More BANG Ready For Your Bucks

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'The Big Bang Theory - The Complete Tenth Season' on Blogcritics.

CBS’s The Big Bang Theory completed a full decade on the air last spring. The 24-episode Complete Tenth Season, now out on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital, brought some changes to the sitcom. Relationships matured and deepened, the family expanded, and scientific advancement came with some challenges. While perhaps not as fresh as it once was, the series does remain entertaining, and this was a pretty good batch.

The biggest changes in The Complete Tenth Season revolved, predictably, around Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik). Early on, they move in together. Unsurprisingly, it takes an abnormal event to push such an overdue, big step in their union. And yet, Sheldon handles it a lot more gracefully and openly that he would have even a year or two ago. Which makes their subsequent coitus more genuine. Sheldon will always be the Sheldon we were first introduced to in many ways. More important than these steps are the ways in which we see Amy soften him in all aspects of his life, as well as how he has matured in handling disruption. This is key for a series that’s been on this long.

A little less groundbreaking is how the arrival of Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette’s (Melissa Rauch) baby is dealt with. Yes, the inclusion of Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Stuart (Kevin Sussman) in the plot make it a little more screwball. In general, though, there isn’t much difference in The Big Bang Theory‘s approach than how other situation comedies have done the same thing previously. The best parts are when we see Bernadette struggle with going back to work and Howard doubt his abilities as a father because of his own upbringing, and I’m glad they didn’t lean into either too melodramatically. Also, tying baby Hallie (Pamela Adlon, Better Things) to Howard’s departed mother is a great move. But I still wish they’d found a more original approach.

Rounding out the ensemble, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) are feeling pretty solid and comfortable this year, especially after their second wedding. Raj slowly gets his love life and independent finances in order. These both show evolution, but like the above, they contribute to The Big Bang Theory‘s leveling out, with less departure from the typical fare in the genre every year. There are some truly funny bits, such as how the pregnancy is revealed to certain characters. But overall, it feels like it might be time to start looking for an end game. Or switch to shorter, more focused seasons like some of the revivals are doing these days.

As in the past, The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season, has plenty of great guest stars. Besides the returns of Judd Hirsch, Laurie Metcalfe, Christine Baranski, Keith Carradine, Brian Posehn, Riki Lindhome, and the too-long-gone Brian Thomas Smith, we get Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy, Married… with Children), and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad). The show stays focused on its leads, as it should, but it has done a good job of filling in other key roles with terrific and appropriate performers, some of whom viewers anxiously await the return of.

As far as extras go, the series brings back the charming #JustAskBBT segment, where cast members answer fans’ questions. There’s a featurette on family, which makes total sense, given the role relations played in several of the stories this year. There’s another on some of the more interesting props, one on the baby, and a humorous gag reel.

The Comic Con panel from 2016 is also included, too late as in most releases. But what’s cool about this one is that it’s the writers and other behind-the-scenes people being interviewed, not the actors, and Rauch serving as a very energetic moderator. That makes it more fun than some of the other panels I’ve seen lately.

The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season is on sale now.

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.

Dark Minions

Article first posted as Amazon Originals Dark Minions Review on TheTVKing.

Amazon made a ballsy move by releasing one of their new pilots, Dark Minions, in an unfinished state. Intended to be stop-motion animation, only a handful of scenes are complete, with the rest presented as sketches and sound effects.

I do not know the costs associated with stop motion, so don't know if that was the reason for the incomplete look, but I got the gist of the program decently enough. The story is easy to follow, the characters are relatable and likeable, and the voice work is cartoonish enough to mostly overcome the lack of visual product.

Still, I do think Dark Minions would have benefited by being complete. It's hard to imagine some of the bigger scenes in their current form, and the look is not at all impressive. If the series was able to wow us with what it wants to do, I think that would have helped. At the end of the day, though, I hope that this presentation doesn't hurt its chances of being picked up.

Of all the Amazon comedy pilots, Dark Minions is the most family-friendly. Sure, there is an evil empire with a planet-destroying weapon. But the blustery leader is goofy and amusing. I can't recall, though I could be wrong, any cursing, and a couple of pot jokes, while not ideal viewing for children, might just go over their heads. Content-wise, it's the tamest of the releases.

Which doesn't mean that it's not enjoyable. Mel (John Ross Bowie, The Big Bang Theory) and Andy (Kevin Sussman, also The Big Bang Theory) are slackers, more or less, who go to work for the galactic conquerors because they need a paycheck. They are the lesser storm troopers, working deep within the bowels of the starship, with no power or influence over policy. Thus, they are harmless, and their sweet dispositions make us forgive their choice in jobs, which at least one of them has a good reason for taking.

While on assignment to a planet, they meet Carly (Jamie Denbo, Terriers) and Lance (Andrew Daly, Eastbound & Down), rebels who would like to overthrow their overlords. Mel and Andy manage to pass themselves off as antique dealers, rather than soldiers, and a bond forms between the foursome.

Which is why when Drebnor (Clancy Brown, SpongeBob SquarePants) decides to blow up their world, Mel and Andy risk life, limb, and employment to save their new friends. They succeed, and Carly, believing them to be prisoners, rather than liars, drags Lance along to save them.

I think there are the makings here for a sweet, heroic story. Carly will be mad when she learns she has been fooled, of course, but the genuine earnestness of the lead characters should be enough for them to eventually earn her forgiveness. Plus, they will likely end up helping her, so this could be a bumbling comedy about good guys trying to take down the bad ones. I see potential here.

I also found the "Pilot" quite amusing and charming. Most of the players here are everymen, people we can get behind and root for in every setting, even space, which provides a rich tapestry of trouble to get into and strange environments to visit. They screw up, thankfully, because it provides laughs, but rebound from doing so, too, without much harm done. One can enjoy the blunders when one knows there won't be any serious, dire consequences, which there won't be with Dark Minion's light tone. Side characters, such as Drebnor's blubbering assistant, Feldenbaum (Richard Kind, Luck), and the radio man, DJ Wormhole (Phil LaMarr, Futurama), help round out the world.

Overall, I wish I could have seen a completed project, but Dark Minions should have broad enough appeal to find an audience. Dark Minions is available now on Amazon.com.

The Big Bang Theory making a bigger bang

CBS's The Big Bang Theory, six seasons in, is having the best year of its run. Constantly setting viewing records, it is one of the most-watched shows on television. With episodes as funny and original as recent installments have been, it's no wonder, and it's gratifying that more and more people are discovering a sitcom I've found hilarious since the beginning.

This week's entry, "The Bakersfield Expedition," finds the guys heading to a Comic Con in Bakersfield. Along the way, they stop at a desert locale where many Star Trek landing party missions were filmed, and decide to engage in a photo shoot - in full costume.

Things go horrible wrong when Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) car is stolen. Stranded, dressed as sci-fi characters, wandering the hot highway with no water, it just doesn't get much worse. It isn't long before spirits are down, and even Sheldon (Jim Parsons) is ready to go home, with only Raj (Kunal Nayyar) keeping his enthusiasm alive.

It's a fun tale, with some great laughs. The visual gag of the guys sweating, their (at first) brilliant makeup becoming less and less convincing with each passing minute, is fantastic, even if one does feel bad for them. But before that, the way they bond, listening to Sheldon's hack of Leonard's GPS, and the poses and looks they all put on, are awesome. It's a total geek fest, one sure to appreciated by any Star Trek fan.

Also, the fact that Howard (Simon Helberg) calls his mom for help, even though three of the four guys have ladies in the lives, not only plays into a stereotype, but is revealed in the perfect moment.

Even better, though, is the girls' plot in "The Bakersfield Expedition." Trying to figure out why their men are into geeky stuff so much, Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), and Amy (Mayim Bialik) head for the comic book store. After getting some advice from Stuart (Kevin Sussman), and having him defend their honor from leering nerds, they return home to peruse the literature.

At first, the women are clueless as to why their guys like such dumb stories. Yet, they spend the entire day arguing the rules of the worlds they are reading about, devouring more books, and making reasoned debates, such as how one might lift Thor's hammer. It's a thrilling head-spin, as even though Amy and Bernadette aren't really the "cool" kids, it's still strange to see them immersed in comics. Hopefully, this experience will have them finding a little more understanding for their boys' passions and hobbies, and maybe even partaking in them a little bit more. Though, not too much, as that would ruin the show, the differences separating the characters part of why the chemistries work so well.

The way that The Big Bang Theory satisfies convention AND turns it on its head, often at the same time, might explain the show's success. "The Bakersfield Experdition" is a simple, small-scale story, with no notable guest stars, and it still manages to deliver a number of memorable moments and jokes. The show doesn't try to be something that it's not, embracing its identity, and only expanding its world where it makes sense to do so. Six years in, the structure has changed and grown a bit, but it's still the same show it always has been, albeit with a little more estrogen.

Watch The Big Bang Theory Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!


Article first posted on TheTVKing

The Big Bang Theory: Naughty or nice?

CBS's The Big Bang Theory has gotten away a bit from its roots of four guys sitting around, being nerdy, dreaming about girls they could never have. Six seasons in, one is married, two are in serious relationships, and the fourth is feeling more and more isolated and lonely.

This week's episode, "The Santa Simulation," brings a reminder of the old, but without forgetting the new. Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) plan a Dungeons & Dragons night, much to the disappointment of their lady friends. It's a little sad, because everyone needs their own outlets, and couples don't have to spend every evening glued at the hip. However, since we do see the guys together a lot, just not geeking out quite this much anymore, it doesn't feel as cruel as it might that the girls object to being left out.

To get even, Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), and Amy (Mayim Bialik) get dolled up (or, rather, two of them do), parade in front of their men, and then head out to a bar to get drinks. No one is going to cheat on anyone, but they will be eye candy, not for their boyfriends and husband, but for strange dudes. If their guys won't pay attention to them, they'll get it somewhere else. Or at least, that's what they'll let the boys think is happening.

It's a testament to how much the characters have grown that Leonard and Howard don't jump off the couch and following Bernadette and Penny to the bar in "The Santa Simulation." Earlier in the series, the chance at being with a girl would prompt them to give up just about anything. This isn't the type of personality that can really exist for long in a loving, adult relationship, so while the men appreciate the looks and charms of their female companions, they are no longer owned by then. At least, not all of the time.

Does this hurt the premise of the series, which began with Leonard and friends ogling the neighbor? Not really. People do grow, change, and mature over time. The affection among friends has remained strong, geek cred is still high, and six years in, The Big Bang Theory is still pretty much just as consistently funny as ever.

For instance, Raj quickly looses the game, and so joins the girls. He stupidly tells Penny and Bernadette about his previous crushes on them, but refuses to even pretend he was ever interested in Amy, no matter how much the other women try to drive home that he should, because he hurts Amy's feelings. It's an amusing scene, and Bialik sells the ending of what could almost have been a stand-alone sketch.

Back in the apartment, Leonard puts a Christmas twist on their play, which evokes emotional history of Sheldon's young life. It's a fascinating, new glimpse at the most popular character, revealing a little more about what makes him who he is, and dwelling on it no more than it deserves to be dwelled on. It's poignant and humorous, a good blend. Sheldon's strategy in the episode is not unpredictable, but entertaining, and his dream sequence at the end stays just shy of going too hokey.

Stuart (Kevin Sussman) also joins in game night. He's still not a full member of the group, but after being upgraded to main character this season, he's been appearing more and more. Interestingly, he doesn't feel forced into "The Santa Simulation," but neither does he add much to it. The character works best in small subplots with Raj, and yet blends well enough with everyone else that he doesn't detract from the whole. What remains to be seen is whether the writers can find his perfect niche to make him soar, not just melt into the scenery, and headline his own story. Otherwise, he may not be long for the cast, as unfortunate as that may be. It's happened before (see: Sara Gilbert's Leslie Winkle).

In all, "The Santa Simulation" is not a spectacularly memorable holiday event, but a fine standard episode of a great series. The Big Bang Theory will return Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET to CBS in January.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on TheTVKing

Quickie reviews

I don't always have time to write full reviews of everything. Here are some quick thoughts (slightly expanded) that I posted on twitter @JeromeWetzelTV I think I might do posts like this occasionally from now on.

Private Practice - "Aftershock" : I really don't care that Pete (Tim Daly) has left Private Practice other than that it makes Violet (Amy Brennemen) annoying. Sigh. Charlotte (KaDee Strickland) and Cooper (Paul Adelstein) continue to rock. I love Addison (Kate Walsh), but I'm glad they're wrapping her story up. If she breaks up with Jake (Benjamin Bratt) when she does, though, I'll be ticked.

The Big Bang Theory - "The Date Night Variable" : The Big Bang Theory was very good, as usual. I'm glad the relationships are getting movement, especially Shamy, and poor Raj! Glad Stewart (Kevin Sussman) is a series regular now! Nice addition.

South Park - "Sarcastaball" : South Park was good, felt like the ref strike joke was an after thought, but great commentary on our over protection of kids.

The Neighbors - "Pilot" : The Neighbors had goofy charm in a few spots, but overall, was not very good. Like Coneheads, if they never assimilated. What I don't get most about The Neighbors is how the aliens lived in a neighborhood for 10 yrs without being discovered. They're not careful

The Big Bang Theory gets "The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition"

     CBS's The Big Bang Theory explores a question in "The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition" that fans ponder frequently: what is the deal between Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik)? Stuart (Kevin Sussman) asks Leonard (Johnny Galecki) if it would be okay to ask Amy out. Leonard approaches Sheldon about the subject, and Sheldon reacts with total indifference. Even after Amy accepts the date, and all of Sheldon's friends keep pressing him to see how he feels, he pretends he has not one concern about it. However, his real emotions peek out when he crashes Amy and Stuart's movie to ask Amy to be his girlfriend. She accepts, then finishes the date with Stuart.

     Comments over the past year, especially lately, make it seem that Sheldon and Amy are an item. But then when Amy tries to force Sheldon to cuddle on the couch, and he won't, the signals get mixed. While Leonard and Penny's (Kaley Cuoco) relationship plays out largely in the background while they date, that's OK for them, because viewers can piece together their own clues about what is happening fairly easily. They are normal, relatable characters. This is not the case with Sheldon and Amy, who are both pretty odd people, and their connection becomes quite an enigma.

     "The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition" clearly sends the message that, while the pair spend much time together, they are not boyfriend and girlfriend. Part of this is because Sheldon does not want to be physically intimate in the slightest, not even desiring to hold hands. Amy obviously feels very differently about that arrangement, propositioning Sheldon for sex on multiple occasions. So they do not have a traditional dating relationship. But then, what about Sheldon is traditional?

     Things take a big step forward for them this week, when Sheldon hesitantly asks Amy to be his girlfriend, then proceeds to make up a thirty-plus page contract neatly defining what that means. She agrees readily, apparently caring enough about him to be willing to take his eccentricities. And why not? He is the male version of her in many ways, and makes an ideal mate if the goal is incredibly intelligent offspring. Plus, she enjoys being around him.

     Sheldon will have to eventually warm up to sexual relations if he wants to keep Amy. He has other priorities, to be sure, but the biological need will surely kick in some day. Perhaps a Vulcan "Pon Farr" is to be decided upon, with Sheldon agreeing to copious amounts of sex every seven years for procreation purposes. Or there may be fun scenes of Sheldon confused by the physical symptoms of being horny. Once Sheldon has intercourse once, though, one would assume that the pleasurable sensations will outweigh his other concerns. Hopefully, Amy might yet make him slightly normal.

     The whole thing does suck for Stuart, though, who continues to be unlucky in love. Though not a main character, enough has been shown of Stuart to earn compassion for the man. After failed dating attempts with Penny and Amy, will a hookup with Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) just before her wedding to Howard (Simon Helberg) complete his broken heart trifecta? Couldn't the writers just toss the pathetic comic shop owner a little bone here?

     In "The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition" there is also a really funny story about an expansion pack to a card game pitting cowboys against wizards. Raj (Kunal Nayyar) is the first to purchase the set, but soon all the guys get into it, with Sheldon even dressing in costume to play. This is where the episode title comes from, as Sheldon brings a spittoon as a prop. Little bits like this, purely done as humorous gags but feeling completely at home and realistic within the larger episode, keep the comedy focus of The Big Bang Theory crisp and highly enjoyable.

     Side note: Penny has become an alcoholic and needs help. Please let the other characters stage an intervention for her ASAP!

     Watch The Big Bang Theory Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Article first published as TV Review: The Big Bang Theory - "The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition" on Blogcritics.

The Big Bang Theory Figures Out "The Toast Derivation"

     Now that the women are firmly in place on CBS's The Big Bang Theory, it's time to take a look at the new chemistry combinations. For years, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) has been the only female among the four lead guys. But last spring, two others were tested, and they were liked so well that by this winter they were added to the main cast. Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) is a smart scientist who happens to be Penny's co-worker, and a love interest for Howard (Simon Helberg). Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) is proving that a female version of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) can be just as good as the original. I'm not saying that the guys have gotten stale, but adding the girls ensures plenty of fresh material to mine for years to come.

     The situation reminds me of when Alvin and the Chipmunks added the Chipettes. There were female counterparts for each of the three main characters. Similarly, Bernadette is like Howard, Amy is like Sheldon, and Penny goes with, even though she's not that much like, Leonard (Johnny Galecki). Which leaves only poor Raj (Kunal Nayyar) out in the cold. Though, it could be argued that Raj's sister, Priya (Aarti Mann), who does not star on the series, but is currently doing an arc, is his counterpart. But Priya is here as a love interest for Leonard, shaking things up with Penny, so no matter which way you look at it, Raj is still left out.

     Which is all right. It would be hard to add yet another new full-time character so soon. The new women are just getting settled in. Eventually, someone may come along for Raj, but I'm not in a hurry, as I actually like watching Raj play the odd one out. After so long of Leonard being the oddball for actually dating, while the other guys stuck to their boys' club, it's fun to see the dynamics totally shift as three of them move on, and Raj is left behind. Plus, before Raj can even entertain a love interest, he has to get over his phobia of speaking to women. I am hoping that his constant exposure to three females will gradually help him. His shyness has been a fun element for awhile, but it's time to move on from it. Then, once he is mostly cured, the series can bring someone in for him.

     Something I think the show is doing really well is giving the women screen time apart from the men, having ladies' nights and sleepovers. Penny has always been one of the stars, but we really only saw her interacting with her geeky neighbors. These new characters give us a chance to explore her, seeing other sides of her life. I find it interesting that Amy Farrah Fowler seems to be the advocate for the trio's activities, as she is introduced as a loner, but is really embracing having a social circle. Of course, she is such a delight, and it has been handled in a way that seems realistic, so I'm not pointing that out as a flaw. On the contrary.

     I love Amy and Sheldon's relationship, a term I use in the loosest sense of the word. While they have thus far avoided a romantic entanglement, I have to think that one will be coming, likely at Amy's aggression. Their frequent interaction, often though video, is perfect for the two modern, anti-social geniuses. But more important, Amy understands Sheldon, and knows how to talk to him in a way that others don't. In this week's episode, Sheldon is missing his friends, who have deserted him. Amy gets to the heart of the problem, and helps Sheldon understand the group's dynamics, namely, that they are Leonard-centric, not Sheldon-centric as Sheldon has long believed. She, more than anyone else, is tethering Sheldon to the real world. I understand the argument against that notion, as Sheldon's male friends are his most obvious connection, but without Amy, I'm not sure he can make his way back to them as he does.

     Which brings us to this week's episode, a memorable gem. Leonard is getting serious with Priya, so he, Raj, and Howard are hanging out over at Raj's place with her. Amy and Bernadette cheer Penny up, who has, of course, been left out. But that still leaves Sheldon, who stubbornly refuses to change his habits. In true Sheldon fashion, he finds it easier to construct a new social group, rather than adapt in the slightest way. In the end, Sheldon realizes that it is not as easy as he thought to replace his friends, and he ends up making some concessions, which is something the character probably wouldn't have done a couple of seasons ago.

     The group Sheldon puts together, thankfully, is not made up of new guest stars, but returning, recurring favorites. He chooses comic book store owner, Stuart (Kevin Sussman, Ugly Betty), rival co-worker with a funny speech impediment, Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie, Childrens' Hospital), and a dumb, former love interest for Penny (who strangely likes her nerdy neighbors), Zack (Brian Smith). Sheldon wants them to follow the schedule he prepares, but they'd rather drink and sing karoke, so they do, ignoring their host.

      While not working out as a good group for Sheldon, the three of them seem to bond fairly well. Plus, it's a welcome sight to see those three again, as each are wonderful character actors, who have been in on many good jokes in the series's past. I'd like to see them return as a rival group, a la Wil Wheaton, who plays a somewhat dickish version of himself on the show. Maybe they could even be Wil's new group, as the guys Wil brings around haven't made an impression. I'm not even sure he has appeared with the same friends twice.

     Watch The Big Bang Theory Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

Article first published as TV Review: The Big Bang Theory Figured Out "The Toast Derivation" on Blogcritics.

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