_up]

1 hour ago, HeWolf said:

Attractive how? Penny was never seen going out with anyone (except Stuart) that would qualify as physically unattractive. They might not have of great character, or intelligence, but they were not unattractive. If you mean they never really gave her a relationship while Leonard had several I totally agree with you.

Leonard went out with Leslie and she wasn't winning any beauty contests. She's not unattractive but she's not a beautiful woman. Stephanie was a smart, and pretty woman who was a good match for Leonard. The whole Leophanie break-up was contrived and unbelievable. Priya was a smart and beautiful woman. She also was not very nice to Leonard and was clearly bothered by him not being Indian.

Leonard still had some substantial relationships outside of Lenny during their break, whereas Penny only had a couple of dates. The realism of this is definitely skewed to fit the Lenny arch. Anything substantial for Penny would have changed things a lot.

 

BTW I voted for Duck. 

I love the Napkin scene, it's just a moment of TV perfection. A classic which many people will remember. I also like the scene when Sheldon is shopping with Howard and Raj and he freaks out the shop assistant. :D But the B-plot I'm not so keen on.

Both plots of Duck are really well done, but it is a difficult choice between the two eps.

Edited August 22, 2017 by Spaced_up

[HeWolf]

3 minutes ago, Spaced_up said:

Leonard still had some substantial relationships outside of Lenny during their break, whereas Penny only had a couple of dates. The realism of this is definitely skewed to fit the Lenny arch. Anything substantial for Penny would have changed things a lot.

No arguments on that point. While recognizing the Lenny break was simply manufactured drama by Lorre and the writers; from the character point of view the Lenny break was all on Penny. She's the one that weirded out and trashed the relationship. Frankly, if Leonard had found someone else and moved on she'd have had no one to blame but herself. That Leonard had a relationship with Priya (yuck!) and Penny had some dates, and a misadventure with Raj, can be laid squarely at Penny's feet.

Also totally agree that if Penny had entered into a relationship it would likely have dramatically changed the group dynamics. She would have spent less time around 4A, would likely have gotten pulled into a different circle of friends, and had less reason to reflect on Leonard being such a great guy.

[bfm]

5 hours ago, HeWolf said:

I see one major difference between Dave Underhill, Stuart, and Leonard. Both, Underhill and Stuart, were proactive in expressing their interest in Penny. Leonard was passive and I don't think that works for Penny. 

He did ask her on a date at the end of S1... And she was the one to discontinue their dating (well IMO she had the right to be mad but she could give him a chance to explain later, if she did he would have probably told her that he didn't think she is not smart enough for him). However the perspective you are suggesting gives more meaning to her calling him out for faking being okay with the way things were between them. Could it be that she thought he lost his romantic interest in her? I never saw any indication of that prior to Bath Item Gift but it is possible.

[Stephen Hawking]

4 hours ago, HeWolf said:

She also was not very nice to Leonard and was clearly bothered by him not being Indian.

She was also very insecure.

[HeWolf]

15 minutes ago, Stephen Hawking said:

She was also very insecure.

I never got that impression. Too me, she was just the opposite. I don't see her hiding Leonard from her parents as being insecurity as opposed to just not wanting to upset the people controlling the family purse strings. 

[Stephen Hawking]

That's not what I was referring to HeWolf.