I'm at w00tstock right now, and I haven't even seen the show, but I thought it would be fun to write a post in advance so anyone who watched The Big Bang Theory tonight would have a place to talk about it. If everything goes according to plan, this should post right as the episode is finishing on in the Eastern time zone.
When I get home, and I have the time near the end of the week, I have a bunch of notes from the production to transcribe, to give a fuller behind-the-scenes picture for anyone who is interested. Until then, though, two things:
First of all, for anyone who is wondering, the show's art department made actual cards with actual graphics and rules on them, and we all spent a fair amount of time making up some logical rules to go with the Mystic Warlords of Ka'a. As far as I know, there aren't official rules or an official card set, but I'm sure someone will create one within a couple of weeks if the show doesn't. (Oh please, oh please.)
When he first talked to me about working on the show, Bill Prady told me that I'd be playing a "delightfully evil version" of myself. This sounded like a lot of fun to me, but it was more difficult to find that character than you'd think. When I'm playing Fawkes on The Guild it's easy to slip into his kilt and be a jerk, but wearing my own clothes and essentially playing a stylized version of myself made it a real challenge to hit "delightfully evil" without veering into "not committed to being delightfully evil" or "just plain evil." Keeping that twinkle in my eye, and knowing that Wil Wheaton (The Big Bang Version) is planning to scam Sheldon from the moment he sits down, was essential to this particular characterization working out, and I didn't completely find it until we'd run the episode a couple of times.
During one of the run throughs, when Jim did his Klingon bit, I turned to Kevin and asked him, "Did he just say 'revenge is a dish best served cold' in Klingon?" like I was trying to figure out if that's actually what happened, like maybe I misunderstood him. Chuck Lorre told me that it would be funnier if I was more exasperated. "You're just here to play this game, and now some guy is quoting Klingon at you. This happens everywhere you go," he said.
I sighed dramatically, and said, "Oh, it does." Everyone laughed, hard, and Chuck pointed his finger at me. "Yes. That is exactly the way to play that beat."
When Chuck gave me that note, I grokked how to play Evil Wil Wheaton (The Big Bang Theory version), and I could see the comedy in every beat I played for the rest of the show. I totally grew a level in comedy acting, and learned something about letting go of who I really am, so I could embrace the Delightfully Evil version of myself (who I seriously hope will return in the future, because OMG was it fun to play him.)
Ha! When he said that I was on my feet pointing frantically at my bookcase towards MY MIB autographed Wesley Crusher action figure, shouting “I have one! right there!”
My wife rolled her eyes, “uh, yea… I know.”
Interesting how my non-geek wife and I laugh at totally different parts.
Wheaton Bazinga’s Sheldon….FTW!
I had never watch this show before. I only check it out because you. I have now become a fan of the show. You did your usual great job. I cannot understand why you have not been offered to play in another series as a regular. I look forward to seeing you in more TV work. Every appearance you have done was outstanding.
I just found out that thanks to my wife and the Big Bang Theory I am now 2 degrees from Wil Wheaton. Wait, if you’ve worked with Wil Wheaton is that 0 degrees or one degree? If you are Wil Wheaton is that 0 degrees? Anyway, I’m 2 or 3 degrees from Wil Wheaton since my wife has worked with one of the actors on Big Bang Theory, who shall remain nameless since I’m not here to name drop, I just thought it was funny. I’m also 1 or 2 degrees from Kevin Bacon.
1 – My first comment on WWdN:IX 🙂
2 – FANTASTIC episode, Wil! They HAVE to bring you back as Sheldon’s nemesis. It’s just too good of a fit not to use.
3 – TO ALL THOSE THAT NEVER WATCHED THE SHOW BEFORE: If you’re DVR’ing it, make sure to stop the show on the final title page with all the writing on it. Some of the biggest laughs I’ve had watching the show (and I have yet to miss an episode) have come from that title card. Seriously…you need to check it out.
Wil, you just totally followed the Neil Patrick Harris road to making yourself huge again…did this occur to you yet? NPH’s role in Harold and Kumar as an “alternate” version of himself led to the How I Met Your Mother crew to re-invision their idea of Barney, and gave it to NPH…
Your “Evil” Wil Wheaton could be the same door opening maneuver…and I hope it does, because DAMN that was funny!
The whole episode was excellent, from Penny not getting Mystic Warlords of Ka’a (it being a typical gamer game) to the showdown in the tournament but what really cracked me up was the “Did he just say ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’ in Klingon?” line.
Oh, and my copy of Memories of the Future arrived today, just in time before the postal strike! I’ve only read a few pages but I’m so glad I bought it because it’s hilarious. The podcasts only scratched the surface. Thank you.
What a great episode. I had to pause the PVR to show my spouse the FF shirt and explain why I was laughing so hard. This was perfect and I really hope you come back again as his nemesis. I look forward to the behind the scenes info!
Great job on the show, and the Penny Arcade t-shirt to top it off! Nice!
Hilarious episode. My two-year-old son started yelling WHEATON!!! at the end of the show. 🙂
Hi, Wil, know you’ve been busy. Would appreciate responses to one of the emails sent today or 8 Oct. from baterista9 or chimaerapr @aol.com. Both are con invites. Thanks.
Fantastic episode. Well done, Wil. Count me in with the crowd that hopes you get to reprise the character of EWW on the show, you’re an even better foil to Sheldon than Kripke or Winkle.
Yeah, I definatly would LOVE to see a reprise of “EVIL” wil. Specially since now Sheldon has a nemisis. And we all know that good guys always need a bad nemisis. LOL
Evil Wil is hot. Exellent ep. of BBT.
On completely different note, I *heart* your usage of “Grokked”.
There’s a danger that playing EWW in this episode may lead to your name becoming part of a noun in English.
wheatonry – n. the act of fraudulently announcing a personal loss with the aim of inducing an opponent in a contest to give up advantage they may have gained in the contest in sympathy for the person making the fraudulent announcement.
Usage: an act of pure wheatonry
Points in reference to BBT:TCC
1) This needs to be recurring.
2) Sheldon should develop a twitch every time a ST:TNG reference is made.
3) If Sheldon is Khan, that means wil is playing Cpt. Kirk.
4) They should have Sheldon find out that Wil is going to be running a Ka’a game at a Con.
5) Sheldon vs. Wil again.
6) It SHOULD be called “The Wrath of Sheldon”.
7) Wil of course must grind salt into Sheldon’s wound by telling him he didn’t need the money from that tournament, and that he donated it to charity ….
8) Specifically he donated to charity in his grandmother’s name.
9) Wil needs to beat Sheldon again.
10) Sheldon should then become obsessed with beating Wil.
Feel free to pass these on to the writers.
On a general note of BBT.
Leonard is Ernie, Sheldon is Bert; ergo Penny is still in love with and wants to marry Ernie.
One could also say they’re the modern geekier version of ‘The Odd Couple’ with Leonard as Oscar Madison and Sheldon as Felix Unger.
So you have a non-geek wife, too? I wonder if our non-geek wives wonder the same thing: How did I ever end up with YOU?
I will admit that I don’t have the Wesley Crusher fig; however, I did geek out over the episode on FB and Twitter. My wife believes I am now developing a man-crush on you, Wil. I simply told her it was just a SMALL man-crush 😀
As everyone else has already said it, I will just quickly summarize more of the same:
BBT = awesome.
Wil Wheaton = awesome.
BBT + Wil Wheaton = doubly awesome.
Wil Wheaton + recurrences on BBT = awesome*infinity!! IT MUST BE DONE!!! 😉
I agree that Darth Wheaton needs to come back to Big Bang Theory. Recurring guest spot, please.
I am seeing so much Wrath of Khan everywhere. Between you and Scott Kurtz after the last D&D session and then on BBT. I may have to find the DVD in my boxes of things.
I enjoy contributing non-information.
This 36 year old mother of two thought this was the best episode of the season. Well done.
best episode of Big Bang Theory ever, all thanks to you! I was saving it on my DVR as a reward for finishing the hardest week of my life, and it was well worth the wait. THANK YOU!
YES! Evil Wil Wheaton (The Big Bang Theory Version) MUST make a comeback.
Wil,
Great Episode! you playing an evil you was GENIUS! And Sheldon…Heh, finally got a little tast of what evil can do.
Hope to see you in a recurring role there!
Well played, Delightfully Evil Wil Wheaton, well played! I can’t wait for the Wrath of Sheldon…and the the Search for Wheaton (WHEEEEATOOOONNN!!!)
In real life, I don’t have any living grandparents. Apparently, though, Evil Wil Wheaton loves his Nana as much as Sheldon loves his Meemaw.
Being able to cite “Mirror, Mirror,” isn’t just geeky … it’s AWESOME.
Holy carp! That’s . . . um . . . wow. That’s incredible.
Anecdotal research has shown that *adult* Trekkies in the 80s and 90s didn’t like Wesley, but *young* Trekkies thought he was the bee’s knees. I thought it made sense in a certain reality that Sheldon would have liked Wesley, but was incredibly funny that he hated *me* as much as he liked *him*.
Talk about your Mirror Universe!
+1 for “Exposition merit badge.”
+1 for exposition merit badge.
Warner Brothers Television and DC have the same corporate master, too.
HAHAHA. I’m totally stealing that for something.
Not really; it’s a risk I take when I’m an actor.
I mean, I don’t think anyone saw me on Criminal Minds and thinks I’m actually a crazy serial killer with a rape cabin in the woods.
…I hope.
By all means, good sir! Please do!
Re 3) Yeah, find the one about leaves turning to fire and get ready to laugh until you’re sore.
Great episode, Wil! I wonder how many game stores are fielding the ‘do you carry Mystic Warlords of Ka’ah?’ question this week. LOL. Cheers.
Great episode, great job, Wil! I just watched it online already two times this night *smiles*.
I love everything about this show, and seeing Wil Wheaton in it just gives me the peek of plesure.
This episode virtually CRIES for a sequel…yeah! Hope, they’ll do it, soon!
Or, in the vernacular of Zaboo on The Guild: Wheaton’d.
Wil, I am really glad that you got to see these Google Trends, which are nothing short of astounding given that Google gets over 100 million search requests per day. You were flying at warp 9.3 through Google’s mainframe computers. Even though “you are just a guy”, perhaps this is the confirmation that you needed to realize that you are loved and adored by millions. And, I believe that I speak for those millions in saying we would like to see much more of Wil Wheaton. You know?
“Hi, I’m Whil Wheaton. I’m not a dick, but I play one on TV”
Hahaha! ssrjazz, that slogan is nothing but WIN! Definitely funny as hell! LMAO!
Depends on who you ask. My mom was horrified by that episode and was really upset that her “Weasel” scared the living shit out of her. Me, on the other hand did not associate Floyd with either you or Wesley Crusher. Not once during that episode did it cross my mind “OMG! Why the hell is Wesley Crusher raping that woman and beating her husband to death?” To me, you were Floyd the psychopath who was seriously fucked up in the head. And yes, I am still afraid of Floyd! You creeped me out so bad in that episode it’s not even funny!
Yeah, I’m 3 degrees from Kevin Bacon, and the only reason why I am is because he’s from Philadelphia. He’s related to a family member’s friend, so that makes me 3 degrees of separation from him. I’m also 3 degrees from Ahhnold Schwarzenegger. My sister is friends with Linda Hamilton’s twin sister Leslie. So 1. My sister, 2. Leslie 3. Schwarzenegger because Leslie knows Arnie through Linda.
Uggh. Sleep deprivation mode again. I should probably power this thing down before I embarrass myself any further than I already have…
I for one really liked Wesley Crusher, because there was someone like me on Star Trek. But I still got annoyed at how often he seemed to save the day, instead of all the brilliant experts in their field and aliens with superior brain power that could be expected to be on the ship.
Actually, I’m reading this blog and following Wil on Twitter because I like Wesley Crusher, then I discovered that the real Wil is even more like me, if only because we are geeks of the same generation.
Squeeee! Wil Wheaton replied to me!
I’m surprised no one has called us on this, I looked at the Oracle of Bacon and apparently working with Kevin gives you a Bacon number of 1. This also means that I was already 3 degrees from Wil Wheaton through Kevin Bacon, I just didn’t know it.
I’ve worked in theatre for a long time, so I am within a few degrees of a lot of people, but don’t really know any famous people.
Through some massive failure of my DVR and the network it recorded the end of Two and a Half Men and missed the end of Big Bang Theory. I have no idea who wins the game and I missed out completely on more awesome Wil-ness I’m sure.
It isn’t on Hulu or Netflix Watch Instantly. I’m kind of really cheesed.
In other news, I recorded it while I was at Monday Night Football (like I was in the stadium, it was awesome!) and I get a text from my sister.
sister: Hey, who is will wheaton?
me: Wil was Wesley Crusher on Star Trek and todays geek god. I LOVE HIM.
sister: I thought you so, he’s on tv right now, pretty funny.
me: Don’t spoil it! I got my DVR set.
My family can be a little slow on the uptake. I’ve been singing your praises for years, but it takes a prime time appearance for them to get it.
/foreheadslap
Totally loved it. I really hope you’ll return :-).
I’m new around here, so hi!
I just got to see the episode, and I seriously sporfled. That was good. One of my Trekkie friends has dragged me into watching Big Bang Theory with him, and it’s always fun, but this episode was great. I admit, I’ve been a fan of yours since I was in junior high. *blushes slightly* I don’t watch much TV, so I haven’t seen your other stuff, but it was good to see you on screen again, even as evil!Wil. That had to be fun to play. 🙂
Anyway, again, hi! *grins*
No doubt mostly past here by now, but had to say great episode! Very interesting to get the behind the scenes info as well.
If they do a return, they just have to study the nods from TWOK back to the original Kahn episode and do the same references back to this original TBBT episode, that would be excellent.
As for best ever, this is way up there but Frasier had a truly great one.. (Ah looked it up, episode 2.03. http://www.frasieronline.co.uk/episodeguide/season2/ep3.htm )
Not sure it plays as well for the ladies, but just too funny to watch it as a guy.
TBBT is great and watch it every week, but a little Sheldon driven so the ensemble isn’t as balanced yet, hopefully will even out more over time. Really your character playing against Sheldon so well was why this ep stands out. If they had just worked “you forgot your flashdrive” into it again too it would have been near perfect..
Big Bang Theory is one of mu hubby’s and my favorite shows ever, and seeing you in that episode made me so happy! Yey! It was hysterical!
Sorry but i actually thought that you where quite wooden in the final scene, however if that is how you are in real life then ok. However It was a bit wesleyish.
Sorry just being honest. But I totally loved the scene! My favourate big bang so far, due to the fact you where in it.