Episodes 7.02 "the Deception Verification" (September 26)

[CaitAmber]

Although I knew Howard was on estrogen it was really touching what he said but funny at the same time, Simon deserves an Emmy for that scene, heck he deserves an Emmy fullstop. As for Sheldon yeah he is annoying and irritating, and you want to strangle him sometimes, but you can't help but love the guy, it all comes from a good place I just remember that when I want to strangle him.

 

Simon is long overdue for an Emmy, I agree. 

[ajond]

Ep1 and Ep2 were easily the worst start to any season

The scripts were poor and coming from a Kaley fan, it pains me to say that her acting was unconvincing'

 

EP1 - The Penny/Sheldon interaction was cringeworthy. The rest of the episode was very average'

Ep2 - The homecoming was underwhelming to say the least. Possibly worse than the farewell in S6. Also cringeworthy was the man boobs scene.

 

The writers have to lift their game, but taping reports on Ep3 don't' fill me with any confidence.

Are they running out of steam. Are the actors going through the motions? I hope not.

 

Kaley obviously has distractions in her personal life and her career, hopefullu she can get past this and give us the kind of performance we have come to expect.

 

[BlackWhiteRose]

The episode was a lot of fun! Loved it!

 

my highlights:

 

- Leonard surprised Penny -> so sweet!

- Penny was so happy to see Leonard *awww* just love these two!

- Amys new language -> very cool *lol*

- Shamy listening on Pennys door

- Howard and Raj in Bernadettes and Howards apartment -> I cracked up during their nipples scene it was so hilarious *LOL*

- Sheldons line "The friend of my enemy’s girlfriend is my enemy.”

- this scene:

Sheldon decides to catch Penny in the act, and unlocks her door. Amy tells him no, but he opens the door and yells AH-HA!, and Leonard jumps up and away from Penny on the couch. Penny’s all, “What the hell, Sheldon! You can’t just come barging in here!” Sheldon says she’s right, and makes Amy leave with him, then pounds on the door yelling Penny’s name (his regular three times). When he finishes there are a few seconds, then he asks, “Are you going to let me in, or should I open the door and yell ah-ha again?” *LOL* that was so funny!

- Howards speech in the cafeteria where he almost cried -> so sweet and funny *LOL*
- Leonard couldn`t believe that no one told him that Raj can speak to women without having alcohol first

Edited September 27, 2013 by BlackWhiteRose

[LoveShamy]

Loved the the first 2 episodes, not the funniest but I did have a giggle here and there Agreed with Leonard's hair! He need's a hair cut man! He looks cuter when its short...and sexy..*drift off* ..hmmm.*cough* any who...
I thought Howard was really funny and I think I like his hair shorter, its less mushroomy, My left eyebrow did raise and my jaw drop when Raj was man handling his boobs, I was like wha... strange..but It still made me giggle. 

Amy's voice and her speech has really changed, as I always say I love the robotic type talk its what made her more funny but I guess just the girls influence on her. Never the less she's still funny quirky gal  

I know its only the first two episodes but I felt it was lacking in the scientific area, I guess we will see that more later on once the they have settled in with Leonard's return and relationships ect. 

"I own nine pairs of pants"

[koops]

Loved part 2 better than part 1. I don't know what it is, although I'm sure the presence of actual Shamy scenes (and not just Shamy scenes but vintage!Shamy scenes) helped. I just felt like this episode was more solid, there was more meat to it, more interactions between different sets of characters, and, just like in the first one, lots of good feelings.

 

I thought Lenny were adorable in this episode. I really liked that, after having their goodbye in the car spoiled by Sheldon last season, Leonard came back earlier to have some time alone with Penny. Not only that was great for Lenny, but it also made Sheldon confront his feelings about Leonard. I think Sheldon wore his heart on his sleeve more in these two episodes than probably in the whole previous 6 seasons combined, with maybe a few rare exceptions here and there. People always comment on how Sheldon only uses Leonard to be his whipping boy, but this episode, and the previous one, really showed how he really loves him as a friend and misses what they do together as friends. Yes, he is childish in his reactions, as always, but he's always going to be, to a certain extent or he wouldn't be Sheldon.

 

Shamy were SO good. I was over the moon when the report came out because I was frankly this >< close to flipping a table and quitting on Shamy at some points at the end of last season. This is what I mean by writing them as themselves instead of stupid push-and-pull conflict. Amy bringing up their made-up language, Sheldon using her made-up words in conversation, them getting each other over the fact that if the Chinese containers are IN THE TRASH it must OBVIOUSLY mean Penny is cheating on Leonard, the way they eavesdropped and then scrambled out of the door again once Penny told them off. I mean, there was nothing not too like. There was lovely continuity from the couples costume of last year to show, again, Sheldon's progress in these matters. Not only he thinks of it right away, but he actually picks a real couple this time, not one of his asexual male-male pairings. The fact that they just joke about kissing now also shows how relaxed they seem to be on the matter now, as opposed to last year. And Amy isn't a doormat any longer, thank the Lord! She goes along when she feels like going along, she snaps back when he goes too far. Fantastic stuff. I agree with LoveShamy that I miss her robotic speech though. I'd like to hear her talk with long convoluted sentences some more.

 

Howard and Raj were hilarious, again. I know some people find the whole estrogen jokes offensive, but I thought it was a nice pisstake of how women are usually portrayed on television and films, especially because, like Lio pointed out in chat, they had them do that whole jiggling breasts thing that you constantly see in music videos that objectify women when the women on this show are usually dressed up in 103 layers (well, except for Penny I guess ). The scene with Bernadette coming into the living room as Raj and Howard are cupping each other's man boobs was hilarious. She just stands there, then turns and leaves. She did unknowingly marry Raj when she married Howard. LOL.

 

The final scene, albeit a bit sappy, did make me smile. It is indeed nice to be back. And Howard's "I can't believe we didn't tell him" was hilarious. 

 

Yes, the science was lacking, but there's nothing to say it won't be brought up again in the future. I never thought the trip was about the science anyway, it was always about how Leonard's absence was going to impact Sheldon and Penny. So I don't see why we are surprised that the first two episodes deal exactly with that. I don't expect a thorough explanation of the experiments Leonard carried out on the ship, but I wouldn't be surprised if some success came Leonard's way later on in the season due to the work he's done over the summer. I do get the feeling this hiatus will be hinted at, more or less subtly, more than once during the course of the season.

[3ku11]

To the person who said it was average and Kaley was underwhelming, and maybe its stale now lol. Not sure wat u were watching, but thought it was a much bettrr premeire then last years, it is back to it's best, more good time feels, then snarky backhanded comedy. The first two eps delt with the return of Leonard, and the status quo resuming, ep well build now. Kaley's acting was awesome, her expressions were so good, not sure where your getting Kaley's having personal issues as she is not, even if she is how is that any of your buisness? Don't think Howard and Raj were creepy at all thought it waa hillarious. If u were expecting Science Science Science, guess you were dissapointed, but I think the writers got the balance right, I think they were more concerned with Sheldon and Penny missing Leonard, some of expedition waa mentioned in bits, but I think he was just happy to be home. Rest of the taping reports look really good, science to me any looked to be slowly coming back, and expect to as the writers have elluded to as the season progresses.

[BazingaFan]

 

 

Oh - and eavesdropping Shamy is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. Ever. So adorable, I love them in these first two episodes. And I love how their quirkiness seems to be back, I mean, Amy suddenly realizing Penny is cheating because of the takeout boxes! 

 

And Sheldon going out just to knock, haha! 

 

Howard's speech in the cafeteria was pure gold, I started wheezing. I officially love estrogen crazed Wolowitz. 

 

Loved all of these parts... this episode was, in a word, funny.  I just loved it.  The Sheldon-Amy scenes were awesome and reminded me of season 4.  Sheldon in the sailor hat was adorable.  And Howard, seriously, probably the funniest part of the show.  Just loved all of it.

 

oh... and I want to add... I found it significant that Sheldon was worried about his buddy again (thinking that penny had someone over at the apartment).

Edited September 27, 2013 by BazingaFan

[Convict13]

I get why Sheldon is angry at Leonard, I think I would be a little hurt too.  My favourite parts of this episode

 

Simon Helberg (brilliant once again)

"hello sailor"  - I almost spat my tea out all over my computer

all together again at the end - I liked that a lot

 

First two episodes have bee very positive and funny, hope this is a sign of a good Season coming up.

 

Oh and $22.50 for one Pizza seems a LOT.

Oh and when Sheldon says that he is quite good with plumbing I just remember that interview Jim did with Craig Ferguson, 

 

Sheldon seems to have gotten the hang of buying gifts too!  

Edited September 27, 2013 by Convict13

[Convict13]

Same here, 8.00pm EST is 1.00am GMT, download early morning, watch with breakfast, great Friday mornings are back again. Then join in the forum discussions.

 

It's Friday night here in Australia when I get home from work when I get to watch it. 

[djvang]

Very good episode but I could have done without the Howard/Raj boob grabbing. That was just weird.

[Chiara]

It was such a great episode !

 

Sheldon was both touching and hilarious, which is the combination that suits him best. 

It can be easy to forget how much he cares for his lil' buddy due to his peculiar attitude and this episode did a great job at reminding us how deeply he loves his friend : he thought of buying him a "welcome back" gift; he tried to stop whatever adulterous debauchery he imagined was taking place in Penny's apartment to protect his friend; he got hurt by Leonard's deception; he forgave said deception because he could not stay mad too long. Such sweet evidence !

As for the funny, him getting ripped off by Stuart was a hoot. And the hat... Dear Lord ! That rigid walk of his with the silly headgear sitting prettily on top of his cranium will stay with me for a long time. Sheldon at his most childlike !

By the way, kuddos to Amy for her decision not to get involved and for putting her boyfriend in his place when he starts attacking her best gal. Two words : Atta girl !

 

Leonard's reaction was also something to behold. While he felt justified (and indeed, he was. After all, he simply wanted to spend a couple of uninterrupted days with his girlfriend after a long absence), he seemed genuinely embarrassed over the pain he caused his buddy, in spite of the growing frustration said buddy' behaviour was provoking. The heart wants what the heart wants and Bert's and Ernie's hearts want each other. For better and for worse, daddy and son are now together again. 

 

Penny and Leonard's reunion was short-lived but it was heartily satisfying while it lasted. Penny's utter joy at seeing her boyfriend in her apartment was a pleasure to see and Leonard's idea to dedicate a couple of days solely to his woman was a sweet thought.

I am also pleased the writers did not forget to include Penny in the Leonard/Sheldon battle. She is the former's girlfriend but has developped more bounds of friendship with the latter over the past four months so she is not just an onlooker in this fight; she is both the (unwilling) cause of it and one of its participants. Her trying to appease Sheldon was sweet to see. 

 

And now, for the pièce de résistance : Howard and Raj.

Mr. Helberg, as many have mentioned before, is long overdue for an Emmy (at least a nomination) and this episode is further evidence of it. Each of his lines sounded sadly heartfelt and that is what made them so funny. Howard truly became a woman in this episode, and not just any woman : he was his mother. The sadness, the obsession with his weight, the outbursts of anger, the constant stream of food, the self-doubts, etc. Everything had Mrs. Wolowitz written all over it. 

As for that scene... Never in my life would I have suspected that two grown men could jiggle their non existent boobs at each other while retaining their dignity yet Mr. Helberg and Mr. Nayyar managed the impossible. There was something both profoundly disturbing and deeply moving about that moment : Howard and Raj really are best friends and poor Bernadette is always a bit on the sideline. 

 

Last line of the episode (complete with wink) : perfect ! 

[dana1010]

I noticed in the background of Bernadette and Howard's apartment in the glass case was the little Bernadette doll. The one Howard had made for her in season 6. I couldn't see Howard's doll though, I wonder if it wasn't there or if I just couldn't see it.

[JoeSal90]

Grade: A+

 

This was a such a great episode with Sheldon being touching and hilarious, which is the combination that suits him the best. And as Chiara said It can be easy to forget how much he cares for his lil' buddy due to his peculiar attitude and this episode did a great job at reminding us how deeply he loves his friend that he has known for 10 years now.

 

Even though Penny and Leonard's reunion was short-lived it was satisfying while it lasted. With the joy from Penny seeing her boyfriend in her apartment was great as well with the writers not even forgetting include Penny in the Leonard/Sheldon battle that she is not just an onlooker in the fight between them.

 

And as for Howard and Raj.

 

I'm one of the many people who are wanting Simon Helberg to get for an Emmy (or at least a nomination to fill the void that was left by Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader in that Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category) and this episode is further evidence of it. Each of his lines sounded sadly heartfelt and that is what made them so funny. Howard truly did became a woman in this episode, and not just any woman : he was his mother. The sadness, the obsession with his weight, the outbursts of anger, the constant stream of food, the self-doubts, etc. Everything had his own mother Mrs. Wolowitz written all over it.

Edited September 27, 2013 by JoeSal90

[Carlos]

Of the two episodes this was my favorite.  Love Leonard surprising Penny even though they only got what seem like a few minutes together.   Wish we could have had more of their reunion where Leonard and Penny actually talked about his trip and Penny talked about what happen on the home front.

 

Sheldon needs to understand that Leonard has the right to spend his time with whomever he want and since Penny is Leonard girlfriend, Sheldon needs to back off.  Sheldon worked my last good nerve in this episode being so selfish and only thinking about himself once again.

 

Poor Howard --- he had me cracking up and poor Bernie walking in on Howard/Raj hands on each other breasts and the look on her face was priceless.

 

I agree with all your post except (maybe) the part in bold. I thought so too, put don't the containers of take out food in the trash imply that they had a few meals by themselves? I might be wrongs but that's how it appears to me. Would have liked to see more L/P passion on screen, though.

Ep1 and Ep2 were easily the worst start to any season

The scripts were poor and coming from a Kaley fan, it pains me to say that her acting was unconvincing'

 

EP1 - The Penny/Sheldon interaction was cringeworthy. The rest of the episode was very average'

Ep2 - The homecoming was underwhelming to say the least. Possibly worse than the farewell in S6. Also cringeworthy was the man boobs scene.

 

The writers have to lift their game, but taping reports on Ep3 don't' fill me with any confidence.

Are they running out of steam. Are the actors going through the motions? I hope not.

 

Kaley obviously has distractions in her personal life and her career, hopefullu she can get past this and give us the kind of performance we have come to expect.

 You are of course entitled to your own opinion, and while I respect your right to have it  I really don't know what on earth you are talking about . We must have watched two completely different shows, and while not the best ever they were very funny, and the Raj/Howard man boob touching scene was hilarious. As far as Kaley goes she seemed to me as competent as ever so you are obviously (to use your own word) making lots of assumptions.

[ArmyGirl]

I agree with all your post except (maybe) the part in bold. I thought so too, put don't the containers of take out food in the trash imply that they had a few meals by themselves? I might be wrongs but that's how it appears to me. Would have liked to see more L/P passion on screen, though.

 

 

I should have said --- their reunion on screen instead of mostly off screen. We got more of Sheldon butting in than we got of Leonard and Penny on screen together.

[Carlos]

I should have said --- their reunion on screen instead of mostly off screen. We got more of Sheldon butting in than we got of Leonard and Penny on screen together.

 

Yes, I got exactly that same feeling....

[Grasshopper]

 WELCOME BACK BIG BANG THEORY!!! I really enjoyed the first 2 episodes with slight favor to the 2nd episode in which made me laugh harder than I did all summer long. I don't ever recall laughing at a man boob scene on TV, but this one with Raj and Howard topped the cake. I nearly lost my breath when Bernie peeked into the room and saw what they were doing

 The Shenny scenes in the first episode were right on target. I loved it.

 

 There is one thing that I am curious about and I haven't seen it mentioned here in the comments of either episode. Am I the only one who thought that the scene with Leonard showing his shipmate buddies the movie with Penny and the Gorilla, was just a nightmare by Penny?  It would kind of fit in to the episode in retrospect to Sheldon having the nightmare of Leonard in the beginning.

 The way it ended like that I thought there was going to be a continuation to show that Penny was just dreaming. I guess it must have really happened since part 2 started off completely different.

I think Penny might be really upset if she found out that happened.

[Occam's Chainsaw]

I've got to say, my favorite part of the episode was the whole part with the Pizza Guy. "Here's 35 cents and a promise not to tell your boss you reek of marijuana." "Whoa, that's an earthy cologne... my Uncle used to wear that."

[3ku11]

I agree with all your post except (maybe) the part in bold. I thought so too, put don't the containers of take out food in the trash imply that they had a few meals by themselves? I might be wrongs but that's how it appears to me. Would have liked to see more L/P passion on screen, though.

 You are of course entitled to your own opinion, and while I respect your right to have it  I really don't know what on earth you are talking about . We must have watched two completely different shows, and while not the best ever they were very funny, and the Raj/Howard man boob touching scene was hilarious. As far as Kaley goes she seemed to me as competent as ever so you are obviously (to use your own word) making lots of assumptions.

Kaley's acting was brilliant as usual, that person must of been on Planet Venus at that point of time lol.

[ajond]

I agree with all your post except (maybe) the part in bold. I thought so too, put don't the containers of take out food in the trash imply that they had a few meals by themselves? I might be wrongs but that's how it appears to me. Would have liked to see more L/P passion on screen, though.

 You are of course entitled to your own opinion, and while I respect your right to have it  I really don't know what on earth you are talking about . We must have watched two completely different shows, and while not the best ever they were very funny, and the Raj/Howard man boob touching scene was hilarious. As far as Kaley goes she seemed to me as competent as ever so you are obviously (to use your own word) making lots of assumptions.

We have to agree to disagree(.I note from the other posts that I am in the minority in not liking Ep 1 & 2, but I am quite comfortable with that) No one is a bigger fan of Kaley than I am, hence my disappointment at her performance which I was not enamoured with.

I really hope ithe writing and the acting reaches my expectations. I am totally invested in this show and the actors and am looking forward to subsequent episodes. This site is almost exclusively opinion and I have expressed mine. (Tensor's ratings thread is the obvious exception to this).

[The Lash]

The 'boob feeling' scene was a direct steal from Will & Grace LOL!

[ajond]

Kaley's acting was brilliant as usual, that person must of been on Planet Venus at that point of time lol.

perhaps some of us will not 'settle' for anything less than her usual high standards.

[SodidIwin?]

perhaps some of us will not 'settle' for anything less than her usual high standards.

Or perhaps you were having an off day and didn't appreciate her excellent performance when you saw it?

[3ku11]

perhaps some of us will not 'settle' for anything less than her usual high standards.

Look your entitled to your opinion, but you said it your self it's just your opinion, yet your trying to speak for everyone here assuming that Kaley's acting was not a high standard she is usually at, not sure where your getting that from. I thought Kaley was brilliant as usual some of the best acting I have ever seen from her, showed a range of expressions from missing Leonard to smiling with Sheldon. Like I said maybe you should re watch the episodes, because most people on facebook, twitter, youtube, here e.t.c. Have said her acting was at the high standard your refering to as it always has been. Not having a go haha just voicing my opinion just like you are.

[ajond]

Look your entitled to your opinion, but you said it your self it's just your opinion, yet your trying to speak for everyone here assuming that Kaley's acting was not a high standard she is usually at, not sure where your getting that from. I thought Kaley was brilliant as usual some of the best acting I have ever seen from her, showed a range of expressions from missing Leonard to smiling with Sheldon. Like I said maybe you should re watch the episodes, because most people on facebook, twitter, youtube, here e.t.c. Have said her acting was at the high standard your refering to as it always has been. Not having a go haha just voicing my opinion just like you are.

No I was stating my opinion. You have a different opinion. It's all opinion