Spoilers Leonard And Penny Season 7 *spoiler* Discussion Thread

[rickfromillinois]

Leonard is setting the example of what a boyfriend should be like!   Think about how cheap and miserly Howard was, he made poor Bernadette continue to work at the CCF while she was getting her Doctorate.   What a non-supporting jerk!  She had to achieve her dreams on her own without any help from her uncaring boyfriend!

[Chrismo]

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

Well at least he isn't talking about her being an alcoholic.

[Martin Pollard]

See why I hate the storyline now? Gives clowns like rick something nasty to comment on.

Put him on your ignore list. I already have. The only time I see his pearls of wisdom are when someone quotes them. I might miss a worthwhile comment or two, sure, but I'm here to enjoy myself, which means I don't have to put up with comments that ruin said enjoyment. The ignore list is a small price to pay for keeping my sanity.

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[Chrismo]

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".

That wasn't as bad as the airport. At least Sheldon wasn't there when Leonard gave Penny the car.

[vasu]

Looking forward to see Penny getting some roles and see her acting....now that the drama is over.....

[SodidIwin?]

Looking forward to see Penny getting some roles and see her acting....now that the drama is over.....

I agree. I got the impression that this was Penny's rock bottom. The writers are now going to start giving Penny some small bits of success to build up her confidence. She still will not end up as a big star but she will live her dream of being an actor.

See why I hate the storyline now? Gives clowns like rick something nasty to comment on.

At least this time he said it in a politely sarcastic way.

[hamerman55]

Boy, the glass seems to be half empty for many. This is a logical progression of the story line, if you think about it. Either Penny stays at the CCF basically forever, and is therefore a failure at acting. She leaves the CCF for another job of similar skill level, if she can find one in the current economic situation, likely another waitressing job. This gets her nowhere. Or we have the current Penny storyline. She leaves the CCF to focus on acting. If she just walked into a lot of acting jobs at once, that would be both unrealistic and bad storytelling. The protagonist must struggle. The hero will have support from friends and allies, but to have Penny get a job based on her looks alone doesn't give her a chance to grow.

If she is successful, will Leonard then be the guy that everyone looks at and wonders why this fox is with such a nobody. Because in regular society, if you are not rich, a rich athlete or a rich gorgeous actor, you don't matter. For too long, Penny got by being pretty. By her own admission she was a bad waitress, and not much else. Of course she has a great personality to go with the looks, which is why Leonard is with her, but for earning money, she doesn't offer much. Successful actors work really hard, just as all successful people do. You also have to have talent and looks. Apparently she has those, but needs the work ethic. Penny needs to sweat some to earn the jobs. That is what is happening now. The car finally died. There is no surprise there as it was a bomb in the first season when the check engine light trope started. The surprise is that it lasted this long. They can now make jokes about that funky brown car Leonard bought Penny. Penny can denfend Leoanrd for being a sweet, thoughtful boyfriend who bought her what she really needed, no strings attached. Look at her Valentine's gift. He wants her to be happy and successful.

We saw what good things Penny does for Leonard in the table episode. She gives him something he has never had, someone who is in his corner, and supporting him. Leonard is stronger and more successful because Penny support him. He is returning the favor. Leonard doesn't need money, he needs love and affection given freely. He's never had that from anyone.

Their relationship is beyond keeping score. Consider this. If they were married, how would this storyline scan?

[Kasey]

Their relationship is beyond keeping score. Consider this. If they were married, how would this storyline scan?

 

As EXACTLY what they should be doing for each other...

[Nogravitasatall]

See why I hate the storyline now? Gives clowns like rick something nasty to comment on.

I think (edit) I understand you don't enjoy that Penny isn't able to make it on her own in this instance. With no education, little training and her ingenue appeal fading with time, Penny was right to note she was running out of options. Leonard is doing his best to give her a shot. Otherwise, like in "Roseanne" , she would have to win a lottery to change her circumstances. Now that would be sucky and implausible. This at least could happen - and they have been around each other for nigh on seven years, so there is no awkwardness because they really know each other.

Leonard is setting the example of what a boyfriend should be like! Think about how cheap and miserly Howard was, he made poor Bernadette continue to work at the CCF while she was getting her Doctorate. What a non-supporting jerk! She had to achieve her dreams on her own without any help from her uncaring boyfriend!

And Bernadette was probably resourced by an uncaring student loan provider who likely required some contractual assurance. Lol. Edited March 8, 2014 by Nogravitasatall

[rickfromillinois]

Well at least he isn't talking about her being an alcoholic.

As a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for 15 years, I do know what I am talking about.

[Queenfisher]

Guys I'm still a Shamy, but I just became a Lenny because of this episode. I absolutely loved Penny's reaction when Leonard gave her the keys. It was just precious and sweet. I can see their love story turn from "the geeky guy pines for the beautiful gal" to "the down on her luck girl being supported by the guy who loves her"

[3ku11]

And thus Lenny is reborn Game changing moment this ep for me, maybe subtle. But QF is right dynamics of their relationship has changed, its no longer the nerdy guy desiring the hot girl. Its the complete oppossite. Like QF said the down on her luck girl being supported by the guy who loves her unconditionally. And who share an unspoken bond and a mystical understanding, as corny and sappy as that last statement sounds its true.

Edited March 8, 2014 by 3ku11

[hokie3457]

And thus Lenny is reborn Game changing moment this ep for me, maybe subtle. But QF is right dynamics of their relationship has changed, its no longer the nerdy guy desiring the hot girl. Its the complete oppossite. Like QF said the down on her luck girl being supported by the guy who loves her unconditionally. And who share an unspoken bond and a mystical understanding, as corny and sappy as that last statement sounds its true.

. Wow. I really like that analysis. Slipped by as the "B" plot, an amazing moment in their love story. They have come so far from that first day when she was more interested in what was on his white board than Sheldon's!!!

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[rickfromillinois]

I like the Penny character allot, which is why I get a little upset when the writers have her do things that IMO damage the character.  I think that they have overdone the whole drinking way too far.   When they have the character drink to the point that she goes to bed with people she wouldn't do if she was sober, then they are showing that the character has a drinking problem.  When they have the character do something like go to Disneyland with her friends and while they are all getting make-overs to look like Disney characters, and she appears to be the only one who drinks to the point of getting drunk, then the character has a drinking problem.  When the character drinks to the point that she has black outs and can't remember what happened the previous night, she has a very serious drinking problem. 

 

I wish that the writers would stop with the Penny drinking thing.   There is much more to her then that, and I believe the reoccurring scenes of her over-drinking detracts from the character.  

 

I also think that the latest episode where Leonard gave Penny a new car so that she could continue in her efforts for an acting career is a very big step.   IMO they both know that someday Penny will propose to Leonard and he will accept, and someday they will get married.  To me it is as though they have formalized their partnership and they are working as partners towards the future for them as a couple.  IMO their relationship has progressed further and is closer then was Howard and Bernadette's when they got engaged.

[Chrismo]

Rick, I don't think she was drunk with Amy/Bernadette last year at Disney. She was miserable dressing up like a Disney princess. You are correct about showing her reoccurring scenes of her drinking. the worst one this year was the NCIS one and at least she remembered the night before. it appears they use the drinking and her past sexual history to be funny but it isn't anymore. kind of like showing Raj how lame he is. if I am remembering correctly the last time she was passed out drunk was with Raj. hopefully all the drunk drinking stories are in the past.

[Oldnavy]

I agree with a lot that Rick has said.  I do think that they have over used the drinking, sexual history and basic party girl attitude of Penny.  I agree that where it was funny for a time it has gotten old.  

 

I am a big fan of the Penny character and I hope that they are going to begin having her grow up some.  There are times that they show how immature she is.  For example, her comments in the Convention Conundrum, where is she asks who really wants to have to deal with insurance and mortgages or putting a note on a parked car you hit.  This along with not only her quitting her job, which was her only means of making a living, but also the way that she did as highlighted in this past episode.  Her comment of "see you at the Oscars _____" shows the attitude of a person who is very immature and with little thought to the consequences of her actions.  Also, by this quote the impression is given that she quit suddenly without notice.  

 

I also have to ask, in light of all that Leonard has done for her, getting her money from Kurt, paying her rent and electric bill at times, making sure she has food and now buying her a car, all of which was not his responsibility, since they are not engaged or married, what has she really done for him?  

 

I am not saying this to trash Penny, because as I have said I am a huge Penny fan.  However, I do hope that they will move her character forward and let her start acting more mature than falling back on the same old tired jokes.  

[Tensor]

Yeah, she couldn't have been drunk at Disney, they show her eating popcorn, not drinking. Besides the only alcohol served in Disneyland is at Club 33, and Penny is no where near a candidate for that club. The night with raj was also the only time they showed hurt passed out drunk( although Flaming spittoon was close). But they've shown both Amy and Sheldon passed out drunk, and Leonard on his way since he drank that whole bottle in Lunar excitation.

[SRAM]

The thing with the car scene, the way they played it, Penny knew exactly why he gave it to her, at the end of the scene. It wasn't so much a gift, but an expression of his love for her, and that even though he had a hard time understanding the details of what she was doing, he still fully supported her and her dreams. This was a huge 'Team Hofstadter' moment and Penny understood it, that is why she took the car without a fight, I just hope the writers don't throw this away, like they did the North Sea trip.

I still think that Penny proposing in 7.23 and then getting a movie part that makes her leave for the summer would be perfect. It could create situations for them in Season 8 that could test their love and allow the writers easily drag out the engagement all season.

[Tensor]

The thing with the car scene, the way they played it, Penny knew exactly why he gave it to her, at the end of the scene. It wasn't so much a gift, but an expression of his love for her, and that even though he had a hard time understanding the details of what she was doing, he still fully supported her and her dreams. This was a huge 'Team Hofstadter' moment and Penny understood it, that is why she took the car without a fight.

Yeah, she understands they are a couple more than ever. I don't think she would have taken the car, as late as even "Holographic" last year. Over the last year, even with their sniping and back and forth (which I do with my wife all the time), they have become a very strong couple. This episode showed some of what Stuart sees in the next.

[SodidIwin?]

The thing with the car scene, the way they played it, Penny knew exactly why he gave it to her, at the end of the scene. It wasn't so much a gift, but an expression of his love for her, and that even though he had a hard time understanding the details of what she was doing, he still fully supported her and her dreams. This was a huge 'Team Hofstadter' moment and Penny understood it, that is why she took the car without a fight, I just hope the writers don't throw this away, like they did the North Sea trip.

I still think that Penny proposing in 7.23 and then getting a movie part that makes her leave for the summer would be perfect. It could create situations for them in Season 8 that could test their love and allow the writers easily drag out the engagement all season.

 

 

I totally agree SRAM. I have been predicting a proposal at the end of this season for awhile now. After seeing that car scene I believe it more than ever. Penny is going to give Leonard a knockdown special proposal most likely as you indicated in 7.23. I still think that is why she was so determined about Leonard rejecting their kidding around proposal in the next Professor Proton episode. I say she was already planning it and didn't want it ruined. I also agree that the writers are now going to give Penny some little success in winning a part that will cause some bumps in their relationship next season. But nothing that they won't be able to end up handling. 

Edited March 8, 2014 by SodidIwin?

[SRAM]

Yeah, she understands they are a couple more than ever. I don't think she would have taken the car, as late as even "Holographic" last year. Over the last year, even with their sniping and back and forth (which I do with my wife all the time), they have become a very strong couple. This episode showed some of what Stuart sees in the next.

I forgot about Stuart's speech next episode. That will put two very clear, Lenny belong together, episodes back-to-back. It makes you wonder if we are now being lead by the writers to something very important down the road.

[Tensor]

I forgot about Stuart's speech next episode. That will put two very clear, Lenny belong together, episodes back-to-back. It makes you wonder if we are now being lead by the writers to something very important down the road.

I have no doubt. It's just the timing that is in question. Before the beginning of the season I thought Feb sweeps was going to be a proposal (I didn't realize that half the sweeps would be relegated to repeats because of the Olympics). Throughout the first third of the season I wouldn't have thought any movement would have been possible. Now, between Penny quitting TCF, and these last two episodes, with the, they belong together vibes, I get the feeling their moving in together would be the next step(so she can continue to work towards her acting career), although a proposal wouldn't surprise me. I'm just not sure there are enough episodes left to get that done before the end of the year, but they've done things fast when they have needed to.

One thing is I can't see a cliffhanger proposal. It's now a foregone conclusion that if Penny proposes when sober, and has "the whole nine yards", indicating planning, Leonard will say yes.

[SRAM]

I have no doubt. It's just the timing that is in question. Before the beginning of the season I thought Feb sweeps was going to be a proposal (I didn't realize that half the sweeps would be relegated to repeats because of the Olympics). Throughout the first third of the season I wouldn't have thought any movement would have been possible. Now, between Penny quitting TCF, and these last two episodes, with the, they belong together vibes, I get the feeling their moving in together would be the next step(so she can continue to work towards her acting career), although a proposal wouldn't surprise me. I'm just not sure there are enough episodes left to get that done before the end of the year, but they've done things fast when they have needed to.

One thing is I can't see a cliffhanger proposal. It's now a foregone conclusion that if Penny proposes when sober, and has "the whole nine yards", indicating planning, Leonard will say yes.

 

 

I'm not sure about them moving in together, because like a lot of people have said, they are like living in a three bedroom apartment, so there is a chance they will never move in together, until married, just to preserve the relationship with Sheldon and the bond the three of them have in the show.  I can see a very long engagement though, so them getting engaged this season and reamaining only engaged over season 8 seems possible, especially if they keep throwing them into conflict.  I think Penny getting a little bit of success, could cause a lot of conflict for them, when Penny tries to combine the life she loves with her friends, and boyfriend, and the glamour she wants as an actress.  It could built to another adult decison she would have to make, how to balance everything so she can have both and not loose Leonard.

[Squidley]

Could The Proton Transmogrification be near or the season finale.  The date of May fourth is mentioned and we have an open proposal from Penny as a cliff hanger.  

 

Leonard's comforting touch with Penny in the hallway and his confidence in teasing Penny and then the "Don't say anything" to me shows growth in Lenny

[Tensor]

Could The Proton Transmogrification be near or the season finale.  The date of May fourth is mentioned and we have an open proposal from Penny as a cliff hanger.  

 

Leonard's comforting touch with Penny in the hallway and his confidence in teasing Penny and then the "Don't say anything" to me shows growth in Lenny

 

Speculation is May 1 for Proton(since they mention May fourth).   That would leave the 8th and 15th as the last two shows of the year.