Sorry for the lack of updates on the Top 100 Sitcom Episodes list. The final eight are on their way, but pre-election analysis is taking up a lot of time. In the meantime, tonight I subbed for another sitcom expert, Oliver Sava, in the A.V. Club's coverage of The Big Bang Theory. A taste:
This week NBC announced that Up All Night will be switching to a live-audience, multi-camera format. If they’re smart, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, and company will be studying The Big Bang Theory, remains the most expertly produced show in that sitcom subgenre right now.
“The Extract Obliteration” works wells as a multi-camera primer. Even for The Big Bang Theory, it’s a low-stakes episode, with no advancement of any story arc and no attempt at character development. Howard never mentions his space adventure, none of the three couples threaten to break up, and Raj still doesn’t come out of the closet (a development I’m skeptical will happen). The opening scene of Raj and Howard disco dancing seems to have no purpose other than to give us a good look at Raj’s treasure trail.
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