Evolution of the TV Geek
Television’s portrayal of geek culture has changed largely over the past few decades, as different shows show different portrayals of the stereotypical ‘geek’. While there is no true stereotype, it is interesting seeing how the geek has moved from comic relief to in-depth character. This is shown through the shows, Frasier (1993–2004), The Simpsons (1989-present), Parks & Recreation (2009–2015), and The Big Bang Theory (2007-present).
Noel Shempsky was a series regular on the tv show Frasier (1993–2004), working at KACL radio station. He is known for his nerdy behaviour and obsession with Roz Doyle. Noel is a devout Trekkie, offering a Vulcan salute to Bill Gates, having a restraining order from William Shatner and speaking fluent Klingon. However, he is shown to be an outcast at KACL. Nicknamed ‘Noel the Mole’, and repeatedly ignored and mocked for his ‘protective’ behaviour of Roz. His infatuation with Roz largely impacts how he is received by the audience, as he is just overall creepy. His obsession has led him to give gifts, threaten other co-workers and in an episode in season 3 creates a petition for Star Trek to create the character “Rozalinda, Fourbreasted Queen of the Planet Rozniac”. While Roz is told his obsession is harmless and to let it go, she still expresses how creepy it is, as he is sexualising her with another obsession of his. This example of ‘geek culture’ is meant to show Noel to be an outcast, and that obsessions with television shows can turn potentially harmful or intrusive when involving other people, such as Roz. Noel is mocked, avoided, and passive, showing that a geeky character is little more than comic relief. Although Frasier’s obsession with the Wine Club and Niles’s infatuation with Daphne is still shown in a different light.
The Simpsons (1989-present) shows some of the changes in the past few decades to the nerdy or geeky characters, through the character Comic Book Guy. Comic Book Guy’s first appearance in The Simpsons was in season 2 ‘Three Men and a Comic’and has always been portrayed as sarcastic, snobby, and pessimistic. In the episode ‘Worst Episode Ever’ Comic Book Guy suffers a heart attack and we learn about his social life when asked who will watch his store while he recovers.
[Dr Hibbert] “You do have friends, don’t you?” [CBG] “Well, the Super Friends”[Dr Hibbert]“You should get some friends that aren’t printed on paper.” [CBG] “You mean like action figures?”
From this, we see Comic Book Guy has no concept of social life and struggles to find some throughout the episode. He is rejected from Moe’s tavern for his dislike of beer and goes to attend a class on how to make friends. While the character of Comic Book Guy doesn’t change, and he remains snobby and pessimistic, the characters surrounding him do. Kumiko Nakamura, later Kumiko Albertson, first appeared in season 25, episode ‘Married to the Blob’ as a love interest for Comic Book Guy. Kumiko is a mangaka (professional Japanese manga writer/artist) and changes the image of the traditional ‘geeky’ character, to a more modern and diverse take. A large amount of geek culture is owed to Japan, such as Manga, Anime, Cosplay, Godzilla, Pokemon, Transformers, Power Rangers, Tamagotchi[i], and even Big Hero 6 demonstrating the combination of American and Japanese cultures. We owe many aspects of ‘nerd culture’ to Japan and it is fitting to have it portrayed. Kumiko is seemingly the opposite of Comic Book Guy, as she is happy, cheerful and downright adorable. Massive girl crush. She loves Comic Book Guy for his soul, his obsessions, and his honesty. [Kumiko]“American nerd snark is the finest in the world.”
Ben Wyatt from Parks & Recreation (2009–2015) is also an incredible TV nerd. Separating him apart from others is the fact that he is an in-depth character and not just comic relief. Ben’s character has a complex and emotional past with Ice-Town, family history and his feelings for Leslie. As the show progresses his interests are shared with others, as Game of Thrones becomes more popular Donna also becomes a fan. Other characters are introduced, such as the people from the accounting firm and Gryzzl who become fans of Ben’s game, The Cones of Dunshire. Parks & Recreation has moved away from the stereotype of geek and nerd culture on various occasions. Leslie Knope is obsessed with politics and Harry Potter, paying for tuition to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, majoring in potions. The two are perfect for each other and support and love each other in their nerdiness, especially when Leslie bought Ben and Iron Throne so he would make his dopey face.
The Big Bang Theory (2007-present) has built its image on ‘nerdy culture’, portraying a group of nerds trying to date, work and build lives together with the impossible Sheldon Cooper. While the show does portray ‘nerdy culture’ it still pushes into a lot of stereotypes. Howard is misogynistic, creepy, and terrible with women. Raj cannot talk to women unless drunk for the first few seasons of the show and Sheldon is cold and emotionless, with no regard for other people’s feelings. While there is a correlation between mental illnesses and retreating into fandoms and geek culture[ii]. Many shows and franchises portray characters that people with anxieties can relate to, such as Sherlock Holmes or Harley Quinn. Sherlock is on the autistic spectrum, has trouble forming relationships with other people, and suffers from drug problems. Harley Quinn has been abused in almost every relationship she’s had, suffers from PTSD and schizophrenia. By portraying these mental illnesses in characters makes them relatable and comforting for people experiencing similar circumstances, as they are not portrayed as villains, but people struggling to do the right thing and move forward with their lives. Despite this, The Big Bang Theory doesn’t really fall under this category, as Sheldon and Raj’s social struggles are used for comedic effect rather than addressing the issues and helping people work through them. However, I will say that Young Sheldon (2017-present) does address Sheldon’s personality in a better way relating to this, as we see not only Sheldon grow and learn but how his family acts and feels. Georgie is often ignored, George fights to make Sheldon happy, despite their lack of common interests, and how Mary Cooper is always fighting for the best for her son, especially when it comes to schooling. The Big Bang Theory’s incorporation of female characters is a strong quality for the show. Amy and Bernadette both work in the STEM field and Mayim Bialik who plays Amy Farrah-Fowler has a PhD and is definitely a feminist icon. However, in regard to nerdy culture, the women aren’t particularly interested, only using their interests to entertain or manipulate their partners.
So, what was the point of talking about all of this? There has definitely been a slow transition from the comic relief geek to a diverse, in-depth character. This transition has a long way to go but is promising as female character appear more, but we still need more diversity. More women, more people of colour, more depth into mental health and more recognition of character depth. People in fandoms or geek culture are more than the franchises they love, and the things they love all have meaning, representing an important part of their life. Either representing something they want to be or something they are dealing with internally.
[i]https://www.spectator.co.uk/2015/01/how-japan-became-a-pop-culture-superpower/
[ii]https://psych2go.net/psychology-behind-fandoms/
https://99juliabell.wixsite.com/julia/blog/evolution-of-the-tv-geek
