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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Not exactly 'Smitten' with Bent

This week, NBC's Bent finally premiered with two episodes, "Pilot" and "Smitten." In "Pilot," Alex Meyers (Amanda Peet, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip, 2012) reluctantly hires Pete Riggins (David Walton, Perfect Couples, 100 Questions) and his crew to renovate her kitchen. They flirt, but he's a player, and she's got a boyfriend, Ben (Matt Letscher, Eli Stone, Brothers & Sisters), whom she forgets to mention, and isn't sleeping with. In "Smitten," Alex and Pete's dance continues, and Ben still isn't getting lucky. Though Pete is, just not with Alex.

For the curious who missed these episodes, the "Pilot" of Bent is free on Amazon right now, and "Smitten" is available for a small fee. Watch it, then come back and read this article.

Looking at the stars listed in the paragraph above, a pattern begins to emerge. Bent is full of terrific actors who have been in excellent television shows that were canceled before their time. Bent is not one of those excellent shows, and its imminent cancellation, which seems a very likely possibility, especially given the show's April premiere date, will not be mourned the way others have been.

The actors are great, and many of the names should be familiar. Besides the three listed above, Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) plays Peter's washed-up-actor dad, JB Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm, a former writer for Saturday Night Live) is Pete's gossipy friend, Clem, Jesse Plemons (Friday Night Lights) is Pete's taken-advantage-of-apprentice, and Joey King (Ramona & Beezus) is Alex's daughter. Additionally, Pasha D. Lychnikoff (Deadwood) and Margo Harshman (Even Stevens) round out the cast.

But the problem with Bent is that there isn't much material for the performers to work with. The whole concept is that Pete is redoing Alex's kitchen? How long can that be stretched out? What happens when the work is done? Does he redo her whole house? Unless Pete and Alex are a couple by that time, there isn't much of a reason to merge their social circles. And if they are a couple, where does the tension go, as their interplay is the only real plot arc developed thus far?

Also, Harshman's character is called Screwsie. Whether that's because she likes to have lots of sex, or because she unscrews the top off many a bottle of cheap wine, the cutesy nickname is way too on the nose. Seriously, a grown woman goes by the name Screwsie? Does she want to be labeled an easy, alcoholic, slut?

Along the same lines, in the "Pilot" Tambor's character says that he's "Bent, not broken." If you need to explain the title of your series, the show needs a new title.

There are some hints of goodness. The bond that Pete forms with Alex's daughter, Frankie, is sweet. That is clearly his 'in' with her mother. If one can win over the kid, one can get the mother, and Pete has done that already. But since it's happened right off the bat, there isn't a lot of room to develop this further, and this relationship is not enough to carry the series on its own.

This cast would be great in a better written show. The chemistry is wonderful, when they get to use it. Perhaps that's what should be done. Keep them all together, but write totally new characters. Or figure out a different direction for Bent, quickly. Otherwise, it's destined to be yet another failed project for this very talented group of people who just can't find the right show.

Bent airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. In Columbus, NBC is analog channel 4, satellite 382, and high def cable 1004.

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