The Nature of Love (& The Big Bang Theory)
I just finished watching the season finale for The Big Bang Theory series 10 and had a few thoughts--much like anyone else. First of all, I've found this season to be quite satisfying to watch. A number of topics and issues have come up and, if not completely resolved, have been explored in ways that matter.
I've appreciated the increased screen time for the lives and concerns of the women on the show. The early years of the show were fun but less multi-dimensional and the fleshing out of the female of the species has helped in that regard. Where I initially saw male members of my geek/nerd tribe for the first time in a popular series, I now see versions of myself and other women in the characters, as well as some of the concerns and situations we deal with in the course of things.
But that brings me to the point that inspired this post.
Love.
Romantic love, or eros, is a pervasive topic in this show. As it should be. I'm hopeful that all the main characters will engage in long-term, committed relationships of this type before the series comes to an end.
What I also see is frequent displays of agapi, philia, and storge. Almost every relationship reflects some measure of these different loves in the show--to great comedic effect--in many situations.
I believe that true love can only endure, survive, and flourish if it also encompasses these different forms. To that extent, Sheldon's love hasn't followed the same path as Howard's or Leonard's, but that doesn't take away from how meaningful and profound it is. Sheldon's reaction to being offered another option doesn't negate any part of his relationship with Amy. I don't believe that his reaction is growing out of panic, but rather, striking clarity.
We are not all the same and neither are our needs. Our relationships should also reflect that.
I've appreciated the increased screen time for the lives and concerns of the women on the show. The early years of the show were fun but less multi-dimensional and the fleshing out of the female of the species has helped in that regard. Where I initially saw male members of my geek/nerd tribe for the first time in a popular series, I now see versions of myself and other women in the characters, as well as some of the concerns and situations we deal with in the course of things.
But that brings me to the point that inspired this post.
Love.
Romantic love, or eros, is a pervasive topic in this show. As it should be. I'm hopeful that all the main characters will engage in long-term, committed relationships of this type before the series comes to an end.
What I also see is frequent displays of agapi, philia, and storge. Almost every relationship reflects some measure of these different loves in the show--to great comedic effect--in many situations.
I believe that true love can only endure, survive, and flourish if it also encompasses these different forms. To that extent, Sheldon's love hasn't followed the same path as Howard's or Leonard's, but that doesn't take away from how meaningful and profound it is. Sheldon's reaction to being offered another option doesn't negate any part of his relationship with Amy. I don't believe that his reaction is growing out of panic, but rather, striking clarity.
We are not all the same and neither are our needs. Our relationships should also reflect that.