Spoilers Leonard And Penny Season 7 *spoiler* Discussion Thread

[DaisyJane]

I know the car scene wouldn't have happen but I just want Penny to get some success under belt and a little money in her bank account.  

 

Also don't get me wrong loved the care scene! 

 

Yeah, "Serial Apist 2" wouldn't be her getting success under her belt, at all. That wouldn't look good on a resume. It's not like the first one helped her career at all. 

[Chrismo]

I agree the tag and the earlier scene could of been together. L/P at the end would have been better.

[SRAM]

I don't think Leonard's concern about her not taking the job wasn't so bad, because he said he didn't know about the acting thing, so he was really concerned about her basically turning down an acting job that paid. She was suddenly wanting to take the job too when the money got tight, so how really wrong was he to question her when she wasn't so desperate for money. He also told her if she didn't take a paying job her money would run out faster. Plus remember she wasn't going to have to take her clothes off either.

[katzinhatz1]

I don't think Leonard's concern about her not taking the job wasn't so bad, because he said he didn't know about the acting thing, so he was really concerned about her basically turning down an acting job that paid. She was suddenly wanting to take the job too when the money got tight, so how really wrong was he to question her when she wasn't so desperate for money. He also told her if she didn't take a paying job her money would run out faster. Plus remember she wasn't going to have to take her clothes off either.

I dont think he was wrong about what he said, but how he said it was kinda harsh. He could've definitely said it differently or in a nicer way. I think thats why I have trouble taking his side on this issue

[ArmyGirl]

Yeah, "Serial Apist 2" wouldn't be her getting success under her belt, at all. That wouldn't look good on a resume. It's not like the first one helped her career at all. 

 

Penny wasn't going to take her clothes off in this one and it was more about having a paying acting job.  You are the one that go on and on about Penny being independent and and standing on her own.  As for helping her or not I don't have a clue but at least it would have padded her bank account!

Edited March 7, 2014 by ArmyGirl

[Kasey]

She did try to get that movie part once her car broke down but it had already been cast.  I think that shows that she understood that sometimes you have to take parts that might not be Sophie's Choice in order to get where you want to go.  I think that gave Leonard a bit of a push so to speak to help her by buying her a car.  It was a very supportive and sweet scene howbeit a bit too short.

 

And I didn't care for Sheldon interrupting them in the hallway.  Just another scene where the kid interrupts the parents...

[Tensor]

Yeah, "Serial Apist 2" wouldn't be her getting success under her belt, at all. That wouldn't look good on a resume. It's not like the first one helped her career at all. 

 

And, so?  Yeah, if you can pull off a part in an critical and commercial success, by all means, she should go for it.  But those type of part are few and far between.  And yes, those kind of things do help a career.   She was selected for the part.  That means she beat out who knows how many other people competing for the job, and from the sound of it, she was getting a lead part.    Do you think Kevin Coster regretted   Malibu Hot Summer (wow, look at that a 2.3 out of 10) or maybe you think Cyborg 2 hurt Angelina Jolie' career.  

I know the car scene wouldn't have happen but I just want Penny to get some success under belt and a little money in her bank account.  

 

Also don't get me wrong loved the care scene! 

 

But that's the whole point, isn't it?  Her turning down the job is the whole setup for her realizing and admitting  she should of taken it, and Leonard getting her the car.    I'll bet they don't show her turning anything else like this down.  Now, other requirements may cause her to reject a part. 

[Chrismo]

it didn't sound like she auditioned. Why audition if you are not interested. It seems like they remembered her from the first one

[DaisyJane]

And, so?  Yeah, if you can pull off a part in an critical and commercial success, by all means, she should go for it.  But those type of part are few and far between.  And yes, those kind of things do help a career.   She was selected for the part.  That means she beat out who knows how many other people competing for the job, and from the sound of it, she was getting a lead part.    Do you think Kevin Coster regretted   Malibu Hot Summer (wow, look at that a 2.3 out of 10) or maybe you think Cyborg 2 hurt Angelina Jolie' career.  

 

But that's the whole point, isn't it?  Her turning down the job is the whole setup for her realizing and admitting  she should of taken it, and Leonard getting her the car.    I'll bet they don't show her turning anything else like this down.  Now, other requirements may cause her to reject a part. 

 

I missed the part about her not having to take her clothes off (my Nana called, I knew I'd have to rewatch), that does change things a bit. Oh well, probably wouldn't have "padded" her account by much. I hope to see her have some success, I was done with the idea of her falling back on Leonard before it she even quit. Didn't like the car storyline at all. 

Edited March 7, 2014 by DaisyJane

[Chrismo]

I missed the part about her not having to take her clothes off (my Nana called, I knew I'd have to rewatch), that does change things a bit. Oh well, probably wouldn't have "padded" her account by much. I hope to see her have some success, I was done with the idea of her falling back on Leonard before it she even quit. Didn't like the car storyline at all.

You may be the only Leonard/Penny fan who didn't.

[DaisyJane]

You may be the only Leonard/Penny fan who didn't.

 

On here? Maybe. But one nice scene, and it was lovely, doesn't wash away the nasty taste of dependency. 

[BangerMain]

The scenes with Penny telling him about the car, when they were leaving and then the car were really well done.  I think having Sheldon come out into the hall when Penny was pouring her heart out to Leonard about everything was in really poor taste by the writers and wasn't a bit funny.

 

This reminded me of the airport scene at the end of season 6. Sheldon being used as comic relief to lessen the impact of some serious L/P. The BBT writers are wary of very "special moments".

Edited March 7, 2014 by BangerMain

[ArmyGirl]

This reminded me of the airport scene at the end of season 6. Sheldon being used as comic relief to lesson the impact of some serious L/P. The BBT writer are wary of very "special moments"

 

Then they shouldn't write them.  They didn't seen to have a problem with SIK or D&D special moments.

[Chrismo]

On here? Maybe. But one nice scene, and it was lovely, doesn't wash away the nasty taste of dependency.

unfortunately though only Penny has herself to blame for thst.

[Tensor]

On here? Maybe. But one nice scene, and it was lovely, doesn't wash away the nasty taste of dependency. 

 

Depends on your definition of dependency.  She didn't have to take the car, she could have gone back to work.  I didn't see Leonard require a quid pro quo for the car, so it's a gift.   I guess I don't understand why accepting a gift (a large one, but still a gift) from the person you love, and who loves you, is somehow being dependent on that person.   Or, for that matter, why being dependent on someone, while you are chasing your own dream is such a bad thing.  I know many women AND men who depend on their partners (both married and unmarried) to help them get by while they go to school; try to become actors or singers; do internships prepping for their lifes work.  Why do you have a problem with that?

[DaisyJane]

unfortunately though only Penny has herself to blame for thst.

 

Wouldn't necessarily call it a matter of blame. That would be more if she had pissed through all her savings buying junk. The car was a large and unanticipated expense, and out of her control. Before that she seemed to be doing pretty okay money-wise, and I had been pleased to see that. Wish they hadn't ruined that for the sake of this story. 

[vasu]

The car scene was sweet and Penny's reaction seemed pretty genuine... 

 

 

One thing thought - If I were in Penny's position , I would not have turned down that role ,  may be it would have been embarrassing , it could have easily been her big break just like she said her role on NC...whatever would have been.....

 

I can see why the writers did what they did.....but it felt kind of odd that at this point of time Penny turns down a role...

[Chrismo]

Wouldn't necessarily call it a matter of blame. That would be more if she had pissed through all her savings buying junk. The car was a large and unanticipated expense, and out of her control. Before that she seemed to be doing pretty okay money-wise, and I had been pleased to see that. Wish they hadn't ruined that for the sake of this story.

The check engine light has been on forever. that should have been anticipated. Money wise the star wars episode she didn't split the check three ways, valentines day was cheap flowers and free candy. Don't remember any instances where money was discussed besides that.since it's been awhile that she has been unemployed it'shard to believe she is pretty okay. Obviously didn't have money to get a cheap car.

[Nogravitasatall]

Heck it, Penny would be rather churlish or perhaps insensitive not to accept something so freely given.

[hamerman55]

The more I think about it, the more I like the car gift and the way it was handled. Leonard rarely gets to play Penny's knight in shining armor, without some event detracting from it (i.e. Shledon bawling in the background for attention). While the money aspect was significant, we are forgetting the effort and love that went into it. He had to go find a suitable car for his love. That means really safe, but not so expensive as to be utterly inappropriate. This is a lot of work and time. There are no strings, just a wish formher success.

This is also another example of closure with the past, as observed in the scene where the car breaks down. The conversarion between Penny and Sheldon addressed the end of old tropes, as he can't bust her about the check engine light. There have been a number of those moments this season. Could it be preparation for the next steps?

[Nogravitasatall]

The car scene was sweet and Penny's reaction seemed pretty genuine...

One thing thought - If I were in Penny's position , I would not have turned down that role , may be it would have been embarrassing , it could have easily been her big break just like she said her role on NC...whatever would have been.....

I can see why the writers did what they did.....but it felt kind of odd that at this point of time Penny turns down a role...

Leonard saved her from having to be that desperate. Penny doesn't need to be trapped in that genre and format. Once is ok and can be put down to inexperience, but she needs to show she can discriminate, and maybe have some style.

Eta

Edited March 7, 2014 by Nogravitasatall

[BangerMain]

The check engine light has been on forever. that should have been anticipated. Money wise the star wars episode she didn't split the check three ways, valentines day was cheap flowers and free candy. Don't remember any instances where money was discussed besides that.since it's been awhile that she has been unemployed it'shard to believe she is pretty okay. Obviously didn't have money to get a cheap car.

Bernie also reminded her she spent hundreds of dollars on a dress simply because she wanted it. Penny has not spoken of modifying her life style at all after she quit her job. Leonard is the only one who sweats the details for Penny, as he has through the run of the show.

 

Penny likes to appear to be living with out a net but deep down, she knows she will always be caught by the guy who will not allow her thoughtlessness to harm her.

Edited March 7, 2014 by BangerMain

[rickfromillinois]

A perfect couple!  Isn't it wonderful that Penny can be discriminate and only take jobs that meet her high artistic standards with the monetary support of her boyfriend?  This doesn't make Leonard some kind of sap nor Penny some kind of dependent parasite, it gives Leonard the opportunity to be a good boyfriend, and hero even, and Penny the chance to pursue her dreams without having to take jobs she would rather not do.   A real win/win situation, and an example that should be emulated by all boyfriends and girlfriends.

[Guitars1964]

Re: Penny's dependency, without her waitress job it seems she is going to have it especially rough financially.  Her apartment has had to eat a big chunk of her monthly wages when she worked as a waitress, and it has never seemed, from various story lines, that she has much in savings.  Right now she can't have much, if any, of a financial cushion.  And over the course of the series it's been clear, even with her waitress income, that she's needed help from Leonard and Sheldon.  She has been through the series so far barely self-sufficient.

 

Based on what I've seen presented in the stories, I've never been convinced that Penny is making a full court press to become an actress.  But I am aware that becoming a professional full-time self-supporting actor or musician is VERY difficult with the odds nearly overwhelming against such success.  In the "real world" at this point, it would be likely that Leonard and Penny would move in together  - they are a couple now, and saving her monthly rent expense  would probably compel some couples to live together, even if getting married isn't in the immediate plans.  Yeah, it's a not a very romantic view, but some couples do move in together to save money.

 

And, well, at 28 years old, having been chasing the neon rainbow for years now with little to show for it, it's getting closer to that moment when Penny may have to make a decision about changing career paths, unless Penny and Leonard agree that Leonard's going to support her.  But I can't imagine Leonard paying his half of his apartment plus likely paying for her apartment.  Not unlike our country's growing deficit, some would argue that Penny's current financial negative cash flow is not sustainable. 

[Nogravitasatall]

A perfect couple! Isn't it wonderful that Penny can be discriminate and only take jobs that meet her high artistic standards with the monetary support of her boyfriend? This doesn't make Leonard some kind of sap nor Penny some kind of dependent parasite, it gives Leonard the opportunity to be a good boyfriend, and hero even, and Penny the chance to pursue her dreams without having to take jobs she would rather not do. A real win/win situation, and an example that should be emulated by all boyfriends and girlfriends.

This is brilliant! It's an interesting way of reading the story.