Representations of Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory

This article was downloaded by: [Mayka Reis] On: 10 July 2015, At: 15:25 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG Journal of Popular Film and Television Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vjpf20 Representations of Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory a Heather McIntosh a Department of Communication Arts, Notre Dame University of Maryland Published online: 17 Dec 2014. Click for updates To cite this article: Heather McIntosh (2014) Representations of Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory, Journal of Popular Film and Television, 42:4, 195-204, DOI: 10.1080/01956051.2014.896779 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01956051.2014.896779 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions This article first discusses the representations of scientists across media genres. Episode: The Holographic Excitation. if any. those challenges remain short-lived in light of the situation comedy’s goals to entertain while reinforcing the status quo. scientists. Focusing on Bernadette and Amy.tandfonline. gender roles. com/vjpf. Keywords: The Big Bang Theory. 2012. highlighting the differences created by the situation comedy. Debuting in 2007. this article then analyzes these characters as representations of female scientists through their professional roles. representations of female scientists. the situation comedy genre historically has offered few. TV Series.896779 Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.1080/01956051. and intelligence. Photo courtesy of CBS/Photofest. The Big Bang Theory thus offers a unique opportunity to explore these representations within that genre. By Heather McIntosh Abstract: The Big Bang Theory offers a unique opportunity to explore the representations of female scientists within the situation comedy. Kaley Cuoco. situation comedy U NLIKE SCIENCE FICTION AND POLICE PROCEDURALS. female scientists.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 Representations of Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory (CBS).2014. . 2012–2013. Mayim Bialik. LLC DOI: 10. gender roles. Shown from left: Melissa Rauch. It concludes by suggesting that while on the surface there is some challenging and even undermining of these stereotypes. Season 6. The Big Bang Theory follows the nerdy adventures of four scientist friends: in195 Copyright © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group. Airdate: October 25. and others—appear regularly throughout television programming. and children’s educational programs. Children’s programming further features scientists. According to Holderman. domi- $ Within nonfiction programming. a waitress and aspiring actress from Nebraska who wields popular culture references the same way the men wield scientific theories. his roommate applied physicist Leonard Hofstadter. or warm when compared to other television characters (Gerbner 41–44). The first theme to emerge is the dominance of males and masculinity in science (Steinke 35). these fiction representations overall showed the scientists in a positive light. but not all programs or audiences respect that expertise. “MediaConstructed” 49). but these scientists still overall were not as commonly represented as other professions (Dudo et al. The second theme demonstrates the disparity in valuing the abilities of male and female scientists. those challenges re- main short-lived in light of the situation comedy’s goals to entertain while reinforcing the status quo. Steinke et. but these characters still failed to become as popular as other characters on these shows (Gerbner 41–44). 763).D. nance. This article begins with a brief discussion about representations of scientists in media genres. Dudo and colleagues conducted a more recent content analysis (2000–2008) to see if any changes had occurred. and lands a good-paying job with a major pharmaceutical company. Amy Farrah Fowler begins her role as a blind date for Sheldon Cooper. Furthermore. Representations of Female Scientists in Media Scientists of all types—doctors. scientists often appear for their expertise. A more specific framework for analyzing female scientists emerges when drawing on studies across fiction genres. They also found that scientists were more likely to be “good” (Dudo et al. When the scientists get caught trying to unravel some seemingly complicated puzzle. role-playing and video games. chemists. including scientists. These appearances and audience reactions to them vary form genre to genre. the public trust in them declines (Limoges 424 as cited in Boyce 890). Penny provides the laughs in suggesting the “obvious” solution. forensics experts. their gender roles. Focusing on Bernadette and Amy. and engineer Howard Wolowitz. and pursue varied interests such as comic books. The Big Bang Theory introduced more regular female characters as love interests for the main characters. In their review of the literature. and overall using short screen and speaking times (51–55). and science fiction shows. and she holds a Ph. alone. While noting the significant changes in television programming since Gerbner’s study. with the remaining scientists being considered “mixed” (Dudo et al. In contrast with talk shows. Within nonfiction programming. astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali. scientists in general were shown less frequently than other occupations such as doctors or law enforcement personnel (Gerbner 41–44). 762). such as Bill Nye The Science Guy. Both Amy and Bernadette befriend Penny. scientists often appear for their expertise. sociable. as their use in programs increases. female scientists were considered “good” nine out of 10 times. She later marries Howard Wolowitz. Dudo and colleagues found that scientists were more likely to be male than female and were more likely to be white than of other ethnic groups (761). While we might think that their increased use in news programs would affirm people’s views. the scholarship on their representations in fiction programming garners a little more depth of inquiry. highlighting the differences created by the situation comedy. al examined middle-schoolers’ responses to the scientists in these and other shows using traits such as “intelligence. experts. Balancing out these four scientists is Sheldon and Leonard’s neighbor Penny. instead. Amy and Bernadette appear most frequently and with the most developed storylines. 762). talk shows. While other female scientists do appear briefly throughout the series. introducing them late in the show. These four friends hold esteemed degrees. biologists. The Big Bang Theory offers a unique moment to explore the representations of female scientists within the situation comedy. The article concludes by suggesting that while on the surface some challenging and even undermining of these stereotypes do appear. This dominance leads to observations of the lack of female scientists in various media (Steinke et al.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 196 JPF&T—Journal of Popular Film and Television tellectually gifted theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper. she eventually becomes Sheldon’s girlfriend. work at the same university. Gerbner conducted one of the first content analyses of representations of scientists. in neurobiology and works in a lab at another university. 165). remain a staple part of these programs. interrupting them when speaking. kite fighting. while Flicker notes the strong presence of male scientists in film (308). While previous scholarship generally considers audiences’ reactions to the representations of scientists and experts within non-fiction programming. I then analyze these characters’ representations within the contexts of representations of scientists. For news. and their intelligence. talk shows accomplish this distrust through using experts in small numbers. Bernadette Rostenkowski starts her role as a student of microbiology working as a waitress who later earns her Ph. More specifically. After much awkwardness. Long and colleagues ex- . but not all programs or audiences respect that expertise. physicists. Talk shows continue this distrust of experts by downplaying intellectuals’ contributions while playing up individual experiences (Holderman. Starting with the third and fourth seasons.D. focusing specifically on their professional roles. and he found that these characters exhibited features of intelligence but overall remained less attractive. and respected” (172) and found the overall response favorable. Nonfiction programming includes news. These characters frequently fall in love with and marry male characters. and Howard) are brought together through work. the female scientists do experience challenges and dismissals from their male colleagues (Steinke 47–48). a female scientist only can succeed at home life or work life. she still asserts how the show relies on hegemonic devices that reinforce gender roles within the newsroom “family” and within other female . but their emotions become part of the problems in dramatic arcs (312). Sitcoms reflect the changing social values of different times and eras (Mittell 254). On the surface. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977) follows Mary Richards in her career as an associate producer and later producer in a Minneapolis television newsroom. such as housekeeper and child care-taker as in I Love Lucy (1951–1957). though. A third theme centers on work-life balance. While the potential exists for commenting on and possibly even changing how these ideas get represented.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory 197 plain how female scientists’ capabilities get downplayed while their ineptitude gets played up in professional settings. but their locations remain primarily in the domestic ones. “Hegemony” 262–63). and gay couples adopting children (Modern Family). The Big Bang Theory seems progressive in that it represents female scientists alongside male scientists in ways that value their intelligence and professional achievements. Dow acknowledges that while some critics hailed the show as feminist in its representations of Mary. though. Family Matters). Steinke and colleagues’ study refers to only two situation comedies. Flicker calls these women “the naïve expert. al’s study includes The Simpsons and Friends. Flicker concludes. At the same time. mixed sex. though they less frequently have children (Steinke 49–52). successful African-American families (The Cosby Show. “The point of the hegemonic perspective is not that television never changes—it clearly does—but that it is less progressive than we think. stylish. Sitcoms fall into two broad types: domestic comedies and workplace comedies (Mittell 249). These main male characters appear in both work and domestic settings throughout the show. and Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963). the situation comedy instead mostly reinforces the hegemonic underpinnings and thus the status quo (Dow. Long et. and their intelligence. The comedy allows the genre to address taboo subjects through the show’s humor and story lines. as some of these subversive ideas still get re- tained and reincorporated back into the show. dramas. or the woman who exhibits extreme competence in her work yet still suffers from the lack of recognition or romance (315–16). along with cartoons.” these naïve experts might make some contributions to science. and the fourth (Sheldon) is added to the group when he and Leonard become roommates. The Simpsons and Friends. Steinke analyzes filmic representations of how female scientists are represented as attractive. the situation comedy offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of these representations in terms of female scientists through their professional roles. Even within these teams. Unlike other television genres. According to Dow. unmarried couples living together (Three’s Company. but not both (Edwards 122). with the location determining the types of people and their interactions. The valuing of female attractiveness becomes the fourth theme. New Girl). particularly for women. however. The three main female characters do appear in the work situations at different times. 359). “Hegemony” 263). though. “Hegemony” 264). The medium adjusts to social change in a manner that simultaneously contradicts or undercuts a progressive premise” (Dow. but the authors exclude them from the findings because of the low numbers (179). their gender roles. in that they offer a greater diversity of roles (Lotz 139). These domestic restrictions limited the range of opportunities and expression available in that these women received little power and supported others in their roles as wives and mothers (Dow. and fashionable (39). in that female scientists struggle to find equilibrium (Long et al. the hegemonic underpinnings suggest a development and reinforcement of these female scientists not as professionals but as through their expected gender roles. The Big Bang Theory represents a cross of these two subgenres in that three of the original characters (Leonard. These representations shifted during the 1970s and 1980s when more situation comedies featured women with careers and relocated their settings to workplaces. Murphy Brown). situation comedies push the boundaries of representations. and educational shows (360). these representations cast these women as leaders of projects or research or as mutual partners in a research team though frequently working with male colleagues (Steinke 44). Female scientists also struggle to engage in romantic relationships. Femininity and success. Professional Roles A professional role refers to a character’s job or occupation outside the home. In the end. On the one hand. “femininity and intelligence can both be completely developed. The Brady Bunch (1969–1974). The hegemonic boundary is permeable. Roles for female characters in early sitcoms were domestic ones. sometimes highlighting their lack of skills (359). A hegemonic tension operates throughout situation comedies and provides a flexible boundary along which these tensions humorously play out. are mutually exclusive” (316). What the the naïve expert lacks in knowledge she makes up for in appearance (Flicker 312). few focus on scientists generally and female scientists specifically in situation comedies. At the same time. Raj. though. such as with showing a single woman focusing on her career (The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Flicker refers to the lonely heroine. the situation comedy warrants further delineation for understanding how genre shapes these representations of female scientists. Television genres scholar Jason Mittell defines the situation comedy as featuring “an established setting and small group of ongoing characters who each week encounter lowstakes comedic mishaps that are happily resolved by the end of the half-hour episode” (248). As one of the most popular and recognizable television genres. then. Among all these studies. setting up the classic plot situation of the boyfriend trying to find a way to make up his poor behavior to his girl- . This announcement becomes an opportunity to deride Howard (yet again) for his lack of Ph. “Femininity” 152–53). in particular. Her achievement.” Bernadette misses a key event because she remains under quarantine for possible yellow fever because of drinking out of contaminated petri dishes. however. Within this space she engages in activities related to scientific inquiry.” Sheldon decides to take his mandatory vacation in Amy’s lab. One. On one of those nights in “The Shiny Trinket Maneuver. Amy asserts that her work is suitable for the “two-photon” microscope she is using. Amy’s discussions of her expertise and her work appear more frequently throughout the show. Bernadette never appears in her own lab. “Femininity” 147). She visits Leonard’s lab to learn more about his experiment. however.D. After Sheldon and Amy begin dating. this setting becomes the lab. however.D. While discussions of work become one way to show their professional roles. wherein she subjects him to cleaning beakers and counting phenomena. she smiles hugely and denies it. such as slicing through brain specimens before examining them under a microscope. Both Bernadette and Amy earn recognition for their achievements in their fields. they almost always function to reinforce the dominant social values informing those issues (Dow. At the end of season 4. The “scientific” explanations for her notable absences also become points of humor. For example. The show introduces Amy as a professional scientist already.. and Amy’s referrals to animal behavior studies help explain their reactions and suggest their suitable responses. We laugh as Sheldon continues to assert the importance of followers on Twitter while he ignores Amy’s accomplishment. For example.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 198 JPF&T—Journal of Popular Film and Television relationships (Dow. Amy suggests that Bernadette’s catty responses are “hard wired” and cites studies that note how “flinging waste” is suitable behavior against a potential threat. such as through her comments about the mishaps and mistakes that occur within the lab and that sometimes cross ethical lines. Humor within situation comedies serves two key functions beyond evoking laughs within the audience. “Femininity” 147). however.” Amy shares that her single-author study has been accepted as the cover article in the key publication for her field—no small achievement in that it validates her work as a scientist. they agree to semiregular date nights. and Amy refers to scientific studies about animals enacting revenge on others to regain power. In the fourth season Leonard begins dating Priya. their addictive behaviors. in “The Justice League Recombination. but also her confidence in her work. which focused on a 40-something. Her knowledge frequently becomes a way to explain certain types of gendered behavior. their performances of their work. and she then announces being recruited by a pharmaceutical company and getting paid a “buttload” of money. but Amy gets upset at Sheldon’s disregard for her. Amy. differs between the two characters. these “comedic strategies” highlight social issues (Dow. These contributions’ significance. they both have the potential to contribute to the discussions among the friends about their own work and to share their own observations based on scientific inquiry.” for example. In “The Agreement Dissection. another way lies in showing these characters performing their professional roles in a work setting. becomes more complicated with The Big Bang Theory through representations of Bernadette and Amy. though video chats show her in an office. Two. Bob Tahecin. and she visits Raj and Howard when Raj seeks to study an astronomical phenomenon. In particular. Dow demonstrates how the character’s qualities bring her career success while they also cripple her ability to sustain a relationship and start a family (Dow. In “The Vacation Solution. In a discussion with Penny and Bernadette about Priya in “The Zarnecki Incursion. these nuances appear through their discussions of their areas of expertise and their careers. she mentions making a pinky swear with her colleagues about crossing the ebola virus with the common cold virus. and their tumors. She often comments on working with monkeys and examining their emotions. Priya represents a problem for Penny and Sheldon in different ways. Since both Bernadette and Amy are scientists. As much as Murphy Brown represents another potential feminist character. Bernadette. the implications of which could be catastrophic. When Howard questions her about the wisdom of doing so. Another definitive show appeared in the 1980s with Murphy Brown. Then-Vice-President Dan Quayle even derided the show for its erosion of family values (Crotty 1–2). who is a lawyer and Rajesh’s sister and who is arguably more intellectually suitable for Leonard than Penny. becomes a comedic catalyst for the episode’s remaining scenes. Sheldon critiques her brain slicing in “The Alien Parasite Hypothesis. Even though Sheldon asserts his expertise in science and even in biology. The professional aspirations for female characters thus become an opportunity for ridicule within situation comedies. Throughout the entire series. Bernadette announces that she successfully defended her dissertation and earned her Ph. appears in her own lab. career-driven woman working as a successful anchor. This reinforcing of dominant values. becomes the “the naïve expert” (Flicker 312) in these situations. Sheldon uses this knowledge to blackmail Leonard into successfully signing a new roommate agreement. and his less-significant career. while these strategies possess the potential to appear subversive or progressive. “Hegemony” 271). Because Bernadette and Amy work as scientists.” Sheldon finds Priya’s undoing of his roommate agreement on legal grounds impossible to live with. and their external recognitions for their achievements. Amy quickly shows the gaps in his knowledge and abilities and asserts not only her expertise. once mentioning her experience in the neuroscience field running 12 years so far.” Sheldon boasts that he has reached 100 followers on the social networking site Twitter and that he created a palindrome in his alphabet cereal that morning with “Nice hat.” and instead accepting his criticism. Yet. 359). As Sheldon takes comfort in his superior knowledge. The Mary Tyler Moore Show shows a working woman who remains single throughout the series and continues to advance her career. while women catered to supporting men’s needs. her scientific career provides income that offers Howard a comfortable life. Sheldon buys her a tiara. though. friend. Even though the 1950s saw two different kinds of females—the “zany” and the more reserved (Mock 33)—both still remained at home. Melissa Rauch. These moments offer times for laughter just as Bernadette’s misdeeds so. and even then. The comments evoke laughter about these mistakes. independent lawyer who pursues her career before her relationships. but these careers become fodder for the developments of their relationships. Airdate: October 18. engages in ongoing projects. The male’s power came not only from earn- The Big Bang Theory (CBS). Her knowledge validates gendered behavior. he needs an intellectual equal. Into the 1990s other shows appeared to offer some challenges to the hegemonic representations of gender roles. Bernadette’s career and achievements only get spoken of. Even with that credibility. In the case of Amy. but her ineptitude and possible unethical behavior prevent her from reaching that balance between work and home lives (Long et al. ing potential but also from career gains and assumed authority. Following those divisions. which border on potentially dangerous outcomes (such as crossing viruses) or on careless practices (such as celebrating with contaminated beakers). Episode: The Re-Entry Minimization. and reasserts values of Gender Roles Traditional situation comedies followed rather rigid gender roles in that men were cast as the breadwinners and women as the homemakers. she remains vulnerable to skewering that occurs through gender roles in a situation comedy. wherein her pushing those boundaries of her husband’s work and their home life became opportunities for humor. Her naïvete is revealed through her mistakes in the lab. which he finds and even admits to in Amy. While both Bernadette and Amy possess achievements as scientists as part of their characters. though her relationships become focal points for plotlines. but her achievements become catalysts for her own gendered behavior. sharp contrasts appear in those representations. Amy’s career and achievements are more serious and carry more weight in that she appears in a lab setting. She makes for an interesting contrast with Sheldon in that while he perpetually brags about his future Nobel Prize. 2012–2013. Amy mentions her continuing studies. but these careers become fodder for the developments of Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 their relationships. Bernadette’s and Amy’s $ scientific careers set them up as suitable partners for their accomplished boyfriends. those mentions usually bear some comedic implications to them either at her or Howard’s expense. The 1960s saw a representational shift with more women working. Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory 199 but the outcome is the same. men exercised the power over the family. Ouellette and Dubrofsky situated McBeal within the questions of postfeminism. Amy finds ways to undercut that superiority. Bernadette’s and Amy’s scientific careers set them up as suitable partners for their accomplished boyfriends. but Amy holds more credibility. but an awkwardness about them remains. though her job situation gets “explained” through her husband’s death in the Vietnam War. regularly uses her knowledge to educate others. the situation appears more complicated on the surface. which dismisses the concerns of the 1970s feminist movement. and even challenges Sheldon on the grounds of her own discipline. In the case of Bernadette. With Penny’s help. For Sheldon to engage in a relationship with a woman. Shown from left: Simon Helberg. which Amy adores. . She even maintains the dedication to her work by refusing to take Sheldon on errands. Photo courtesy of CBS/Photofest. The “zany” is perhaps best exhibited by Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy (1951–1957). TV Series. Ally McBeal (1997–2002) features a young. 2012. Season 6. such as in the ground-breaking Julia (1968–1971). offers moral support over the phone. the show represents four friends with careers. Dow focuses her argument on three hegemonic devices: family roles. On the one hand. Bernadette remains supportive of Howard and his career. In The Big Bang Theory these roles fail to flow fluidly for either Bernadette or Amy. the opportunity seemingly exists to represent women in different gender roles and with the different opportunities that might come with them. “Hegemony” 265–66). “Hegemony” 267). Bernadette frequently adopts more traditionally masculine roles within the relationship. and even sends fresh underwear at his request.500 he invested in the printer and she puts him on an allowance. even though Howard does work.” The basis for her argument comes back to her earning more money than Howard does. and the situation comedy genre (“Hegemony” 264). Bernadette’s solution to the problem of child is an interesting one. the show features these women looking for long-term relationships (despite whatever reservations they express along the way) and even families (Brasfield 132). Dow asserts that The Mary Tyler Moore Show offered an initial response to the changes brought on by the feminist movements starting in the 1960s (“Hegemony” 261). For example. Without the domestic and familycentered plots of the traditional situation comedies. The show never specifies the exact or even estimated amount of the difference. and accommodates others when called on (Dow. though the role sometimes becomes a competition with his mother. One drill forces him to survive in the wild overnight. At one point the experience sounds so awful she packs up and goes to his hotel room to help him through the difficulties of the training. the sense of being female and assuming feminine gender roles . The daughter relationship occurs when she seeks advice and approval from her boss Lou Grant about various situations (Dow. Dow argues that Mary’s “family” consisted of her coworkers. In “The Cooper / Kripke Inversion. He reveals his expectations of Bernadette quickly: doing his laundry. Bernadette frequently adopts more traditionally masculine roles within the relationship. Bernadette listens to his complaining and his fears. Howard panics about everything from the zero-gravity training and the launch to the weightlessness on the space station itself. she is the breadwinner. Though Howard attempts to place Bernadette $ within specific gender roles as homemaker and mother. Dow’s analysis of The Mary Tyler Moore Show provides a starting point for considering the gender roles among the female scientists on The Big Bang Theory. She makes Howard get back the $2. the one with the important career that supports them both. but after a fight with his mother. as Howard consistently expects her during their courtship and engagement to take over roles his mother performed for him. until she learns how much the printer cost. For one. and in particular she casts Mary “in terms of her three major roles: daughter. same-sex relationships. wife.000 three-dimensional printer. but on the other hand. which features four independent women working and living in New York City. While Mary remained single and childless throughout the series. This support appears in particular in “The Werewolf Transformation” when Howard trains to become an astronaut and eventually launches into space to spend three weeks on a space station. All three roles hinder Mary’s supposed independence in that she seeks others’ approval. and mother” (“Hegemony” 265). and Bernadette claims that his leaving makes her feel “cheap. and Howard actually questions whether her dislike is a deal-breaker. places their problems above her own. but instead relies on exaggeration to convey.” Bernadette reveals her disgust of children when she helps Howard with a magic show. when her father demands Howard sign a prenuptial agreement because Bernadette makes that much more money than he does (“The Vacation Solution”). Drawing on the work of Todd Gitlin. shopping for string cheese and detergent. and Howard moves back home. but her comments make clear her reluctance even to have children of her own.” Howard and Raj purchase a $5. suggesting the damages that might occur as a result. Bernadette initially likes them. after an evening of love-making in “The Cohabitation Formulation.” Howard leaves because he helps his mother in the morning. with which they make a plastic whistle and dolls. For Amy. As much as she assumes the breadwinner role. however. “Hegemony” 266–67). Bernadette struggles with the gender role expectations of homemaker and mother the most. he decides to move in with Bernadette. and then she yells at him for being irresponsible. Dow explores the hegemonic forces at work within the show. Though Howard attempts to place Bernadette within specific gender roles as homemaker and mother. The mother and wife relationships occur through Mary’s functions as a nurturer and a caretaker (Dow. When Howard surprises her with the toys. Hammers in particular expresses concern over postfeminist representations such as the ones offered by Ally McBeal. and he gets spooned by an armadillo and eats a butterfly. only to find his mother already there running a bath for him.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 200 JPF&T—Journal of Popular Film and Television the feminine and femininity alongside the ideas that women no longer need worry about unequal status with men. Other hints to his potential fiscal irresponsibility come before their wedding at the end of season five. In “The Shiny Trinket Maneuver. She also manages the budget and keeps Howard in line about not spending money frivolously.” Howard gets up to go home. and taking him to the dentist. Bernadette resists these impositions. Despite these tensions. She proposes Howard stay home and pull cereal out of noses and watch children’s television while she works and “has conversations with adults and enjoys her life. Bernadette also assumes a caretaker role. Another show that drew mixed critical responses similar to Ally McBeal is Sex and the City. she resists. Long et al. this bringing forward of intelligence as a character type into fiction television makes for an interesting break with cultural attitudes toward intelligence in the United States. which he ducks out on in order to spend the weekend playing video games in “The Weekend Vortex. masculine role. Yet. in part because her relationship with Sheldon remains awkward and unclear in its trajectory. Despite these lists of general characteristics. however. though saying she should have gotten a lawyer before signing the agreement. or used scientific equipment to analyze material” (174). the roles of caretaker and mother offer little to no appeal. The agreement generally favors Sheldon. and Super Mario Bros.” Early in the relationship in “The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition. Intelligence A key trait often associated with scientists is intelligence. which he dismisses as boring. exhibiting social awkwardness or aversion. whose intelligence frequently becomes his excuse for his social awkwardness. she invites Sheldon to a relative’s birthday party. For both Amy and Bernadette the gender role expectations occur outside work and within the domestic spaces of the various characters on the show. Hofstadter cites scientists as one group struggling with these attitudes found not only in the general public. More specifically. and 201 even her expectations of him. his video game playing. though out of it Amy gets the benefit of a monthly date night and some reluctant hand-holding. Amy reminds him the proper behavior is accepting the invitation and going. announcing their intellects.” In “The Launch Acceleration” she draws on theories of neuroscience in order to transfer Sheldon’s affectionate feelings from some areas of his life to her. explained or used specialized terminology. she. music. which becomes part of story arcs in that it factors into the motivations moving the stories forward to their resolutions. under the agreement Amy lies about being ill in order to gain attention from Sheldon. “What do you want me to do about it?” Sheldon then cites the Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory $ For Amy. Less traditionally. Furthermore. agreement and she obliges. Amy desires a more traditional relationship than what Sheldon currently offers. fluctuating depending on the intellectuals’ public prominence (6). Amy also offers a domesticating force on Sheldon. Sheldon refers to a time when Amy used her thumb to wipe jelly from his face.” which outlines the parameters of their behaviors and expectations of each other. Though. In “The Thespian Catalyst. Penny later invites him to see her perform in a play. spouting obscure facts. but also within the government (11–12). Furthermore. but Sheldon remains avoidant or clueless about those conventions. but when the roles are thrust upon her. under the relationship agreement. and even overusing logic. 359). too. she still attempts to normalize Sheldon into a more traditional. She has no trouble offering the support. retains an awkardness related to intelligence.” Sheldon finds Amy and announces he has a splinter.” Penny helps Sheldon with his “Fun with Flags” videos. story lines. but she struggles in her relationship with and marriage to Howard. Amy is expected to take care of Sheldon. He points to the public celebrating of scientists such as Thomas Edison for his practical (if determined) achievements while overlooking the theoretical accomplishments of Josiah Willard Gibbs. Their situations come back to the ideas that rarely do professional women succeed both at home and at work (Flicker 316. Steinke and colleagues offer this definition of intelligence: “Characters exhibited intelligence when they made factual statements or offered opinions about why a phenomenon may have happened. and. and he soon admits (to Leonard. strawberry Quik. which results in chest rubs. his gendered expectations of her. For Bernadette. She makes a special dinner just for Sheldon with some of his favorite things. and it was an action that they both regretted. We see her desire in some traditional and some clever ways. she assumes a more traditional masculine role in that she is the breadwinner and the financial manager. her relationship with Sheldon fluctuates constantly and regularly comes up short on intimacy. whose work changed understandings of . as punishment for the lying. offered suggestions on how to proceed with an experiment. it is important to remember that intelligence remains difficult to define neatly as it cuts across character types. Still. this questioning of and resistance to intellectuals pervades the country’s history. She regularly explains to him the proper ways to behave in particular situations. a spanking—all of which she ultimately enjoys in her own way (“The Fish Guts Displacement”). baths. the traditional gender role of caretaker in particular becomes a way in which to get and keep Sheldon’s attention. the traditional gender role of caretaker in particular becomes a way in which to get and keep Sheldon’s attention. In “The Monster Isolation. Caretaker functions start as awkwardness between the two and ultimately become part of the formal relationship agreement. As Richard Hofstadter explains in Anti-Intellectualism in American Life. and identity categories.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 becomes less fluid and less neatly defined. including spaghetti with cut-up hot dogs in it. which suggests her power in the relationship. explained how a process worked. Among his extensive evidence. Bernadette earns significant income. For Amy these tensions play out according to the work-life imbalance. Intelligent characters exhibit similar characteristics. More traditionally. Early in their friendship. at least as outlined in a section about “booboos and ouchies.” Amy suggests Sheldon’s failure as a teacher comes back to his difficulties in interacting with people. such as his frivolous spending. his attachment to his mother. the two establish a formal “boyfriend-girlfriend” relationship that is bound by a “relationship agreement. and Amy responds. While her work life remains a success. For Amy. such as possessing multiple degrees. anyway) that he finds himself thinking more often about Amy and even her dandruff. Despite this missing of wordplay. but she is not depicted entirely positively. Kunal Nayyar. physical chemistry (Hofstadter 25–26). “A Jewish stand-up comedian. intelligence manifests in multiple ways throughout the show. Photo courtesy of CBS/Photofest.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 The Big Bang Theory (CBS). even though research from The Manhattan Project resulted in the creation of the atomic bomb. thinks that a laser situated on Earth can destroy the moon and finds Archie comics compelling reading. Television representations of intelligence in females further suggest ambivalence. outsiders. I think a lot of them are Jewish. He also points out how the Department of Defense remained skeptical that science could contribute to military advancement during the 1950s (Hofstadter 11). Inness further cites Daria (1997– 2002) and Willow Rosenberg of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) as other characters who experience similar wary reactions from other characters (4– 5).” Howard attempts to clarify his point but abandons the idea. Zack. An intelligent female character never quite appears as a normal or wholly accepted part of the social scenes within a show. Shown from left: Kaley Cuoco.” Bernadette asks. “Couldn’t you just fool around with him . TV Series.” Howard replies drolly. particularly when one character exercises it at the expense of another character. Airdate: December 13. Since the basic premise of The Big Bang Theory centers on an intelligent group of friends. “He just didn’t really challenge me on an intellectual level.” Bernadette tells him. Melissa Rauch. prevents that acceptance. While the show develops backstory of Bernadette and her accomplishments. “You’re so funny. “Actually. Bernadette admits to downplaying her intelligence so that Howard feels more masculine in “The Alien Parasite Hypothesis. The normalizing functions of the situation comedy suggest some reinforcement of Edwards’ dichotomy. such as anyone else over Sheldon. being too studious and serious when compared with her brother Bart” (4). Early in their dating as seen in “The Vengeance Formulation. Edwards hones the description further with how smart female characters “are celebrated for their intelligence and career success yet condemned for how they depart from traditional gender roles in their private lives” (122). “Lisa Simpson of The Simpsons is one of the most influential smart female characters on television. According to Sherri Inness. possibly with other qualities. it becomes a point of humor. Mayim Bialik. perhaps more amusingly. or even invisibility (Innes 4–5).” In a scene with Penny and Amy at a restaurant. That’d be new. Bernadette and Amy exhibit intelligence in different ways. 2012–2013. Penny mentions she no longer dates Zack because he fails to meet her on an intellectual level. Frequently. The concept cuts across identity categories. Episode: The Santa Simulation. for example. 2012.” Bernadette says. such as Sheldon over Penny or. You’re like a stand-up comedian. the plots play out with her representing the “ditzy blonde” 202 stereotype in some ways in that she remains absent-minded and careless and she fails to understand the simple jokes and puns Howard plays in order to be funny. Penny claims. aberration. and it cuts across both professional and gender roles. Season 6. and her intelligence. comes a point of contention when she joins their Star Wars gaming marathon weekend. they still remain outsiders. then. On several occasions throughout the show he even admits to her as being his intellectual equal. the less intelligent but more attractive woman on the show (Inness 4). The Big Bang Theory follows the expectations set up within other studies of female scientists in that neither Amy nor Bernadette bring together professional and gender roles alongside their intelligence in empowered and progressive ways. the intelligence offers some explanation for their achievements. But she also uses her intelligence to demonstrate her compatibility with Sheldon. he could not be cared for as well as he is. Without her intelligence and professional career. Bernadette be- 203 Unlike Bernadette. The situation comedy. Sheldon would have required the explanation. For Bernadette. In “The Zazzy Substitution. “You’re right. she frequently engages Sheldon not only on scientific grounds but also on social and behavioral ones. a compliment he almost never affords anyone else. Instead. While Edwards refers specifically to female professors who also are parents in dramatic shows. Unlike Bernadette. Amy refers to neuroscience and even specific studies as examples to explain the dilemmas behind other people’s behaviors. “Isn’t it obvious?” He replies. that intelligence becomes a question mark in part because even though she earns a high degree and gains a high-paying job. Interestingly enough. her work life becomes a joke. For example. Amy makes no attempts to downplay her intelligence around Sheldon. the core group of men struggle in accepting either woman into the group as easily as they did Penny. In “The Tangible Affection Proof. While Amy remains competent in her job. Leonard. For Bernadette.” Since her intelligence poses a potential threat to Howard’s masculinity. The two also play intellectual games and even make up their own. wherein they create a world with one key difference and then pose questions about it. After even after these two women get accepted as part of the core group. the downplaying is what she thinks keeps her relationship going with Howard. but her showings of this intelligence can be awkward. she rarely demonstrates any competence. she and Sheldon make plans to spend an evening together.Downloaded by [Mayka Reis] at 15:25 10 July 2015 Female Scientists in The Big Bang Theory and then listen to NPR?” After Penny replies. For Amy. such as using an electric toothbrush for handling sexual urges. successful women by the group. yet when Penny gets obsessed with a game. and Raj start spending evenings in Penny’s apartment to get away from her. but Amy challenges Sheldon’s request for explanation of her answer with. Both Bernadette and Amy suggest some alignment with the professionalhome divide mentioned by Edwards (122). Instead. When Amy regularly joins the group for meals and evenings. these three aspects set the foundations for their relationships with the other men on the show. Without her more feminine qualities. ultimately. I’m much smarter than he is. For the professional. their intelligence is not a feature that defines these characters for themselves. she must be intelligent. Amy makes no pretenses $ about subduing her intelligence around Sheldon. Within its contradictions lie opportunities to transgress certain boundaries and reincorporate new ideas and lie opportunities to reinforce the status quo. the opposite is true: Since she refuses to downplay her intelligence around Sheldon or any other character. Bernadette would not appeal to Howard. she enjoys a somewhat more successful relationship with Howard. the asserting and maintaining of her intelligence keeps Sheldon interested. But it’s important to protect his manhood. Howard. they at first enjoy the idea. she frequently engages Sheldon not only on scientific grounds but also on social and behavioral ones. though without her intelligence and career.” Sheldon and Amy fight over the validity of their scientific work. Amy . Instead. Bernadette continues. While Bernadette remains inept in her job. For the gender roles. Overall. Bernadette subsumes it in order to preserve gender expectations.” for Valentine’s Day. but when she arrives at his apartment. neither Amy nor Bernadette are accepted just as intelligent. She also finds creative solutions to certain problems. she announces the best present for him—an evening at home with delivered pizza and science fiction television watching. Instead. in particular with their respective love interests but also in part with Leonard and Raj. attempting to claim his or her own paradigm as superior to other’s paradigm. but in different ways. they agree to terminate their friendship. Reaching an impasse. for example. Since Amy becomes a mirror to Sheldon. but instead functions as a means to attract and maintain the attention of their men. In one exchange. My apologies. In the cases of Amy and Bernadette their intelligence factors into both their professional and gender roles. her ideas still apply to The Big Bang Theory. For Amy. Amy represents the more traditional intelligent female character shown in other situation comedies and animated shows. only with Amy does he accept her replies as valid without justification. downplaying her intelligence plays up her attractiveness to Howard. the intelligence assumes different functions for each one but toward the same end. In Bernadette’s case. she at least remains intriguing to Sheldon. such as Counterfactuals. the intelligence becomes sustained as mentions of her work life become developed and even explored throughout the show.” With many other people. offers an opportunity to explore subjects that otherwise might remain unaddressed in other genres. such as Lisa on The Simpsons. Instead. she struggles in her relationship with Sheldon. “It’s what I do with Howard. The Big Bang Theory is unique in that it features female scientists and situates their interactions within comedy. Sheldon offers a lengthy explanation for his answer. while for Amy. ” Journalism Studies 7. and Kaley Cuoco.” Film & History 41. Crotty. Bernadette would not appeal to Howard. Tammy. Lisa Ryan. Television. In their career and their intelligence. Bernadette and Amy represent progress in situating women in science roles. Long.” The Communication Review 5 (2002): 315–35.” The Sitcom Reader: Viewed and Skewed. Brooks Applegate. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.2 (1992): 143–55. socially clueless Amy rather than as stylish. along with Lisa M. Laurie. “Dangerous Minds: The Woman Professor on Television. “Cautionary Tales of Liberation and Female Professionalism: The Case against Ally McBeal. “And what remotely normal young woman would want to imagine herself as dowdy.” Science Communication 34. Eileen. “Expert Knowledge and Decision-Making in Controversy Contexts. 1–10. New York: SUNY.3 (2010): 356–82. Brasfield. Print. Amanda D. Anthony. Rachel. Print. and the Media. Print. Dow. Notre Dame University of Maryland. and Ally McBeal. DVD. <http://www. math-and-science illiterate Penny?” While these representations show some progress. Steinke. Bonnie J. 2010.” Public Understanding of Science 12 (2003): 307–18.] tells us something about popular moods” (257). Print. Lisa B. and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I’m Home!’: The Perils of Postwar Family Love in the Domestic Sitcom. Johnny Galecki. Print.” Social Problems 26.. Print. “Murphy Would Probably Also Win the Election—The Effect of Television as Related to the Portrayal of the Family in Situation Comedies.” Western Journal of Communication 69. Dubrofsky. She is co-editor. Mittell. “Genre [. Anti-Intellectualism in American Life. while at the same time reinforcing the social norms pushing up behind them. New York: Oxford UP. “Journalism and Expertise. Print. Flicker.” Science Communication 27. Todd Gitlin writes. Print. Print.” The Communication Review 5 (2002): 265–84. Eva. Collaboration. Mock. 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