Spoilers Leonard And Penny Season 7 *spoiler* Discussion Thread

[I.H.S.F.C.]

I feel I have to play a bit of a devil's advocate here. Most people on here were upset when Penny didn't consult with Leonard about quitting TCF. Now Penny realizes she needs to go back to TCF because of no car and Leonard gets her a car without asking. Shouldn't he have consulted with her on such a big decision? I suppose it makes Penny look better by not having to ask Leonard for help.

 

You assume that buying a car has the same impact on Leonard's finances as Penny quitting her job without anything else lined up has on hers.

[Chrismo]

You assume that buying a car has the same impact on Leonard's finances as Penny quitting her job without anything else lined up has on hers.

Obviously the car would have less impact on Leonard's finance than Penny quitting and having no prospects. Although his finances IMO could handle both. Although Penny's car breaking down now is in theory a month or so after quitting TCF and Leonard is better prepared for this than her quitting which caught him totally off guard. I think it took Leonard a period of time to adapt to what was all happening and now Leonard seems to returning to his usual supportive self towards Penny.

[Disgusted]

I don't think there's any doubt that Leonard will eventually support anything that Penny wants to do. He is just sometimes dumbfounded by actions that he wouldn't consider doing himself. Penny helps him get out of his [nerd] comfort zone, which is really the driving trope of the show.

 

Regarding the car, well, he just wants his baby to have pretty things......

Edited February 20, 2014 by Disgusted

[SRAM]

I see it as a indication that Leonard is completely on board with her decision. The whole thing originally was sort of a knee-jerk reaction to him and he told her he wouldn't have done it. But at the end he told her he supports her and that is what he is doing. A dead car is a disaster for her, so her white knight came and rescued her. What the taping report sounds like is she is going back to TCF, to get her job back, in defeat because a serious problem happened she does not have the resources to fix, and Leonard is fixing that problem for her so she can continue her quest for her dream. Actions speak louder than words, he may have not said the right words, a few weeks ago, but his actions this episode show he is fully on team Penny.

[garnetngold]

I feel I have to play a bit of a devil's advocate here. Most people on here were upset when Penny didn't consult with Leonard about quitting TCF. Now Penny realizes she needs to go back to TCF because of no car and Leonard gets her a car without asking. Shouldn't he have consulted with her on such a big decision? I suppose it makes Penny look better by not having to ask Leonard for help.

For argument's sake, I'll assume Leonard bought Penny the car without consulting her first. I think the difference between Penny quitting TCF without talking to Leonard, and the car situation, is that people should be able to do what they want, when they want, with their own money (within the realms of legality, of course). While I do not think Penny intentionally put Leonard on the spot there, she did anyway. And yea, I know, Leonard was never actually obligated to help Penny out if the time came, but unless he broke up with her…or decided he would still love her even if she ended up roaming the streets of Pasadena in a “Denver Broncos Super Bowl XLVIII Champs” shirt…then he would still have to help out if her acting never kicked off. Whereas, with him buying her a car, he is saying “hey, I am buying you this car because I want to, not because I have to.” Sure, she could still fall flat on her face and never have her big break, but at least now Leonard will willingly be there to support her if that time comes. He is showing that he really does want what’s best for her; but he wants the idea to come from him, not from her. And well, it's his money to begin with.

With that said, the way I read the report made it seem like Penny was on board with the whole car purchase. Or even that Leonard simply bought her the car so she could get to and from TCF, and then Penny decided on her own that she would instead use it to get to and from auditions. Hope my last statement is false lol, but who knows.

[SRAM]

This car thing is sort of a commitment between them. They are suppose to be two good people who always cared about each other and now are in love with each other, so Leonard giving her a car is a commitment to always be there for her and an investment in their future. Penny accepting the car and his help is her accepting him as her partner in their future together and not just another boyfriend. They both work hard for their money so they know this is a big deal and neither of them takes it lightly at what it means. I think this is the first positive proof that they are both working to be with each other in the end.

[Lionne]

I feel I have to play a bit of a devil's advocate here. Most people on here were upset when Penny didn't consult with Leonard about quitting TCF. Now Penny realizes she needs to go back to TCF because of no car and Leonard gets her a car without asking. Shouldn't he have consulted with her on such a big decision? I suppose it makes Penny look better by not having to ask Leonard for help.

 

I get what you are trying to do here, but in this case the car was a gift and a really amazing, wonderful surprise. However, since Penny already had a car and is used to a lifestyle in which she has the freedom of mobility that they bring, a new car wouldn't change her lifestyle very much. In fact, it's the lack of a car which would have changed her lifestyle and infringed on her independence. So Leonard was giving her a gift which kept her indpendent, mobile, and in the lifestyle she was used to, and other than it being a bit of an upgrade to what I am assuming is a better class of car, that only thing that is changing is that Penny has a more posh car and, most importantly, that Leonard isn't going to allow her to fail. When Penny falls, Leonard will catch her, even going so far as to buy her a new car, which is a huge financial investment. It's a touching gesture on his part, and a really amazing one. 

 

On the other hand, Penny quitting the Cheesecake Factory and becoming unemployed was going to have an impact on her life, but also possibly on her and Leonard as a couple - as the fact that he decided to buy her a car shows in the first place. I do think that Penny and Leonard are not necessarily at the same place, maturity-wise, on consulting on things as a couple.

 

For instance, look at the difference between the way Leonard tells Penny about the North Sea opportunity and the way Penny tells him about quitting her job. Leonard waits until they are alone, having a nice dinner together, and then drops the news of the trip on her. He broaches the subject carefully, and explains what it means. Penny is surprised, because this is big news, and she has questions about it. How long will he be gone? Can she come visit him? She has her initial reaction to it, and Leonard patiently answers her questions and gives her the information she needs to get her mind around it, and after she gets over the initial surprise and thinks about it, she makes the really lovely decision to support Leonard fully.

 

On the flip side, first of all, Penny gets drunk and upset over her career and asks Leonard to marry her - which he's confused and upset about. Then, she decides on a game plan to get herself together and quitting her job is part of that. While Leonard is still confused about the other stuff, she just calls him at work and says, "I'm going to quit my job. Actually, I already quit my job. It's done." So now Leonard already has his confusion over her rather lame marriage proposal and why he didn't say yes and you throw in the fact that Penny quit her job and made a massive change in her life that will have consequences and she tells him this over the phone. She doesn't wait for him to come home to tell him face-to-face while they are alone, she doesn't tell him her plan and then give him time to ask questions and get used to the idea and basically allow him the time or opportunity to come around to the idea the way he did for her.

 

ETA: Sorry, I got a phone call and had to post this, now I am coming back to it just to make the conclusion:

 

In a relationship you might have things which affect your own life, but you are so close to the other person it will affect them. I do think that Leonard being absent for 4 months affects Penny more than Penny quitting her job affects Leonard. However, the essence of this is that Leonard broached his topic in such a way that gave Penny time and the information to come around to the point of supporting him on it. Penny dropped her news more like a bomb into a situation which was already tense due to her marriage proposal instead of broaching things in such a way that would allow Leonard to ask questions, think it over, and come around to supporting her in the same way.

 

I think Penny did this because she has her own insecurities about her course of action, and if Leonard said one "rational" thing to her or questioned her in any way she might have folded into self-doubt. So she did it without him because she was trying to ignore those own voices in her head fiercely, but if Leonard's voice was added, it might be too much for her to power through. I get that. I think that's what makes the situation hard, and why I don't hate on Penny at all for how it happened. I don't think she handled it well, but I don't think she handled it like a bitch or anything.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Lionne

[SRAM]

Since the episode with PP seems to be happening near the end of the season and Leonard and Penny seem to be working good together, but with no relationship growth, and now knowing about this episode, it makes me wonder what is going to happen with Penny inbetween.  Except for this car, they seem to be ignoring her money situation, however the car problem seems to imply she is already in money problems.  I wonder if we will see Penny get an acting job between this episode and the future PP episode.

 

I also now wonder if Penny will go away this summer for a little while on an acting job to put a little tension between her and Leonard.

[hamerman55]

This car thing is sort of a commitment between them. They are suppose to be two good people who always cared about each other and now are in love with each other, so Leonard giving her a car is a commitment to always be there for her and an investment in their future. Penny accepting the car and his help is her accepting him as her partner in their future together and not just another boyfriend. They both work hard for their money so they know this is a big deal and neither of them takes it lightly at what it means. I think this is the first positive proof that they are both working to be with each other in the end.

A new car as a Leonard and Penny avatar for a wedding ring? It would be more like them.

[vasu]

On the flip side, first of all, Penny gets drunk and upset over her career and asks Leonard to marry her - which he's confused and upset about. Then, she decides on a game plan to get herself together and quitting her job is part of that. While Leonard is still confused about the other stuff, she just calls him at work and says, "I'm going to quit my job. Actually, I already quit my job. It's done." So now Leonard already has his confusion over her rather lame marriage proposal and why he didn't say yes and you throw in the fact that Penny quit her job and made a massive change in her life that will have consequences and she tells him this over the phone. She doesn't wait for him to come home to tell him face-to-face while they are alone, she doesn't tell him her plan and then give him time to ask questions and get used to the idea and basically allow him the time or opportunity to come around to the idea the way he did for her.

 

Penny did not tell Leonard that she quit her job on phone..

 

she told him face-to-face while they were alone in her apartment , it was Leonard who lied about his thoughts on her decision because he simply did not have the guts to speak his mind at that time......

Edited February 21, 2014 by vasu

[Lionne]

You're right, I totally got my memories crossed. For whatever reason, I messed up the two conversations, one in the apartment, one over the phone. I guess I switched them in my head. So, I will retract the idea that Penny just told him on the phone. She did call him over to her apartment to tell him, but she quit her job before she told him. So it's close, just not quite as I remembered it.

 

Sometimes I have goldfish moments. My apologies.

Edited February 22, 2014 by Lionne

[3ku11]

So its safe to re enter. Now that pointless fuitile discussionof who suckes the most Leonard or Priya, and who were contributing factors is over. Are we really that bored lol.For the record Priya was never fully invested in Leonard, she has a good time, but aparr from not being invested in their relationship, she waa also in two minds career wise, locotionlly. This was compouned by the cultural differences, and the obvious excuses and distance she was putting between her parents and Leonard. I kinda feel too Priya had certain expectations when starting a relationship with Leonard, she expected certain things of him. Like dressing him a certain way etc. I felt Priya cared more about the image their relationship was sending out, rather then Leonard himself. I felt Priya expected to be dating a man, and most of the time she did not get that. She had to be the grownup most of the time, like the whole gaming acc thing, and the eye roll, Priya clearly thought Leonard cpuld be childish, and not in an endering way. Hence why in S4 you heard Penny sayinf if it wasent for her Leonard wouldent be all grown up. Remember Penny said "The first time he saw me naked, he giggled" lol. I even hear ppl in this thread saying they shld bring Priya back so Leonard can get closure what closure? It ended, the inevitable happened, their relationship ran its course. Prob one of the reasons Priya cheated with her ex was it Sanjay? Apart from cultutal commonlarities, he was prob a bit more grown up for her, well in Priyas eyes anyway. Their was no specific scene, but its just implief they broke up, afer they both cheated, rralizing the inevitable happened, their relationship had run its course, theirs your closure right their. Leonard even told Raj in respobse to Raj saying You defiled my Sister, "I diddnt defile your sister, we had a relationship". Looks to me he had already moved on, and seeing then he was about to date Penny the love of his life, ill say he doesent need any "closure".As for Pennys manipulation, i agree with most she was just reflecting on what Leonard, qas wanting to hear, besides the while Penny kicking the big guy in the nuts, prooved Penny belongs with Leonard Imo. I was thinking of engagement, dont tell Shamys, bur hypithetically if Lenny are engaged in the finalie, want the whole finalie dedicated to them, as it well be a major milestone for the show. Kinda similar to Monica and Chandler in S6 of Friends, not copied just borrowed. Altho not suree about living arrangements.

[SRAM]

You know I was thinking, they could have Leonard and Penny get engaged and still stay in their same apartments, just spending the nights sleeping together.  Sheldon could make Penny sign an amendment to the roommate agreement, that gives her more freedom in the guys apartment, but makes her more obligated to take care of him like Leonard does.  It could be really funny seeing her sort of living there too and it would keep the dynamics pretty much the same, which seems to be what the writers want.  I still miss Sheldon getting up in the morning to find Leonard and/or Penny there doing something that drives him crazy, like French toast on oatmeal day.  Plus I like the idea of them coming home from work sometimes to find Penny already in the apartment, watching TV, because her cable is shut off, or making them something to eat, especially since she has more time on her hands now.

[Chrismo]

It looks like from the clip on the CBS morning show they refer to her failed auditions at the beginning of the episode on Thursday

[bigbangsheldon]

 @theviewtv  13m

"My heart will always be with Lenny." - @KaleyCuoco

 

How sweet is Kaley.

[SRAM]

It looks like from the clip on the CBS morning show they refer to her failed auditions at the beginning of the episode on Thursday

 

 

Yeah that is sort of sad.  Then the next episode her car dies and she wants to get her job back at TCF.  Penny's going for her dream seems to be nothing but heartache so far.  I really hope that is not what they are planning to do with her.  I would like to see her get enough parts to at least support herself either fully or at least partially, so she can at least call herself a professional actress.  I don't want to see her being a failure and then marrying Leonard as a last resort, that would sort of kill the magic between them.

[BangerMain]

Yeah that is sort of sad.  Then the next episode her car dies and she wants to get her job back at TCF.  Penny's going for her dream seems to be nothing but heartache so far.  I really hope that is not what they are planning to do with her.  I would like to see her get enough parts to at least support herself either fully or at least partially, so she can at least call herself a professional actress.  I don't want to see her being a failure and then marrying Leonard as a last resort, that would sort of kill the magic between them.

 

Even Leonard does not seem to want Penny to be a complete failure before they marry. That would be a rather sad relationship future even if it is the most realistic.

Edited February 26, 2014 by BangerMain

[hamerman55]

Ther is no reason why the writers can't make professional success funny. They've done it with Howard, Leonard and Sheldon. While Howard hated the space trip, he still got to do it, and apparently performed whatever task he needed to. Leonard and Sheldon have gotten grants, and published papers. All of these things have led to funny situations. Penny could get parts that were funny. Suppose she got a part like CSI's Abby, playing a scientist. She could come back and spout dialog at Sheldon. She could be saying perfectly reasonable science stuff for paragraphs, then hit a place where the writers took scientific liberties, and drive Sheldon crazy. The next week she could play a dominatrix, or an Amish girl, for contrast. Her part could be the joke of the week, and she wouldn't mind because she's working. A lot of what keeps Leonard going with all the crap he puts up with is that at the end of the day, he's with Penny. with regard to Penny's job, I'm sure she would just like to work, even if the part is stupid or embarassing.

[SodidIwin?]

I still don't believe that the writers have total failure in mind for Penny. They may be showing just how terribly difficult it is to get a steady acting career but they are not going to make her a failure. This is a sitcom, where is the humor in that? IMO although she won't end up a major star, she will have modest success and realize her dream. I think she will get a part of some kind by this season's end. But then what do I know, I still think Penny will give Leonard an official proposal this year too. I'm running out of time with that one also.

[Disgusted]

I still don't believe that the writers have total failure in mind for Penny. They may be showing just how terribly difficult it is to get a steady acting career but they are not going to make her a failure. This is a sitcom, where is the humor in that?

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you.....Total Failure.

 

Edited February 26, 2014 by Disgusted

[SodidIwin?]

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you.....Total Failure.

 

LMAO!

 

Yes, and he won an Emmy for his total failure. However, he was portrayed as a total failure from the very first episode. That is the direct opposite of the Penny character.  She may have not had a lot of success on the show, however, she has for the most part been shown as independent, lovable and for the most part carrying her own weight. All character traits contrary to Allan Harper.  

 

I can't see the writers taking someone the majority of the audience loves and make her now a total loser and failure. Just don't see it happening.

Edited February 26, 2014 by SodidIwin?

[SRAM]

Ther is no reason why the writers can't make professional success funny. They've done it with Howard, Leonard and Sheldon. While Howard hated the space trip, he still got to do it, and apparently performed whatever task he needed to. Leonard and Sheldon have gotten grants, and published papers. All of these things have led to funny situations. Penny could get parts that were funny. Suppose she got a part like CSI's Abby, playing a scientist. She could come back and spout dialog at Sheldon. She could be saying perfectly reasonable science stuff for paragraphs, then hit a place where the writers took scientific liberties, and drive Sheldon crazy. The next week she could play a dominatrix, or an Amish girl, for contrast. Her part could be the joke of the week, and she wouldn't mind because she's working. A lot of what keeps Leonard going with all the crap he puts up with is that at the end of the day, he's with Penny. with regard to Penny's job, I'm sure she would just like to work, even if the part is stupid or embarassing.

They could make it so funny if she had to do some weird commercials, like maybe a toy commercial where she plays a young mother that ends up being slimmed in it or something equally disgusting. They could have a lot of fun with it, giving her small stuff, but allowing her to make enough money to support herself so at least she can be proud that she is a working professional actress. It would be even a little nice if she got a short reoccurring part in a show that allowed her to get enough money to pay Leonard back for the car. She would be so proud of herself and she could tell him she couldn't have done it without his help, good Lenny stuff.

Oh did you see in one of the interviews this week, Kaley referred to Leonard and Penny as Lenny.

[Tensor]

Oh did you see in one of the interviews this week, Kaley referred to Leonard and Penny as Lenny.

I saw her say it twice. She really, really really likes the couple, which I just think is adorable.

[rickfromillinois]

Disgusted, on 27 Aug 2013 - 07:00 AM, said:

 

Leonard and Penny will be in exactly the same place most of the season, with a cliffhanger breakup threat at the end. [Priya/Alex/???]

 

 

Priya coming back, after finally getting sick of her cheating boyfriend, to get the good guy, Leonard, would be great.  Priya never had any respect for Penny so I could see her ignore Penny, to get Leonard back.  Penny would have to fight for Leonard and it would be fun to see the girls screaming at each other over Leonard.  Leonard of course would stay with Penny.

I could do with some more Priya and could understand why she would view Penny as not being a reasonable choice for any type of relationship with Leonard beyond a sexual one.  Before a bunch of people go ballistic, I said that I could understand why PRIYA would have such a view.  If there were some conflict between Penny and Priya over Leonard, I don't think that it would last very long, and I think if there were any doubts about Leonard choosing Priya, it will be in Penny and Priya's mind and not Leonard's.  I could see Penny believing that Priya would be better for Leonard then herself, but I don't believe that Leonard would think so.

[Disgusted]

 

 

I can't see the writers taking someone the majority of the audience loves and make her now a total loser and failure. Just don't see it happening.

 

I would like to agree with this, but the showrunners have stated that Penny is highly unlikely to be successful as an actress, due to their own experience and perceptions. 

 

So why are they going there now? Why Highlight it?

 

They already have this big Shamy "will they or won''t they" drama, why add more?

 

I hate to sound like a broken record, but it is supposed to be a comedy.