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Farewell 'The Big Bang Theory', There’ll Never Be A Bigger Geek Than You


Get this—The Big Bang Theory began on September 24, 2007. Which means the show can pull seniority over much of what defines the geek culture of today. From smartphones to gaming to pop-culture obsessions like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Game of Thrones.

But one of the most endearing things about the show has been its ability to sneak in the ever-evolving elements of geek culture, within its episodic storytelling. You'll see the minted Spock toy on Sheldon's desk and the Batman one under which he hides his spare cash. But as years passed, you would suddenly spot a sword from Game of Thrones mounted on the wall, and show references weaved into the characters' conversations. Just as its viewers interests evolved, so did the show's characters'.

The best part? It all felt natural. When Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj got excited over a new Star Wars movie, you an IRL Star Wars fan, relate tremendously to it. If you weren't a fan, then you'd definitely relate to Penny's look of "Seriously, guys?" When you saw them get into heated discussions about whether a certain DC superhero could lift Thor's Mjolnir, you'd suddenly realise that this conversation was absolutely something you could've had with your fellow geeks. Or maybe not. TBBT was mainstream geeky, and perhaps that's what made it such a beloved show.

The Big Bang Theory did as many things right as it did wrong, in its 12-year-long run. It rode high and mighty on the geek culture wave, which was gaining tremendous momentum around the time. The opening sequence, set to a song by the Canadian alternative rock band Barenaked Ladies, was just about perfect, encompassing the show's theme. You could actually picture Jim Parsons singing the lyrics in his Sheldon voice! And for many people, show creator Chuck Lorre's vanity cards were something to eagerly wait for at the end of the episode. (FYI, he's written some 600 so far!)

Even the geeky jokes, you never had to be a hardcore nerd to be able to understand them. They were merely a device to further the real humour, which is something that any usual group of friends would probably share amongst themselves.


However, when The Big Bang Theory did what it did by playing into the same stereotypes that people were desperately trying to get rid of, it disillusioned the critics and geeks alike. The show played out two extremes—the geek and the blonde—and made the characters fall prey to every possible trope associated with them. And yet, there was something so endearing, so pure and simple about this bunch of science nerds that you couldn't help but become a part of their clique.


Today, when the show will air its final episode ever, after 12 years and seasons, fans will be heartbroken to see it go. Because despite complaints about furthering stereotyping, lack of plot development, and loss of interest, the show's episodic format helped keep it relevant and interesting for its truly loyal fandom.

The characters, now that they were married and had overcome their most basic struggles, did seem to be doing nothing, and the plot going nowhere. But you loved these bunch of friends too much to not enjoy their friendly banter and emotional connect. And that incredible comic timing of every single actor, who has forever become synonymous with their character on the show.

Sheldon's character was perhaps the biggest part of fans' continued love for the show (it even birthed a spin-off!). But that's not to take any credit away from the rest of the cast. His chemistry with Johnny Galecki's Leonard was meant to be Bromance #1. But Sheldon and Penny's adorable BFFship is hands down a favourite.


Next of course, is the latent-homosexual-vibe giving bromance of Howard and Raj, which just makes you wish an alternate reality where the two are together! Name a more adorable one than ShAmy, or a better ladies night than when Kaley Cuoco's Penny, Mayim Bialik's Amy and Melissa Rauch's Bernadette sit down with some wine!

The supporting cast, such as Kevin Sussman (Stuart) and John Ross Bowie (Bawwy Kwipke!) have always been an absolute delight to watch!

Each of them brought a certain distinctness to their roles. Laurie Metcalfe as Sheldon's mother, Christine Jane Baranski as Leonard's mother Dr Beverly Hofstadter and even Bob Newhart as Sheldon's hero, Professor Proton have now become memorable characters in our psyche! Even now, a fan can close their eyes and hear the late Carol Ann Susi's disembodied voice screaming "HOWARD!" and calling out her son! You know you cried when you realised she passed away both IRL and on the show.

Clearly we cannot talk about The Big Bang Theory without talking about THE BEST thing the show has given us—the cameos! From Star Wars to Star Trek to Neil deGrasse Tyson to even Joe Manganiello, the show has managed to bring some of the most beloved names from pop culture on the show, which have made for pretty incredible scenes. Now that legends like Stan Lee, Stephen Hawking and Carrie Fisher aren't with us anymore, those cameos become even more precious to fandoms.

As a part of the Big Bang Theory fandom, I came to gradually love the show and its little offerings. I've often found myself humming "Soft Kitty", or screaming "BAZINGA!" at a friend after pranking them. For some reason, I remember things like Fun With Flags, Leonard's lactose intolerance, Penny's every single haircut, and a word-to-word explanation of why Sheldon's Spot is so neurotically important!

I will always remember what breed Raj's adorable dog, Cinnamon, is (Yorkshire Terrier), or the special song that Howard composed and had everyone sing for Bernadette when she was quarantined on the anniversary of their first date.

And Sheldon and Amy's wedding presided over by Mark Hamill as perhaps my favourite moment!

And you see? That's the best part about TBBT! It shows you, so what if you're a stereotype? The nerd, the geek, the blonde, the socially awkward! You'll always have a bunch of friends who'll like your every quirk. They'll make fun of you, sure. But they'll sit around the dinner table with you, eating takeout, and revelling in your weirdness, just as you revel in theirs. What's more, you won't be stuck in that rut forever, as long as you open yourself up to newer experiences. Ain't no better example than Shelly, right?

So, as we prepare to bid farewell to The Big Bang Theory, there really isn't anything more to say than a huge thank you to this amazing show!


Hahahaha! Fooled you! Watch this humongously emotional video summing up the beautiful journey of television's longest running sitcom!