Reminds us of: The Big Bang Theory with more poignance and no laugh track.

Flop, Fine or Fringe-tastic?: Fine.

Erik Mueller tells a compelling if slight story in his 30-minute one-man show The Computer That Loved, inspired by his passion for computers and his amusing history of failed relationships. But the telling could use some work. Mueller’s delivery is mechanical at times, and he seemed visibly uncomfortable with the muted reactions of a sparse crowd at a recent performance. The blocking also needs more direction—Mueller’s motions appear telegraphed, as though he’s thinking through the ramifications each time he stands up, sits down, or strolls across the stage. In his defense, the Argonaut’s charming but cramped upstairs performance space leaves little room to maneuver. But a one-man show needs to feel effortless, and this one doesn’t yet.

What Mueller has to say will be familiar to anyone who struggled with social anxiety or obsessed over nerdy topics that laypeople don’t grasp. In an early highlight, he recites a flurry of digits of pi in rapid succession; later, he imitates one of his pretentious college girlfriends and juxtaposes her high-minded attitude with his sheepish thirst for companionship. Mueller’s flat affect doesn’t make for the most dynamic viewing experience, but his instincts for self-deprecation and insights into human behavior resonate all the same. A tonal shift towards the end justifies the feather-light humor of the first half. It’s hard to walk away from The Computer That Loved without at least liking Mueller and his act. But just like the titular device, it’s still a work in progress.

The Computer That Loved is playing at the Argonaut on July 23 at 9:45 p.m. and July 24 at 2 p.m.