The Big Bang Theory: The Comic-Con Conundrum (10x17)

The two standard complaints I have about The Big Bang Theory are that it's lazy, and that it's frequently insulting in its apparent attempt to "deconstruct" stereotypes. This episode falls into the second category.

Cons:

The whole episode is centered around going to San Diego Comic-Con. Who's going? Who's not? Well, all the guys want to go, but there are obstacles. Bernadette wants Howard to prove himself by helping around the house in order to earn a trip with his friends. Raj can't afford the ticket now that he's on a strict budget, monitored by a gleeful Sheldon. And Leonard is having a problem, too. Penny is coming to Comic-Con, but Leonard doesn't think she'll have a good time. But guess what? Penny only wants to go to make Leonard happy! When they realize that neither of them actually wants Penny there, the issue is solved. In the end, Raj, Howard, and Leonard all decide not to go to Comic-Con this year, while Sheldon insists that he's going, and tries to cajole Amy into coming with him.

Holy gender stereotypes, Batman! Here's a newsflash that the folks over at The Big Bang Theory really need to get through their heads: girls like Comic-Con. Hell, I love Comic-Con. It's been a long-standing pet peeve of mine with this show that even with two nerd girl characters (Amy and Bernadette) we don't have a single female character who's in to pop culture, video games, tabletop RPGs, comic books, or even some of the more main-stream nerd pursuits like Star Wars. It's always this really gross thing where the guys are in to nerdy stuff, and the girls couldn't care less. That's simply not the reality of the situation! I'll spare you my feminist dissertation on the subject, but suffice it to say, dudes, your precious Star Trek would not have gotten off the ground if it weren't for letter-writing campaigns organized and participated in primarily by women. Grrrr.

And the gendered nonsense doesn't stop there. I hate that Bernadette and Howard's plot falls into the cliche of arguing over housework. Oh how hilarious to see Howard in an apron, doing chores around the house! God forbid!

Pros:

Raj's plot thread was, surprisingly, a real highlight. I like that we're actually sticking with his whole independence thing. Money is really tight for him right now, not because he can't afford basic amenities, but because he's used to living lavishly. The idea of Sheldon managing his budget is of course hilarious, and rife with comedic potential for the future.

I also liked the scene where Amy and Sheldon interfered in Leonard and Penny's business. When they realize that neither one of them wants Penny at Comic-Con, Sheldon wants to get involved, while Amy says that the issue is "between them." Sheldon's response? "If you haven't noticed, I've been 'between them' for the last ten years." That made me laugh, as it was a good reminder of the dynamic that made this show pretty funny once upon a time. I still think the interplay between Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard is where this show's potential heart really lies.

In conclusion, this episode annoyed the hell out of me. Even the message at the end, that the guys are all too grown up to go to Comic-Con, bothered me. It's a fun activity, and it's not immature to enjoy this kind of thing! Jeez! Whatever. This show sometimes. It really gets on my nerves.

5/10