Episodes 6.02 The Decoupling Fluctuation (Oct. 4)

[DPK]

I am going to hope that you have patience with them as they go through the season. I was one of the ring leader's who drank the Kool-aid from Prady and Molero this spring on promising to "fix Penny" in Season six (they actually said "mature", I interpreted it as "fixing"). They need more time since they F-ed up her character so badly after Lorre ordered the break-up of Penny and Leonard near the end of season three. The writers added all these faults to her in Season four and five, I guess because they thought it would make her more interesting. They found out from the fan base, it mearly made her more unlikable. And L/P became nearly intolerable.

They have to make her the focus of the first part of the season to save interest in L/P, especially with the rise of the Shamy monster that will dominate the show. Since they have made Leonard have the balls of a Ken doll now, changing Penny is the only way to change the Lenny.

Whether they can change Penny in a way that the fans won't find too abrupt or unbelievable is the real challenge. But they have to sweep off two plus seasons worth of crap and make the fans happy again or more viewers simply won't give a damn about L/P anymore and move on to the Shamy..

I'd say that's pretty much already happened.

[Grasshopper]

I think Sheldon using his "microphone" is very much in keeping with his character, which is very much into using his imagination with role-playing games, dressing up as the Flash, etc. He always insists on getting the full effect of the experience.

I don't know what you found "too quirky" about the beginning. Three women talking about their men and the possibilities of marriage. The bit with the gravy boat also had Sheldon Cooper written all over it. He's nothing if not pragmatic when it comes to gifts.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean the very beginnig. as a matter of fact that part was really good, and deep too. Maybe that was why I thought the microphone part was quirky. I was too caught up in the moment after what Penny told the girls. Otherwise, I found the episode to be really good. I can't understand how anyone can rate it as bad. Of course there are some episodes I like more than others, but NEVER a bad one.

I like the Big bang Theory so much that you can throw any episode at me and I will take time out to watch it and enjoy it.

[Pomita]

Penny went into sheldons bedroom in the middle of the night in the episode that she was addicted to video games.

Well, she wasn't exactly in her right mind either, at that time. And it's not as if Sheldon has always been known for being polite to Penny. As some people are saying, they're like siblings.

[SodidIwin?]

I'd say that's pretty much already happened.

TPTB although concerned wouldn't really care if the L/P followers just moved on to the SHAMMY. They would still get their high ratings, sell their DVDs, T-shirts and soft kitties and fans would still watch the reruns. However, what they don't want is to alienate those viewers to the point that they don't just move on to Shammy or H/B but move on to another sitcom at a different network. Now what I don't understand is why (and maybe this happened behind the scenes) Kaley and Johnny didn't raise cane when Lorre and the writers were ruining the character Penny and their relationship. They are the ones most vested in this. They do have some say in how their characters are protrayed. I agree with BangerMain when he said they have two plus seasons of crap to sweep away. How those two actors allowed them to do it to them boggles my mind.

Edited October 6, 2012 by SodidIwin?

[Europa]

TPTB although concerned wouldn't really care if the L/P followers just moved on to the SHAMMY. They would still get their high ratings, sell their DVDs, T-shirts and soft kitties and fans would still watch the reruns. However, what they don't want is to alienate those viewers to the point that they don't just move on to Shammy or H/B but move on to another sitcom at a different network. Now what I don't understand is why (and maybe this happened behind the scenes) Kaley and Johnny didn't raise cane when Lorre and the writers were ruining the character Penny and their relationship. They are the ones most vested in this. They do have some say in how their characters are protrayed. I agree with BangerMain when he said they have two plus seasons of crap to sweep away. How those two actors allowed them to do it to them boggles my mind.

I'm not sure they have much say unless they are promoted to producers on the show, which I don't think they are. They could say something, of course, but I'm not sure they have too much power over the stories.

[SodidIwin?]

So are you saying that if two of the three main characters said something to the producers about their character's portrayal, they would just tell them to take their large pay checks they get and be quite?

[Moonbase]

Thanks to those of you who liked my comic strip. Kyzzx - if you decide to print it and it comes out too blurry, I can upload a larger file.

Back OT about the new episode.

I didn't think it was amazing, not many funny lines for me. It was touching that Sheldon was worried about Leonard. "worst bedtime story ever" made me laugh. But boy the shenny's got blown out of the water this episode. The chemistry between Penny and Sheldon was dialled down to zero and Sheldon more or less spelt it out. "I'm a big fan of homostatus" He may as well of said "I'm with Amy and would never hurt Leonard" It couldn't have been clearer. Also Penny walked away when Amy told Bernadette she plans to marry Sheldon in 4 years. This was deliberate, so she didn't pass it on to Sheldon, she's a gabby gerty. It seems most of them are, except Bernadette. So that's safe.

I felt so bad for Leonard, he's blissfully unaware that Penny is wavering. Sending her cute text messages and what not. What's her deal? I understand that she's questioning the fact he's not what she envisioned, but she was actually think about breaking up with him! Relationships go through dull patches sometimes but maybe she should find interests to excite her, instead of blaming the relationship. They don't solve everything.

"being mean is lame, what's cool is being nice."

Bernadette is no nerd but she certainly earned her geek stripes with that one. Holy crap that's geeky.

Edited October 6, 2012 by Moonbase

[BazingaFan]

Thanks to those of you who liked my comic strip. Kyzzx - if you decide to print it and it comes out too blurry, I can upload a larger file.

Back OT about the new episode.

I didn't think it was amazing, not many funny lines for me. It was touching that Sheldon was worried about Leonard. "worst bedtime story ever" made me laugh. But boy the shenny's got blown out of the water this episode. The chemistry between Penny and Sheldon was dialled down to zero and Sheldon more or less spelt it out. "I'm a big fan of homostatus" He may as well of said "I'm with Amy and would never hurt Leonard" It couldn't have been clearer. Also Penny walked away when Amy told Bernadette she plans to marry Sheldon in 4 years. This was deliberate, so she didn't pass it on to Sheldon, she's a gabby gerty. It seems most of them are, except Bernadette. So that's safe.

I felt so bad for Leonard, he's blissfully unaware that Penny is wavering. Sending her cute text messages and what not. What's her deal? I understand that she's questioning the fact he's not what she envisioned, but she was actually think about breaking up with him! Relationships go through dull patches sometimes but maybe she should find interests to excite her, instead of blaming the relationship. They don't solve everything.

"being mean is lame, what's cool is being nice."

Bernadette is no nerd but she certainly earned her geek stripes with that one. Holy crap that's geeky.

I guess I'm a geek then, because I tell my kids things like that all the time.

[Pomita]

But boy the shenny's got blown out of the water this episode. The chemistry between Penny and Sheldon was dialled down to zero and Sheldon more or less spelt it out. "I'm a big fan of homostatus" He may as well of said "I'm with Amy and would never hurt Leonard" It couldn't have been clearer.

Interesting, somehow that aspect of it didn't occur to me at all. Maybe because I never ever felt that Shenny (romantic) was on the cards at all, not even in seasons 2/3. I don't think that the possibility or its refuting was on Sheldon or Penny's mind either, during their conversation in this scene - all they were thinking of was Leonard.

It just struck me as a lovely comedic scene between the two of them, reminescent of those in older seasons.

[Moonbase]

Interesting, somehow that aspect of it didn't occur to me at all. Maybe because I never ever felt that Shenny (romantic) was on the cards at all, not even in seasons 2/3. I don't think that the possibility or its refuting was on Sheldon or Penny's mind either, during their conversation in this scene - all they were thinking of was Leonard.

It just struck me as a lovely comedic scene between the two of them, reminescent of those in older seasons.

Isn't that funny, it seemed really different to me. Maybe because it wasn't light-hearted. It had a serious air about it and Sheldon and Penny scenes in the past rarely had a serious air. It was mostly just goofing around, the seriousness came from Sheldon this time. So this felt like something new to me, not like the older scenes at all.

Edited October 6, 2012 by Moonbase

[Europa]

So are you saying that if two of the three main characters said something to the producers about their character's portrayal, they would just tell them to take their large pay checks they get and be quite?

I'm saying that I don't know if there's a whole lot they can do about it when they are not writers or producers - their job is to act the parts that have been written for them. It's been said here (I didn't know this before) that it was Chuck Lorre's idea to break them up in S3 in the first place and I seriously doubt any of the actors would have much say over that if he was determined to take them in that direction.

I do think that if they said something, then sure, maybe that would be taken into consideration. But we are assuming they didn't like the developments - we don't really know what Johnny or Kaley think of what has happened to the L/P relationship, do we? Hell, maybe they think all this contrived angst makes the relationship more interesting.

Edited October 6, 2012 by Europa

[DPK]

So are you saying that if two of the three main characters said something to the producers about their character's portrayal, they would just tell them to take their large pay checks they get and be quite?

Unless the actors also have a producing credit for the show that they are on, like Kelsey Grammar did for Frasier or Michael C Hall does for Dexter, the actors themselves don't really have a lot a say in where there characters go. Sure they can give suggestions but at the end of the day the actors do have to keep a certain level of professional distance from the characters they play. The longer they play a given character the harder this becomes but one of the creeds that profressional actors have regarding their craft when playing characters is that they have to be open to potentially going into new territories with the character they are playing. This can become extremely difficult if the actor becomes too close to the character he/she is playing. If the actor has a vision for the character that is singularly his own and believes that is where the character should go and becomes too emotionally invested in that outcome, then it makes it difficult for the actor to portray that character if the people who have the vetoing power(producers and writers)decide to go another way. It can actually negattively affect the actors ability to play that character.

This is something professional performers take very seriously and most of the time they won't rock the boat. Some actors of coarse will go against this convention but again the actors that do usually have a creative authority on the show(producer credit)outside of strictly playing their character and on top of that possess a lot of clout anyway. Despite the popularity of the show. Johnny and Kaley and even the other actors on the show don't have the level of clout to challenge the producers and writers on the storylines of the show.

Edited October 6, 2012 by DPK

[SodidIwin?]

Unless the actors also have a producing credit for the show that they are on, like Kelsey Grammar did for Frasier or Michael C Hall does for Dexter, the actors themselves don't really have a lot a say in where there characters go. Sure they can give suggestions but at the end of the day the actors do have to keep a certain level of professional distance from the characters they play. The longer they play a given character the harder this becomes but one of the creeds that profressional actors have regarding their craft when playing characters is that they have to be open to potentially going into new territories with the character they are playing. This can become extremely difficult if the actor becomes too close to the character he/she is playing. If the actor has a vision for the character that is singularly his own and believes that is where the character should go and becomes too emotionally invested in that outcome, then it makes it difficult for the actor to portray that character if the people who have the vetoing power(producers and writers)decide to go another way. It can actually negattively affect the actors ability to play that character.

This is something professional performers take very seriously and most of the time they won't rock the boat. Some actors of coarse will go against this convention but again the actors that do usually have a creative authority on the show(producer credit)outside of strictly playing their character and on top of that possess a lot of clout anyway. Despite the popularity of the show. Johnny and Kaley and even the other actors on the show don't have the level of clout to challenge the producers and writers on the storylines of the show.

Thank you for the explaination regarding the actor protocol for their roles they play. Therefore, the fault for the past years of subpar storelines and writing falls directly and precisely on Lorre and the witers. No mater what the protocol is, actors are human. They want to be aclaimed by their fans and peers, be nominated for an emmy for instance. That never would and didn't happen in the last two plus years with what Kaley had to work with. So as a good actress she just took one for the team and didn't / wouldn't say anything. How very commendable.

[Pomita]

Isn't that funny, it seemed really different to me. Maybe because it wasn't light-hearted. It had a serious air about it and Sheldon and Penny scenes in the past rarely had a serious air. It was mostly just goofing around, the seriousness came from Sheldon this time. So this felt like something new to me, not like the older scenes at all.

Sheldon's motive was certainly serious. But the scene itself, from Sheldon's knocking on the wall and scaring Penny to 'homeostasis' ('worst bedtime story ever') to his discussion about her shampoo, had their comedic chemistry written all over it. I think I laughed all through the scene; I felt the seriousness of it (and teared up) only at the end, when Sheldon said 'please don't hurt my friend'.

[phantagrae]

I have had the impression from some interviews that KC and JG don't really have any problem with going along the path that has been given them so far. I don't think that they think in terms of their characters being terrible people or dysfunctional people, etc.

I think that for them it's more of a roller coaster ride that's interesting to play.

It seems to me that it's only the fans, or some fans, who look at the characters in a negative way.

[CopperZinc]

Since the show started, I wanted to see'Leonard and Penny together. But after last night's episode, I went from liking Penny to wanting to punch her in the face. She is a self-centered, spoiled, free-loading little brat. She really made me HATE her.

I don't think there's anything the writers could do at this point to make me believe any storyline about her falling in love with him in the future.

Penny is a loser. ALWAYS the wrong choices. Did I mention I hate Penny? lol

One has to wonder if Ms. Cuoco is aware of what the writers are doing to her character. She's been made into a promiscous alcoholic (Sheldon's many remarks about men constantly leaving her apartment, and she's almost always drinking when the scene is at her place).

Her seriousness about considering dumping Leonard just made her unlikable -- which, reading this board, appears to be a widespread feeling. And I think she brought down the episode's energy. Rather dour, don't you all think?

I think many of us are really annoyed/upset because Penny is a core character in this series, and the fun, sweet moments between Leonard and her were gone in this episode. Dumping Leonard because of the headgame Wil Wheaton played on her to win the bowling match, and then yearning for Leonard while he was with Priya. She now just looks flakey.

Edited October 6, 2012 by CopperZinc

[Moonbase]

Sheldon's motive was certainly serious. But the scene itself, from Sheldon's knocking on the wall and scaring Penny to 'homeostasis' ('worst bedtime story ever') to his discussion about her shampoo, had their comedic chemistry written all over it. I think I laughed all through the scene; I felt the seriousness of it (and teared up) only at the end, when Sheldon said 'please don't hurt my friend'.

It was a very good Sheldon scene, he owned it. But I didn't think it was a great Penny/Sheldon scene, is you know what I mean.

This isn't what I was driving at in my initial post though. I was not trying to start an old vs new debate. I was referring to the shenny discussions we have had of late. There's been talk of a foreshadowing of a shenny relationship because they mentioned them being an old married couple, and whatnot. But here we have Sheldon sitting on Penny's bed and telling her, very calmly, that he doesn't like change and regardless of her feelings he wants her to continue dating Leonard. Of course, it's just a scene about Sheldon's concern for his friend to us, but to a shenny this has to be the most anti-shenny sentiment we have ever seen.

[BangerMain]

But boy the shenny's got blown out of the water this episode. The chemistry between Penny and Sheldon was dialled down to zero and Sheldon more or less spelt it out. "I'm a big fan of homostatus" He may as well of said "I'm with Amy and would never hurt Leonard" It couldn't have been clearer.

I'm wondering how the Shenny fandom could possibly spin this as anything but a final death blow to "shenny"? Both resident Shenny's have replied to this thread with one sadly admitting that the writers have "normalized" the Shamy and Lenny, which they are most certainly doing. But the other says the episode foreshadows the end of Leonard and Penny by sweeps and the wounding of the Shamy since Amy is now a stalker of Sheldon! He also thinks Sheldon and Penny should start living together.

So for the hard core there is nothing that can kill their hopes.

Edited October 7, 2012 by BangerMain

[Puppy Chow]

Sorry I am late to this party.

I LOVED this episode.

Jim Parsons was on fire in this episode. I absolutely loved all his scenes. Sheldon seemed a lot more in character than in the premiere.

The Sheldon/Penny scene was both hilarious and touching. I loved how the Leonard/Sheldon conversation played out as well. The zingers that Sheldon kept directing at Stuart were great. The scene in the movie theater with Amy reminded me of their conversations in S4 with the added bonus that she has him where she wants him. Well, almost.

The last Howard/Bernadette scene was hilarious.

Some of my favorite lines:

"Please don't ruin this for me" - Stuart to Sheldon when he was trying to convince Leonard to replace someone he cared about with a random person

"If that's all it takes, it's a good thing you don't have a dog" - Amy referring to Penny sleeping with Leonard because of his puppy eyes

[DPK]

The writers have really done a number on Penny with this episode. It's going to take a lot for them to recover and have face with her character after this point.

[Jimbo]

Huh. The drama continues, I suppose.

At this point, as much as I ship Leonard and Penny, I'm starting to think that yep, she should just break up with him. He deserves somebody who's not so completely... lukewarm. BUT, I'm thinking (hoping) that something's going to happen in the next couple of episodes that will make it click for her that she really does love him. (I guess I hope? I really don't know anymore. I just want some resolution. Any resolution.)

I think it's Penny that deserves someone better. Leonard's just way too needy. Constantly pressuring her to tell him she loves him even though she's explained why she won't. It does appear they had sex without him pressuring her to say it or him proposing to her this time though.

I just hope this isn't going to be reverse Dr. Stephanie situation. Episodes of Penny trying to break up with Leonard and having sex with him instead out of guilt/pity.

[Lightngsvt]

I havent visited the site in months but now that the new season is on time to dive back in. Overall I really liked this episode. The acting was pretty much spot on, the chemistry of the girls seems to have really geled, Jim/Sheldon was great eventhough he is still the new Sheldon there were shades of the old Sheldon again and Simon/Howard's scenes have been hilarious. This is a comedy series so I try not to read to much into every little action/reaction, but I have to admit to feeling annoyed with Penny's scene talking about her feelings about Leonard. Im all for them being together and the break ups havent really bothered me until now. If they are going to end it then just end it dont insult us with this back and forth business.

Ive always been a fan of Kaley/Penny partly because se is the most attractive woman on TV but also because the Penny character had a sweet innocence and a "street smarts" that is/was lacking with the guys. But they have turned her into a ***chy drunk who thinks of no one but herself. I hope they bring her character around more like she used to be. Sure everyone grows and matures and people tend to become jaded but still.... Someone earlier suggested if they breakup L/P to write Alice back in as Leonards love interest, I like that idea. She is attractive, obviously nerdy and seems intelligent. I can identify with Leonard and really want to see him happy and the charater deserves better than what they've current written for him and Penny.

I thought Stewart was great in this episode, good to see him get more screen time. He wasnt whiney and pathetic like in the bachelor party episode which was nice to see. And I think him and Raj hanging out could be hilarious since Howard is now married. Im not a Wheaton fan at all so I'd be OK if he didnt return, but maybe he wouldnt be such an **s since he and Sheldon are now friends?

[wayelrob]

So are you saying that if two of the three main characters said something to the producers about their character's portrayal, they would just tell them to take their large pay checks they get and be quite?

Pretty much yeah.

[wayelrob]

Thank you for the explaination regarding the actor protocol for their roles they play. Therefore, the fault for the past years of subpar storelines and writing falls directly and precisely on Lorre and the witers. No mater what the protocol is, actors are human. They want to be aclaimed by their fans and peers, be nominated for an emmy for instance. That never would and didn't happen in the last two plus years with what Kaley had to work with. So as a good actress she just took one for the team and didn't / wouldn't say anything. How very commendable.

Not to mention profitable. Year 4 $300k per episode , Year 5 $350k per episode. Year 6 $400k per episode. Would you rock that boat? I may be a year off on the raises but that is the ballpark.

[wayelrob]

Yes... very bully comment and very surprised she said that.

Really? She has called him that and worse a number of times. Penny thinks he is a wierdo.