The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Second Season

With the traditional sitcom rapidly disappearing in favour of deadpan, single-camera comedies such as The Office and 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory is an unlikely winner. The thing about this idiosyncratic comedy of intelligence as minority group is that every episode is extremely amusing, only improving as the series ages. Season one introduced four socially awkward best friends ― three physicists and an engineer ― to a comely new actress neighbour named Penny (Kaley Cuoco). Much of the comedy stemmed from their literal interpretations of her colloquial expressions and Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) peculiar attempts to win her heart. Not a great deal changes in season two, aside from the fact that Penny is now just one of the guys, more comfortable with voicing her opinion and teasing when appropriate. But what the writers have realized is that her limited intellect and cowgirl sensibilities reach comic gold when juxtaposed with Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) emotionless, robotic, scientific approach to life. For example, an episode where Penny forwards Sheldon an email with "LOLCATS" and touches his onion rings leads to an all out war between the two, with Penny deliberately interfering with his strict schedule and Sheldon decorating telephone poles with her undergarments. More hilarity ensues when Sheldon tries to figure out the scientific formula for making friends and misses every possible cue from a female graduate student infatuated with him. Meanwhile, Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Howard (Simon Helberg) try to find the America's Next Top Model house, when not hitting on Summer Glau and trying to repair a malfunctioning space shuttle toilet. Notable guest appearances come from Sara Gilbert, as a fellow physicist, with a pragmatic approach to sexual relations, and Christine Baranski, as Leonard's psychiatrist mother, whose behaviour is surprisingly similar to Sheldon's. Special features on the four-disc DVD set are limited to a brief gag reel and supplements on characterizations, with interviews and clips, in addition to an interview with consulting scientist Dr. David Salzberg.