Tag: The Big Bang Theory

Fall TV 2017: ‘Young Sheldon’ adorable, skip ‘SEAL Team’

Fall TV is finally here!

Usually a round of shows premiere in the beginning/middle of September, but this year, the only show that’s premiered before the latter half of the month was Fox‘s “The Orville.”

That show, created by and starring Seth MacFarlane, isn’t sure what type of show it wants to be. The pilot had a crazy mix of romantic comedy, science fiction and thriller. It was uneven and predictable. I’m not sure TV was the right medium for it.

But now that we’ve finally hit the first week of new shows, here is my short take on each new regular series show:

‘Star Trek: Discovery‘

8:30 p.m. Sundays streaming on CBS All Access

To boost the CBS version of Hulu, “Star Trek: Discovery” premiered Sunday on CBS. Episode 2 was available during the broadcast.

The sci-fi show definitely has a movie feel to it, including a long thematic opener.

I was definitely out of the loop since I have little knowledge of the world of Star Trek, but it kept my attention.

Compared to “The Orville,” this is true sci-fi. And I can appreciate that there are women in leadership on this show.

Grade: B+

‘Young Sheldon‘

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

While this show will regularly air starting in November, the spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” had a special premiere.

This comedy is filled with BBT easter eggs, including a perfect opener with Jim Parsons narrating while a train went around.

The casting of young Sheldon and his mother was perfect (Zoe Perry, the daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who plays Mrs. Cooper in the original, plays her in this show, and she carries a spot-on accent and demeanor). The only casting that bothered me was Sheldon’s dad, only because he played a character on “The Big Bang Theory.”

For BBT fans, this show is not a letdown. For non-BBT fans, it’s still a pretty adorable show.

Grade: A-

‘Me, Myself and I‘

9:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS

Starring Bobby Moynihan, this show focuses on one person in three phases of his life: middle school after his mom gets remarried, post-divorce and raising a daughter, and a just-retired man who just had a heart attack and is figuring out what’s next.

It’s an interesting concept, but very disjointed, even with the small-world moments between the generations.

In one of the last moments, two of the generations crossed over. Not sure if there will be more, but I thought it played well.

Grade: B-

‘The Brave‘

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

Remember Anne Heche? It seems like she pops up on TV shows every year or so, and here she stars in a drama about of team of government officials trying to protect Americans.

From what I can tell, the team will be the focus, and there will be a new story/mission each week.

But what was supposed to be a nailbiter turned out pretty dull. As we learn more about the team, I expect to care more about the characters, but that wasn’t the case in the pilot.

Grade: C+

‘The Good Doctor‘

10 p.m. Mondays on ABC

The pilot of this medical drama surrounds an interview for Dr. Shaun Murphy, a potential new surgical resident at a hospital. Oh, and Murphy (played by Freddie Highmore, who still looks so young even after his run in the sinister “Bates Motel“) is autistic, so his appointment is controversial.

While I think it’s great to show the challenges and misperceptions of the autism, as well as having the chance to discuss autism in a new way, the show seems unrealistic.

In flashbacks, it’s revealed that Murphy and his brother ran away after their father killed a pet bunny, but his brother also dies at a young age. So how the heck did Murphy go to school, especially medical school?

With other drama that’s sure to pan out in the show, I’m not sure we’ll find out.

Also, similarities abound between Murphy and Sheldon on “The Big Bang Theory,” and it was distracting.

Grade: B

‘SEAL Team‘

9 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS

This pilot had an eerily similar plot to “The Brave,” including the third-act twist. And it wasn’t well done.

Between poor audio (it’s like some actors were sick or not mic’ed properly for most of it), shaky camera work (which may have been a director’s choice, but it was hard to tell), and bad acting, it was tough to watch.

The drama focused mostly on the SEAL team, even though ads for the show mentioned that SEAL members have two families. I don’t know what the plan is, but it’s uninteresting.

David Boreanaz (“Bones“) should’ve waited another year before returning to TV; maybe he could’ve gotten a better show.

Grade: C-

What new shows are you enjoying?

Upfronts 2017: 3 takeaways for upcoming TV season

The sun may be out, but I’m more excited to stay in and watch these new shows.

Networks hosted upfronts presentations over the last week, presenting all their new shows and lineups for the fall and midseason.

Here are three takeaways:

‘American Idol’ is back…on ABC

Apparently the singing reality shows aren’t dead yet.

It’s been only one year since “American Idol” went off the air, but it’s being revived on a new network after a reported bidding war among multiple networks.

This move is beyond me, because “AI” had been dwindling in popularity for years, with more focus on the judges than the winners.

If it can go back to its Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood days, great. Katy Perry was the first judge announced, and I can see her vibing with the other judges and singers. Simon Cowell will not be returning, however. He declined, plus he judges NBC‘s “America’s Got Talent.”

CW owns superhero shows

Does Greg Berlanti ever sleep? Or does he live at the CW office?

Berlanti produces multiple shows for the broadcast network, including all of the superhero shows.

CW will gain yet another superhero show in “Black Lightning.” The new action drama will not be part of the Arrowverse, so crossover episodes won’t extend to five.

But still, that’s a lot of superheroes on one network.

Reboots galore

“Roseanne.” “Dynasty.” “Will & Grace.”

After so-called success of “Fuller House” and “Gilmore Girls,” networks are clamoring for that nostalgia glory. I don’t either reboot was that successful, but I get the capture-the-old mentality (even if I also think it’s super risky).

I didn’t watch “Roseanne,” “Dynasty” or “Will & Grace” in their time, so I’m a bit behind. I’m hoping they’ll be on Netflix this summer.

Also, here are 3 new shows I’m excited to watch this fall:

“Young Sheldon” (CBS): I can’t deny my love for “The Big Bang Theory,” so count me excited for this prequel about your favorite physicist during his childhood.
“The Good Doctor” (ABC): I’m nervous how this show will handle itself since it focuses on a character with autism, but I think it could be a great conversation starter. My suggestion? Take notes from “Speechless.” Also, after his run on “Bates Motel,” I’m ready to see more Freddie Highmore on TV.
“Alex, Inc.” (ABC): If this show is three-quarters of what Zach Braff‘s other TV show, “Scrubs,” was in its early seasons, I’ll be happy.

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?

5 great Christmas-themed TV episodes

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 17, 2014.

December is a time for snow, fires, family and holidays.

And on TV, it’s the same, only with more comical endings. Check out some of my favorite Christmas-themed TV episodes.

5. The Best Christmas Ever: “That ’70s Show,” season 1

If you were 17 and your parents gave you Christmas tree money, what size tree would you get?

For Eric Foreman (Topher Grace) and his buddies, it’s not the size that matters, but where you get the tree.

Since the gang gets to throw a Christmas party in the infamous basement, they cut down a tree from the forest and use the money from Red (Kurtwood Smith) for beer, which of course doesn’t end well.

4. The One with the Holiday Armadillo: “Friends,” season 7

Ross (David Schwimmer) tries very hard to be a good father, so when he wants his son, Ben, to learn about Hanukkah, he goes to great lengths to make the holiday seem appealing to a kid who has a big heart for Santa … including dressing up as an armadillo.

But when Chandler (Matthew Perry) comes dressed as Santa, the former college roommates have to come up with a new plan … and one random story.

3. How Lily Stole Christmas: “How I Met Your Mother,” season 2

Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) belong together. But for a time in season 2, they weren’t.

This causes a problem at Christmas time when Lily listens to an old voicemail of Ted (Josh Radnor) calling her a “Grinch (aka as a very bad word).”

Ted ends up at his religious cousin’s house and teaches the children bad words, so there’s the awful-family-holiday moment.

In the end, Lily and Ted make up over beer after Lily realizes Ted knows her so well that he helped Marshall find his on-again fiance the perfect Christmas present: an easy-bake oven.

2. A Very Glee Christmas: “Glee,” season 2

Back when “Glee” was a trailblazing show, the Fox show was given the opportunity to mix in the plot of the Grinch, played by none other than slimy Cheerios coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).

It made for great TV, and the soundtrack for the episode is top-notch (it is a musical show, after all).

The episode seamlessly mixed in Christmas cheer and quality music.

1. The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis: “The Big Bang Theory,” season 2

Who doesn’t love Penny and Sheldon?

Sheldon (Jim Parsons) hates gift giving, because getting a present for someone with equal value and meaning stresses him out. So when Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) tells Sheldon she got him a gift, he tries to find a proper gift for her.

When her gift turns out to be a Leonard Nimoy-autographed napkin, he is so elated that he gives her every bath item gift basket he bought, plus a hug. Yep, he was that overjoyed.

What’s your favorite holiday-themed TV episode?

‘The Big Bang Theory’ will survive 3 more seasons if it keeps momentum

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 14, 2014.

It’s hard to keep coming up with fresh ideas year after year.

TV shows have this problem annually. Many second seasons aren’t as good as the first, so much so that shows often are talked about in terms of “sophomore slump.”

“The Big Bang Theory,” a consistent ratings darling, avoided a sophomore slump and has managed to keep the ideas flowing for seven seasons … for the most part.

The show was renewed for three more seasons in March (although some of the actors still remain without contracts), but the question is: Can the show continue to be fresh for three more years?

I’m a fan of the CBS show. It’s nerdy without being too smart and it’s funny without being too stupid.

But as a fan, I did not find the most recent season as exciting as previous ones.

The show didn’t hit a good stride until two-thirds of the way through the season, when Sheldon and Amy kissed on a train on Valentine’s Day.

That’s too long to wait in a 24-episode season.

I also kept wondering if Raj (Kunal Nayyar), who finally was able to talk to a woman without drinking alcohol at the end of season 6, would get a girlfriend.

It happened in season 7, but not until the end.

If a TV show has the potential for character growth, that growth should be played out as soon as possible.

“The Big Bang Theory” needs to take a hint from ABC’s “Scandal” and pick up the pace.

At Comic-Con, producers said viewers would have to wait a while to see Leonard and Penny, who got engaged in the penultimate episode of season 7, get married.

Why wait? The show will lose steam if they don’t get married by the end of season 8.

But at the same time, I don’t think anyone wants to see them break up again. Let’s move forward, not backward.

Can the show last another three seasons? I hope so, but only if the episodes are more like the last eight of season 7.