Sunday, February 14, 2016

Transference in TV Shows By: Tyler Roden

Transference in The Big Bang Theory

There are a couple of examples of transference relationships that can be observed in the hit television show The Big Bang Theory. Howard Wolowitz’s father left him when he was only eleven years old, this resulted in Howard growing extremely attached to his overbearing and overweight mother. Their relationship thrived off of how much they both liked how they were needed by the other. In the beginning of the series Howard is constantly seeking out women to date; these attempts usually end in failure. You could analyze this and see his need for a woman in his life is because he cannot function properly without someone to boss him around. Recently in the series Howard has married Bernadette. Howard sees similarities between his mother and Bernadette and transfers the relationship dynamics he had with his mother onto his marriage. Another example of transference in The Big Bang Theory is Sheldon Cooper and Professor Proton. Growing up in Texas Sheldon felt unappreciated by his family because of his superior intelligence. In season 6 Sheldon explains how much he enjoyed watching Professor Proton’s show growing up, feeling that he was the only one who would understand him. Even after the Professor’s death Sheldon often envisions his ghost whenever he is in a dilemma. He needs the advice of the Professor in all things like how to live his life or whether or not he should have coitus with his girlfriend. Sheldon’s constant need for him and transference as a motherly figure always seems to be an inconvenience for the ghost Professor Proton.

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