I’ve been waiting all summer for The Big Bang Theory to come back. I’ve been watching reruns on TBS and quoting the show. I might even admit to solving a few of life’s little problems by using “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard Spock.” But then, who doesn’t? What I’m saying is, I’ve been in agony, waiting for my fictional buddies (yes, I do have actual friends like this) to come back. So, did they live up to the anticipation?
“The Big Bang Theory”
One of the strengths of the show, and Parsons’ performance is that desperate waiting for Sheldon to do something normal..
Well, yes and no. Mostly no. This has nothing to do with my hopes or fears for the upcoming season. Not at all. In fact, I really don’t expect much from a sitcom season premiere. There was no real cliffhanger at the end of last season. Howard (Simon Helberg) is in space. Howard (Johnny Galecki) proposed during sex. Other than that, there was no big issue. The premiere was funny, but it felt like a series of vignettes. Not the best episode. Not the worst. Honestly, CBS should have run Amy’s (Mayim Biyalik) promo without adding Sheldon (Jim Parsons) line about her being his ride. One of the strengths of the show, and Parsons’ performance is that desperate waiting for Sheldon to do something normal. It’s why everyone loves the scenes between Sheldon and Penny (Kaley Cuocco). He has human moments. Soft Kitty, anyone? His hug after she gives him Leonard Nimoy’s used napkin? We all know he isn’t really going to hook up with sex-crazed (and understandably so) Amy. But a moment of feeling like he might would go a long way toward keeping him from being one note. We’ve gone farther and farther in that direction in the past few seasons.
And speaking of moving characters in directions we don’t expect, of course we never thought we’d see Howard married. But the continual wussy way he deals with his mother is getting old. He’s got a beautiful wife. He’s in space, something most people in the world will never get to do and he still can’t deal? Also, anyone notice that mom did a bit more acting in her voice over role than we’ve seen before? We’ve also got sad sack Raj (Kunal Nayyar) cutting in on Amy and Sheldon and also Penny and Leonard. We also learn that Penny has never told Leonard that she loves him. Silly girl. I’d kill for a guy like him. Smart, sweet and willing to write “Go Sports” on his stomach to support the things his lady loves.
As I said, I’m not worried. We’re just jumping back in. The best moments of the night (other than trying not to tear up during all the Frankenweenie commercials … come on, are you trying to kill me?) were from Stewart (Kevin Sussman) and Raj in the comic book store, having their coffee-flavored liquor in a Chewbacca mug, bonding. Best date ever? I think so!
What did you guys think of the episode? Even giving it a critique like this, it’s still far better than most other comedies out there. I just want to make sure I say that. What was your line of the night? Let us know below.
