Welcome to a new Sitcom Tuesday! This week, I’m continuing my look at The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019, CBS), which is currently available on DVD/Blu-Ray and streaming!

The Big Bang Theory stars JOHNNY GALECKI as Leonard, KALEY CUOCO as Penny, SIMON HELBERG as Howard, KUNAL NAYYAR as Raj, MELISSA RAUCH as Bernadette, MAYIM BIALIK as Amy, and JIM PARSONS as Sheldon.

Season Eight sees the show’s quality continue to erode. It’s been many years now since Big Bang congealed into its familiar three-couple design, exploring the original premise more implicitly than explicitly, via the existence of serious relationships for these once-awkward nerds, whose individual definitions have increasingly become less emphasized as they’ve settled down. This has yielded a rise in more narratively conventional fare, accelerated by an increasing lack of freshness and creativity. Of course, most shows have trouble playing to their premise in new ways eight seasons in, and there’s naturally not a lot this one can still do within its situation’s parameters either, beyond the aforementioned science/nerd angle that offers mostly low-hanging idea-driven fruit. But another issue is the Sheldon character. While still helpful as an ambassador for everything making Big Bang unique, he’s started to dilute into a more generic comic nuisance, rather than the precise series-specific figure he used to be. Part of this is due to his own evolution, but much of it is just the inevitable broadening that plagues most plot-pushing laugh-getters in long-running series. Speaking of evolution, Season Six attached his situation-affirming development to his increasing physical intimacy with Amy, and Eight, knowing the show is running until at least Ten, feels forced to continue delaying real progress on that front. And this is terrible because major narrative happenings, however clichéd, are the only way this aged show can still explicitly acknowledge its premise in story. Leonard and Penny exemplify this problem as well. Marriage is the mile-marker that’s supposed to symbolize their growth and complete their arc, yet there’s deliberately no movement until an out-of-nowhere finale, which sets Nine up to be an off-ramp from the middle era to the late era, with the leads (minus Raj) finally reaching their foretold signs of maturation… as the series still continues on anyway, finally free from the burden of the premise and its implications, only now with no raison d’être and thus even lamer sitcommery. But let me not get ahead of myself. Eight has a different issue: it’s a stagnant year of a show stalling its natural end. That I’m able to make a list that looks decent on paper is a testament to the heavy-lifting being done by Big Bang’s collective science-related ethos. Just don’t be fooled; we’ve long ago reached mediocre sitcommery.

 

01) Episode 161: “The Junior Professor Solution” (Aired: 09/22/14)

Howard signs up for Sheldon’s class while Amy stokes a feud between Bernadette and Penny.

Teleplay by Jim Reynolds & Maria Ferrari & Tara Hernandez | Story by Steven Molaro & Eric Kaplan & Steve Holland | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

Sheldon’s character has caricatured a lot by this point in the run — as discussed last week, his role as a comic nuisance is more often now due to his intentional efforts to be a jerk rather than, as premised, a nature that he’s struggling to control. That change is really on display in this outing, where he attempts to humiliate the one student who signs up for his new class: Howard. And yet I’m okay with it, for they’ve always had a clash of egos, and Sheldon’s belief in his superior intellect compared to the rest of the guys is a well-established trait. So, despite being over-exaggerated here, this behavior is at least supported by continuity. Also, I appreciate the subplot, as Amy stokes a feud between Bernadette and Penny — the latter of whom is now working for Bernadette as a pharmaceutical sales rep — because it gives Amy the chance to bond individually with each one. That speaks to her own overeagerness for human connection, a reflection of her Sheldon-like social dysfunction, thereby nodding at the premise.

02) Episode 164: “The Focus Attenuation” (Aired: 10/13/14)

The guys try to focus in on a great invention while the women go to Vegas.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Eric Kaplan & Steve Holland | Story by Jim Reynolds & Maria Ferrari & Adam Faberman | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

This is a fairly straightforward show in the familiar ensemble hangout template, splitting up the boys and the girls for two low-concept stories that, well, could be done in some form on most series. Fortunately, both ideas are indeed enlivened and personalized by details. For instance, the guys’ efforts to break away from their women and refocus their efforts on work, or the creation of some great invention, plays not just to their unique career pursuits, it also addresses how their lives have changed as a result of serious personal relationships that have replaced science as their chief priority. And then this notion devolves into a tribute to popular nerd culture that only Big Bang could do. As for the women, their subplot delights by playing against type, with Amy and Bernadette drunkenly living it up in Vegas while Penny is forced to stay in and study — a joke that’s predicated on the fact that this is a reversal of their own norm. So, again, with both ideas tailored to the characters, this becomes a fair reflection of this specific series.

03) Episode 166: “The Misinterpretation Agitation” (Aired: 10/30/14)

The guys befriend a fellow sci-fi lover who was hoping to date Penny.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Steve Holland & Maria Ferrari | Story by Chuck Lorre & Eric Kaplan & Jim Reynolds | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

Billy Bob Thornton appears in this installment as a client of Penny’s who is disappointed to learn that she has a fiancé in Leonard, for he was hoping to court her himself. It’s a gimmicky guest star-driven offering by design that doesn’t use the leads as well as Big Bang’s best samples do. However, Thornton gets to play a fellow sci-fi lover, and that works to the guys’ collective bent and the series’ accordant sensibilities (which is its most distinct trait right now in Season Eight). And its conflict sort of feels like a throwback to the series’ original format. That is, prior to becoming a three-couple (plus Raj) hangout show, it was a hangout show about “four nerds and a hot girl” — and this story reinforces that concept, with Penny being the attractive standout, and the guys’ geeky interests, which definitely contrast her to them (including her partner Leonard), coming to the fore here for easy, situation-backed laughs.

04) Episode 167: “The Prom Equivalency” (Aired: 11/06/14)

The ladies decide to throw a rooftop prom, which makes Sheldon uncomfortable.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Eric Kaplan & Maria Ferrari | Story by Jim Reynolds & Steve Holland & Jeremy Howe | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

My pick for this season’s Most Valuable Episode (MVE), “The Prom Equivalency” is the only entry in all of Eight that actually sees any forward movement in the series’ main arc — the progression of its central character’s romantic relationship. For the last few years, Sheldon Cooper’s premise-reflecting evolution towards increased humanity via his slowly developing capacity to sustain a real, serious relationship with another person has set its promised conclusion at his choice to finally be physically, that is sexually, intimate with his girlfriend Amy. This has been positioned as the ultimate symbol of his growth — that he finally cares so much for someone else that he has to demonstrate it, in the same way most adult humans in this kind of dynamic would. Now, this outing is a bit contrived; it sets up the idea that the leads are going to host their own prom. That’s gimmicky, but since this is a group of misfits who mostly didn’t get to experience a “normal” milestone like this, it makes some motivated and premise-affiliated sense, emphasizing their fundamental (semi-conquered) awkwardness, which is once again spotlighted to justify this logline. It’s also explored expressly in the subplot where Stu (Kevin Sussman), who’s been living with Howard’s mom, attends the prom with Howard’s second cousin — the girl to whom Howard lost his virginity. This is a direct reminder of Howard’s specific social dysfunction, rendering this a great display of his characterization. Meanwhile, Sheldon is nervous about the event because he’s overwhelmed by his feelings for Amy, leading him to say he loves her for the first time. It’s a big moment for his character, and though not sex, it’s perhaps a similarly important sign of his maturation — for his ability to finally love somebody so significantly refers exactly to the series’ situation, and the arc that began when Penny joined the group and started teaching Sheldon how to be a friend. Accordingly, as the only half hour here that’s explicit about Big Bang’s core themes, it was my only possible MVE.

05) Episode 168: “The Septum Deviation” (Aired: 11/13/14)

Sheldon objects when Leonard decides to have surgery on his nose.

Teleplay by Eric Kaplan & Steve Holland & Tara Hernandez | Story by Steven Molaro & Bill Prady & Maria Ferrari | Directed by Anthony Rich

Sheldon’s increased capacity to care about others, including his friends, is highlighted in this offering where he objects to Leonard having surgery on his nose to correct a deviated septum. This is not only a manifestation of Sheldon’s resistance to change, which is a fundamental aspect of his character’s rigid personality, but also his own obsessive-compulsive tendencies, as he catastrophizes about all the risks associated with major cosmetic surgery. However, more than that, he’s worried because he cares about his pal, and that’s another sign of his premise-supported evolution, which is precisely what the series should be exploring. As for this installment, it’s also pretty funny, with Sheldon injuring his nose while trying to protect Leonard, allowing for the fun visual climax of them both bandaged in the exact same way. So, this is an amusing, character-forward, situation-approved selection relative to the rest of the year.

06) Episode 171: “The Space Probe Disintegration” (Aired: 01/08/15)

Leonard and Sheldon talk about their relationship while shopping with their girlfriends.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Steve Holland & Maria Ferrari | Story by Bill Prady & Eric Kaplan & Jim Reynolds | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

This is a fairly unassuming half hour that doesn’t do a lot narratively, merely enabling some low-concept scenarios where two pairings of characters can have extended one-on-one time. Most notably, Sheldon and Leonard reluctantly accompany their girlfriends shopping and, in the process, have a discussion about their friendship and the ways they compromise (or don’t) for each other. It’s a simple idea that nevertheless nods to the basic fact that Sheldon is a difficult person, with an unbending approach to the world and a naturally self-oriented perspective, away from which he’s trying to evolve, despite his maintained aversion to change — a subject that comes up when the guys are forced to confront that, hey, once Penny and Leonard marry (if that ever happens), the living arrangements won’t be the same anymore. That’s a daunting prospect for Sheldon, not only because he hates change, but also because he loves Leonard. Meanwhile, Raj and Howard also get some direct bonding as they discuss Raj’s religion — a unique topic that calls attention to the latter’s Indian heritage and is also thematically appropriate, given that they’re scientists. So, this underrated excursion is one of Eight’s best.

07) Episode 173: “The Troll Manifestation” (Aired: 02/05/15)

The guys deal with an online troll while the women learn embarrassing things about each other.

Teleplay by Jim Reynolds & Steve Holland & Maria Ferrari | Story by Steven Molaro & Eric Kaplan & Tara Hernandez | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

In this installment, the guys deal with an anonymous commenter who posts critical feedback about a paper that Leonard and Sheldon jointly published. It’s not a spectacular A-story for character, but it hinges around their scientific interests and congregates them for long scenes where they function like a well-oiled ensemble, with a decent continuity-backed reveal that the troll in question was Stephen Hawking. That’s all science/nerd-related, indicative of Season Eight’s general thrust. Fortunately, there’s more personalization in the girls’ subplot, as they each uncover embarrassing things from their pasts — a bad movie of Penny’s, a video of Bernadette in a beauty pageant, and erotic Little House On The Prairie fan fiction written by Amy. That last bit is especially funny, because it’s the most specific and plays to her character’s sexual frustration, which is thanks to Sheldon and his slow, premise-affiliated arc.

08) Episode 174: “The Comic Book Store Regeneration” (Aired: 02/19/15)

Penny advises Sheldon on how to let things go while Stuart unveils his reopened shop.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Eric Kaplan & Steve Holland | Story by Jim Reynolds & Maria Ferrari & Jeremy Howe | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

This is the episode where Howard’s mother dies — a development that was written into the show following the real-life passing of Carol Ann Susi, the funny actress who had voiced the role since Season One. That reveal is the dramatic apex of an entry that’s more memorable as a result but nevertheless worthwhile en masse, largely due to a subplot that has some situation-supported juice, as Penny advises Sheldon on how to let things go — i.e., be less rigid, for the sake of smoother relationships. It’s exactly the kind of lesson his character, per his premised design, needs to learn, so it’s fundamentally the right idea. And it’s even more fun when he turns the tables on Penny by giving her the chance to practice what she preaches after he divulges that Amy has secretly been conducting social experiments on her. Can she let it go, as she’s coached Sheldon? It’s a great story, with a scientific bent that only this series can offer and a conflict based on the leads and their dynamics. (Nathan Fillion appears as himself.)

09) Episode 175: “The Intimacy Acceleration” (Aired: 02/26/15)

Sheldon and Penny participate in a one-on-one psychological exercise.

Teleplay by Steven Molaro & Jim Reynolds & Steve Holland | Story by Dave Goetsch & Eric Kaplan & Tara Hernandez | Directed by Mark Cendrowski

At the show’s peak, Big Bang’s best outings often prioritized direct interaction between Sheldon and Penny, for their relationship was the purest encapsulation of the situation. He was the boldest ambassador for all the guys, while her palpable and contrasting humanity forced him to confront his social dysfunction and evolve in stories that, based on his definition, featured the most comic tension. But once he got involved with Amy, and Leonard and Penny were united in perpetuity, the show often became about the romantic couples, so Sheldon and Penny were paired less often, and the premise got progressively less explored in its most explicit, initially intended fashion. This installment is notable because it consciously grants Sheldon and Penny exclusive face time where they bond over learning more about each other, reinforcing their characters and their friendship, which highlights Sheldon’s growth and thus the premise. This setup is convenient and not as well-motivated as early seasons’ stories were, but at least it gets them together, which is inherently indicative of the series and its purpose. An MVE contender.

10) Episode 182: “The Maternal Combustion” (Aired: 04/30/15)

Sheldon’s and Leonard’s mothers clash when they both visit at the same time.

Teleplay by Chuck Lorre & Jim Reynolds & Maria Ferrari | Story by Steven Molaro & Tara Hernandez & Jeremy Howe | Directed by Anthony Rich

Sitcom stalwarts Christine Baranski and Laurie Metcalf return in this episode as Leonard and Sheldon’s mothers, respectively — their first ever joint appearance. It’s always fun to see them, particularly the cold Baranski, whose clinical nature accentuates both Leonard and Sheldon’s characters, as she and Sheldon share the same emotionally detached approach to the world while Leonard, who craves affection, can’t help but shrink and cower. This is innately character-forward and revealing for the two guys, but the ladies are also bold comic figures in their own right, especially by this point, where they’re both, including Sheldon’s kind yet super religious mom, well-formulated. And because they’re so different, the two women clash in a way that makes for natural situation comedy, based on established elements who are themselves reflexive as satellites of the primary situation. Accordingly, this is a funny and memorable half hour — one of the most enjoyable samples here in the otherwise subpar Season Eight.

 

Other episodes that merit mention include: “The Clean Room Infiltration,” a Christmas outing that’s mostly fun for Amy’s nerdy Victorian-themed celebration of the holiday, “The Colonization Application,” which is narratively contrived but has the right idea for conflict, as Sheldon thoughtlessly prioritizes himself over Amy and their relationship, and “The Commitment Determination,” the season finale where Sheldon and Amy conveniently break up, and Leonard and Penny spontaneously, and again conveniently, decide to marry. I’ll also take this space to cite: “The Locomotion Interruption,” the premiere that has some fine moments but has to clean up a stupid cliffhanger, “The Skywalker Incursion,” which is only notable because it dresses itself up with nerdy details, and “The Leftover Thermalization,” where Howard — in a sign of his own maturation (akin to Sheldon’s sex and Leonard’s marriage) — has to confront his grief over his mother by dealing with the leftovers in her thawing freezer.

 

*** The MVE Award for the Best Episode from Season Eight of The Big Bang Theory goes to…

“The Prom Equivalency” 

 

 

Come back next week for Season Nine! And stay tuned tomorrow for a new Wildcard!