Episodes 6.03 The Higgs Boson Observation (Oct. 11)

[phantagrae]

I'd kind of like to see Alex returning in the future to possibly be a love interest for Raj. Maybe her presence would make him go to Amy for some kind of help in overcoming his inability to speak, since it wouldn't be appropriate for him to be drinking at work in order to talk to her.

Her degree is in the same field as Raj, so that would at least give Raj a way into conversation with her.

[Doug]

OK episode

Wallpaper applied to Leonard and Penny's relationship problems.

Penny and Sheldon at the beginning funny.

Amy OK

Tired of the space bit.

Leonard flirting with Alex funny.

[Moonbase]

Liked it, liked it, liked it. I thought it was much better than the last two. Leonard was funny in this one. "Half the time he just ends up playing with the box." I liked the way he dealt with Raj over Alex as well. And Raj saying "I love her".

[Pomita]

Just watched it. This felt like a really satisfying episode to me, even if not as LOL funny as Decoupling Fluctuation last week; and this time, I have to say, it was mainly because of all the lovely Physics references. I've been missing them a little lately, so the plethora of Higgs Boson descriptions and mentions of Astrophysics and Leonard's work on lasers and magnetic hysteresis warmed my heart. The scene with Penny reading out Sheldon's notebook title on topology and 'blonde monkey' brought back memories of Gorilla Experiment.

On the comedy side, Amy/Mayim absolutely carried the episode for me, just like Sheldon/Jim last week. Right from dressing up to her fleeting bit of insecurity to 'scenting' Sheldon's office (very natural, seeing that her research is on primate behavior ) to 'that skank is your problem' to her laughter over some neurobiology joke in the car, she was on fire.

Sheldon felt very much like classic Sheldon in this one, without any of the little hints of evolution seen recently, and for a change that felt nice. Indeed he didn't have much to do, but the few funny lines he had - especially the one about being considered a witch - he hit out of the park as usual.

I thought Alex came across as smart and nice, and I somehow really like the idea of her coming back some day as a love interest for Raj. I know that hasn't been planned, at least currently, but some things almost felt like a foreshadowing - his 'I'm in her brain', her being into Astrophysics, and his having to move to another table like that (the death-glare he gave Leonard was hilarious).

About Howard's storyline.. I do feel that Simon did a brilliant job with the going-bonkers thing. But I couldn't laugh much, because I found myself feeling so sorry for him.. his much-anticipated space trip is turning out to be such a sad affair for him. Mother/wife issues, bullying, and now losing his mind. On the whole, I think I'm ready for him to come back to earth.

It's like Sheldon has this underlying arrogance about him.

When has Sheldon's arrogance ever been 'underlying'? :D He's mostly quite openly and obviously arrogant. I found his behavior in this episode, especially with Alex, to be just what one would expect from him. The man looks down on even Leonard, and she's 'just' a grad student!

[Tripper]

The episode poll has been added. Sorry that it's quite late today.

[Vortex]

First, I'll state my general opinion on the episode which is: Good. Close to Very Good and that's saying something because I am a tough critic.

I liked the episode because Sheldon was acting the way I want him to act and the way that got me interested in his character. His work-first mentality and being unaware of his condescension to others.

Howard was funny with his space bit this episode. I HATED the last episode. Space bullying? Seriously? Probably the stupidest thing I could think of they could do to get a laugh. But this episode, space anxiety made a lot of sense and wasn't mean spirited so it was funnier.

Now, I'll get to the issue regarding Penny and Leonard that rickfromillinois brought up:

I did find the Penny character less then admirable in this episode. She acted like she wasn't that interested in Leonard UNTIL she thought that the grad student was interested in him. Then all of a sudden she becomes overly jealous of Leonard. It reminded me of a child who has a toy that she is no longer interested in until another child picks it up, then all of a sudden it is her favorite toy and she throws a fit about another child touching it.

Penny acted like she really doesn't want Leonard but she sure doesn't want anyone else to have him. Hardly an attractive way to act. Leonard, dump Penny and hook up with the grad student.

You hit the nail on the head. That IS what the Penny character is like. She is not highly sophisticated. She does think she is better than Leonard, she does believe she is doing Leonard a favour by letting him be in a relationship with her and he is damn lucky to be in a relationship with her. But years have gone by now where the only thing Leonard hasn't got from Penny is "I love you"... he has got probably hundreds of wild nights of sexual escapades but no "I love you". So Penny is clearly a little crazy. She won't commit to loving Leonard when she is with him but when another woman is interested in him she then shows jealousy and pulls him into bed. Controlling him with sex. Leonard is not complaining. But so much sex and emotion you can't blame him for thinking she might have stronger feelings for him than just a boy toy.

The thing is... if this was real life most likely Leonard and Penny relationship would have completely ended after the first break-up, maybe it wouldn't even have become a relationship, but Penny probably would have moved out (not getting any solid acting roles, high cost of living, etc.) so that would have been the end of it. But because this is a TV show and COMEDY TV show they have to invent ways to keep the relationship going.

So even right now the most logical thing for both of them to do would be for Penny to finally admit she loves Leonard, they solidify their relationship, get engaged and married - Happy Ending! Now, that probably will happen... but not until close to or right at the final episode... and that could be a few seasons away!

Personally, I wish they would do something more drastic though and have Penny find another guy, another NICE guy and start saying she loves him which would make Leonard go insane and give him the troubles that Penny had when he was with Priya.

[phantagrae]

I loved Leonard's recap of the day with his "weaponized fruit" comment. Sheldon choking on a cherry stem... :D

[rickfromillinois]

IMO any problem that Penny had with Leonard being with Priya was her own fault, just like if they should break up again it will be Penny's fault. She plays these little games where she pulls Leonard in close and then when she feels that he is getting too close she pushes him away. I would not be surprised that she plays that silly game one too many times and Leonard finds someone else. Right now the most likely candidate is Alex. I would much rather they have Leonard do something extra nice for Penny and she breaks down and tells him ILY rather then having him get together with another woman, and she gets jealous and tells him then.

[BangerMain]

IMO any problem that Penny had with Leonard being with Priya was her own fault, just like if they should break up again it will be Penny's fault. She plays these little games where she pulls Leonard in close and then when she feels that he is getting too close she pushes him away. I would not be surprised that she plays that silly game one too many times and Leonard finds someone else. Right now the most likely candidate is Alex. I would much rather they have Leonard do something extra nice for Penny and she breaks down and tells him ILY rather then having him get together with another woman, and she gets jealous and tells him then.

Indeed, Penny going mad over Priya was all her fault but she was lucent enough to admit it. I'm convinced that your scenario about Penny breaking down and confessing her love to Leonard is going to happend this season. But there may be a twist, like the mirror of last season, where Penny wants to get married and Leonard hesitates.

[BazingaFan]

I would like to see alex come back and something happen with her and raj.

[DPK]

Indeed, Penny going mad over Priya was all her fault but she was lucent enough to admit it. I'm convinced that your scenario about Penny breaking down and confessing her love to Leonard is going to happend this season. But there may be a twist, like the mirror of last season, where Penny wants to get married and Leonard hesitates.

What I think will happen is that she'll finally break down and admit that she loves him and just as they are about the take the next step in their relationship, Penny will finally get that big break in her career and she'll have to go away for awhile.

[Kaizen]

The first 3 episodes have been about unFUBARing Penny and introducing Alex as a potential love interest wild card, so I think some sort of Penny ILY epiphany and /or Leonard initiated break up is coming.

Edited October 13, 2012 by Kaizen

[phantagrae]

^{Sheldon was very funny. Almost back to his old self. Sorry, but a jealous, desperate Amy is just creepy and repulsive.}

Amy never got desperate. I think she was concerned that this woman was possibly going to try to hit on Sheldon, so she was a bit suspicious, but she never really got jealous or desperate because she was able to see that the girl wasn't flirting with Sheldon at all.

[phantagrae]

The first 3 episodes have been about unFUBARing Penny and introducing Alex as a potential love interest wild card, so I think some sort of Penny ILY epiphany and /or Leonard initiated break up is coming.

I think that if they bring Alex back for future episodes it will be as a potential love interest for Raj. They got pretty specific in underscoring that she and Raj were in the same field, and they also went out of their way to show that Leonard wasn't really interested in her.

I also think that Penny is beginning to figure out that Leonard really is important to her and I think that will lead to her trying to make things work, refocus herself, etc.

Edited October 13, 2012 by phantagrae

[Kadesha]

I found Amy's "AHA!" scene so amusing. Another good thing about this episode is Leonard acting normal and sociable with Alex. Although an old joke on Sheldon being an alien, I still chuckled when Leonard said it. Overall, very good episode.

[BazingaFan]

Rewatched the episode again. I seriously want alex to come back. The scene where raj couldn't talk to her was priceless.

I also love it when someone from the outside has to deal with sheldon. The look on alex face when she realized she forgot to take off the second stem on the cherry was awesome. Scenes of sheldon with outsiders are just awesome -- like from earlier seasons, the scene with the driver's license woman and the employment office woman. so, so funny.

I love amy, and the shamy, but I hate to say that amy was not funny to me in this episode. I know that many of you will not agree, but when she was "spreading her scent" -- I just found it creepy and reminded me of her stalking comments she used to make with penny.

Just my opinion.

[Jacks]

Starting off with Howard's little bit about missing gravity & see him go nuts over a pencil dropping was already a grand start & LOL moment. He is really great in acting this out in space stuff!

Amy's remark about the eyelash curler being something from Tinkerbell's gynecologist floored me & Penny came in for the kill with her "I hope it's not Captain Hook" remark. Brilliant lines!

Could have done without the scenting part though, but loved her Mandrill example as I see the monkey in my image the moment she is telling about their mating habits....I am such a nature/animal geek

And whe she eventually saw she had nothing to fear from Alex, she was a good friend to Penny, making her look at how she feels about Alex liking Leonard. I didn't care for the way she ( Penny ) questioned Leonard after his day. Just come out & ask him straight up woman!

I have to agree with @Netmouse about this season seeing a darker Sheldon version....not sure yet whether I like that. He is again totally oblivious about the stuff going on around him, but in some ways his remarks towards other are layered with a heavier tone/ voice..Hope that makes sense.

Leonard was a meaner version of himself today & I liked it. It's like he is standing for himself more...that sadly was lost the minute Penny took him by the hand & lead him to her room.

I'm hoping Penny for once realizes what missing Leonard is going to be like....therefore I love that they brought in Alex....to rock the P/L boat & make a decision ...hopefully!

So I rated it very good. Looking forward to the developing of the story lines

Edited October 13, 2012 by Jacks

[BazingaFan]

I don't see "a darker" sheldon in season 6, rather sheldon more like himself. One thing I loved about this episode is that we were reminded how much of a genious and unique person he is. I am really enjoying it; especially since there were many scenes in season 5 that kind of made too much "fun" of him and did make him seem smart. I like seeing sheldon being assertive also -- that is the true sheldon, especially when it comes to his work and his quest for the nobel prize.

The last episode (2) was a good example of sheldon still being "sheldon" but also showing that he is growing emotionally. His concern for leonard was touching, and he dealt with it in his unique sheldon way. And the fact that he is holding amy's hand, even under protest, shows that we are not seeing a darker sheldon, just a more realistic version of him as he changes. This makes more sense to me, and his character.

I am loving season 6 so far.

[ToadTheWetSprocket]

This episode had quite a few laugh-out-loud moments:

Captain Hook

eyelash curler scene

spreading scent scene (sooo gross)

Howard freaking out in space

the lunch table scene when Leonard baits Raj to talk to Alex (which was kinda mean but funny)

etc

[Bigbangfunfan]

If by "darker Sheldon" it is meant that we begin to see a more socially accepted Sheldon, no way! That would remove a key element of the story.

[Lightngsvt]

Overall I liked the episode. I dont think its one of the "top 10" but will be definitely one to watch in reruns / DVD. I feel that the entire cast was excellent in this episode, the acting was great! I loved that we are seeing more "geek" / physics content again! And that Sheldon is much closer to the original Sheldon than he has been in sometime. Though could this be attributed to the fact that he had no scenes with Amy this episode? I think Penny was much more like the old Penny and it was nice to not hear her whine about breaking up with Leonard or getting drunk. I think what she perceived to be going on between Leonard and Alex will help her to realize her true feelings for Leonard. If not, I hope the writes break it off for good.

I have never liked the Amy character until now. In her first incarnation she was a vile, dirty and disturbing person but as the character has evolved she is actually becoming likable. I actually liked her in this episode and you can see that her and Penny are actually friends now. The scent marking thing was funny but absolutely gross and the brain jokes were good. Bernadette didnt have much in this episode, but her scenes with Howard were pretty good. For some reason I just now realized how attractive she (Melissa) really is, shes no Penny (Kaley) but still quite pretty. Anyway, the Howard in space bit is getting a bit long in the tooth now. I though Simon's portrayal of a crazy Howard was excellent especially after the other astronauts gave him a shot but its time for him to come back to earth. I just hope they give him one big, positive experience before he comes home.

I also enjoyed seeing the old Raj in this episode, so funny! Everyone feels sorry for him and thinks he needs a love interest but he is so funny as the sad, pathetic and lonely Raj that the show would lose something without that. Im all for giving him someone for an episode here and there but lets not get rid of the old Raj. Leonard was great in this episode, he had some great one liners. I like what he said to Raj and his discussion or "puppets and weaponized fruit" with Penny. Though hes not the same Leonard and I'm not sure if thats on purpose? He looks a little different and the character definitely has more confidence and is almost "smooth" with the ladies now (his conversation with Alex).

Off topic but does anyone know if there are talks to renew the show past the 2013-2014 season? I sure hope so!

[rubyanjel]

Off topic but does anyone know if there are talks to renew the show past the 2013-2014 season? I sure hope so!

I'm not sure... But Chuck Lorre was extended for more years with [i'm not sure if it's with CBS or] Warner Brothers so we sort of thought it's also analogous to his shows. If not, then I do hope they extend the show for a few more... depending on their forecast and computation of the show's decay. *eyeroll*

I attribute Amy's actions based on what she learned from her field of study. And just in case my post on page 3 wasn't an indication, I'm part of the 0.00001% that was not at all disturbed nor disgusted with the stapler incident (that I do hope is vegan). Obviously.

Edited October 13, 2012 by jeanalice

[Europa]

I thought the scent-marking thing was hilarious, although it reminded me too much of the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine angrily rubbed the keyboard and phone all over herself in a rage against a germophobe.

I liked this episode - Howard in space has been pretty funny and although it's sad that he's only kind of enjoyed himself here and there, it's also in keeping with all of his initial fears and apprehensions about it beforehand. I do love his video chats. He has a very expressive face and is knocking those scenes out of the park. Also, I'm surprised at how hot I find scruffy bearded Howard!

Leonard, Sheldon and Penny cracked me up in this one. "Someone whose has a rudimentary of science but whose talents are more toward menial labor..." Sheldon's derision of Leonard is still funny to me. Penny reading his algebra paper title was hilarious. "Most of the time he just ends up playing with the box" made me laugh and I love when Penny started to ask a question of Sheldon and Leonard did the "no... don't..." from early episodes.

I think Penny having to be jealous AGAIN to realize she has a great man in Leonard is a little sad, considering she already went through this realization with Priya, but I'll take it in hopes that they are going to use it for a good purpose this time as she really and truly comes to terms with her feelings for him. Fingers crossed. Penny's conversation with Amy about Alex was hilarious though - "maybe he didn't notice" and that picture of Sheldon on her phone! Holy crap!

Edited October 13, 2012 by Europa

[Pomita]

I don't see "a darker" sheldon in season 6, rather sheldon more like himself. One thing I loved about this episode is that we were reminded how much of a genious and unique person he is. I am really enjoying it; especially since there were many scenes in season 5 that kind of made too much "fun" of him and did make him seem smart. I like seeing sheldon being assertive also -- that is the true sheldon, especially when it comes to his work and his quest for the nobel prize.

The last episode (2) was a good example of sheldon still being "sheldon" but also showing that he is growing emotionally. His concern for leonard was touching, and he dealt with it in his unique sheldon way. And the fact that he is holding amy's hand, even under protest, shows that we are not seeing a darker sheldon, just a more realistic version of him as he changes. This makes more sense to me, and his character.

I am loving season 6 so far.

I agree with this. I don't see a 'darker' Sheldon, but rather a Sheldon who is an interesting mix of his classic self with hints of humanization; the same condescension, ego, cluelessness and fascination with his work, but a little more recognition of his feelings towards his friend and his responsibilities towards his girlfriend. Just a little. Also, the OTT-ness that appeared in his behavior in some of the season 5 episodes seems to have subsided now. So I'd say I find Sheldon more likeable than ever in his present form.

Re Amy - I would have found her scent-spreading creepy as hell, but for the fact that it's exactly what a socially-clueless neurobiologist would do. I don't think she was doing it out of desperation; just as a natural precautionary step for someone who has extensively studied primate behavior and mating rituals. It's all about monkeys, monkeys, monkeys.

The more I think about it, the more perfect for Raj Alex seems to be. I wish someone would gently suggest this to the writers - unless they've thought of it already.

Edited October 13, 2012 by Pomita

[BangBangClick]

The writers' interest in having the characters "grow up" will be a voyage that I am willing to stick around to see. Marriage, career developments, kids. The humor will be great. Here goes my predictions, first to have kids; Sheldon and Amy. Now hold on, the last character that was thought to get married was Howard, yet he was the first. Since Shamy are so ill equipped for parenthood, enter Penny and Leonard. Penny continues to define her true feelings for Leonard. More than likely she will finally admit to herself that caring for someone is a risk, but the alternative is not something she wants. Grown up relationships aren't easy. Having said that, her career will start taking off, presenting obstacles for her committment with Leonard. New suitors, time away due to the job and that is when she will have to decide. Leonard might have to face the "if you love something, set it free". Hope it doesn't take 4 for seasons to develop that arc!