by Ginger Voight

Created on: August 10, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

It happened one unassuming Monday night. The TV happened to be left on a station I don't normally watch, and I happened to catch two of my favorite actors (Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert) from one of my favorite shows (Roseanne) acting on a new show together.

On impulse I decided to leave it on this show I'd never before seen. Little did I know, it would change the course of all future Mondays to come.

Like a bolt of lightning, I fell in love.

The object of my affection charmed me not with sexual prowess or even physical appeal. He was funny - but accidentally.

He's also someone who, if I knew them in person, I'd likely strangle within five minutes. He's annoying and often infuriating. But one thing cannot be disputed. Dr. Sheldon Cooper is the most original character currently on television.

"The Big Bang Theory" is CBS's ode to all things Geek. Comic books? Check. Video games? Check. Sci fi references with dutiful reverence? Check. Where else on TV can you play a rousing game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock?" What used to be reserved for the sacred sanctuary of the annual Comic Con is now trotted out for our amusement every Monday evening, complete with four geeks de jour.

Roseanne's Johnny Galecki stars as Leonard Hofstadter, a socially stunted physicist who shares his CA apartment with Sheldon, who is not only stunted, he's socially paralyzed. In fact, he's the human equivalent of a super computer - he's wickedly smart in everything aside from the mechanics of human relationships.

Rounding out this nerd posse include horny would be ladies man Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and his complete opposite Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar). They are all happily trundling along in their routines when beautiful, outgoing Penny (Kaley Cuoco) moves in next door to Leonard and Sheldon.

Leonard's crush notwithstanding, Penny does her part to fit into this dorky motley crew, and that's where the fun begins.

Particularly with Sheldon, who hasn't a clue how to navigate through this new friendship dynamic.

This comedy works on many levels. The first of which is the strength of the writing. It may poke fun at the dork in all of us, but it does so with affection. It also proves smart can be funny, and races head and shoulders above all the other typical sitcoms.

The actors take this torch and reach even higher, specifically Jim Parsons, Sheldon's alter ego. This Texas son walks that careful balance of being the straight man who can also deliver the most side splitting antics of the show.

The character of Sheldon itself is not wise cracking; he simply reacts in a way that is typically unexpected or out of left field, which shines up each episode like a new penny.

His accomplishment is so impressive that he has snagged an Emmy nomination for his picture perfect portrayal.

So if you're looking for something to pick you up out of the Monday blues, might I humbly suggest the genius that is The Big Bang Theory and Jim Parsons' Sheldon Cooper.

It's a show that makes Geek the new Cool.

And you may never look at Mondays the same way again.

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