Two weeks ago, I theorized the broadcast order of The Big Bang Theory was shuffled. I based this accusation on new character Bernadette’s unceremonious debut and integration without explanation. Contrary to these assumptions, Bernadette was actually introduced in episode five of this season, The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary. Seeming to mock my lack of attention to detail, Bernadette received not only another introduction tonight, but several. The girlfriend of nebbish engineer Howard was securely sutured to his arm, repeatedly displayed to cast members and extras alike with variations on a proud boast, “Hey, this is my girlfriend, Bernadette. Check it out, this is my girlfriend, Bernadette. Have you met my girlfriend, Bernadette?” I apologize for my mistake, and will actually try harder to research stuff in the future to prevent errors.
The demure microbiologist retains the same character traits from the previous episodes. However, here they seem lighter, more understated, but also somewhat less entertaining. Her repeated ignorance of the concepts of humor, popular culture and idioms makes her seem more just a ditzy blonde, as opposed to her comically implied social phobia. At first glance, she seems to be filling the abandoned outsider role of Penny, who has been fully assimilated into the nerdy protagonists. Fortunately, it seems like a brief misstep, and once the technical kinks of her character are worked out, she will become more appropriately shaped and utilized.
Regardless, Howard and Bernadette were close despite their respective foibles, mostly due to a mutual interest in the field of advanced science. Penny, always looking for common ground with her boyfriend, copies Bernadette’s example by attempting to show interest in Leonard’s career. Unfortunately, not only does the well-intentioned waitress not understand what a particle physicist’s job entails, she doesn’t even understand particles.
With no one else to turn to, Penny enlists Sheldon to tutor her. Sheldon is reluctant at first, as it would cut into his Mario Kart time, but eventually accepts, paralleling his teaching of physics to Penny with teaching sign language to Koko the gorilla. Sheldon even goes so far as to document the experiment, keeping an active log on all occurrences and developments: “Subject appears well-rested and enthusiastic. Apparently, ignorance is bliss.”
Eager to flaunt his wisdom, Sheldon converts his living room into a miniature classroom. Copying from one too many Carl Sagan documentaries, Sheldon begins with the etymology of key words, and a flowery rhetoric of the science’s origins, “What is physics?… Our journey begins in 600 B.C. It’s a warm summer evening in ancient Greece…”
Immediately, Sheldon and Penny butt heads. Sheldon chides Penny for her lackadaisical attitude and ignorance. Penny bemoans Sheldon’s demeaning attitude and ineffectual teaching habits. The teacher-student dynamic between these two feels completely natural despite the absurd circumstances, the byproduct of effective character development. Based on this and previous episodes, it seems any instance in which Penny and Sheldon are left alone automatically produces great comedy.
Returning to the B-story, Howard is at odds with Leonard. After Bernadette expresses genuine interest in Leonard’s particle research, Leonard invites her to attend his next experiment. Howard freaks out and becomes ridiculously territorial, thinking Leonard is trying to steal his girlfriend. Despite constant reassurances from both parties that this is not the case, Howard’s jealousy and paranoia culminates in a spastic fit of weakling rage. Funny in its own right, Leonard steals the show, delivering one-liners and snarky retorts to every straight line lobbed in his direction (“you had a panic attack once when you got your head stuck in a sweater.”). After much joshing, Howard mans up, apologizes to his friends, and is forgiven by Bernadette.
During the episode’s climax, the cast joins together for their weekly Thai dinner. Bernadette thanks Leonard for involving her with his experiment, which Leonard appreciates, lamenting no one ever shows interest in his work. Recognizing the opportune moment, Penny delivers a flawless, methodically prepared monologue using a truckload of scientific jargon and ten-dollar words, which I assume was somewhat related to Leonard’s occupation. After this, Penny breaks down and declares, “That’s it. That’s all I know.” While not a rolling-on-the-floor-hilarious ending, it greatly capped this week’s episode.
This week’s episode was all about character dynamics pitted against each other; Sheldon to Penny, Penny to Leonard, Leonard to Howard, and Howard to Bernadette. These dichotomies are the basic premise on which The Big Bang Theory floats, and tonight’s excellent execution partnered with terrific one-liners, quirks and running gags makes this a seminal episode of the series. If ever pressed to sum up The Big Bang Theory in 22 minutes, I would simply show this episode. While not among the funniest episodes, it hits all the necessary marks just right without ever stumbling.
