With a sitcom that’s been on as long as The Big Bang Theory, you’re bound to have some dud episodes. I mean, you can’t expect to inch toward the 200-episode plateau and have every installment become more groundbreaking than the first. Big Bang Theory hit a high last week with one of the funniest episodes of the show that I’ve ever seen, but it seems to have fallen off the plateau this week. “The Helium Insufficiency” was good in theory, but it didn’t prove to be very enjoyable.
This week on The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon and Leonard need more helium to complete their experiment before the Swedish do, so they look to less-than-legal means. Penny, Bernadette, Raj, Howard, and Stuart try to help Amy get some dates using a Tinder-like app.
I can’t imagine this episode getting submitted for Emmy consideration. What I mean by that is it’s simply not the best work any of the Big Bang Theory writers or actors have done on this show. This show has the capability to crack me up, and to present interesting and emotional scenarios for complex characters. “The Helium Insufficiency” boiled down to Sheldon and Leonard waffling on breaking the law, and literally everyone else making fun of Tinder (or rather, the type of people you find on Tinder). I’ve been highly complimentary of Big Bang’s ninth season thus far, but this episode was not up to snuff.
My biggest problem with “The Helium Insufficiency” is its total disregard for limitations. There were only two plots (sometimes you really need a good “C” plot to save an episode), and they both beat dead horses all the way into the ground. I get it: Sheldon and Leonard are conflicted by the questionable legality and the necessity of the helium. Amy is clearly not having it with the whole dating-app thing, but the ENTIRE rest of the cast pounds it into the ground anyway. It felt to me as though the writers of this episode were totally ignoring some of the great character work that’s been done this season. Like some great comedies are wont to do, “The Helium Insufficiency” made me cringe more than laugh.
There were some redeeming moments and good throwaway gags, but mostly this episode left me disappointed, because I know The Big Bang Theory can do better.
As always, here are some of my favorite quotes/moments from the episode:
- “I know a guy who can get you some if you don’t ask too many questions.”- Howard, right before a bunch of questions
- “The first time it happens I will let you know.”- Stuart, on his eventual “swipe left”
- “I can’t find that quote on the internet. Did you just make that up?”- Sheldon
- “Yes or no on the white guy with dreadlocks?”- Howard
- “Is this one of those times where I’ve won the battle but lost the war?”- Sheldon
- The best part of the entire episode is when they be-friend the black market helium guy, and he comes over to watch Ernest Goes To Jail.
Every great comedy has bad episodes, and this one just wasn’t great. The Big Bang Theory tried too hard to make the characters funny and ended up pushing things way too far in one direction. I still very much love this show, but it was definitely not a strong effort.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy this episode, or did it leave something to be desired? Let us know in the comments!
The Big Bang Theory moves to Thursdays on CBS, starting Thursday, November 5 at 8/7c.
[Photo credit: Monty Brinton/CBS]
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I actually was very happy with this episode – the best one in the season so far IMO. It may not be classic-era good, but I certainly think this episode is as good as a Season 4 story.
I certainly love differing perspectives. I thought last week’s was better because it did a better job of merging the characters life situations with a couple of really hilarious stories. I’m also a big physical comedy guy, so all of the fencing stuff made me crack up. Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting!