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The Big Bang Theory Season 6 Blu-ray Review

The sixth season of “The Big Bang Theory” is a slight improvement over season 5.

In the 24 episode sixth season, fans can expect to see plots about Howard’s adventures on a space station,  Penny and Leonard’s rocky relationship, Sheldon getting an assistant (Alex), a Halloween costume party, Sheldon and Stephen Hawking’s “friendship,” Sheldon’s parking spot debacle, Howard attempting to bond with Bernadette’s father, Dungeons & Dragons gameplays, Valentine’s Day, Leonard and Sheldon fighting over spoilers, Sheldon and Kripke working together, Raj dating Lucy, the girls going on a Disneyland trip, Sheldon ranting about the cancellation of “Alphas,” Penny taking an acting class, a letter from Howard’s father, a battle over a tenure position between Leonard, Sheldon and Kripke, a TV scientist (played by Bob Newhart) and Leonard getting a new job opportunity.

Over the past few seasons, “The Big Bang Theory” has been running out of creativity. The writers have desperately tried to keep characters (and relationships) fresh, but it’s evident there’s not much left in the tank (despite massive ratings for the CBS show). Season 6 may be a new season, but the end results are still the same here. Everything you’ve come to expect from ‘Theory’ is present here such as Sheldon’s eccentric behavior, an abundance of sexual innuendos, relationships having ups and downs, stereotypical jokes, clever cameos (like Wil Wheaton), etc. Now, as with every season, the show still has a number of memorable moments. “The Bakersfield Expedition” boasted a hilarious comic convention trip + a “Star Trek” photo shoot, “The Santa Simulation” offered up a mildly amusing D&D centric story, “The Proton Resurgence” featured a great Emmy award winning Bob Newhart guest appearance, and it was nice to see Raj having a new love interest (despite the fact that it may be short lived).

With all of that said, however, those enjoyable moments aren’t enough to sit through the clumsy dialogue and jokes and the often offensive male and female stereotypes. For a show about nerds and geeks, I don’t understand why one of the female characters can’t be interested in comic books and sci-fi. Yes, the female characters try to comprehend their passion for these subjects, but it’s offensive to the abundance of female genre fans and it’s insulting to the audience. It’s ridiculous that these hobbies and interests separate the genders in this show even if it for the purpose of storytelling. The show should be beyond that by now.

Video/Audio:

The series, which is presented in 1.78:1 1080p, is a definite improvement over the hi-def broadcasts on television. Just look at the crisp colors and you’ll see the difference is clear

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track delivers what you’d expect from a sitcom on Blu-ray- high quality laugh tracks, dialogue and music.

Extras:
* DVD copies and Ultraviolet digital copy.
* “The Big Bang Theory: The Final Comedy Frontier”- A featurette about Howard’s journey in the space station complete with interviews with Buzz Aldrin and Mike Massamino. There’s also a piece about a fan winning a trip to space.
* “Houston, We Have A Sitcom”- An extra about the cast skyping real-life astronaut Joe Acaba.
* “The Big Bang Theory At Paley Fest 2013”- Pauley Perrette hosts this joke-filled nearly half hour panel with  the 7 main cast members and 3 crew members (including Chuck Lorre). Discussions range from the show’s origins to a flash mob.
* A 9 minute gag reel.
* “Electromagnetism: The Best Relationship Moments In Season 6”- 4 segments in which cast members talk about their favorite relationship moments with Leonard and Penny, Sheldon and Amy, Howard and Bernadette, and Raj and Lucy.

Summary: Despite the fact that the quality of the show continues to slide, CBS will milk the show for all it’s worth. Longtime fans will likely still want to pick this set up, but if you’re a casual fan, stick with the early seasons instead.

September 15, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Bob Newhart, Leonard and Penny, Raj, Sheldon, Sitcom, The Big Bang Theory Season 6 Blu-ray Review, Wil Wheaton