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The Big Bang Theory Season 8 DVD Review

The character dynamics save the eighth season of “The Big Bang Theory.”

In the 24 episode eighth season of “The Big Bang Theory,” the season places a greater emphasis on character growth and character dynamics. Among the plots you can expect to see this season are: Sheldon returning home after leaving in the season 7 finale, Penny getting a new pharmaceutical job, Sheldon starting a teaching gig, Howard throwing out a first pitch (if you want to call it that), Sheldon and Amy + Penny and Leonard + Raj and Emily + Howard and Bernadettes’s relationships, salt mine experiments, Sheldon’s “Fun With Flags” show, Raj’s parents divorcing, a space probe, an online troll, Girls Night Out trips, Stuart opening his new comic book store, science papers, the passing of Mrs. Wolowitz, Skywalker Ranch, Penny pondering acting, and Leonard making a graduation speech.

As with just about any long running series, “The Big Bang Theory” is starting to lose its luster in the eighth season. While the show’s dedication to exploring the characters and relationships more is clearly the highlight here, the humor is largely stale and corny. The comic hijinks feel especially tired since we all know how characters like Sheldon will respond to a situation now. Perhaps the biggest drawback, however, is Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting (who portrays Penny). As others have rightfully noted, Kaley looks entirely uninterested and complacent in playing Penny now. It no longer feels like she is trying and it shows in her line deliveries.

On the plus side, there are plenty of guest stars to liven the show up as they always have from season one. Fans can expect to see new stars and returning favorites such as Billy Bob Thornton, LeVar Burton, Laurie Metcalf, Wil Wheaton, Stephen Hawking, Kevin Smith (voice only), and Nathan Fillion.

On the subject of Nathan Fillion, it should be noted that the episode he appears in (“The Comic Book Store Regeneration”) is the best and most emotional episode of the season as it deals with the passing of Carol Ann Susi (who plays the voice of fan favorite Mrs. Wolowitz). There’s more to the story than just that, but that’s certainly the most pivotal plotline of the season.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen. How does it look? Even in standard definition the show looks crisp. It should be noted that this season set is also available on Blu-ray.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track handles the laugh track, dialogue, and music well.

Extras:
* Digital copy.
* “Shooting Stars: BBT On BBT”- An interview with Billy Bob Thronton about his guest appearance.
* “2014 Big Bang Theory Comic-Con Panel”- Craig Ferguson hosts this condensed 28 minute 2014 San Diego Comic Con Panel with a rather large guest line-up (and a few surprise guests).
* “Here’s To You, Carol Ann Susi”- A touching tribute to the late actress.
* “Constellation Prize: Chuck, Jim and Kaley Make The Hollywood Walk Of Fame”- The title says it all.
* A 7 minute gag reel.
* “It’s A Quark…It’s An Atom…It’s The #BBTSuperfans!”- An extra about the experiences of the 3 super fans that won a competition.

September 18, 2015 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Jim Parsons, Kevin Smith, Nathan Fillion, Stephen Hawking, The Big Bang Theory Season 8 DVD Review, Wil Wheaton