Tag: Big Bang Theory

Top 10 episodes of CBS’ ‘The Big Bang Theory’

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 11, 2015.

I’m a fan of comedies, so after picking the best episodes of “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends,” it’s time to pick the top 10 episodes of “The Big Bang Theory.”

Of course, the CBS show still has many episodes to go, so this list could change, but here are my current picks (spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen every episode):

10. “The Proton Resurgence,” season 6

Bob Newhart won an Emmy for his guest-starring role as Sheldon’s beloved childhood idol Professor Proton in this episode.

It’s one of the few times that Sheldon (Jim Parsons) shows genuine affection for another human being. But that doesn’t mean conversation isn’t sometimes awkward.

9. “The Spaghetti Catalyst,” season 3

Sheldon going behind Leonard’s back? Uh-oh.

When Sheldon and Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) have dinner together, Sheldon feels a lot of guilt but doesn’t know how to handle the friendship after Penny and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) break up.

And at one point he gets chased by a dog.

8. “The Maternal Capacitance,” season 2

What could go wrong when Leonard’s mother, Beverly (Christine Baranski), comes to visit? Quite a lot.

Penny and Leonard end up drinking in excess, leading to a revelation that angers Penny.

Sheldon and Beverly, who are quite similar in personality, grow closer and bond … over the game “Rock Band.”

7. “The Countdown Reflection,” season 5

Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg) rush to get married when his space trip gets moved.

Exemplifying the nerdiness of the show, the gang hatches a plan to have the wedding on the roof so it can be seen by a satellite. And they all officiate the ceremony, with a little Klingon thrown in by Sheldon.

It’s also the one time we “see” Howard’s mom (voiced by the late Carol Ann Susi) … her figure is seen as the camera zooms out over the wedding near the episode’s end.

6. “The Romance Resonance,” season 7

Howard sings to Bernadette for the anniversary of their first date. And it’s the nerdiest, cutest song you’ll hear.

5. “The Pants Alternative,” season 3

Sheldon doesn’t know social norms, which causes a massive problem when he has to give a speech to receive an award.

He doesn’t want to give the speech, but he does want the award, so his friends try to coach him. Which would’ve worked, maybe, until he drinks too much and gets slightly out of control.

4. “The Locomotive Manipulation,” season 7

After many years together, Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bialik) kiss! And Sheldon doesn’t mind … he might even like it.

3. “The Prom Equivalency,” season 8

Since most of the characters were bullied and/or went stag to prom, they decide to have a do-over.

Leonard and Penny talk about their past. Howard can’t deal with comic book store owner/friend Stuart’s (Kevin Sussman) relationship with Howard’s mother, which ends in a fight in a limo.

Most importantly, Sheldon tells Amy he loves her. (I’m a huge Shamy fan.)

2. “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis,” season 2

I chose this episode in my great Christmas episodes list.

But the holiday theme doesn’t matter; it’s a humorous, heart-warming episode with one of many awww-inducing moments from Sheldon and Penny.

1. “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency,” season 3

Leave it to Leonard, Howard and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) to get accidentally stoned. They may be scientists, but their street smarts are lacking.

At least the results are hilarious to watch.

Elsewhere, Penny needs Sheldon’s help, which doesn’t go well. If only she had put adhesive ducks in her bathtub …

This is also an episode that features “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty,” the song Sheldon needs to hear when he’s sick.

 

“The Big Bang Theory” returns Sept. 21 for its ninth season, which can’t come soon enough after last season’s cliffhanger finale.

What are your favorite “Big Bang Theory” episodes?

Golden Globes 2015: Some surprises in TV nominations

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 6, 2015. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.

If you’ve heard any buzz about a TV show, there’s a good chance it was nominated for a Golden Globe.

The Golden Globe nominations were announced Dec. 11, and most of the obvious choices were present.

The Emmy winners weren’t much of a shock, and with this list of nominees, it’s doubtful the Golden Globes, hosted for a third time by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will be much different.

That said, there are some surprises, such as:

CW IS ON THE LIST … BECAUSE OF ‘JANE THE VIRGIN’

Blah, blah, blah, Gina Rodriguez is a star. I’m so sick of hearing that — it’s such a broken record.

Yes, she’s talented. But I still don’t get why the show is so beloved. The premise for “Jane the Virgin” is absurd, reading more like a soap opera/crime procedural than the next “Ugly Betty.”

“The Flash” is a much better show and its effects are worth an award.

Also of note is the fact that it’s the first time the CW has been in the nominations.

‘THE BIG BANG THEORY,’ ‘MODERN FAMILY’ OUT

Nominated year after year, these two sitcoms are out of the running, as a show and for the actors.

“Modern Family” won a record-tying fifth Emmy in 2014. All of the adult leads have been nominated for an Emmy, and Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara have Golden Globe nominations. Jim Parsons won a Golden Globe for playing Sheldon Cooper on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2011 and has won four Emmys for the role.

I’m not saying they have to be nominated, or that they deserve to be, but it’s a surprise not to see them on the list.

TATIANA MASLANY CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

I don’t know what it will take for Tatiana Maslany to get any award nominations, but she plays how many characters on “Orphan Black”?

With all those personalities, she should be honored.

The Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 11, on NBC. My early predictions? Look for “Transparent,” “The Affair” and “Fargo” to be big winners.

Emmys 2014: Will choices be predictable or unpredictable?

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on Aug. 23, 2014.

Another year, another Emmys show.

The Emmys recognize talent in the TV world.

The nominations came out in July, and some winners have already been announced. Congratulations, by the way, to Jane Lynch, who won for hosting “Hollywood Game Night,” one of my favorite shows.

Now some award shows are predictable. “Modern Family” has won the Emmy for best comedy series every year it’s been on the air.

But there’s also a chance for a wild card.

The winners could be predictable or unpredictable choices. Here are my ideas:

Lead actor, comedy

Predictable choice: Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”)

I’m not going to lie; I just really want Parsons to win. I’m a big fan of Sheldon.

Unpredictable choice: Louis C.K. (“Louie”)

It’s an off-the-wall show on an often-not-talked-about TV network (FX), but C.K. might be recognized for only his writing instead of his acting.

Lead actor, drama

Predictable choice: Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”)

It was the last season, he has a lot of other nominations for the character (including a Golden Globe win this year), so he’ll probably go out with a bang.

Unpredictable choice: Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”)

Although Hamm has been nominated numerous times for playing Don Draper, he’s never won an Emmy for the role. With the show coming to the close, this could be the year he gets recognized. But don’t count on it.

Lead actress, comedy

Predictable choice: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”)

She’s won the last two years, and third time’s the charm, right?

Unpredictable choice: Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”)

She finally won the Golden Globe this year, so it might be for the talented comedienne time to win an Emmy … but, again, don’t count on it.

Lead actress, drama

Predictable choice: Claire Danes (“Homeland”) or Kerry Washington (“Scandal”)

I can’t choose here; both play powerhouse characters. Danes won last year, but some are rooting for Washington.

Unpredictable choice: Lizzy Caplan (“Masters of Sex”)

She’s a first-time nominee, so she might have beginner’s luck. Plus, her co-star Michael Sheen isn’t nominated, so she might get some love for being the show’s only lead nomination. (Allison Janney won outstanding guest actress for her work on the Showtime drama.)

Outstanding comedy series

Predictable choice: “Modern Family”

It’s won every year it’s been nominated. Will it take the cake again? Considering it tackled the wedding of Mitchell and Cameron and trips to Australia and Las Vegas, it probably will.

Unpredictable choice: “Silicon Valley”

I don’t even think many people have heard of this HBO show, and to be honest, I haven’t watched even a snippet of it. But it did beat out shows such as “New Girl,” “The Mindy Project,” “Girls” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” so it has a distant shot of winning.

Outstanding drama series

Predictable choice: “Breaking Bad”

It’s won before, and because the show ended its run last fall, it’ll most likely be recognized.

Unpredictable choice: “Game of Thrones”

The number of fans for this HBO show continues to become more excited and eager, and the show has the most Emmy nominations this year.

But the drama, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, has a niche appeal, which dwindles its chance of winning.

The 66th Emmy Awards will air at 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, on NBC.

Emmy nominations 2014: ‘Modern Family’ up for fifth win, ‘Orphan Black’ snubbed

In preparation for Sunday’s 2016 Emmys, here is a blog about the 2014 Emmys, originally published on elkharttruth.com on July 10, 2014.

It’s summer TV time, but it’s also Emmys time.

The Emmy nominations for 2014 were announced Thursday, July 10, and as usual, there were obvious choices and total snubs.

Here’s my breakdown of this year’s nominations:

Surprise nominations

While “Mad Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Breaking Bad” and this year’s season of “American Horror Story” are obvious returning nominations, there were a few unexpected twists.

“Bonnie and Clyde” was nominated for best miniseries. Considering many critics didn’t love the A&E, History and Lifetime show, which was plagued with historical inaccuracies, it was a shock to see it receive a nomination. It won’t win, though. The race will be between “American Horror Story: Coven,” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Fargo.”

Melissa McCarthy is nominated for her work on “Mike & Molly.” Out of all the comedic actresses, I think there were other choices from shows more people are watching.

Biggest snubs

Andy Samberg, who (surprisingly) won the Golden Globe for his role on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” was left out of the Emmy race. The Fox comedy wasn’t nominated either.

“The Good Wife” received many deserved acting nominations, including Julianna Margulies 10th overall Emmy nomination — she had won once for “ER” in 1995 and once for “The Good Wife” in 2011, but the CBS show was left off the best drama category. Considering its rise to Sunday TV gold this season, I figured it would be a shoo-in for a nomination.

But perhaps the biggest snub of all was the omission of “Orphan Black.” It’s a show that may not appeal to everyone, but Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones. Multiple! How does that not deserve a lead actress nomination?

“Modern Family” again?

The ABC comedy is up for outstanding comedy series for the fifth year in a row.

It’s been nominated every year it’s been eligible, and it’s won every year so far.

Will the show take the win again? It could happen. “Modern Family” showcased touching moments that still turn out a laugh, including Cam and Mitchell’s (played by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) wedding in the season 5 finale.

But I think a new show could take over, and with “Orange is the New Black” and “Silicon Valley” being first-time nominees, I expect the reign of “Modern Family” to end.

The conundrum of “Orange is the New Black” nominations

In its first year of eligibility, “Orange is the New Black,” the hit Netflix prison dramedy, snagged a decent amount of nominations. That’s no surprise, considering how popular and acclaimed the show is.

But what is surprising is what categories in which the actresses were nominated. Taylor Schilling (Piper) is in the lead actress category, with Kate Mulgrew (Red) is the supporting actress category.

Three actresses, however, are nominated in the guest actress category. Natasha Lyonne, Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox have been lumped together with Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”), Melissa McCarthy (“SNL”) and Joan Cusack (“Shameless”).

The last three are guest actresses for those shows. But the OITNB stars, while not the leading actresses, are certainly more than guest actresses. Aduba is credited with being in 37 of the show’s 39 episodes, and Lyonne is credited with being in every episode on IMDb. They had standout and background moments. The characters are key to the story, so to only put them in the guest actress seems a bit strange.

The Emmys will air at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 on NBC. The show will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

What do you think? What were your surprises and snubs?