For the past three years, my chemistry professor friend has been raving about the TV comedy, Big Bang Theory. The show sounded great, but I couldn’t check it out because we live in the black hole of digital television reception. (Yes, we have a converter box and no, we can’t get cable so we’re stuck.)
A few weeks ago, she lent me the DVD of the first season, and I haven’t quit laughing since. The acting, the characters, the writing, the plots, and the attention to nerdy details without going over the top make the show a gem. You probably already know that, since most of you don’t live in a digital black hole and watch the show regularly, so I won’t cite specifics. Except to say that Jim Parsons as the brilliant, narcissistic and OCD is fantastic and earned his Emmy. And maybe that some of the content isn’t appropriate for kids in case you’re thinking of watching with the fam.
The show has been an eye opener. Because the four nerdy main characters remind me of people in my high school crowd. Which means we were nerds. Which those of you who observed us have known for 30+ years. But we were clueless, as nerds lacking in social intuitiveness usually are. (If you’re a former classmate, stop sniggering at this insight leave a comment confirming the belated revelation.)
Big Bang Theory also explained a comment my daughter made shortly after she met the man who is now her husband. “He knows he’s a nerd and doesn’t care,” she said in a tone of voice that implied she considered herself a nerd, too. Which I never did until my eyes were opened. It’s obvious that our kids suffer from congenital nerd syndrome exacerbated by excessive environmental factors including the following:
- The making & wearing of costumes was encouraged. Their aunt even sewed and gave them costume boxes for Christmas.
- Hiram & the kids were obsessed with all things Star Trek, Star Wars, and time travellish.
- Super hero discussions were serious business at supper.
- Both kids spent Saturdays at academic team competitions. Give ‘em buzzers and a punny tee shirt, and they were happy.
Furthermore, both kids, with their spouses not just looking on tolerantly but participating willingly, still like to dress outlandishly. They still are obsessed with books and movies in the time travel, science fiction, and fantasy genres. They prefer board games of the Trivial Pursuit variety over action sports. And super heros are still serious discussion topics.
Apparently we raised them in Nerd-vana. So I’m thinking of writing the show’s creators to see if they need any creative consultants. My chemistry professor friend can handle the science stuff. And I can be the nerd nurturer.
Goodness knows, we’ve both got plenty of experience! We might as well put it to good use.
