Two and a Half Men producer Chuck Lorre developed this sitcom, which debuted to reasonably favorable reviews and a respectably large audience but failed to expand on its initial premise in any meaningful way. The Big Bang Theory is a little Revenge of the Nerds and a little Malcolm in the Middle. Brainy but socially awkward young physicists Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) share an apartment and fritter away their spare time with fellow science geeks…until their well-ordered universe is thrown into a tizzy when attractive, free-spirited waitress Penny (Kaley Cuoco) moves in across the hall. Leonard is instantly smitten with the newly single blonde, but hasn't a clue how to go about winning her heart. Of course, he can't count on getting much help from Sheldon, a glass-half-empty type who sees any potential relationship with Penny ending badly—if it even gets started. Over the course of the 17 episodes from the 2007-08 first season compiled here, Leonard experiences his full share of advances and setbacks, with the writers mining the will-they-or-won't-they-get-together vein for progressively smaller nuggets of humor. Sheldon and Leonard are sweet and vulnerable, while Penny comes across as surprisingly affable—unlike a real-life hottie, of course, who wouldn't be caught dead within a hundred yards of these geeky, Star Trek-quoting brainiacs. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Optional. (E. Hulse)
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete First Season
Warner, 3 discs, 355 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 Volume 23, Issue 6
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete First Season
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