2+2+1+1

For some reason, the presence of two taken scientists is starting to cause a rift between the characters with girlfriends and those without.  Suddenly, all interactions either revolve around Sheldon or relationships.  This is by no means a bad thing, but it does limit the number of storylines the show can substantially explore.  It’s all comaraderie on The Big Bang Theory, but what about individual development?  The unfortunate few like Raj gets to be the definitive sidekick without a chance to ever evolve.

This would be a major detriment to the show, but thanks to its constant barrage of jokes and hilarious storylines, the show remains top notch.  However, here’s to hoping that some change comes to the show comes its fourth year.  There’s consistency and then there’s risk taking.  The Big Bang Theory is not the latter.

Rating: 8/10

Cleaning House

Although I doubt the robbery will have much long lasting effect, the disappearance of most of Sheldon and Leonard’s entertainment is a big statement for the show.  Perhaps it is their way of demonstrating a departure from the show’s usual nerdy activities and moving towards the human relationships between these characters.

Yes, the security system is about as techie as it gets, but the episode focuses on other ways of providing humor.  For one, Penny and Leonard’s relationship continues to cause unexpected reactions from Sheldon; the same goes for Howard and Raj.  ‘The Bozeman Reaction’ is mainly comical due to Sheldon’s paranoia, and that is something new for the show.

The Impression

The Big Bang Theory never makes any drastic changes to the foundation of the show.  ‘The Bozeman Reaction’  starts with small adjustments that will hopefully lead to continued growth for the show.

Rating: 9.4/10

Coupling

If nothing else, Leonard and Howard’s relationships have opened up a new direction for the show, one that is geared towards the comedic effects of emotional relationships rather than academic ones.  Armed with steady-going gals (who are both incredibly beautiful, an ego-boosting fantasy for many nerdy men out there), Raj and Sheldon have become the new dynamic duo.

Without their better halves to work with (Howard and Leonard), Raj and Sheldon introduce a new dynamic, especially since they are the most contrasting of all the characters.  This gives Raj some much needed developement and Sheldon a chance to explore his sexual needs.

Chemistry 101

The results?  Not surprisingly, Sheldon manages to bypass any and all signs of needing a companion, even when the mate appreciates his quirky sense of humor.  It would seem that “Sheldon vs. Love” is a closed case, at least for the time being.  In truth, his character remains so endearing because he is self-sufficient and self-centered.  Changing that persona would transform the entire foundation of the show.

For now, the task of constructing romantic storylines is in the hands of Leonard, Howard, Penny and newcomer Bernadette, and that’s how I like it.  The Big Bang Theory can successfully enter another laid back, entertaining episode into their winning vault.

Rating: 9/10

Beverly the Cruel

Again, I much prefer Sheldon’s mother to Beverly.  Beverly is dry in an undermining way, and she is the carbon copy of Sheldon’s archetype.  While Sheldon has become endearing, having two personalities like that is an overdose.  Story-wise, Beverly’s presence does serve a natural function for Penny and Leonard in that they have to introduce and validate their relationship to an insatiable parent.

With Penny and Leonard largely together and happy this season, Beverly inserts an interesting dilemma for the pair.  Although the idea is the ultimate cliche, it is resolved in a rather comical manner.

Inebriation

Even with my dislike for Beverly, seeing her drunk is more rewarding than I could’ve ever expected.  Seeing her drunk and interact with Penny, Leonard and Sheldon is–quite simply–comedic gold.  In a very awkward manner, Leonard is able to receive drunken affection from his mother, Sheldon is able to kiss a member of the opposite sex, and Penny is ultimately able to receive Beverly’s blessings.

Despite a very bumpy ride, The Big Bang Theory is able to entertain viewers and even receive a little bit of merriness in its own special way.  ‘The Maternal Congruence’ pales in comparison to last season’s Christmas episode but still manages to satisfy my comedic appetite.

Rating: 8.2/10

Coupling

For the first time in the series, The Big Bang Theory has the opportunity to explore the tricky rapids of relationships in a real way.  While Penny and Leonard give us a cute perspective of how opposites attract, Howard and Bernadette present a new layer to how these socially incompetent men might find romantic happiness.

While it’s unclear how much influence Bernadette might have for the season, she is giving Howard an enormous amount of screentime and characterization.  For the first time, Howard admits to his own vulnerability and opens up to someone he actually cares about.  Couple that with Penny trying to learn physics and the episode is actually equally relationship-centric as it is geeky.

The Monologue

‘The Gorilla Experiment’ utilizes one of my favorite running gags.  At different times, Penny, Bernadette, Sheldon and Leonard display their ability for verbal vomit as they use highly scientific jargon.  While most viewers will not understand a word they’re saying, its the complete nonchalant delivery that makes these moments so hilarious.

The episode is lighter than usual for The Big Bang Theory, but ‘The Gorilla Experiment” is nonetheless an entertaining episode with equal amounts of character development and nerdy exchanges.

Rating: 8/10

The Wolowitz Spotlight

The misdirected man rarely gets any shining moment.  However, thanks to a hefty bathtub scene with Katee Sackhoff and a surprisingly endearing relationship with newcomer Melissa Rauch (Bernadette), the episode pretty much centers around Howard and his misguided perspective on women.

Could this be the birth of a storyline for our Jewish man?  So far so good.

The Big Bang

‘The Vengeance Formulation’ also takes advantage of the science behind the show.  Thanks to the show’s unique premise, episodes like this can get away with over-the-top gooey explosions and Battlestar Galactica references.  Where else can you get a high dosage of nerd like The Big Bang Theory?

With a nice mix of personal progression and splatters (hehe) of comedic hilarity, ‘The Vengeance Formulation’ is a a perfect showcase of why The Big Bang Theory continues to rise in popularity.

Rating: 9.2/10

Sheldon’s World

It wouldn’t surprise me if creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady conceived Sheldon with Asperger’s or some other condition that allows him to be so utterly out of this world.  I’m sure many viewers have wondered about Sheldon and his ability to have any romantic inklings.  While I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but seeing Penny’s naked body and not getting aroused is a surefire sign that it’s definitely not going to be a stroll in the park.

I don’t know if the show will ever take Sheldon down a romantic path, but he’s doing just fine entertaining the world with his perspective.  Of course, Penny girl-next-door demeanor only adds to the comedy.

High as the Stars

While it’s a little cheap to use marajuana as a comedic tool, it certainly doesn’t detract from the humor.  I’m not sure if the storyline adds anything new to Leonard, Raj and Howard as we know it, but it does give away some surprise secrets.  For one, the camping trip confirms Howard’s affinity to cougars and the general older female demographic.  For another, the man lost his virginity to his cousin.  Yep, and you thought he couldn’t get any creepier.

While this is really a distraction for the main dynamic between Penny and Sheldon, it serves its purpose.  ‘The Adhesive Duck Deficiency’ is a laugh-out-loud fun ride with the use of a lot of drugs.  It’s not the brightest idea, but it works for The Big Bang Theory.

Rating: 9/10

The Fight

What the episode lacks in variety it makes up in illustrating a milestone in Penny and Leonard’s relationship–their first fight.  For a show where the characters thrive in naivete, this is a fairly mature storyline, one that even brings out an interesting character facet in Sheldon.  Turns out, Sheldon is particularly traumatized by fighting due to the numerous confrontations between his parents.  In truth, this is a rather sad realization, but one that is played off fairly well with jokes and Sheldon’s innocent insensitivity.

The force of the episode particularly unusual for the show.  It works in that Penny and Leonard are thrust into the spotlight, one that Sheldon often steals from the de facto couple.  While the two still lack romantic chemistry for me, their longevity this season is turning out to be quite satisfying to watch.  After all, nothing feels more true than seeing compromise on television.

Overall

Due to the lack of alternative routes, ‘The Guitarist Amplification’ works doubletime on the jokes.  In a way, this is an advantage.  With some extra laughs and solid progression for Penny and Leonard, The Big Bang Theory is sitting comfortably as the top sitcom of the season.

Rating: 8.6/10

Leonny…or Penord

While Penny and Leonard have a ways to go before they measure up to the truly iconic sitcom couples, they do have this playful innocence appeal going for them.  The fact that they are so different makes you want them to stay together even more.  Take Penny’s friends and her general taste in men.  Now there’s a stereotype if I’ve ever seen one.  The same goes for Leonard and his infectious nerd level.  I guess you can say they are the unlikely couple, but as the episode points out, they also compliment each other in a bizarre and compromising way.

The Other Couple

By the time Howard and Raj have their little bromance moment on the park bench, I was half expecting them to kiss.  This dynamic has been explored before (hello, Joey and Chandler), but it does take great chemistry to make it work, and actors Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar definitely have the right tone to make their relationship believable and funny.  This is also the first season where both characters have blossomed out from under Leonard and Sheldon’s wings, which is refreshing.

Considering what “The Big Bang Theory” delivers, there’s little to complain with ‘The Cornhusker Vortex’.  It’s casual, it’s geeky and it makes you laugh.  What more can you ask for?

Rating: 9/10