Johnny Galecki

Leonard Hofstadter hesitates, and Johnny Galecki lets us feel the effort it takes him to make contact. In The Big Bang Theory (2007), that uncertainty makes the broader jokes easier to accept. We warmed to Leonard because Galecki makes his wish to connect seem worth taking seriously, even when the programme is settling for another joke about awkwardness. His performance is one reason to watch an amiable but limited sitcom.

His years as David Healy in Roseanne (1992–1997) helped develop the live-audience timing that Leonard would need. Sara Gilbert worked alongside him on both programmes. His return to theatre included The Little Dog Laughed (2006–2007), before The Big Bang Theory became his defining television role. That stage experience fits a performer who does not seem to need the most conspicuous line. We would look to the television ensembles before searching his film credits for an explanation of what he does well.

The contrast with Jim Parsons is particularly useful. Parsons gives Sheldon Cooper a certainty that makes his lack of tact funny; Galecki lets us recognise the effort behind Leonard's hesitancy. We find Parsons funnier, but Galecki's less emphatic contribution matters to the programme's appeal. He drew on a meerkat's posture for Leonard, a specific physical choice behind what might otherwise pass for generic nervousness. The performance lets us recognise the difficulty of an ordinary conversation rather than merely wait for the next mistake.

The writing does not always repay that care. Its repeated jokes about social awkwardness can wear thin, and Leonard's insecurity is not automatically endearing. When it shades into manipulation, the character becomes harder to enjoy; that is a problem with the writing rather than a failure of comic timing. We still find Galecki good company, but sympathy for Leonard only takes the programme so far. Try a few episodes for the partnership with Parsons rather than committing yourself to the entire run.