Inside the Actors Studio

[Wisp]

I think TBBT is just one of those unfortunate shows that has suffered a popularity distortion. It got bloated over time (like Space said) and forgot what it was, and the romantic pairings they slotted in, presumably due to concern that the show would stagnate (The only time I smelled series gangrene was when these relationships were introduced to be honest, dicks) were poorly judged, yet inexplicably popular. I'd say the massive success went to the writers' heads and made them far too relaxed about the show. They don't have to impress anyone, because they're still hiding under the moniker of "smartest show on TV", which was only vaguely deserved in the early seasons, and a lot of people are just watching out of habit.

TBBT doesn't ever have to worry about being cancelled or getting bad reviews, because it's got so much frigging merchandise and the vast majority of critics and casual watchers still think the sun shines out of the show's arse. All the truly brilliant shows I can think of are the ones that divide audiences/critics and maintain a sense of risk that the show will be cut short by their channel/network. The actors, particularly Parsons, don't seem to be motivated at all anymore. The writing is depressingly inferior to their potential comedic talents (We've seen what you're all capable of!), so they're just gurning and reciting their lines without particularly giving a shit whether or not their character would actually SAY whatever they're saying, because they know the writers and the greasy-fingered casual watchers are not bothered either. Either that, or TPTB and the actors are completely oblivious to the decline and still think they are "liberating" the underdog with their lovely, quirky, geek-loving comedyyyy!!!!

I just want it to stop. I want them to do other shows with shrewd, caring writing. I want to be mesmerised by Jim Parsons again.