Thumbs Down to The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is currently my favorite television sit-com. Well written, well acted with huge laugh out loud moments each week. Although most television shows fade just a little as seasons go by, the CBS comedy has been able to add new elements and characters to keep the show fresh. The Big Bang Theory is a rare of example of a show that has actually has gotten better with each season. I am not one of those people who wants every television character to be gay. TV forums and messages boards are filled with posters wanting certain characters, man already established as straight, to be turned gay. I want well thought out, defined characters. Creating a gay character just for the sake of it, is no better than having a token 'minority' best friend or neighbour. One of my favorite gay television characters was Kevin on Brothers & Sisters. Although his sexuality was a strong part of his character, it did not dominate all of his story or relationships with others.

There many obvious pros and cons to making Raj gay. Although the show has written him as outwardly straight, they have also written enough character traits within Raj to make his homosexually make complete sense. Raj, and actor Kunal Nayyar, have always been frankly, a bit of a third (forth) wheel on the show. Not as funny, nor as interesting, as most of the other larger characters. Having Raj come out would have set the character apart, allowing Nayyar to shine separately from his fellow cast members, adding yet another new element. Instead, they have followed suit this season, giving him a quirky girlfriend.

I am a bit disappointed the writers chose to give Raj a girlfriend this season. I am not bothered the show did not come out and actually make him gay, I am sure there were many pressures not to do this. Given the world Big Bang is set in however, it is not uncommon to find men who are gay, straight as well as many a bit sexually stunted and confused. They have covered the straight, (Leonard, Howard) they have covered the sexually stunted (Sheldon), it might have been nice if Raj covered the gay, or at least confused.

Lucy, Raj's current girlfriend. is very much like a quieter knock off of Amy and not nearly as interesting, or funny. Why copy the same relationship pattern as already done with the other three male leads? Earlier in the season, the show toyed, or teased, that Raj and comic book store owner Stuart (Kevin Sussman) might be entering into a physical relationship. It is disappointing the show did to pursue this, not because I need Raj to be gay but because it was brave and could have potentially been huge. Raj and Stuart, trying to maneuver their way through a relationship would have been so watchable, and followed the patter of adding new elements each season instead of the tired, and already been done, relationship with Lucy.