Spoilers S7 Spoilers

[Chiara]

Yeah but I am glad Lorre broke them up it was a needed change for Penny to grow up and not to take Leonard for granted, and for Leonard to mature in is own way too, it was all for the best now Lenny is at its strongest its ever been. But yeah the S4 finalie I think Lorre put Penny under a bus not Leonard, as that finalie had nothing to do with Lenny reunion in 100th ep in S5, but the writers are not perfect, they seem to be on the right track now.

I do not think Chuck Lorre broke Penny and Leonard up out of sadism or intense dislike for the relationship (if he had not wanted these two characters together, he would not have paired them to start with or written The Recombination Hypothesis). 

 

I believe the decision was mainly practical.

At the time of the breakup, the relationship between Leonard and Penny was pretty much the main/only emotional driving force of the show : Hernadette (Boward ?) was in its infancy, Amy had yet to enter the picture so the Shamy was non existent and poor Raj was as lonely as he was to remain for the next three years. In and by itself that was not an issue, however by mid-season 3, it became apparent that TBBT could really go the distance, ratings wise : the first season had averaged 8.3 million viewers per episode, the second 10 and the third 14. 

TPTB knew they had a good few years ahead of them so they needed to delay the Lenny in order to diversify the show by developping new storylines for the other characters. They used the breakup as a "pause/reset" button and put the Leonard/Penny conundrum on the backburner (while sporadically reminding the audience that the proverbial fat lady had definitely not sung for these two). In parallel, the next year and a half was put to good use : Penny grew up, Bernadette and Amy became real members of the gang, Leonard got to experience relationship-related dilemmas the writers never would have allowed him to go through with Penny (i.e. cheating), Sheldon became forced to deal with romance on a personal level, Howard matured, Raj... God knows what Raj did !

By mid-season 5, the writers had created enough subplots for the show not to rely solely on Leonard and Penny to provide tension and growth. So they were brought back together. 

 

It was a remarkably cynical move but, ultimately, a very beneficial one. 

Edited August 31, 2013 by Chiara

[phantagrae]

And ultimately, that's often par for the course with any kind of relationship story, in either a comedy or a drama. It's the classic Hollywood spiel, "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets back together with girl", that has been going on since storytelling was invented by some caveman in France, I imagine.

There's always going to be conflict to talk about n relationships, no matter what kind of relationships they are, but especially in a case like this where you have two people from such disparate backgrounds/social circles who are trying to sort out who and what they want.

And as Leonard pointed out, he's been the relationship 2 years longer than she had--he has been thinking about them as a couple and how he feels longer than she has been, and so forth.

And it wasn't as if they broke up over a betrayal. Even when she supposedly slept with Raj, Leonard was upset with Raj and probably a bit hurt and confused, but he was still dealing with Priya and he had no say in Penny's choices.

When she came over to tell them she was going to go back to Nebraska, he started to say all that--that she didn't need to leave, etc. He wasn't angry with her.

And he was still trying to make it work with Priya for a couple months later, until the Halloween ep.

So I think the break-up was a bump in a much longer, deeper, wider road than just the sad thing that people get hung up on. As they have worked through all the ups and downs since they broke up, neither of them would have realized just how much they really only wanted each other, rather than any of the other random people they dated in the meantime.

And it gives the writers lots of material to work with, which is what you need to tell a good long term story.

Edited August 31, 2013 by phantagrae

[Oldnavy]

I do not think Chuck Lorre broke Penny and Leonard up out of sadism or intense dislike for the relationship (if he had not wanted these two characters together, he would not have paired them to start with and he did write The Recombination Hypothesis after all). 

 

I believe the decision was mainly practical.

At the time of the breakup, the relationship between Leonard and Penny was pretty much the main/only emotional driving force of the show : Hernadette (Boward ?) was in its infancy, Amy had yet to enter the picture so the Shamy was non existent and poor Raj was as lonely as he was to remain for the next three years. In and by itself that was not an issue, however by mid-season 3, it became apparent that TBBT could really go the distance, ratings wise : the first season had averaged 8.3 million viewers per episode, the second 10 and the third 14. 

TPTB knew they had a good few years ahead of them so they needed to delay the Lenny in order to diversify the show by developping new storylines for the other characters. They used the breakup as a "pause/reset" button and put the Leonard/Penny conundrum on the backburner (while sporadically reminding the audience that the proverbial fat lady had definitely not sung for these two). In parallel, the next year and a half was put to good use : Penny grew up, Bernadette and Amy became real members of the gang, Leonard got to experience relationship-related dilemmas the writers never would have allowed him to go through with Penny (i.e. cheating), Sheldon became forced to deal with romance on a personal level, Howard matured, Raj... God knows what Raj did !

By mid-season 5, the writers had created enough subplots for the show not to rely solely on Leonard and Penny to provide tension and growth. So they were brought back together. 

 

It was a remarkably cynical move but, ultimately, a very beneficial one. 

I agree.  As much as I did not like the break-up, season 4 was good for developing the other characters and relationships and as well developing Penny's character.

[Occam's Chainsaw]

Also the breakup allows for Amy and Bernadette to be integrated in and develop connections within the group aside from their romantic interests. If Penny were still with Leonard there would have been significantly fewer girls nights at 4B and the friendship between the three girls wouldn't have grown nearly as much.

[ATOB]

Of course it does, I mean look at Hellen Mirren, Judi Dench, or this group . Obviously all a bunch of bimbos...Wait.... Never mind.

Sorry to arrive late to the party but I just had to stick my oar in!

So, if Penny's offered a major, big bucks, breakthrough role that involves nudity or sex scenes, she's going to turn it down? Of course not!

Perhaps the tag was to show that Leonard's fine with it; as he should be! Maybe it's on the cards and he finds he's not as okay with it as he'd like to be. After the encouragement she gave him to pursue his career over the Summer, he'd have to return the favour no matter what the cost.

[Fruit Loop]

Sorry to arrive late to the party but I just had to stick my oar in!

So, if Penny's offered a major, big bucks, breakthrough role that involves nudity or sex scenes, she's going to turn it down? Of course not!

Perhaps the tag was to show that Leonard's fine with it; as he should be! Maybe it's on the cards and he finds he's not as okay with it as he'd like to be. After the encouragement she gave him to pursue his career over the Summer, he'd have to return the favour no matter what the cost.

.

Good Point, All the other members of the group have achieved success. So Why Not Penny???? Hey her best talent is her sexuality so why not nude rolls?

Edited September 1, 2013 by Fruit Loop

[Tensor]

Sorry to arrive late to the party but I just had to stick my oar in!

So, if Penny's offered a major, big bucks, breakthrough role that involves nudity or sex scenes, she's going to turn it down? Of course not!

Perhaps the tag was to show that Leonard's fine with it; as he should be! Maybe it's on the cards and he finds he's not as okay with it as he'd like to be. After the encouragement she gave him to pursue his career over the Summer, he'd have to return the favour no matter what the cost.

I just want to make clear that my comment, that you quoted, was meant to say the same thing you did, just a bit sarcastically.

[Nogravitasatall]

Sorry to arrive late to the party but I just had to stick my oar in!

So, if Penny's offered a major, big bucks, breakthrough role that involves nudity or sex scenes, she's going to turn it down? Of course not!

Perhaps the tag was to show that Leonard's fine with it; as he should be! Maybe it's on the cards and he finds he's not as okay with it as he'd like to be. After the encouragement she gave him to pursue his career over the Summer, he'd have to return the favour no matter what the cost.

Did you see "Love and Other Drugs"? Anne Hathaway's character gives a "to camera" list of reasons of why she is making the intimate in-movie video. Those reasons might also work as an explanation as to why Anne Hathaway was making that whole movie. (Which incidentally made my wife and I laugh like drains - the way they (the Hathaway and Gyllenhaal characters) collided at the outset - and I think she didn't even get her boots off). The nude scenes were entirely appropriate for a film about love and drugs, especially as the drug was Viagra. Ms Hathaway's career has not suffered for it.

So this is yet another example of why Penny's small role is nothing to twitch about. Topless girl in the shower is banal and unremarkable.You maybe have to hope for a closed set and friendly, understanding crew. We don't know the circumstances, so we can assume it was not a totally horrible experience. It certainly did not put her off acting.

But the word of mouth about the season opener for the show is now "Penny does a nude scene". Bait and switch (to being a little bit cynical).

[Catlina]

Is there any news, sides, spoilers etc of 07x03 yet? I'm excited already... I know at least someone is going to the taping so we will get some information, if not the full report.

[3ku11]

Did you see "Love and Other Drugs"? Anne Hathaway's character gives a "to camera" list of reasons of why she is making the intimate in-movie video. Those reasons might also work as an explanation as to why Anne Hathaway was making that whole movie. (Which incidentally made my wife and I laugh like drains - the way they (the Hathaway and Gyllenhaal characters) collided at the outset - and I think she didn't even get her boots off). The nude scenes were entirely appropriate for a film about love and drugs, especially as the drug was Viagra. Ms Hathaway's career has not suffered for it.

So this is yet another example of why Penny's small role is nothing to twitch about. Topless girl in the shower is banal and unremarkable.You maybe have to hope for a closed set and friendly, understanding crew. We don't know the circumstances, so we can assume it was not a totally horrible experience. It certainly did not put her off acting.

But the word of mouth about the season opener for the show is now "Penny does a nude scene". Bait and switch (to being a little bit cynical).

Penny was nude in a shower scene, someone notify the producers of the Scary Movie franchise, because they can never have enough actresses willing to shower fully clothed

[rachelshamyfan]

Is there any news, sides, spoilers etc of 07x03 yet? I'm excited already... I know at least someone is going to the taping so we will get some information, if not the full report.

Apparently its being filmed over two days but not until later in the week

[ATOB]

Did you see "Love and Other Drugs"? Anne Hathaway's character gives a "to camera" list of reasons of why she is making the intimate in-movie video. Those reasons might also work as an explanation as to why Anne Hathaway was making that whole movie. (Which incidentally made my wife and I laugh like drains - the way they (the Hathaway and Gyllenhaal characters) collided at the outset - and I think she didn't even get her boots off). The nude scenes were entirely appropriate for a film about love and drugs, especially as the drug was Viagra. Ms Hathaway's career has not suffered for it.

So this is yet another example of why Penny's small role is nothing to twitch about. Topless girl in the shower is banal and unremarkable.You maybe have to hope for a closed set and friendly, understanding crew. We don't know the circumstances, so we can assume it was not a totally horrible experience. It certainly did not put her off acting.

But the word of mouth about the season opener for the show is now "Penny does a nude scene". Bait and switch (to being a little bit cynical).

No, haven't seen 'Love and other Drugs' (I'm low on the remote control pecking order in our house ) but an actress steps into the skin of the character when she takes on a role, so if that character has sex or a shower then you make it as realistic as possible and insisting you wear a bra whilst in fragrante delico always seems like a bit of a cop out to me, but you see it on films/tv all the time don't you? I think if you're going to do it, then do it properly.

Tensor, judging by your previous posts, you're such a lovely gentleman I'm sure no-one suspected your post was anything other than ironic

[Occam's Chainsaw]

No, haven't seen 'Love and other Drugs' (I'm low on the remote control pecking order in our house ) but an actress steps into the skin of the character when she takes on a role, so if that character has sex or a shower then you make it as realistic as possible and insisting you wear a bra whilst in fragrante delico always seems like a bit of a cop out to me, but you see it on films/tv all the time don't you? I think if you're going to do it, then do it properly.

Tensor, judging by your previous posts, you're such a lovely gentleman I'm sure no-one suspected your post was anything other than ironic

Most of the time that is so they can drop the rating rather than the actress having a problem with it.

[Nogravitasatall]

I'd think most of the time they don't want to argue about the rating so they go all gutless. Its ludicous for an actress to en-brassiered in the morning after when context clearly implies they have been having a grown up cuddle. One of the appealing things about TBBT is that they maintain their integrity there. All hail Ms Cuoco and the EPs.

[phantagrae]

I'd think most of the time they don't want to argue about the rating so they go all gutless. Its ludicous for an actress to en-brassiered in the morning after when context clearly implies they have been having a grown up cuddle. One of the appealing things about TBBT is that they maintain their integrity there. All hail Ms Cuoco and the EPs.

Well the show isn't intended to be that kind of show--they'd have to air it later or n cable or something if they were wanting to show off women's boobs.

I still don't understand why people are still hung up on a snippet of a video that will never be seen by the audience and is simply a passing device in the grand scheme of things.

I think there are far more interesting things that are going to be happening on the show this season that will have nothing to do with this ridiculous reference.

[3ku11]

Well the show isn't intended to be that kind of show--they'd have to air it later or n cable or something if they were wanting to show off women's boobs.

I still don't understand why people are still hung up on a snippet of a video that will never be seen by the audience and is simply a passing device in the grand scheme of things.

I think there are far more interesting things that are going to be happening on the show this season that will have nothing to do with this ridiculous reference.

I'm pretty sure the major proportion of the BBT audience are not descendants of Cavemen, kinda like when they learnt how to start a fire for the first time, Penny  naked discovery! lol just saying.

[Kasey]

I think there are far more interesting things that are going to be happening on the show this season that will have nothing to do with this ridiculous reference.

 

Someone mentioned Leonard in a speedo....

[Nogravitasatall]

Well the show isn't intended to be that kind of show--they'd have to air it later or n cable or something if they were wanting to show off women's boobs.

I still don't understand why people are still hung up on a snippet of a video that will never be seen by the audience and is simply a passing device in the grand scheme of things.

I think there are far more interesting things that are going to be happening on the show this season that will have nothing to do with this ridiculous reference.

I suggest you mistake my intent. My point is not the exposure; they don't have to show anything. There is no reason why they can't reasonably and discreetly suggest that the characters have not gotten back up in the dark and struggled with the hooks and things. The actress can wear a bandeau top or something strapless and be totally secure. (ETA or not) It just strikes me as ludicrous that oft times we know they have been busy yet they are not in anyway dishevelled. It lacks verisimilitude. Most people wear comfortable garments to bed. Not necessarily things with underwires.

Someone mentioned Leonard in a speedo....

Equal opportunity, me. Edited September 2, 2013 by Nogravitasatall

[Tensor]

I'd think most of the time they don't want to argue about the rating so they go all gutless. Its ludicous for an actress to en-brassiered in the morning after when context clearly implies they have been having a grown up cuddle. One of the appealing things about TBBT is that they maintain their integrity there. All hail Ms Cuoco and the EPs.

Ms Rauch also. While this past season she was mostly in nighties, season five had some scenes where it appeared her and Howard were having a grown up cuddle. Ms. Bialik, probably won't be doing that type of scene due to her beliefs.

[phantagrae]

Ms Rauch also. While this past season she was mostly in nighties, season five had some scenes where it appeared her and Howard were having a grown up cuddle. Ms. Bialik, probably won't be doing that type of scene due to her beliefs.

I don't really think that will be a factor. When the show eventually gets around to Sheldon and Amy going further, I think it would be true to the characters that we aren't gong to see them in anything less than their matching flannel pajamas.

[Occam's Chainsaw]

I don't really think that will be a factor. When the show eventually gets around to Sheldon and Amy going further, I think it would be true to the characters that we aren't gong to see them in anything less than their matching flannel pajamas.

Totally agree. No matter how close the Shamy gets there is no way Sheldon would change his pajama schedule, and would probably insist that having different pajamas would be a problem.

[Oldnavy]

Someone mentioned Leonard in a speedo....

Please no!!!  Not a pleasant thought.

[eirwinrommel]

Please no!!!  Not a pleasant thought.

Well that's the thing, there are some ladies who visit this forum who would like to see Leonard in a speedo. As well as some men who'd like to see Penny in a bikini.  And a few people who'd like to see both.

[Kasey]

Please no!!!  Not a pleasant thought.

 

I was planning on taking Anatomy and Physiology so I thought I'd get a head start...

[terriblewaitress]

I was planning on taking Anatomy and Physiology so I thought I'd get a head start...

 

Hehe it's the perfect head start.