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Rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock ... Emmy!

Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:01 AM by Denise Hazlick
Filed Under: ,

A year or so ago, my parents were singing the praises of CBS's Monday night comedy lineup, most notably "Two and a Half Men," and their new favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory." Not being a big fan of the "Men," I was dubious about "Bang" as well. But one Monday night, I decided to give it a try. Mom, Dad ... I will never doubt you again (well, except for "Men.").

This tale of uber-nerds struggling to function in the world outside of astro-physics has slowly been winning over converts like me -- and rising in the ratings -- in its second season. So, for those of you who think a show about scientists, where the storylines center around trips to the comic book store, Dr. George Smoot (look him up on your Google-nets, kids) and a waste-management module for the International Space Station, couldn't possibly be funny, take it from my Mom and Dad, it is. It also features some of the smartest writing in television. Period.

 

 

At the center of this nerd-fest is Dr. Sheldon Cooper, brilliantly played by Jim Parsons. Parsons gives depth and humanity to what could have become an Urkel-esque caricature of a nerd. Despite his many obsessions and insufferable personality ticks, Parsons still makes Sheldon likable.

So, when it comes to the nominees for best lead actor in comedy you don't need to play a game of rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock to come up with the winner -- it's Parsons.

 

 

And while you are at it, Academy, please don't forget "The Big Bang Theory" and Kaley Cuoco when you announce the nominees for best comedy and lead comedic actress on July 16. The writing and the cast make this the funniest show on TV. And Cuoco's Penny is more than just a pretty face. 

Here are the other nominations I'd like to see. With any luck, the Academy will agree.

Best comedy
"The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
"Flight of the Conchords" (HBO) 
"Family Guy" (Fox)
"How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)
"30 Rock" (NBC)

Lead actor in a comedy
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Jemaine Clement, "Flight of the Conchords"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"

Lead actress in a comedy
Kaley Cuoco, "The Big Bang Theory"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"
Eva Longoria Parker, "Desperate Housewives"
Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"

And one more thing, Academy, make sure Craig Ferguson is among your nominees for best host of a comedy or variety show. "The Scottish Conan guy," who is on after David Letterman, is the brightest light on late-night TV. No band, no sidekick. Just his own imagination. And singing puppets.

Which shows and stars make you laugh? Who do you think is Emmy-worthy this year?


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Comments

I've pretty much discovered that anyone that doesn't like BBT is the kind of person I would not want to associate with. The writing is brilliant and I feel a little bit of myself in everyone on of the characters personalities. Most of the people that I meet that don't like the show are the ones who think "Men" is the only kind of humor there is and is still desperately holding on to the their High School Letterman jacket and the "glory days".

DY (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:15 PM)

Right on!  I find "Men" quite dreadful and never make it through an entire episode.  On the other hand, Big Bang is brilliantly funny and gives hope to us sitcom fans that the genre is far from dead.

Steve Nix, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:21 PM)

I just watched my first episode of BBT the other night and was thoroughly drawn in, like a doomed planetoid to a black hole.  Great comedy!

Nerd Girl, CT (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:25 PM)

I used to like "Men," but it's over stayed it's welcome.  Unfortunately, the character of the son has really stopped being funny now that he's older.  I don't think they expected the show to last this long so they don't really know what to do with him anymore.  I am also one of those people who thought "Big Bang" looked ridiculous, but I absolutely love it.  I like "How I Met Your Mother" when the show centers on anyone but Ted.  I find his character, as well as the actor who plays him to be unfunny, unsympathetic and sometimes unwatchable.  This show should really change course and do less about him.

Wilson, Portland ME (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:25 PM)

In reply to Renee in Richmond, yes, I have thought that a discrepancy...the apartment and having a roommate in the income brackets these guys would have.  I love it that Penny seems to feel protective toward these brainiacs.  

CBS has the best on tv, IMO!  BBT, The Mentalist and Craig Ferguson!  Craig is a veritable one man show and his hour flies by so fast...he should have 90 minutes!  

Cassie, Missouri (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:36 PM)

My husband and I are HUGE BBT fans!!! We've watched it since the beginning and love it. You know you have a great show on your hands when you can watch reruns and it never gets boring.  My favorite episode is the one where Leonards mom comes to visit.  I saved that one on my DVR and have watched it numerous times. Kudos to this show!!!  

Kristy, Los Lunas, NM (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:45 PM)

Rufe: You could make an argument that both Galecki and Parsons are leads on that show (think back to "Friends").

Denise: http://www.samkass.com/theories/RPSSL.html gives a simple explanation.

As for Sheldon: The episode that convinced me that I was a real-life Sheldon was "The Euclid Alternative," in which they have an intervention to convince Sheldon to learn to drive. Howard asks Sheldon why he's arguing about the questions to the DMV clerk. Sheldon's brilliant answer: "How else are they going to learn?"

My wife lost it on the couch. When she recomposed herself, she turned to me and said, "You'd say exactly that, wouldn't you?"

I dropped my head. "Yes."

Joe Hass, Warren, MI (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:02 PM)

I don't know how I came upon BBT one night, but I am so glad I did!  The show is hilarious!  ALso, to whoever made the comment about "Better Off Ted" being a great show, I must agree wholeheartedly.  That show is funny beyond words!

Kel, Newark, DE (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:07 PM)

Love Craig! Love BBT (my daughter got me hooked).

Vicky (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:18 PM)

Big Bang is hands down the funnest show on TV.  Its smart, witty and just plain fun.

JAG, Raleigh NC (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:22 PM)

I think Craig Ferguson should be one of the emmy's finalists for a top comedian.  He is funny, has a great deal of empathy and an absolute riot to watch.  He is the only comedian around today that is original, funny and has an absolute terrific imagination for his show.

rosalind rodainsky stamford connecticut (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:25 PM)

I've been watching BBT since day one. I initially expected it might be a bit like the British show, "The IT Crowd" but it isn't - BBT is, by far, the better product. Even with the first season cut short by the strike, I knew that if CBS didn't start fiddling with the schedule, BBT would become a hit. The casting for the series is dead-spot-on and Jim Parsons' portrayal of Sheldon is certainly Emmy worthy. My only fear now is that the producers will get Urkel-itis and start making every episode revolve around Sheldon. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Jay J Rochester, MN (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:26 PM)

Love TBBT and Parsons.  I don't think Cucuo deserves an Emmy nom more than the other actors on the show however.  I like Penny but I think she is the weakest character and I get tired of Cucuo's eye rolling.  I would love to see the show and Parsons WIN the Emmy however.

TJ Rush (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:32 PM)

anybody who thinks that 2.5 men is NOT the funniest show on TV should get their heads examined....even old, NOTHING compares on network.....I do like BBT, but not in the same league as 2.5

dan, albany ny (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:33 PM)

I enjoyed episodes of Big Bang Theory every time I saw them on American Airlines when I flew on it, and finally added it to the Netflix list a couple of months ago. Both my husband and I enjoyed it a lot, and look forward to watching the 2nd season when it's released!

Just wanted to also mention that it's "Jemaine Clement" on Flight of the Conchords, not Jermaine. And I really, really hope it's nominated for best comedy show as well. So, sooo funny!

Faith, Kansas City (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:36 PM)

I loved the idea of The Big Bang Theory when I first heard about it.  My husband was dubious, but has become a fan also.  I love the fact that the characters of Sheldon and Leonard are named after the great producer Sheldon Leonard.  Or am I the only one to catch that.

Liz, Roanoke, VA (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:40 PM)

Jim Parsons certainly deserves an Emmy nomination as Sheldon, and I think the writers of BBT have started writing up to the potential of their cast, which is very rare in modern sitcoms.

I've been on the Craig Ferguson bandwagon since he first started hosting the show in 2005. The joy in his life radiates from him when things are going very well, but he trusts the intelligence of his audience enough to turn serious or throw obscure references that have everyone running off to Google (much like BBT). And I think I will howl with laughter if one of his singing puppet openings manages to get him a nomination for musical or dance performance.

Meli (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:46 PM)

I love everything about this show. All the characters are terrific and Parsons, Gilecki and Cuoco all deserve Emmy recognition. And don't forget the writers! I look forward to the show every week and laugh at the repeats as much as I did the first runs.

SandyB. Loudon, TN (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:52 PM)

In addition to Jim Parsons, I think Patrick Warburton should get nominated for Rules of Engagement.  He's the only reason I watch that show!  Also, the writers for HIMYM should definitely get nominated, though there's no way they could win over BBT.

Jon, WV (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:58 PM)


BBT is laugh out loud "p" your pants funny and very smartly written. the characters are unique and each one is lovable. I dare you not to snort out loub while laughing watching the episode where they try to teach Sheldon to drive. I sing "Soft Kitty" in the shower.
Love this show, love these writers and actors. thank you. The vanity plates after the show are priceless as well pause and read.

Peggy Gimbel (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:58 PM)

Big Bang is hands down the funnest show on TV.  Its smart, witty and just plain fun.

JAG, Raleigh NC (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:59 PM)

OH, YES!!!!  I have been waiting for someone to pay BBT it's due praise. I have been addicted to BBT since its premiere episode. I have the Season 1 dvds and whenever I'm down, I just pop them in and watch in hysterics, again. Bring on Season 2 dvds and Season 3!  How Kaley Cuoco keeps a straight face during all of the guys riffs is a mystery to me and she has more than earned my admiration.  If people think she's not a good actress, just watch her when the guys are going off on one of their tangents:  her face never moves.  Meanwhile, the rest of us are laughing so hard, it's hard to keep from wetting your pants.  Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Nayal Kunnar and Kaley Cuoco maybe the cast with the best chemistry in a long, long while.  Every one of them is perfect.  I hope when the SAG award nominations come out, they are on the Best Cast in a Comedy Series.  They more than deserve a nomination - and a win!  BBT ROCKS!

REMgurl, Kentucky (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:12 PM)

I must admit I identify with Leonard much more than any person should, but since the very first episode I've followed this show. While I'm biased because my friends and I can relate so much, I could easily say that The Big Bang Theory is one of the best shows I've ever seen on television.

Mark, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:13 PM)

Almost as much fun as watching the show is reading the remarks at the end of the show by Chuck Lorre!

JoeRoe, Topeka, KS (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:27 PM)

the one thing that i don't see anyone talking about, yes, BBT is great and funny, but, at the end of the show, have you ever read the little paragraph as the credits roll?  that all in itself, is just genius

steve grabowski plymouth mi (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:30 PM)

I would think both Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons would be considered lead actors along with Kaley Cuoco being the lead actress, they are the three main characters (Two guys and a girl conecpt).  I agree that this show is amazing, to comment on someone else's statement regarding the timeslot, I am actually happier that they moved it because I would sacrifice it to watch House or Chuck...now I'll just have to decide whether to record Lie to Me or Big Bang..gotta get DVR!

Doug, Jacksonville, Fl (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:11 PM)

To quote Sheldon, the rules of Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock: "Rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock. It's very simple. Look -- scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors."

jackie, philadelphia, pa (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:49 PM)

I agree with most everything said in this article except for the Family Guy nomination. Once upon a time it was funny, now it's just dumb. You don't like potty humour? Then how can you like Family Guy?

JM Ponoka, AB (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:52 PM)

My hubby got me hooked on BBT while I was on bedrest waiting for our daughter to be born. I laughed so much I can't believe I didn't go into labor early. Love the show. I also think you should add "Better off Ted" to your list. Like BBT is is smart and well written. I could live without Men as it is like a dead horse that has been beaten to the point there is nothing remotely left.

Aimee-Michelle, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, July 15, 2009 5:34 PM)

A coworker started making references to BBT, and would laugh until she'd cry. She got me hooked, and now its witty hilarity keeps me coming back begging for more. I know a "Sheldon" or two and I sincerely hope Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco win!

Danielle, Houston, Ohio (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:41 AM)

Been a BBT fan from the beginning. My favorite episode is when Penny gives Sheldon the napkin from Spock. Hilarious. Also a huge Craig Ferguson fan

Tracey R (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 1:51 AM)

TBBT rules - and I am saying it not only because the character of Sheldon Cooper is partly inspired by myself. While it resembles other, conventional sitcoms in many formal respects, it's genuinely funny, and actually enriches the viewers and extends their emotional and intellectual horizons, instead of making them ever more dumb. Jim Parson's playing is just excellent but I like the other characters and their obviously sweet relationships, too. TBBT is now broadcast on a minor TV channel in Czechia, too. After a few episodes in which the creators of the Czech dubbing misunderstood all the subtleties about the differences between the different characters of TBBT, it became excellent as well, so I actually enjoy the Czech version as much as I enjoy the original.

Luboš Motl, Pilsen, Czech Republic (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:27 AM)

BBT is witty and sharp - they should kill off some of these excruciating reality shows and replace them with sparklers like this.

But Ferguson can't win for Outstanding Performer - the rules changed.  He can get it for his show, not as an individual.  Shame - he's the best thing on late night.

Sam (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:26 AM)

my whole family loves big bang theory. it is a monday nite ritual to watch. my kids are real disappointed that it will be on at 9:30 in the fall, past their bedtime. my son and i love comics and love all the references to flash, batman, green lantern and others. i love star wars and star trek and the references to them are awesome. my daughter said to me once,'no offense dad, but you like all that stuff they do, you're a dork'. sheldon is our favorite too and we ask everyone if they watch. my son, who is a huge batman fan, went crazy in the episode sheldon had took valium and said, "i'm batman".  he deserves the emmy, just eeking out barney from himym.  

j.scalzo, syracuse, ny (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 8:06 AM)

Big Bang Theory is the first sitcom I have watched since M*A*S*H   It should win best comedy and Jim Parsons definitely deserves best actor in a comedy honors.  I totally agree with you about Craig Ferguson.  I quit watching late night when Arsenio was cancelled.  Give Craig an Emmy -- he earns it every night.

Vicki Hurst, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Thursday, July 16, 2009 8:57 AM)

They won't give Craig Ferguson an Emmy, that's really preposterous.. =/

Leonardo C., Québec (Sent Friday, July 17, 2009 6:39 AM)

Love BBT!  My husband is a self-admitted techno-science-ficting-loving geek who doesn't like anything on television.  But after one episode of BBT, he was hooked.  It is intelligent writing, doesn't pander to any one group, and keeps you laughing.  

kay, fort worth, tx (Sent Monday, July 20, 2009 1:41 PM)



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