In the latest installment of CBS's The Big Bang Theory, titled "The Closet Reconfiguration," Sheldon (Jim Parsons) organizes the extremely messy walk-in closet of Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Howard (Simon Helberg). Within the clutter, Sheldon finds a letter Howard received from his father (who abandoned Howard as a child) on his eighteenth birthday. Not knowing how to file it, Sheldon opens and reads it, to Howard's dismay.
I normally don't like Howard-centric episodes. The whole astronaut plot wears pretty thin, and kind of drags the series down by the end of his tenure in space. However, in delving into the deep, emotional back story of Howard, not only do we learn something very important about who his character is, but it gives Helberg a chance to show off his considerable acting chops.
It's a tour de force for Helberg. He plays a man who isn't sure if he wants to know what his father would say. From burning the letter, to getting angry at his friends when they all find out what is in it, we see him go through several stages of feeling, all of them raw and personal. The capping scene, where each of Howard's friends gives him a possible recount of what his father sent, is intense and so, so moving. Helberg reacts to it all magnificently.
The Big Bang Theory doesn't usually go this deep. It has romantic arcs, sure, but taking Howard into his most painful memory, and making him question something so primal about his makeup is awesome. Some shows might save this until a final season. By doing "The Closet Reconfiguration" now, though, it gives them the chance to return here and mine this side of Howard a few more times, which I greatly look forward to.
I don't think any of Howard's friends will be the ones encouraging a revisit of this. At first, it starts off as a bit of gossip for them, and Sheldon, despite his weak protestations, is more than happy to oblige, as he always loves disseminating information in every form, whether it be academic or secrets about those closest to him. But then, they see how much this affects Howard, and they come together to support him. They make fun of Howard a lot, but he is a valued member of their circle, and they comfort him when he needs it the most.
It's kind of strange that we don't find out exactly what is in the letter. Were I Howard, I would want to know. Heck, I doubt I would have left the thing sitting in a closet for so long. However, for his character, and the approach he takes to the story, it makes total sense, so there's nothing to complain about. It's a unique personality, strongly developed over the last few years, and consistent with what we know about him. Howard avoids this kind of thing, that which will hit him deeply, at almost all costs, trying to live above that level where he can be hurt or hurt others.
Sheldon is used mostly for comic relief in "The Closet Reconfiguration." When the story is focused on him, Sheldon can be serious, many times too serious. But when the tale shifts away, Sheldon tends to get goofier. Does he do it to try to bring attention back to himself? Or is he just an inconsistent character? I don't think either is quite true. I'm just not sure Sheldon has a good read on social interactions (that's an understatement!) and these funny moments are his way of trying to process and deal.
I like this episode not just for the amazing Howard story, which is probably his best episode yet, but also because everyone gets to do a little bit. Sometimes some of the cast kind of sits out a week, and are only seen, not really contributing. This time, all seven (Stuart does not appear at all, but he's the most minor of the main cast) have at least one moment or joke that works for them. It's a very well written installment.
The Big Bang Theory has hit a new vein here, and it's one ripe with possibilities. Hopefully, they will revisit them. The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
I normally don't like Howard-centric episodes. The whole astronaut plot wears pretty thin, and kind of drags the series down by the end of his tenure in space. However, in delving into the deep, emotional back story of Howard, not only do we learn something very important about who his character is, but it gives Helberg a chance to show off his considerable acting chops.It's a tour de force for Helberg. He plays a man who isn't sure if he wants to know what his father would say. From burning the letter, to getting angry at his friends when they all find out what is in it, we see him go through several stages of feeling, all of them raw and personal. The capping scene, where each of Howard's friends gives him a possible recount of what his father sent, is intense and so, so moving. Helberg reacts to it all magnificently.
The Big Bang Theory doesn't usually go this deep. It has romantic arcs, sure, but taking Howard into his most painful memory, and making him question something so primal about his makeup is awesome. Some shows might save this until a final season. By doing "The Closet Reconfiguration" now, though, it gives them the chance to return here and mine this side of Howard a few more times, which I greatly look forward to.
I don't think any of Howard's friends will be the ones encouraging a revisit of this. At first, it starts off as a bit of gossip for them, and Sheldon, despite his weak protestations, is more than happy to oblige, as he always loves disseminating information in every form, whether it be academic or secrets about those closest to him. But then, they see how much this affects Howard, and they come together to support him. They make fun of Howard a lot, but he is a valued member of their circle, and they comfort him when he needs it the most.
It's kind of strange that we don't find out exactly what is in the letter. Were I Howard, I would want to know. Heck, I doubt I would have left the thing sitting in a closet for so long. However, for his character, and the approach he takes to the story, it makes total sense, so there's nothing to complain about. It's a unique personality, strongly developed over the last few years, and consistent with what we know about him. Howard avoids this kind of thing, that which will hit him deeply, at almost all costs, trying to live above that level where he can be hurt or hurt others.
Sheldon is used mostly for comic relief in "The Closet Reconfiguration." When the story is focused on him, Sheldon can be serious, many times too serious. But when the tale shifts away, Sheldon tends to get goofier. Does he do it to try to bring attention back to himself? Or is he just an inconsistent character? I don't think either is quite true. I'm just not sure Sheldon has a good read on social interactions (that's an understatement!) and these funny moments are his way of trying to process and deal.I like this episode not just for the amazing Howard story, which is probably his best episode yet, but also because everyone gets to do a little bit. Sometimes some of the cast kind of sits out a week, and are only seen, not really contributing. This time, all seven (Stuart does not appear at all, but he's the most minor of the main cast) have at least one moment or joke that works for them. It's a very well written installment.
The Big Bang Theory has hit a new vein here, and it's one ripe with possibilities. Hopefully, they will revisit them. The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
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