Michael Scott vs. Sheldon Cooper

So we have had plenty of serious debates of late. I thought we could have a light hearted fun debate for a change. Although it is not as light hearted if you are passionate and obsessive about television. Last night I had quite a heated discussion with some friends.

One of my friends is a huge fan of 'The Office'. She views Steve Carrell as a comic genius and Michael Scott as one of the best characters in a comedy series ever. She is furious that he never won an Emmy, because he genuinely deserves it.

It was all fine and good till then. I know many fans of Michael Scott. Perhaps Steve did deserve one. But then she went on to complain about Jim Parsons winning Emmys. She cannot stand Jim Parsons and loathes him for getting undeserving Emmy's. Now that was unacceptable to not just me, our entire table because Sheldon Cooper played by Jim Parsons from 'The Big Bang Theory' is brilliant. If there is any truly well deserved Emmy, it is Jim Parsons for Sheldon Cooper.

Think about it. Steve Carrell is good, but very limited. He gets to be a bit too stone faced with his. Michael Scott was funny as the incompetent and inept boss. But the character is not deep nor does it require much. It is built on a lot clichs. Steve Carell really does not add much to the character. Sheldon Cooper is different. Very few of us personally know uber geeks and geniuses. Geeky geniuses are stereotypes we love to hate. Jim Parsons brings a geek alive for us. He infuses a variety of personality traits and mannerisms. With his matter of fact outlook on everything and his childish "Bazinga" and delighting in "Soft Kitty" – Jim Parsons brings alive a Geeky genius that we actually find adorable, likeable and start finding him like our own friend.

I never followed either shows. I watched a few episodes of Office and Michael Scott never hooked me. It was just fun when you had nothing to do. But one view of Sheldon Cooper and I was hooked. I'll often rearrange my schedule so I can watch a Big Bang rerun marathon.

So who is the better actor Steve Carell or Jim Parsons?

Who is the better character Michael Scott or Sheldon Cooper?