Before my review a couple of weeks ago, it seemed like The Big Bang Theory was in a bit of a slump. That’s perfectly normal when it happens to a show that’s been on for 10 years or more. However, for the last few weeks, Big Bang has been on a tear. For the most part, this was a really great one.
This week on The Big Bang Theory: Raj is putting his barriers to finding love under serious consideration, and his father says it’s because he’s spoiled and needy. Given that, Raj seeks his friends’ input as well. On date night, Sheldon and Amy run into Bert, who lets slip that their sex life is a hot gossip topic at the university. Sheldon must figure out what topics are private.
The Big Bang Theory is at its absolute best when its characters are actually working on things. Sheldon being a neurotic child is amusing, but it can only be amusing so long before it gets boring. But what has been done over the last two seasons in developing the main characters has really worked out. Leonard and Penny get married. Sheldon moves in with Amy. Howard and Bernadette have a baby. This episode mainly centered on the two characters with (arguably) the most growing up still to do, Raj and Sheldon.
It makes perfect sense, just as it does in real life, that Raj’s inability to hold down a girlfriend and his reliance on daddy’s money. There comes a time in every man’s life, usually about 10-15 years before Raj, in which a woman cares that a man can provide for a family one day. But the two best things about this story are the fact that Raj genuinely wants to improve himself, and that his friends are honest with him and want to help him. Sure they make fun of him a little (all good friends do), but the positive relationships Raj has paint a great picture of what the world can become.
Sheldon is the same way, though he has grown immensely over the past few seasons. What makes his story feel genuine is not his sheer social ineptitude (though that IS funny), but that Amy is (relatively) patient with him. For years, Sheldon’s character functioned with little to no social skill at all, so any attempt on his part to change or grow is a complement to Amy’s character. Both of these characters seem to be able to balance their funny ways with genuine growth, which is so important to this show’s longevity.
Here are a few other thoughts/funny moments:
- There is no doubt in my mind that Raj’s favorite movie was always The Princess Bride
- Sheldon has multiple restraining orders for talking to Zachary Quinto through a stall door. Best. Reason. Ever.
- “G-harmony”, huh? Do geologists attract geologists?
- “You want me to look at him AND listen to him?”
- “That lady has a name…I don’t know what it is”
- Perhaps the greatest indication of growth and simultaneous revelation was the fact that SHELDON HAS HAD A DRIVERS LICENSE FOR TWO YEARS!
The Big Bang Theory doesn’t always nail every episode, but this time around they’ve done everything right. This was a masterclass in sitcom production. It is better than most people give them credit for. Also, for a good time call Bert.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS
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