Spoilers Leonard And Penny Season 7 *spoiler* Discussion Thread

[Carlos]

I was pondering exactly when it seemed that Leonard grew a backbone with regard to Penny. Was it after the ILY? There was a sea change in the sixth season, where suddenly, Leonard is willing to stand up to Penny and call her on her bs. Clearly after Alex, Penny started to experience jealousy and insecurity while in a relationship with Leonard, so at that point she started to doubt that her beauty was sufficient to hold him. Having just received the Blue-Ray/DVD set of Season Six, I started with the premiere, and Leonard was clearly in the weaker role. In fact, they highlighted the gender reversals. Leonard is serving Penny, and trying to get information about the status of the relationship. In the first episode with Alex, those roles get reversed in the final scene, where Penny serves a plate to Leonard, and is clearly playing the attentive girlfriend. It is obvious that she is doing everything she can to draw him in, with smiles, and facial expressions. It is so opposite of the earlier episodes. Leonard is too oblivious to pick up on it, but after that, the last time he seems weak in the relationship is with regard to Penny's friend from school. After that, he is master of the relationship. I even think that was clear in the episode where Leonard is about to move in with Penny to get away from Sheldon. Penny is not in control, and is willing, in spite of her reservations, to let Leonard move in.

You make very good points, and I agree with most of them, actually no, I agree with all of them, but I want to focus on another part of your post and it is the fact that you received the Blu-ray set.Oh, how I envy you! When the topic of which season is the best has arisen in these forums, I've always abstained from giving my opinion, because I am not able to get a clear feell for a season unless I watch the episodes back to back to back to... you know . Also, most of the times I find I like the episodes more upon second (or third) viewing. I don't know if this happens to everbody or just me, but...

Edited September 11, 2013 by Carlos

[Occam's Chainsaw]

Let us not forget that Leonard has a 173 IQ and plays chess. His move was a sacrifice and I think it worked just fine. 

Just to play Devil's Advocate:

Let us also not forget that Leonard also regularly, and rightly, refers to himself as a dumbass (especially in regards to relationships), and that he lost a game of chess to a first time player.

[SRAM]

Just to play Devil's Advocate:

Let us also not forget that Leonard also regularly, and rightly, refers to himself as a dumbass (especially in regards to relationships), and that he lost a game of chess to a first time player.

I think that was one of the hints to us that Penny is not a dumb blonde monkey, but does have a keen intellect under all that bleached hair.

[Nogravitasatall]

About Leonard's sacrifice of control. He took away a problem by not trying to solve it. Genius, because sometimes one gets told about a problem, and your solution is not what anybody wants. You are just being told about a problem. Also total judo move. She is now using her own energy to go forward, not to resist.

[hamerman55]

I'm not suggesting that the writers need to have the various parties actively influence Penny. Rather that the influence is baked into the show. Berndette is going to talk about her marriage, and if it continues to be a good one, a reminder of the positive benefits. Amy is going to want Sheldon alone. She will be with Leonard, and his mere presence will be a reminder. If they have good times together, and Leonard travels more due to his success, Penny will influence herself. Leonard's best move at this point is to actively not remind Penny. Rather be a little dense about hints. Avoid the idea. Make Penny think he's cooled to the idea a little. Good things happen to Leonard when Penny is insecure.

Last season, Leonard on screen rarely said anything about their relationship after Alex was introduced. The exceptions were in the 43 Peculiarity. In the VD episode, Leonard didn't talk about the relationship. Penny did. (The proposal wasn't really serious, IMO, as it never really started.). As I mentioned in last season's forum, there is no evidence that Leonard has seriously proposed to Penny. There was no ring. Things said in the midst of sex don't could in my book. In fact, I think Penny overreacted to Leonard proposing while they were having sex in the fifth season.

The best thing for Leonard would be for him to acquire a couple of cute graduate students. Then Penny will be nervous, and Amy and Bernadette will tease her. Penny will drag Leonard to the altar.

[Nogravitasatall]

@hamerman55. I'm torn. I really don't mind that they play out the courtship longer, as long as they don't backtrack like in "The Wheaton Recurrence". And more pretty students could backfire if Penny felt coerced. Once is accident, twice coincidence, third time is enemy action. NOT saying it couldn't happen.

I do think Leonard would be dragged only because he would lag from lack of fitness, not keenness. I can just picture the dress and the veil streaming back as they run hand in hand to get there on time. Penny will be wearing something fetching too. LOL.

[3ku11]

I don't think their is any form of control or power in Leonard and Penny's relationship, it may be implied due to various factors such as; Penny's perceived sexual supeiority, Leonard's perceived intelligence (although Penny has intelligence the guys just don't posses). Another parallel in the Leonard and Penny relationship can be directly correlated between S3 and S6. I remember when Penny told Leonard while on a double date with Howard and Bernadette, Penny told Leonard that a psychic told her she would get a role in some movie, and Leonard laughed lol. Leonard pushed too much and Penny slammed the door in his face, Leonard ended up meeting Penny in the laundromat and brought some books diminishing Psychics, Penny even replied would you be willing to come see a Psychic. This is the change that has occured in their relationship, their differences then were too different, but now those same differences are now the strengths in the relationship. In S6 now the VD ep was point of reference, Penny is no longer hulking out, and Leonard is no longer doing push/resist, he is now challenging Penny alot more now and being completely honest with her, because of this Penny is trusting Leonard alot more, and compromising alot more then she was. Another EP that showed this was the Spoiler Alert EP. Leonard and Sheldon had a fight so Leonard wanted to move in, as much as Penny felt those familiar intimacy issues, she was willing to compromise to make Leonard happy, until Amy kinda ruined things haha. But the EP with Alex was the first time Penny started to see what she has always known deep down, Leonard is a catch, in the past she has always kept her options open and almost in S3 she was settling opposed to the other type guys she used to date. Alex was a catalyst that changed Penny's perception changing and her self actulization changing too. She used to view her life based on how it affected her, from her acting career e.t.c. The EP where she realized she is passioante about Leonard and all her freinds, is to me the moment Leonard and Penny became equals. And from Leonard's POV the big difference that explains why he has more confidence in his relationship with Penny, for example in the VD ep can come down to the ILY. He really deserved that, people may forget that was the big reason they broke up in the first place, Leonard told Penny he loves her, she freaked out because of her deep seeded intimacy issues and insecurities, and at that point she just wasen't ready for the commitment Leonard was asking for, or implied. So I disagree when people say what Penny did was horrible, I disagree what she did was for the best, and she did what she did because of how much she cares about Leonard. At that point Penny was no where ready for a serious commitment, I mean Leonard even said it best when he said "I have been dating her since I met her" lol. And Leonard had alot of growing to do. But back to the ILY, that gave Leonard the sense of security in his relationship he just never had in the past, so that submissive behaviour has diminished substantially. And I think the final car scene in S6 was a huge moment for Lenny, the way Penny said ILY with no reservations, no justifiable reason's behind it e.t.c. She said it so genuinely and so intimately. Penny in a way is really damaged internally and has flaws like anyone else, as on the outside Penny may be gorgeous, girl next door e.t.c. But she is at her core a struggling waitress and an struggling actress. I think Priya really illustrated this point the writers were trying to make, Leonard and Priya had alot more in common. But that's the thing with Leonard and Penny, Penny could be with any other guy right now but she choose Leonard, logically Leonard would be more suited to someone else, but it's their differences that makes their relationships work. So I don't think theirs any control when it comes to who proposes, Leonard gave Penny the power when it comes to that, to take the pressure off, when she is ready it well happen. I don't want it to happen because of Penny's insecurities, their has to be no ties to anyone or anything, and just a genuine proposal.

Edited September 12, 2013 by 3ku11

[Chiara]

While marriage is a fair prospect indeed, we must not forget that it is not the only relationship milestone the writers have in store for Penny and Leonard. 

Let us not forget that they do not live together yet... 

 

So basically, it all boils down to Sheldon (more than Penny). Until the writers can figure out what to do with him, Penny and Leonard will remain pretty much stationary. Should Penny move in with the boys ? Should Leonard move out and live in Penny's apartment while Amy takes his place ? If the writers do not have the answers to those questions yet, they will not push the Lenny further down the aisle. They may still do lots of great things with the couple (after all, they have yet to meet each other's parents in an official capacity or have a great big shouting match in which both of them are sort of right, both of which are classic television templates) but no wedding prospect until the cohabitation conundrum is solved.

 

It is not to say that the matter of marriage cannot be brought forward at any point before that. It simply means that, were such a topic to emerge, it would necessarily put the question relative to the characters' living arrangements on the forefront and I do not know how willing the writers are to tackle this particular issue. Though I have to say it was interesting to see them ackowledge their own dilemma in The Spoiler Alert Segmentation. They know the current situation is unsustainable in the long run.  

The second part of this season premiere may be a clue as to what is to come : Penny willingly welcomes Leonard into her apartment and lets him stay there for 48 hours straight. Foreshadowing ? Coincidence ? Overthinking ? You decide.

 

I am certain the characters will get there. At a glacial pace, as usual, but they will. 

[3ku11]

While marriage is a fair prospect indeed, we must not forget that it is not the only relationship milestone the writers have in store for Penny and Leonard. 

Let us not forget that they do not live together yet... 

 

So basically, it all boils down to Sheldon (more than Penny). Until the writers can figure out what to do with him, Penny and Leonard will remain pretty much stationary. Should Penny move in with the boys ? Should Leonard move out and live in Penny's apartment while Amy takes his place ? If the writers do not have the answers to those questions yet, they will not push the Lenny further down the aisle. They may still do lots of great things with the couple (after all, they have yet to meet each other's parents in an official capacity or have a great big shouting match in which both of them are sort of right, both of which are classic television templates) but no wedding prospect until the cohabitation conundrum is solved.

 

It is not to say that the matter of marriage cannot be brought forward at any point before that. It simply means that, were such a topic to emerge, it would necessarily put the question relative to the characters' living arrangements on the forefront and I do not know how willing the writers are to tackle this particular issue. Though I have to say it was interesting to see them ackowledge their own dilemma in The Spoiler Alert Segmentation. They know the current situation is unsustainable in the long run.  

The second part of this season premiere may be a clue as to what is to come : Penny willingly welcomes Leonard into her apartment and lets him stay there for 48 hours straight. Foreshadowing ? Coincidence ? Overthinking ? You decide.

 

I am certain the characters will get there. At a glacial pace, as usual, but they will. 

Yeah I think they need to settle living arrangements before they even think of a proposal, don't see a proposal this season anyway, they well drag it out. Love Penny to move in with Leonard! 

[ArmyGirl]

Yeah I think they need to settle living arrangements before they even think of a proposal, don't see a proposal this season anyway, they well drag it out. Love Penny to move in with Leonard! 

 

Yea, we really need Sheldon as a third wheel in the Lenny relationship even more.  Why is it Leonard and Penny can't be the only one in Lenny's relationship?  Shamy doesn't have an interloper and I would like Lenny to have the same opportunity. 

 

Leonard and Penny can live in her apartment and PITA Sheldon will intrude on them more than enough for so some can get their P/S fit. 

Edited September 12, 2013 by ArmyGirl

[3ku11]

Yea, we really need Sheldon as a third wheel in the Lenny relationship even more.  Why is it Leonard and Penny can't be the only one in Lenny's relationship?  Shamy doesn't have an interloper and I would like Lenny to have the same opportunity. 

 

Leonard and Penny can live in her apartment and PITA Sheldon will intrude on them more than enough for so some can get their P/S fit. 

I don't think Sheldon's ever intruded in Lenny's relationship, just that he is a big part of their lives, he has lived with Leonard for nearly ten years, he has been neighbours with Penny for around the same time. Like in S3 Penny was staying over with Leonard alot, and seeing Sheldon lives their too, she is going to run into him lol, it's just a part of their reality. I don't see any problem with it, or see him as a third wheel. why? Howard and Raj hang around too. And I think 90 % majority who watch the show, understand how important the realtionship of Lenny is, just the other 10 dont live on Planet earth haha. But what I meant was it would bring alot of comedy kinda like in S3, Sheldon having to play hypnotenuse again between Lenny, but thart's just me either way Leonard moves in with Penny or other way around, Sheldon is always going to be either knocking on Penny's door or sitting in his spot, so you cannot control everything. I mean I remember when Leonard and Sheldon got robbed, and Leonard and Penny were about to go to bed, and he intruded on them and ended up disrupting their night lol, but that's the way he is he has always latched onto their relationship, Leonard is his best friend, and Penny has become almost like a big sister to him so it's nice dont see a problem with it.

Edited September 12, 2013 by 3ku11

[ArmyGirl]

I see you didn't address that Shamy doesn't have and interloper and you don't seem to have a problem with that.  As for Raj being in Howard and Bernie life ---- I seem to remember Bernie and Howard having lots of time without Raj as a third wheel. 

 

Maybe if Sheldon put more effort into his relationship with Amy and his work he wouldn't have to be all in Lenny relationship or business.  Also Leonard and Penny don't have to live with Sheldon for him to interact with them.  As for Lenny being over at the guys apartment during season three it was because the relationship was basically fodder for him.  It was to show how he would act and handle them being together and if the writers go there again then I want Leonard out of Lenny!

 

I am not interested in Sheldon plus Lenny.  The one thing I loved about the latter part of Season Six is that Leonard and Penny got to be away from Sheldon and spend time on their own. 

Edited September 12, 2013 by ArmyGirl

[Nogravitasatall]

Yea, we really need Sheldon as a third wheel in the Lenny relationship even more. Why is it Leonard and Penny can't be the only one in Lenny's relationship? Shamy doesn't have an interloper and I would like Lenny to have the same opportunity.

Leonard and Penny can live in her apartment and PITA Sheldon will intrude on them more than enough for so some can get their P/S fit.

I feel your frustration. And I can't see it ending anytime soon. The show pivots on the centre of the L/P/S triangle. 33.33333333% of the structure each, even if the emphasis doesn't always get parceled out that way.

But no backward moves now, I hope, just a whole lot of sidestepping.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Nogravitasatall

[3ku11]

I feel your frustration. And I can't see it ending anytime soon. The show pivots on the centre of the L/P/S triangle. 33.33333333% of the structure each, even if the emphasis doesn't always get parceled out that way.

But no backward moves now, I hope just a while lot of sidestepping.

Yeah I completely agree, I was just making the point as you said that arch L/P/S has been the forefront of the show since the Pilot, I mean the first scene was the 3 of them. I was just saying Sheldon is a big part of their lives, either if it is at the guys apartment, or Penny's he somehow manages to squeeze his way into their relationship, look at how he did it when Leonard was dating Stephanie in S2 lol. So it is not just Lenny that he has been a third wheel with.

[BangerMain]

So basically, it all boils down to Sheldon (more than Penny). Until the writers can figure out what to do with him, Penny and Leonard will remain pretty much stationary. Should Penny move in with the boys ? Should Leonard move out and live in Penny's apartment while Amy takes his place ? If the writers do not have the answers to those questions yet, they will not push the Lenny further down the aisle. They may still do lots of great things with the couple (after all, they have yet to meet each other's parents in an official capacity or have a great big shouting match in which both of them are sort of right, both of which are classic television templates) but no wedding prospect until the cohabitation conundrum is solved.

 

It is not to say that the matter of marriage cannot be brought forward at any point before that. It simply means that, were such a topic to emerge, it would necessarily put the question relative to the characters' living arrangements on the forefront and I do not know how willing the writers are to tackle this particular issue. Though I have to say it was interesting to see them ackowledge their own dilemma in The Spoiler Alert Segmentation. They know the current situation is unsustainable in the long run.  

The second part of this season premiere may be a clue as to what is to come : Penny willingly welcomes Leonard into her apartment and lets him stay there for 48 hours straight. Foreshadowing ? Coincidence ? Overthinking ? You decide.

 

I am certain the characters will get there. At a glacial pace, as usual, but they will. 

 

Not only is the progression to marriage slowed by Sheldon, I think Leonard's career advancement is effected as well. The writer's protect the original setup of Leonard living with Sheldon and Penny across the hall living alone. Now there are two things that can threaten that setup: Penny and Leonard starting a life as an independent couple and Leonard getting the financial independence to be free of Sheldon.

 

There is apparently a big debate that has been hinted at by TPTB over getting Sheldon some life effecting advancement. Tenure is the most likely reward that he could get. Giving Sheldon tenure would not effect the status quo in living arrangements. Sheldon has even said so, his only fear is living with a jealous Leonard. Now, Leonard getting tenure would mean he could escape from Sheldon quickly and entice Penny to live in a separate Condo/Town house/Single family home. Yes I know, in the real world Leonard would already have the salary to live on his own but we will use the skewed economics of the show. By this reasoning, Leonard can't be too successful or he and Penny would leave in a heart beat since both view Sheldon as a child to be endured.

 

Until TPTB decide to break the original show setup, built around the L/S apartment set, L/P are going to have a long, halting runup to a life together. There will be living in Penny's apartment as the next step to keep them in reach of Sheldon or maybe getting the larger apartment in 3A or 5A.

[ArmyGirl]

I feel your frustration. And I can't see it ending anytime soon. The show pivots on the centre of the L/P/S triangle. 33.33333333% of the structure each, even if the emphasis doesn't always get parceled out that way.

But no backward moves now, I hope, just a whole lot of sidestepping.

 

At the time Sheldon didn't have Amy and had to be latched onto Lenny. Now things are different in my opinion and it's time the writers figure out what they are going to do with Sheldon.  It's not fair to hold back Leonard and to an extent Penny because they can't make up their minds on what to do with Sheldon and Shamy.

 

Sidestepping can be just as bad as going backward to be honest.

[Nogravitasatall]

At the time Sheldon didn't have Amy and had to be latched onto Lenny. Now things are different in my opinion and it's time the writers figure out what they are going to do with Sheldon. It's not fair to hold back Leonard and to an extent Penny because they can't make up their minds on what to do with Sheldon and Shamy.

Sidestepping can be just as bad as going backward to be honest.

I have no doubt a real L/P relationship would have to be away from Sheldon. Well away. More than a bus ride away.

I was only partially joking when I suggested that Leonard shoot Sheldon for barging in per the S7.2 spoiler. They need room to be a couple. I'm not that enthused by the 5a solution either. I just don't think I can hope for the move away from Sheldon, yet or before the curtain comes down.

[ArmyGirl]

I have no doubt a real L/P relationship would have to be away from Sheldon. Well away. More than a bus ride away.

I was only partially joking when I suggested that Leonard shoot Sheldon for barging in per the S7.2 spoiler. They need room to be a couple. I'm not that enthused by the 5a solution either. I just don't think I can hope for the move away from Sheldon, yet or before the curtain comes down.

 

I understand what you are saying and I am just resenting the writers holding back Leonard and Lenny all because they won't do something with Sheldon and Shamy.  I mean they have no problem undercutting Leonard on ever turn --- he can't move out due to Sheldon; he can't have a full relationship with just him and Penny due to Sheldon; he most likely won't get tenure due to Sheldon; and on and on.  I have always believe that Leonard can't grow and move on because the writers have no clue what to do with Sheldon.  So we have to ask is this fair to the character Leonard and why is it that Sheldon is more important than Leonard?

 

I know some think Leonard will get tenure, I am not one of them.  Sheldon wants it and it will either be him or Kriple and Leonard won't get a second thought from the writers. I mean how else will Sheldon get to degrade and look down on Leonard even more.

Edited September 12, 2013 by ArmyGirl

[Zhalen565]

Yeah I completely agree, I was just making the point as you said that arch L/P/S has been the forefront of the show since the Pilot, I mean the first scene was the 3 of them. I was just saying Sheldon is a big part of their lives, either if it is at the guys apartment, or Penny's he somehow manages to squeeze his way into their relationship, look at how he did it when Leonard was dating Stephanie in S2 lol. So it is not just Lenny that he has been a third wheel with.

Actually, the first scene was just Leonard and Sheldon at the sperm donors.

[3ku11]

Actually, the first scene was just Leonard and Sheldon at the sperm donors.

Yeah I know that was the first scene, but the current topic was L/P/S arch, so I was refering to their first scene.

[Chiara]

At the time Sheldon didn't have Amy and had to be latched onto Lenny. Now things are different in my opinion and it's time the writers figure out what they are going to do with Sheldon.  It's not fair to hold back Leonard and to an extent Penny because they can't make up their minds on what to do with Sheldon and Shamy.

 

Sidestepping can be just as bad as going backward to be honest.

May I be slightly devious here and say that you might have to blame Leonard for this ?

 

The writers have, very intelligently (and very viciously), turned their narrative problem into Leonard's psychological issue : the show's PTB have a hard time letting go of man child Sheldon... And so does Leonard. 

I am sorry for rehashing something I am sure I mentioned before but, while I absolutely acknowledge BangerMain's point about the show's extremely skewed economics (Penny lives an apartment as big as that of Bernadette and Howard even though they must make about 5 times as much money as her), if Amy can afford a nice little apartment on her own, so can Leonard. However, Dr Hofstadter never contemplates the possibility of living on his own. The most striking example of that was The Spoiler Alert Segmentation : he found Sheldon unbearable so he went to Penny; when Penny threw him out, he immediately went back to Sheldon. At no point did the idea of living alone penetrate his skull.

 

In order to justify one of the show's main premises (Leonard is besties with Sheldon in spite of the latter's "whack-a-doodle" personality), the writers have provided the former with a neat little fetish : he simply adores domineering, commanding people. They even wheeled in his mother to make sure everybody understood where that particular neurosis came from. His masochistic tendency was reaffirmed time and time again through his choice of women : Leslie, Stephanie, Pryia and, above all, Penny. Very different in styles but all quite bossy and demanding in their own ways. No matter how much Leonard protests and complains, he always comes back for more because he is a freaky little devil. 

 

On a meta level, Sheldon is anchored to the Lenny because the writers have yet to figure out how to drag him through puberty (figuratively speaking, of course; I am aware that Sheldon has in fact had a full pubis of hair since his nineteenth birthday). 

But on an intra level, Sheldon is deeply embedded in Penny and Leonard's relationship because Leonard allows him to be. He loves his praying mantis and cannot let him go, just like the writers. 

 

 

I was only partially joking when I suggested that Leonard shoot Sheldon for barging in per the S7.2 spoiler. They need room to be a couple. I'm not that enthused by the 5a solution either. I just don't think I can hope for the move away from Sheldon, yet or before the curtain comes down.

To be fair to Sheldon, in this season's second episode, he only barges in in order to protect and defend his best friend's honour. At the time, he is convinced Penny is cheating on Leonard and wants to stop whatever adulterous debauchery he imagines is taking place in his neighbour's apartment. 

 

Poor soul ! Even when he wants to help, he gets in the way. 

Edited September 12, 2013 by Chiara

[Nogravitasatall]

Actually, the first scene was just Leonard and Sheldon at the sperm donors.

Good times, no complications *sigh*.

[ArmyGirl]

May I be slightly devious here and say that you might have to blame Leonard for this ?

 

The writers have, very intelligently (and very viciously), turned their narrative problem into Leonard's psychological issue : the show's PTB have a hard time letting go of man child Sheldon... And so does Leonard. 

 

I am sorry for rehashing something I am sure I mentioned before but, while I absolutely acknowledge BangerMain's point about the show's extremely skewed economics, if Amy can afford a nice little apartment on her own, so can Leonard. However, Dr Hofstadter never contemplates the possibility of living on his own. The most striking example of that was The Spoiler Alert Segmentation : he found Sheldon unbearable so he went to Penny; when Penny threw him out, he immediately went back to Sheldon. At no point did the idea of living alone penetrate his skull.

 

In order to justify one of the show's main premises (Leonard is besties with Sheldon in spite of the latter's "whack-a-doodle" personality), the writers have provided the former with a neat little fetish : he simply adores domineering, commanding people. They even wheeled in his mother to make sure everybody understood where that particular neurosis came from. His masochistic tendency was reaffirmed time and time again through his choice of women : Leslie, Stephanie, Pryia and, above all, Penny. Very different in styles but all quite bossy and demanding in their own ways. No matter how much Leonard protests and complains, he always comes back for more because he is a freaky little devil. 

 

On a meta level, Sheldon is anchored to the Lenny because the writers have yet to figure out how to drag him through puberty (figuratively speaking, of course; I am aware that Sheldon has in fact had a full pubis of hair since his nineteenth birthday). 

But on an intra level, Sheldon is deeply embedded in Penny and Leonard's relationship because Leonard allows him to be. He loves his praying mantis and cannot let him go, just like the writers. 

 

.........

 

 

Of course the writers have to blame it on Leonard. These are the writers that don't believe in mapping out where the characters are going and just go with whatever idea pop in their heads.  There are no arches for the characters, there is no contingency for one episode to the next and it has come back to bite the in bottom.  I know some love this but I mean in the end they wind up painting themselves into a corner and which character do you think the hammer will fall on ---- Leonard.

 

So Leonard so called psychological issue was throw in to deal with them not wanting to pen Sheldon putting on his big boy pants and growing the heck up age wise (and as you I know he is a grow man in body only).  To be honest I don't think the writers cares that they are dragging Leonard through the mud in order to protect the Sheldon character and it upset me that Leonard can be sacrifice at the altar of Sheldon.  I mean where will Leonard be if we make it to Season Ten?  Will he still be living with Sheldon?  Will Leonard still with Penny unmarried and living in two different places?  Will Leonard every make tenure? What will Leonard career advancement be like? 

 

Why can't the writer finally move Sheldon forward so that they other characters (Leonard, Penny, Amy) can too.

Edited September 12, 2013 by ArmyGirl

[Tensor]

Actually, the first scene was just Leonard and Sheldon at the sperm donors.

And Althea, don't forget Althea. The only other actor from the first pilot to make an appearance in the production series. More than many of the famous characters. She's been in five episodes. More than Zack and it was only this past year that Wil had more appearances. She is also another example of Chuck Lorre's bringing in people he's worked with before. She's appeared in Two and a Half Men, Dharma and Greg, and Grace Under Fire.

[ArmyGirl]

Wow Tensor I can't believe TBBT is the only series of C. Lorre that I have actually watched.  I have seen a few episodes of TAAM (on Fox waiting on BBT) but none of the others.

 

As for Althea and the actress that portray her, I will always remember her as The Fresh Prince mother with Will Smith.