The Sexy Science of The Big Bang Theory: Essays on Gender in the SeriesNadineFarghaly and EdenLeone, Editors. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2015.

Abstract

Sexy of Big Bang Theory. Essays on Gender in the Series Nadine Farghaly and Eden Leone, Editors. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2015.This anthology examines what Big Bang Theory {BBT), a phenomenally successful television series, has to say about America's popular culture, especially in relation to sexual behavior.A few caveats for the reader. First off, writing about a current sitcom results in out-of-date analysis: none of the essays reflects character changes after May 2012, the end of the sixth season. That means that Leonard is about to leave for research on the North Sea; Sheldon is still studying string theory, while Amy is still studying Sheldon; Bernadette finally persuades Howard, whose mother still lives, to move in with her; and heartbroken Raj no longer needs booze to talk in front of women. Second, if you're looking for what-Ilike appreciation, celebrity gossip, or description of funniest clips, you've come to the wrong place. Here you'll find serious scholarship about scripted behavior of characters (their actors are irrelevant) from ten different viewpoints. results, as expected in any multi-authored anthology, are uneven. prose style ranges from conversationally compelling to academically dense; the discussion, from quick consensus to lively debate; the observations, from obvious to illuminating.Most of the essays focus on three women characters: Penny, Bernadette, and Amy. In the opening essay, Penny and the Politics of Plausibility, Raewyn Campbell argues that everything revolves around Penny, who stands in contrast to the social awkwardness of the scientists. Her common sense, physical attractiveness, and eye-rolling reactions translate nerdom for the audience. But she also raises questions about the femininity of women scientists. Does BBT allow women to be both sexy and smart? In Science in Stilettos, Lauren R. Archer stylishly says no; the show typically demeans brainy women for the sake of easy jokes. But in The American Female Dichotomy, Abigail G. Scheg, says yes, for the smart and sexy Bernadette; no, for the almost asexual Amy and the unintellectual Penny.Three essays deserve special mention for their quality. In The Big Theory on the (Not So) Bangin' Mother, Julia Spiegel (hers is the only essay that sees Leonard, not Penny, as the show's center) examines the treatment of Howard's mother. Spiegel's survey of the history of Jewish-mother humor is wide-ranging and instructive. …