THE BIG BANG THEORY Rejects the "Status Quo"

Article first published as TV Review: 'The Big Bang Theory' - 'The Status Quo Combustion' on Blogcritics.

CBS’s The Big Bang Theory finished off its seventh season this week with “The Status Quo Combustion.” Sheldon (Jim Parsons) finds his world rocked when  the university not only doesn’t allow him to pursue his new chosen field of science, but Leonard (Johnny Galecki) mentions moving out, now that he’s engaged, and Sheldon’s place of refuge, the comic book store, is ruined by fire. What’s an anti-social genius to do when falling apart? Run into the arms of his loving girlfriend? Nah. He hops a train out of town, unable to cope with the myriad of stressors surrounding him.

“The Status Quo Combustion” may the purest version of Sheldon The Big Bang Theory has shown us yet. We know he’s persnickety and doesn’t like change, but we’ve never seen just how much it really effects him until all these things come crashing down at once. This side of him, the one willing to abandon his entire life because he can’t handle so much happening in it is new, but also insightful into past actions. Sheldon doesn’t not only dislikes change, he is really psychologically pained by it. His idiosyncrasies aren’t just quirks, they’re part of his mental state. He is neither healthy nor well adjusted–by any stretch.

But this kind of breakdown may be just what Sheldon needs to grow. True, he could be on the autism spectrum and may not be physically cable of making the adjustments. Or, what seems more likely, his disease is in his head, and by forcing him to confront it, he may be able to work through it and grow as an individual. Neither way condemns Sheldon as a person; it just explains more of what makes him tick, which is always a good thing to do with a character seven years into a show. Such delving will keep the series from growing stale and repetitive, something The Big Bang Theory has succeeded at more than most of its peers.

So what will happen to Sheldon now? Obviously he isn’t leaving the The Big Bang Theory, being by far the most popular character. Will he come back a changed man, better able to cope with what life throws at him and a new attitude? Or will he be the same old Sheldon, having just accepted a handful of things he cannot change? This is a question that should keep viewers mentally engaged through the summer. That, and how Amy (Mayim Bialik) will deal with the sabbatical.

While others are supportive of Sheldon’s decision, Amy is not. She sees his time of weakness as an opportunity to get her hooks into him deeper, and when he doesn’t cooperate with her, she is quite upset. I do think Sheldon could be quite happy with Amy if he would only give the relationship thing a real try, but Amy has every right to be upset, having saint-like patience (most of the time) with Sheldon thus far, and still being rebuked. When he eventually falls to her, her win will be well-earned. And while this paragraph may make their coupling sound creepy, it’s not; it’s the only way that stubborn Sheldon is capable of possibly experiencing romantic love.

One of the catalysts for Sheldon’s breakdown is Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) and Leonard’s engagement. This has been a long time coming, and after a number of false proposals, the final one ends up being the worst one yet. Still, it’s easy to be happy for the couple, who have found unlikely happiness in each other, and while it does seem a bit like Sheldon’s parents are leaving him, they deserve to start a life in which Sheldon isn’t around 24/7.

Speaking of parents, Leonard’s mother’s (Christine Baranski) reaction to the news is probably the funniest scene in “The Status Quo Combustion.” Things will never be solid between mom and son, but it’s enjoyable to watch their interactions. Thank goodness Leonard has friends who support him (usually), as anyone who came from a parent like that will have all kinds of self-esteem issues. It’s amazing Leonard has turned out as independent and confident as he has!

I really enjoy Stuart (Kevin Sussman) taking over as nurse to Howard’s mom (Carol Ann Susi). This solves the problem of Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) giving up their lives to take care of her, as clearly that would destroy their marriage. It also gives Stuart another important role in the series, hopefully keeping him coming back even more in the future. All is right for the Wolowitz family.

All is also right for Raj (Kunal Nayyar), who finally has a steady girlfriend who is sweet, cute, funny, and enjoys sex with him. Raj is the perpetual loser on the show, second only to Stuart in his failings, and it’s gratifying that he’s come so far from where he started. All he needs is the right girl, and Emily (Laura Spencer) seems to be that for him, at least for now. Happy days!

It’s kind of interesting that Sheldon’s lowest point is basically everyone else’s highest. Yet, that’s the way of things; not everyone can be in a good place all the time. It’s been quite awhile since Sheldon was the worst off, and so it’s his turn. The way The Big Bang Theory allows such shifts and movements in its players is what keeps it fresh after seven years. Hopefully, it will continue this in the future, as it promises to be on the air for quite awhile to come.

The Big Bang Theory has been renewed for three more seasons, and will return next fall on CBS.

The Big Bang Theory observes "The Countdown Reflection"

In the season finale of CBS's The Big Bang Theory, "The Countdown Reflection," the time has arrived for Howard (Simon Helberg) to go into space. But as Howard awaits launch time in the shuttle with fellow astronauts Michael J. Massimino (himself, a real NASA astronaut) and Dimitri (Pasha D. Lychnikoff, Bent, Deadwood), he reflects back on the past few days, and his hurried, but special, wedding to Bernadette (Melissa Rauch).

I'm not a fan of the way this episode is structured. Though it's always worth giving props to series for taking risks, The Big Bang Theory works better in its normal format. The regular story in "The Countdown Reflection" is fine, living up to the usual standards set by the show. But the scenes of Howard in the shuttle, while amusing, don't really fit. The gags take away from the emotional state that Howard is in, and it doesn't come together as well as it should.

That being said, the end of "The Countdown Reflection" is one of the best scenes of the show. As Howard's six friends watch him on the television, Bernadette grips Raj's (Kunal Nayyar) hand. Howard's best friend and new bride take comfort in each other, leaning on each other in a time of stress and worry. Then Penny (Kaley Cuoco) takes Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) hand, their silly fight over his stupid mid-coitus proposal, and her poor handling of the situation, forgotten in their concern for Howard. Lastly, Sheldon (Jim Parsons), who shuns physical affection and human contact, is even moved enough to take Amy's (Mayim Bialik) hand, a fact that certainly does not go unnoticed by the attention-starved girlfriend.

It's impossible to even write about this scene without tearing up, let alone watch it dry-eyed. Chuck Lorre comments on it in his ending title card, and even the cheesy "aw" reactions by the live audience don't spoil the powerful effect. It's raw and it's moving beyond words. This is a scene of pure human emotion at its best, friends clinging to each other in a seminal moment. This is, without a doubt, one of the most monumental bits The Big Bang Theory has ever done, or will ever do. Bravo!

Now, assuming Howard makes it back all right, which, jokes of a defective shuttle aside, he surely will, The Big Bang Theory will return to its routine. In this case, that's fine. "The Countdown Reflection" is not a chance for a game changer ignored. Howard's marriage and mission will be part of the character from now on. But, far from forcing drama and new directions just for the sake of audience engagement, The Big Bang Theory instead chronicles an extraordinary event in the life of an ordinary man, and will continue to follow him after. Life goes on. The mission is special, and gets the attention it deserves. But then things will return to normal. Some series should go with the death, but The Big Bang Theory doesn't need it.

"The Countdown Reflection" has some fun moments, such as Amy trying to steal the spotlight for herself, including by wearing her maid of honor dress to City Hall. Bernadette's father (Casey Sander, Grace Under Fire) gives her away in anything but the traditional method. Sheldon insists on performing part of the ceremony in Klingon.

But there are also some things missing. Why is Bernadette's mother only shown in the big zoom out, the actress left unrevealed? And keeping Howard's mother (Carol Ann Susi) offscreen is wrong. Yes, there is enough going on in this episode that the big, first glimpse of her is not necessary. But it's Howard's wedding! And the others yelling to her, while staying consistent with the character, doesn't really fit in the solemn occasion.

So, overall, an uneven episode. The truly fantastic is mixed with the disappointing. Still, better than most shows on TV! The Big Bang Theory will return next fall to CBS.

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The Big Bang Theory accomodates "The Roommate Transmogrification"

     For the season finale of CBS's The Big Bang Theory, the writers went for shakeups. Tired of listening to Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and his sister, Priya's (Aarti Mann), sounds of lovemaking, Raj (Kunal Nayyar) goes to stay in Leonard's apartment with Sheldon (Jim Parsons). When Leonard and Raj agree that they should make the arrangement semi-permanent, Sheldon naturally makes Raj sign a complicated roommate agreement. But everyone is happy with the arrangement, including Sheldon, who considers Raj a much more accommodating roommate than Leonard. Then Leonard and Priya have a fight, and Leonard returns home to discover a drunken Raj and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) have slept together. Meanwhile, Howard (Simon Helberg) feels inadequate after Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) gets her PhD and is offered a lucrative job.


     Though it can be seen coming from a mile away, having Penny and Raj sleep together is a huge mistake. Penny is not done with Leonard, as she confesses to Raj before the dirty deed. Things are not going so well between Leonard and Priya because she refuses to tell her family about him. Ergo, a Leonard / Penny reunion is imminent. Or it was. Until Penny sleeps with Raj, and Leonard immediately finds out about it. At least the writers get props for not keeping the sex a secret for half a dozen episodes.

     Leonard will not soon get over this. He is insecure and jealous, and his ex sleeping with one of his best friends is a severe betrayal. Obviously, Penny would never have done it without alcohol, but that won't make Leonard feel any better. Yes, TV series must put obstacles in the way of couples who are destined to end up together. But this is a big one, on the level of Ross sleeping with the copy girl when he and Rachel were "on a break." It took that pair of Friends years to heal, and Leonard and Penny appear to be heading for the same type of extended separation.

     Raj and Penny will not be seriously pursued as a couple. Even after sleeping with her, Raj still cannot talk to Penny without alcohol. That is not the foundation for a solid relationship. Besides, Penny is not interested in Raj. She has been dissatisfied with stupid guys after dating Leonard, and lonely because it's harder to find smart guys. Raj is simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, and the consequences of their actions will be far reaching for the entire group, more so than the two of them together.

     Leonard and Priya were never going to last long-term, as evidenced by her unwillingness to be open about their relationship. It always felt like she is using him for fun, not interested in anything too serious. Leonard is willing to be with her, but she doesn't return his feelings. Because of that, Leonard likely still thinks fondly of his time with Penny, and misses their relationship, which will lead to deeply hurt feelings at the Raj revelation. Moving forward, why would Priya want to stay with a guy who is preoccupied with his ex? They are likely over.

     The Raj / Penny hookup is just a step too far. It is believable, but barely, and only because of the reasons mentioned above. Had circumstances been slightly different, it would not have happened. The event has no positive impact on the series, and is a huge downer to end on a season on. It should not have been done.

     Raj moving in with Sheldon is a delightful side trip. It is too bad it looks like things will return to status quo by season premiere. Leonard is used to Sheldon, so Sheldon must go to extremes for there to be any interesting plot between the two of them. By contrast, while things at first appear rosy between Sheldon and Raj, there will surely be any number of obstacles the two will have to overcome to work out a truly peaceful living arrangement. As such, plot wise, it is much richer if Raj stays with Sheldon. Sadly, the chances of that are low.

     Poor Howard doesn't need to be dumped on anymore. Granted, he has had a good year, as he grows closer to Bernadette, and they even get engaged. Not only that, Howard's surly mother (Carol Ann Susi) actually likes Bernadette a lot, and approves of their relationship. This may lead to the conclusion that Howard has finally achieved a perfect life. That would be faulty reasoning, as everyone has problems, and nothing is ever perfect.

     Howard's main source of contention right now is how Bernadette overshadows him. He has always been arguably the weakest member of his group of friends. He is the only one, after all, who is not a doctor. Sheldon puts down Howard's research, and berates his chosen profession. With Bernadette, Howard thinks he has found a true partner on even footing, as Sheldon is equally skeptical of her work. But now Bernadette gets her PhD. Howard tries very hard to be supportive, but with his friends teasing him, it isn't easy.

     Even worse for Howard, Bernadette's accomplishment leads to her getting a very lucrative job. All of the sudden, her career is more important and profitable than Howard's. Her buying him a Rolex watch only humiliates him more, feeling like he isn't providing for his lady, something he wants to do. It is no wonder they soon have a fight, and Howard has to seek comfort in his friends.

     In all likelihood, Howard and Bernadette will be able to move past these developments. They have a deep affection for each other, and while Howard can be insecure, he tries really hard not to be, and usually eventually overcomes those insecurities. This is a rough patch, to be sure, but not an insurmountable one. Perhaps some positive will even come of it, if it spurs Howard to get his own PhD. This will not stop the wedding by any means.

     Is there any way Howard and Bernadette can have a wedding and Howard's mother will still not be shown on screen? Sure, the director can get creative with camera angles and objects blocking her, but why go to the trouble? It may finally be time for a Mrs. Wolowitz reveal.


     The Big Bang Theory has been renewed, and will return to CBS in the fall.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To buy The Big Bang Theory DVDs and other merchandise, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: The Big Bang Theory - "The Roommate Transmogrification" on Blogcritics.