Ship Zone Leonard And Penny Shippers Thread (Possible Spoilers)

[hamerman55]

Good point.

 

From what we have gleaned over the years, all those Penny as wild card episodes were ordered by Chuck Lorre to shake things up in the L/P story line. Steve Molaro, the chief Lenny, apparently likes to keep Leonard and Penny stress free, as we saw this season when he took over running the show. Lorre has joked that Steve is too protective of the characters, especially L/P. I personally love Molaro's approach. I think it works because of the uniquely "no shields" characters on this show, but there was some wide criticism that the season finale was too uneventful.

 

Some viewers seem to like uncertainty and drama in their sitcoms.

I don't get those that feel "The Bon Voyage Reaction" was uneventful. Leonard going away for four months is pretty eventful alone. Did Penny need to dump him for being away doing his job? Sheldon being a loud obnoxious asshole not eventful? Sheldon being jealous of Leonard? Lucy dumping Raj? Raj being able to speak? Penny looking Leonard in the eye and saying ILY first, even as Sheldon screamed for attention? What the hell did they want?

[rickfromillinois]

I stongly suspect that upon Leonard's return everything is going to be sunshine and roses between them.   I think that there is going to be some fly in the ointment in their romance.   Something akin to Leonard coming back a day early and finding one of Penny's old boyfriends in her apartment for some inocent reason that he takes the wrong way, of Penny discovering that there was some woman on the ship with Leonard who has a romantic interest in him, although he too will be innocent of doing anything wrong.  Some woman showing up who was on the ship declaring her undying love for Leonard, or it turns out that someone like Priya (there's always a need for a lawyer no matter what you do) or Alex was on the ship with him.   Something is going to have to pop up that is going to cause some problems between Penny and Leonard upon his return.

[Guitars1964]

I don't get those that feel "The Bon Voyage Reaction" was uneventful. Leonard going away for four months is pretty eventful alone. Did Penny need to dump him for being away doing his job? Sheldon being a loud obnoxious asshole not eventful? Sheldon being jealous of Leonard? Lucy dumping Raj? Raj being able to speak? Penny looking Leonard in the eye and saying ILY first, even as Sheldon screamed for attention? What the hell did they want?

 

I totally agree with you.

 

I think some of the criticism may center around the fact that the Season 6 Finale had more sentimental stuff than outright gags.  Raj's emotional state was clearly a departure from the usual stuff - his breakdown when Penny stopped by was almost uncomfortable to witness.  And the Leonard and Penny emotional goodbye in the car was also more heartfelt and romantic than typical.

 

As I've mentioned before, I see it as there being 2 camps here - one group, of which I am a member, that loves the L&P relationship and found the finale satisfying (or mostly so), and the other group that viewed that episode's sentimental departure with a roll of their eyes and felt disappointed that there weren't more laughs and craziness (Sheldon notwithstanding).

 

I feel confident that the latter group will see more craziness and laughs in Season 7, as the former group tunes in holding our collective breath that the writers don't play the breakup card for L&P again.

 

As to Season 7, responding to a number of posts from various members, I am still not sure Penny will be ready for a move-in with or by Leonard when September rolls around.  It's taken a long time for her to get to where she is now, and she's still fiercely protective of her independence (notwithstanding her past dependence financially on help from Leonard and the others). An ostensible "temporary" move-in, due to unforeseen circumstances, as proposed in various posts, might work to get L&P living together - on a temporary basis, Leonard, Penny and Sheldon in Apt. 4A could be pretty amusing.

[hamerman55]

I think crazy is sort of baked in for season seven. Leonard is gone, so Sheldon runs amok. Raj can talk to girls (endlessly it seems). It would be hard to imagine how it would not have potential without involving Penny. When Howard was in space, Bernadette only showed up during Skype sessions and with the other girls. Penny can be worked in this way, and let the madness involve Shamy and Raj.

The Lenny will they/won't they break up thing has been done. At this point, pulling that out in my opinion would be an act of desperation by the writers. If they can't come up with any other way to introduce tension in the show, the writers have failed. If Lorre wants to show edginess, break up Shamy. That would annoy a really vocal group, and generate buzz.

Leonard and Penny have family to meet, which could easily take up most of the season. They also have the many science options. One of the best episodes were the ones where the group splits up and schemes. Howard and Raj trying to figure out what Sheldon was doing in the basement, the fight over the parking space, the girls vs. boys game night. These were clever, very funny, and involved no relationship angst. Shoot, Penny in Leonard's lab fits this too. There were lots of examples of funny scenarios that did not involve relationships and didn't involve anything more than the standard sets and cast. In fact, the stunt casting of Bob Newhart, as much as I love him, was a weaker episode. Molaro can protect and nuture Lenny, while still having great episodes. They jus have to try.

[ajond]

I think crazy is sort of baked in for season seven. Leonard is gone, so Sheldon runs amok. Raj can talk to girls (endlessly it seems). It would be hard to imagine how it would not have potential without involving Penny. When Howard was in space, Bernadette only showed up during Skype sessions and with the other girls. Penny can be worked in this way, and let the madness involve Shamy and Raj.

The Lenny will they/won't they break up thing has been done. At this point, pulling that out in my opinion would be an act of desperation by the writers. If they can't come up with any other way to introduce tension in the show, the writers have failed. If Lorre wants to show edginess, break up Shamy. That would annoy a really vocal group, and generate buzz.

Leonard and Penny have family to meet, which could easily take up most of the season. They also have the many science options. One of the best episodes were the ones where the group splits up and schemes. Howard and Raj trying to figure out what Sheldon was doing in the basement, the fight over the parking space, the girls vs. boys game night. These were clever, very funny, and involved no relationship angst. Shoot, Penny in Leonard's lab fits this too. There were lots of examples of funny scenarios that did not involve relationships and didn't involve anything more than the standard sets and cast. In fact, the stunt casting of Bob Newhart, as much as I love him, was a weaker episode. Molaro can protect and nuture Lenny, while still having great episodes. They jus have to try.

 

I have had a similar view about that episode but was not prepared to put it out there for fear of being shot down in flames. I really have to remember that this a fandom and not real life.

[BangerMain]

I think crazy is sort of baked in for season seven. Leonard is gone, so Sheldon runs amok. Raj can talk to girls (endlessly it seems). It would be hard to imagine how it would not have potential without involving Penny. When Howard was in space, Bernadette only showed up during Skype sessions and with the other girls. Penny can be worked in this way, and let the madness involve Shamy and Raj.

The Lenny will they/won't they break up thing has been done. At this point, pulling that out in my opinion would be an act of desperation by the writers. If they can't come up with any other way to introduce tension in the show, the writers have failed. If Lorre wants to show edginess, break up Shamy. That would annoy a really vocal group, and generate buzz.

Leonard and Penny have family to meet, which could easily take up most of the season. They also have the many science options. One of the best episodes were the ones where the group splits up and schemes. Howard and Raj trying to figure out what Sheldon was doing in the basement, the fight over the parking space, the girls vs. boys game night. These were clever, very funny, and involved no relationship angst. Shoot, Penny in Leonard's lab fits this too. There were lots of examples of funny scenarios that did not involve relationships and didn't involve anything more than the standard sets and cast. In fact, the stunt casting of Bob Newhart, as much as I love him, was a weaker episode. Molaro can protect and nurture Lenny, while still having great episodes. They just have to try.

 

Leonard and Penny have family to meet, which could easily take up most of the season. They also have the many science options. One of the best episodes were the ones where the group splits up and schemes. Howard and Raj trying to figure out what Sheldon was doing in the basement, the fight over the parking space, the girls vs. boys game night. These were clever, very funny, and involved no relationship angst. Shoot, Penny in Leonard's lab fits this too. There were lots of examples of funny scenarios that did not involve relationships and didn't involve anything more than the standard sets and cast. In fact, the stunt casting of Bob Newhart, as much as I love him, was a weaker episode. Molaro can protect and nuture Lenny, while still having great episodes. They jus have to try.

 

There is so much that Molaro and his writing crew can do with Leonard and Penny now that has nothing to do with putting conflict in their relationship next season.

 

  - As you suggested, they can visit family, possibly Leonard's father and his waitress SO and later meet Penny's kin.

 

 - They can have Penny visit Leonard in Europe at the end of his tour on the boat in the North Sea.

 

 - Continue to expand Leonard's career. It would be great if he has a major breakthrough in Laser technology that makes him more financially comfortable. Or gain tenure.

 

 -  Have Penny finally work somewhere else, maybe getting bit roles on TV or commercials.

 

 - Of course, there is all the housekeeping issues about living arrangements and blending their lives.

 

The wisdom of Steve Molaro's nurturing of L/P could pay dividends in having Penny join Leonard as the calm center of the craziness that swirls around him (I'm looking at you Sheldon ). There really is no longer in need to get a rise out of the audience by putting too much drama in their lives.

 

Been there, done that.

Edited June 9, 2013 by BangerMain

[SRAM]

I stongly suspect that upon Leonard's return everything is going to be sunshine and roses between them.   I think that there is going to be some fly in the ointment in their romance.   Something akin to Leonard coming back a day early and finding one of Penny's old boyfriends in her apartment for some inocent reason that he takes the wrong way, of Penny discovering that there was some woman on the ship with Leonard who has a romantic interest in him, although he too will be innocent of doing anything wrong.  Some woman showing up who was on the ship declaring her undying love for Leonard, or it turns out that someone like Priya (there's always a need for a lawyer no matter what you do) or Alex was on the ship with him.   Something is going to have to pop up that is going to cause some problems between Penny and Leonard upon his return.

 

 

I'm sorry to say, I feel the probably is high in what you said.  I think the Sheldon show will remain the main plot and something will happen between Leonard and Penny to set them back.  I'm thinking they will not break them up, but it will be so bad that they will take a step back.  The reason I'm saying this, is because 10 seasons is a possibility now, and I don't think the writers see a steady Lenny through the next four seasons without out some major bumps.  I really hope I'm wrong.

[ajond]

I'm sorry to say, I feel the probably is high in what you said.  I think the Sheldon show will remain the main plot and something will happen between Leonard and Penny to set them back.  I'm thinking they will not break them up, but it will be so bad that they will take a step back.  The reason I'm saying this, is because 10 seasons is a possibility now, and I don't think the writers see a steady Lenny through the next four seasons without out some major bumps.  I really hope I'm wrong.

I hope your misgivings are unfounded. If what you suggest happens, I would probably not be able to watch TBBT and that would upset me as I have a greater connection to this show than any other I have seen (and i have seen a LOT).

[hamerman55]

There is so much that Molaro and his writing crew can do with Leonard and Penny now that has nothing to do with putting conflict in their relationship next season.

 

  - As you suggested, they can visit family, possibly Leonard's father and his waitress SO and later meet Penny's kin.

 

 - They can have Penny visit Leonard in Europe at the end of his tour on the boat in the North Sea.

 

 - Continue to expand Leonard's career. It would be great if he has a major breakthrough in Laser technology that makes him more financially comfortable. Or gain tenure.

 

 -  Have Penny finally work somewhere else, maybe getting bit roles on TV or commercials.

 

 - Of course, there is all the housekeeping issues about living arrangements and blending their lives.

 

The wisdom of Steve Molaro's nurturing of L/P could pay dividends in having Penny join Leonard as the calm center of the craziness that swirls around him (I'm looking at you Sheldon ). There really is no longer in need to get a rise out of the audience by putting too much drama in their lives.

 

Been there, done that.

I agree completely with this. L/P as the calm center is where the show needs to be. There are other place the crazy can go.

[Squidley]

I think there will be the Sheldon Show, however, I think there will be more of united L/P front as in The Cushion Saturation.  Also a slow transition to Amy taking over the Leonard duties of 4A with Penny's help.  Season 3 L/P helped H/B get together.  Season 7 L/P helps Raj get together with Lucy or maybe Alex. 

Edited June 10, 2013 by Squidley

[Nogravitasatall]

Squidley, I think that's fair. Let LP sit in the eye of the storm and the chaos can rage around them. I can't see what can get between them again, except career. And they just did that. it would take Penny having success somewhere else geographically to stick it to them again, and that would be cliche.

[hamerman55]

I think think that the way they've written Leonard and Penny in the second half of the season suggests a way forward. If they are treated as a united couple as Squidley suggests, then it frees up more airtime for Sheldon's antics. That way it stays the Sheldon Show and keeps L/P together.

[SRAM]

I think think that the way they've written Leonard and Penny in the second half of the season suggests a way forward. If they are treated as a united couple as Squidley suggests, then it frees up more airtime for Sheldon's antics. That way it stays the Sheldon Show and keeps L/P together.

As long as they are not pushed too far in the background. There have been a lot of funny situations, suggested in this topic, that the writers could put them through and not ruin the relationship so we still need our Lenny episodes.

[ArmyGirl]

As long as they are not pushed too far in the background. There have been a lot of funny situations, suggested in this topic, that the writers could put them through and not ruin the relationship so we still need our Lenny episodes.

 

This is my main concern too, is that Lenny will be pushed to the background.  I don't know if the writers have it in them to come up with good storylines for Lenny.  I mean it seems like most of their thoughts and energy is placed on the Sheldon character and then the Shamy relationship --- I mean Season Six is the first time they really put any real  effort into writing Lenny half way decent, IMO.

Edited June 10, 2013 by ArmyGirl

[Squidley]

I’m not indicating the background, actually more of The Tenure Turbulence.  A little more Klingon Par'Mach'kai, taking on the world or Sheldon.

[Guitars1964]

With the writers, who knows?   But I am not inclined to think that they will usher L&P to the background - it's all about ratings, and I'm pretty sure that Leonard and Penny's relationship and their chemistry have driven ratings.  I think they are one of the top TV couple relationships - difference being, on other shows the entire show focused on that couple, with other characters supporting them, whereas in TBBT the show must share the spotlight with other characters.

 

I doubt the writers look at this forum at all, but if they did, I think it would be clear that us "Lenny" fans have thrown down the gauntlet in daring the writers to choose another comedic story path than breaking up L&P yet again.  Come on, Writers, we dare ya!

[Tensor]

I doubt the writers look at this forum at all, but if they did, I think it would be clear that us "Lenny" fans have thrown down the gauntlet in daring the writers to choose another comedic story path than breaking up L&P yet again.  Come on, Writers, we dare ya!

Hey, calm down there. We don't want to piss the writers off.

[Guitars1964]

Would that I had that much influence in the world!  

 

OK, I have returned to normal now.

[SRAM]

With the writers, who knows?   But I am not inclined to think that they will usher L&P to the background - it's all about ratings, and I'm pretty sure that Leonard and Penny's relationship and their chemistry have driven ratings.  I think they are one of the top TV couple relationships - difference being, on other shows the entire show focused on that couple, with other characters supporting them, whereas in TBBT the show must share the spotlight with other characters.

 

I doubt the writers look at this forum at all, but if they did, I think it would be clear that us "Lenny" fans have thrown down the gauntlet in daring the writers to choose another comedic story path than breaking up L&P yet again.  Come on, Writers, we dare ya!

You know after reading that last interview with Steve, it sounds like he is going to be in charge in season 7, too, so us Lenny's can have hope in knowing Steve protects the characters and is a fan of the current relationships.

[Tensor]

I like his comment about how he's "invested" in the Penny/Lenny relationship .

[ArmyGirl]

I hope he stick to his words about being invested in Leonard and Penny relationship.

[SRAM]

It would be nice if Steve started to move the show away from being Sheldon centric and more towards the original show plot. I think Kaley is really funny and her and Johnny could really make Leonard and Penny funny, if the could get the writers to write more stuff for them. But the writers seem to be in a rut, that is why Shamy has been a little stale towards the end of the season and why we had Sheldon acting stupid at the airport.

[Squidley]

Has the show been extended past the seventh season?

[Tensor]

Has the show been extended past the seventh season?

Not yet.

[Carlos]

Not yet.

 

Speaking of which, and considering the type of season they've just had (ratings wise), can you imagine how huge (I presume) their new contracts are going to be? Not that I'm complaining. In varying degrees they all deserve what they get, and more.