TV Review - The Big Bang Theory - Pilot

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Spoiler alerts The debut episode of my favourite comedy series of all time. It introduces the great nerds, Leonard & Sheldon, nervously trying to donate sperm to a sperm-bank for geniuses before getting cold feet. They arrive home just in time to see the new neighbour moving in. The growing relationship between Leonard and Penny, (the vivacious single neighbour) will be the central heart of the series, and its most consistent thread. Leonard is clearly besotted with her from first contact. He drags poor Sheldon along in a gallant, brave reckless attempt to get Penny’s TV set from her ex-lover, Kurt, who steals their trousers off them for their efforts. The episode introduces many elements that will recur in the memorable episodes and seasons to come. The broken lift is there from the outset though we won’t find out how Leonard broke it for some time. Sheldon’s anti-social, often misogynistic aloofness is introduced, as well as his fixation on the same spot on the couch, as he explains that to Penny. Leonard’s food allergies and Penny’s work at the cheesecake factory are referenced. We also hear of Leonard’s last girlfriend proving to be a Korean spy, which will have repercussions in future episodes. We see little of Howard & Raj here but Howard’s early lechery is very apparent. He wouldn’t mellow until Bernadette entered his life much later on. Raj’s inability to talk while girls are present is also highlighted and this would stay important for five seasons. It is a lovely opening episode though it gives little sense of the greatness to come with subsequent plot developments. The series really starts with quite a low key bang but watching it mature has been joyful. Arthur Chappell