Something I found interesting :) (Yes, it's Shenny related)
The Big Bang Theory = The modern day of Third Rock from the Sun?
What the show (Third Rock from the Sun) is about:
- "As many intelligent people know, aliens are all around us. This is a story of a band of four such explorers. In order to blend in, they have assumed human form. This is the High Commander (Dick Solomon). He has assembled an elite team of experts: A decorated military officer (Sally Solomon), a seasoned intelligence specialist (Tommy Solomon) and, well, they had an extra seat (Harry Solomon)." The premise of the show revolves around an extraterrestrial research expedition attempting to live as a normal human family in the fictional city of Rutherford, Ohio, said to be 52 miles (84 km) outside of Cleveland, where they live in a loft apartment. Humor was principally derived from the aliens' attempts to study human society and, because of their living as humans themselves while on Earth, to understand the human condition. In later episodes, they became more accustomed to Earth and often became more interested in their human lives than in their mission. -
Besides the obvious differences with the story line and characters, I found this very interesting; here are four intelligent characters (albeit aliens) who have come to earth, and are trying their best to understand human behaviours, human emotions, and social interactions in general. And while they may have had a hard time blending in at first, or understanding the concepts of the human lifestyle, they have learned to live accustom to Earth and even enjoy this new life they've discovered. Now, this is just like TBBT because we also have four characters who are a little qwuarky, socially awkward, and different from the rest of the world because of their intelligent minds. They are also trying to understand social interactions, relationships and how they work. Though they might not always be successful, they are still learning as well, and even Sheldon of all people is starting to come to terms with his "human" side. Which brings me to my next point:
- Dick Solomon: The High Commander and head of the expedition to Earth. Is often the most childlike member of the group, being, ironically, the youngest of the crew, despite being the oldest family member. Much of the behavioral or societal-based troubles faced by the crew in their mission while on Earth frequently arise from some juvenile act perpetrated by Dick, troubles which in turn are forced to be overcome by the entire troupe with a great deal of reluctance. (<-- This is so Sheldon!) -
Dick, like Sheldon, also has the most intelligent mind of the group, and is even a professor at a university teaching physics. He is often egotistic and thinks of himself very highly, evolved, intelligent in mind, and above everyone else. However, though he may have his faults and misunderstandings of how humans and their feelings actually work, he has learned to embrace those very same feelings, learned a lot about human interaction, and most importantly, learned how to love! (And I'll emphasize more on this after). Like Dick, Sheldon is also childlike in his ways, due to premature development from a lack of a proper childhood. He is also always getting the gang tied into his daily troubles and circumstances throughout the course of the series, which they have reluctance to help him with.
- Dr. Mary Albright: Dick's colleague and on-and-off girlfriend. Mary felt that Dick was an insensitive idiot, but she could not avoid the infatuation of his quirkiness or childlike actions. Reference is often made to the insecurity caused by her bad parenting, and the fact that before Dick arrived, she was known for sleeping around, and had even been nicknamed "Dr. Slutbunny." It's also shown on some occasions that though Mary isn't necessarily an alcoholic she does resort to alcohol to get rid of her problems. -
Okay, either way you look at it, no one can tell me that this character does not resemble Penny in every way possible, especially if you see her interactions with Dick. I don't think I need to elaborate on much but, the first time that Mary met Dick, she thought he was an insensitive jerk, only cared about himself, was brash, egotistic, and inconsiderate to other people's feelings. Though, over the course of their journey, she learned to love him for all of his quirks, his childlike self, and realized that, although he may have these 'flaws', under the surface, Dick has a heart of gold, and it's those very characteristics that make him who he is, and that's why she loves him. About the sleeping around part...it would be awesome to know that because of Sheldon, Penny didn't sleep around anymore, and finally found out what it truly means to love/find love.
More on their relationship:
- Mary and the 'father' of the alien group, who works at Pendelton as a physics professor, were forced to share an office. While Dick was attracted to her almost instantly, Mary took a long time to warm to Dick.[/COLOR][/B] After their initial success, Dick and Mary enjoyed an on-off relationship; Dick would often annoy Mary, causing her to grow angry and seemingly break up with him. However, in the next episode, they are nearly always back together (notable exception: when Dick was engaged to Mary, then discovered another alien had been sent to masquerade as his wife, leading Mary to believe he is committing polygamy. Even then, she forgave him.) -
Similarities to TBBT:
1) Penny and Sheldon are "forced" to live in the same environment, and Sheldon has to compromise his needs for her staying at their apartment all the time. (Though, he doesn't seem to have much problems with it, for someone who doesn't like change)
2) Sheldon was practically "smitten" the first time he saw Penny. It may have been only subtle moments, but it's still there. Both Penny and Sheldon took a while to warm up to each other, but soon became great friends. (It's a start)
- Throughout the course of the series, Dick maintains a tense love-hate relationship with Mary Albright.[/COLOR][/B] At times they are together, whilst at others Mary quite clearly disfavors Dick. At one point, at the end of the second season, Dick and Mary are to be married as the other Solomons (Sally, Harry, and Tommy) return to the home planet.
At one point, Dick discovers what he calls the "freedom" of casual sex. He has sex with the recently divorced mother of a student (Bug) when she is in on holiday, not knowing who she is. Dick realizes the identity of his partner when, as he frequently does, he relates his sexual experience to his class. At the end of the episode, Bug's father (Dom Deluise) walks into Dick's office in a fedora flanked by two brutes who seem to have a connection to the mob.
In season four's episode five, "What's Love Got to Do, Got to Do with Dick," Dick is forced to share his office with Dr. Jennifer Ravelli, a professor of Comparative Literature from Harvard for whom Dick coins the caustic appellation "Professor McBitch." [B]Dick enjoys the free-hearted literary genius of his new office partner and develops a crush; however, due to his lack of familiarity with relationships, he assumes he is in love and seeks permission from Mary Albright to "see other people" and it is granted. The quirks that attracted Dick soon become a nuisance, bringing a quick end to their relationship[/B], but not before Dick attempts to use Mary's new jealousy to gain "quantity time as well as quality time." -
Similarities to TBBT:
1) Penny and Sheldon pretty much have a love-hate relationship..especially more near the beginning of the series.
2) Dick's "crush" on his new partner almost seems similar to the Sheldon/Amy relationship. Sheldon is appealed to the intelligence Amy has, and respects her as a friend likewise, but soon he'll realize those "appealing" aspects about her are not really what he wants, in terms of love. (imo anyway)
And well, I doubt Sheldon would ever take on every characteristic Dick has taken on, such as sex and other things, but it isn't impossible that he might experience it one day. Hopefully it'll be when he's ready, with something special, and with someone he loves for the first time; Penny.
Point in hand, Dick and Mary have many similar characteristics to Sheldon and Penny, in terms of their individual characters, and the dynamics/interactions of their relationship itself. Both shows focus on science/physics, human behaviours, social interactions, romance, evolving/developing as a humans, and etc.
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So, any thoughts on this? Sorry my post was so long (and I could have made it longer but, well I think this is enough for now), but I just really had to point out how awesome this is. Do you think Sheldon/Penny are really a plan in the making, and will eventually, with much patience and endurance, come out on top in the end? I think so, and I think waiting for it is part of the beauty of it as well. After all, good things come to those who wait, and Sheldon/Penny is definitely a romance worth waiting for. I just hope it doesn't take so long we lose interest.