Ship Zone [Spoilers]Shamy S8 Thread

[kazzie]

He has a ring..

 

I still can't 

[Chelle]

He has a ring..

 

I still can't 

I know the feeling.

 

And I'm still immensely bothered until I see the episode if it's a "break" or a "break up". :icon_cry:

Edited April 23, 2015 by Chelle

[rachelshamyfan]

https://youtu.be/TJBpy3ihkhs

Next episode promo

[madamocho]

I am sorry, but Amy is not just a regular girl in a relationship with “weirdo” Sheldon, who has been sticking by him for 5 years, putting up with his quirks, in the hope that he will finally give her the romance she craves! That is not the story nor it was ever the point of their story. Their story has always been about two quirky, outcasted individuals finding each other in a world that did not understand them and building a life together. Yes, they have their differences and their struggles, or the story wouldn’t be interesting, but the bottom line is that the foundations of their relationship are based on that camaraderie, understanding and similarity. This is particularly evident in S4, 5 and 8. To say that Amy has spent 5 off-screen years being miserable and has only now reached the breaking point is ridiculous. That’s not the show I’ve been watching, and especially not this season. And to claim that everything that goes on off-screen has been miserable and wearing her down and that’s why she broke despite a whole year of this (http://hdbttp.tumblr.com/post/116927591286/shamy-sheldons-character-development-on-season) is like giving the writers a free pass to not have to explain themselves and their writing choices in a way that makes sense because we will just fill in the blanks for them, off screen, with whatever works with whatever crazy cliffhanger they decide to pull. Bill said whatever is not mentioned in the episodes is just "regular days where everything goes fine". I can only see what the characters show me and hear what the characters tell me and the writers tell me. If the writers wanted me to get the feeling something was brewing with Amy, they should have done a better job with the buildup.

And also, if that were even the case, what does that even mean for the future?!? How is this meant to make the situation any better??? If Amy were truly so different and disconnected from Sheldon that she’s been perpetually worn down for 5 years, and was only holding on with the hope something was going to give/change (and not that it didn’t anyway!), and now has decided she can’t take it anymore, then that is IT. Shamy are DONE. Finished. Things are not going to get better if this is truly what you believe went on behind the scenes and if there’s such a deep disconnect between these two people, because people do not change *that* much. And if Amy got into this relationship in the hope she was going to turn Sheldon into a different man, and it’s only a matter of time, then she is the one who’s an idiot. Because that’s not going to happen. Sheldon will never stop saying insensitive things, or get distracted, or be occasionally clueless.

I really do not think that’s the case though. I think Amy and Sheldon still have that deep level of understanding and similarity that makes them perfect for each other. I think they still have some issues to iron out, mostly due to the fact that Amy got out of her shell and embraced life a lot faster than Sheldon does, and that they both struggle with interactions and with these first experiences as a couple. And I think that this is more of a big misunderstanding between the two than anything more dramatic (that, and the writers really wanted a cliffhanger). And Steve Molaro himself has made it repeatedly clear that Sheldon and Amy have their own brand of happiness, and that he has never written them as unhappy or miserable in their relationship. Yes, Amy has had her shares of low blows from Sheldon, and I’ve been up in arms defending her more than once. But she also reads him like a book and handles him so well because she gets him. That doesn’t mean she’s not going to have her moments of frustration or insecurity, but, ultimately, she gets him. And Sheldon has also made immense strides of progress and has become so much more open, affectionate and appreciative. Amy has NOBODY to love her for who she was, ever, in her life. Sheldon not only loves her the way she is, and would never ever ask her to change (and even when she DID change, by coming out of her shell, he adjusted to her, rather than dumping her), but he has embraced his feelings for her in a way he has never done for anyone else and even radically changed his opinion about things that he “never thought possible” in the past.

I think right now they are both fragile and vulnerable, for different reasons. I do think that, while I see that Amy can be insecure in certain aspects of their relationship, in this particular instance, maybe because of the situation (I’m not saying Sheldon didn’t kill the mood) or what have you, she did overreact a little. And I think that while Sheldon wasn’t as wrong in this particular instance as he has been in other occasions and he has demonstrated how much he cares about her (by repeatedly trying to reach her and nagging Lenny about it) even if he doesn’t understand what he did wrong, it is his duty now to let her have the space she wants and to be there for her once the time come, so he can clear the doubts she has about him that hurt her still. All I see here are two clumsy, inexperienced people who are trying to find their footing, still. And some writers who really wanted their cliffhanger.

eta: It also just occurred to me, thinking back on Kazzie's report in chat. If Sheldon was so into the kiss as described, and he was talking all flirtatiously to Amy and smiling as he was going in for more, could it not be that they were going at it hot and heavy, they broke apart for air, Amy said her line about the anniversary, there was a pause and Sheldon, not knowing what to say, just blurted out the first thing that came to his (overactive) mind because he's just a clumsy goof who's just getting the grasp of making out with a woman and has no idea what to say? Again, I don't blame Amy for being disappointed, but I also think that his body language and his words are not completely irreconcilable, given who he is and what his experience is in the matter.

First and foremost these crazy kids are endgame. Just wanted to put that out there.

So no these two are not in a conventional relationship. Yes they have both invested some of themselves to this relationship. Yes there has been change from both of them. No neither of them are blameless for manipulating the other in some way. Amy tricked him on Valentine's Day for example. However Sheldon by far has been more insulting and manipulative in this relationship. Where Amy does it to wring more romance and emotion from Sheldon, Sheldon does it to distance himself from the same.

Sheldon is amusing to watch. He however would make a frustrating romantic partner. Even if he wasn't an egotistical, rude, germaphobic, picky pants, he is socially inept. Not Amy level socially inept, Sheldon level socially inept. Sarcasm and irony are lost on him. That alone could make him frustrating to deal with. And a great deal of work.

So this leads us to Amy's relationship with Sheldon for 5 years. She has met a man more like her than anyone else. They are a highly compatible couple. She has never been happier than she has ever been in her entire life.

However...

I have never loved my husband as much as anyone else ever. That being said, I have never been as horribly frustrated and angry by anyone else ever. When you are emotionally invested in another person feelings run strong.

Now things that a loved one does that make you angry may not be a deal breaker for another couple. Infidelity, physical or mental abuse, chewing with your mouth open could all be deal breakers at the first offense, tolerated for years or always forgiven depending on your tolerance for said behavior.

Amy has reached her tolerance level with Sheldon for being absent romantically. She needs to decide if she can put up with Sheldon asking inane questions when he should be concentrating on her sweet lips. If she can, then yay because that is where we are at now. If not, does she want to have this happen every time they kiss? Every time they have coitus?

This is why she is taking a step back to think. This is why she needs to decide if her love for Sheldon is strong enough to cover the disappointment and pain she feels when he doesn't give her what she needs from her life partner.

[Susana Alcira]

Today, Sheldon bought his first cat.

[loriparis80]

I absolutely love my Shamy babies and I'm super excited to see their make out session. I've been waiting for this for the longest time and it's finally here. The tag scene is making me emotional in a sad way. I honestly didn't expect for Amy to request a step back in the relationship (NOT a break up because they didn't break up, the RelA was not terminated). I certainly wasn't expecting Sheldon to pull out a ring. I am just dying to see this episode played out. My DVR will literally burn out because I'll probably replay this episode everyday during the hiatus. I'm trusting in TPTB that this break wasn't just for shock value, but for major character development and relationship growth. I'm hoping that they can resolve this during the second episode of season 9, I don't want this dragged out. I need them back on the Shamy love train sooner rather than later. My hope is that Amy finally tells Sheldon what she wants and how she really feels. No sugar coating, no sarcasm and no backing down. No walking on eggshells because he's not going anywhere, he's totally invested in her and the relationship. I want Sheldon to admit he does want Amy physically and that he does desire her, because I think Amy needs to hear the words from his mouth. Although personally from that kiss I feel he definitely desires Amy. His hand was on her upper thigh. #dead

 

#TeamShamy #ShamyProposalSeason9

[Chelle]

https://youtu.be/TJBpy3ihkhs

Next episode promo

Not gonna lie. While Amy has only one scene in this episode, seeing her and Sheldon seated next to each other on the couch made me tear up

[vonmar]

Thank you to everyone who went to the taping and shared their experience...

 

I have said before that I suck at figuring out backstories or predicting the future...so I will just stock up on libations and prepare myself for the last few episodes, enjoy the cast's antics over the summer and wait for Season 9 to begin.

 

Again, thank you to everyone who have shared their BBT adventures with us.

[rachelshamyfan]

http://33.media.tumblr.com/341ba39597e847465b20c70927d759b2/tumblr_nn8gj5iHxe1ru0fpuo1_250.gif

http://33.media.tumblr.com/c240f97313f95aae18634b5fd7e00b91/tumblr_nn8dc8b7Aa1ru0fpuo1_r1_250.gif

Its the little things

Edited April 23, 2015 by rachelshamyfan

[counterfactuals]

It is just me that saw Shamy seated next to each other on the couch in this promo and started to think that what Sheldon really wants to do is have a makeout session with Amy right there? And that they will be doing this soon? hahahahah

[tmp]

I haven't posted on the forum in a long time, but it's time to weigh in on this new development.

 

I hurt for Amy.  In their moment of passion, Sheldon wasn't fully present.  It gives her reason to wonder if he's really interested in her romantically the way she is him, or if he's just going along with it, like when he did yoga with Penny.  We know what Sheldon's real feelings are, but Amy is questioning it.  She is passionate about him and she knows she needs and deserves to be with someone who feels the same.  Can the man she loves give her that?

 

I also hurt for Sheldon.  He didn't know what he did wrong, and all of a sudden she's angry.  He's deeply in love with her and doesn't understand why she's pulling back.  He's surprised to find himself interested in being physical with someone and he's ready to make the big commitment.  Now he's left thinking he may have lost her.

 

For much of their relationship, Amy has been driving their progress.  She has done remarkably well to maintain her self-confidence under these conditions.  Now it's time for the roles to reverse for a bit.  Sheldon needs to pursue her, leave her with no doubt about his intentions.  I've always been more interested in the sweetness of their relationship, but now it's time for him to be passionate, show her that he desires her sexually.  He needs to kiss her in a way that leaves them both breathless and speechless.  I think this may be the shake-up that will lead to the eventual consummation of their relationship.  I predict we'll see some great stuff in season 9 as Sheldon woos Amy.

[Chelle]

I saw some posts questioning Amy why she told Sheldon she needed a break via Skype instead of in person. Aside from the obvious fact that they communicate via Skype a lot of times, it added an effect in the already dramatic scene without being too "in your face". Amy, it seems, really wants to have this break and she doesn't want Sheldon to change her mind, because if it's done in person, Sheldon will DEFINITELY do something to change her mind, which can lead to further complications.

[Maddie]

Tmp, I always love your posts and I agree so much!

[fitzsimmons]

I saw some posts questioning Amy why she told Sheldon she needed a break via Skype instead of in person. Aside from the obvious fact that they communicate via Skype a lot of times, it added an effect in the already dramatic scene without being too "in your face". Amy, it seems, really wants to have this break and she doesn't want Sheldon to change her mind, because if it's done in person, Sheldon will DEFINITELY do something to change her mind, which can lead to further complications.

 

Because in the land of narrative television story telling, Skype was really the only way to do this interaction and have it make sense. It would have been weird to have Amy stop by just to spend two minutes telling Sheldon she needs a break and then walking out for him to pull the ring out and look at it. That just doesn't play out on television very well. The Skype call allows them to have the dialogue and give Amy an easy exit for Sheldon to have his moment alone. And without really being able to reach out and stop her. In person, that wouldn't have worked. Especially since what she's asking him for is space. She's not going to go over to his apartment to ask him to keep his distance, or to say that she's keeping hers. What kind of sense does that make?

[Chelle]

Because in the land of narrative television story telling, Skype was really the only way to do this interaction and have it make sense. It would have been weird to have Amy stop by just to spend two minutes telling Sheldon she needs a break and then walking out for him to pull the ring out and look at it. That just doesn't play out on television very well. The Skype call allows them to have the dialogue and give Amy an easy exit for Sheldon to have his moment alone. And without really being able to reach out and stop her. In person, that wouldn't have worked. Especially since what she's asking him for is space. She's not going to go over to his apartment to ask him to keep his distance, or to say that she's keeping hers. What kind of sense does that make?

Amy asking for a break in person looks and feels like a definite "let's break up" thing.

[fitzsimmons]

Amy asking for a break in person looks and feels like a definite "let's break up" thing.

 

Exactly. This wasn't some monumental thing. It was simply, hey I'm not feeling so hot right now, I need some space. I mean, at least she told him over Skype instead of just running off to a train station, right? Anyone giving her grief about not doing it in person, I kindly refer you to Status Quo.

[hazelra7]

Because in the land of narrative television story telling, Skype was really the only way to do this interaction and have it make sense. It would have been weird to have Amy stop by just to spend two minutes telling Sheldon she needs a break and then walking out for him to pull the ring out and look at it. That just doesn't play out on television very well. The Skype call allows them to have the dialogue and give Amy an easy exit for Sheldon to have his moment alone. And without really being able to reach out and stop her. In person, that wouldn't have worked. Especially since what she's asking him for is space. She's not going to go over to his apartment to ask him to keep his distance, or to say that she's keeping hers. What kind of sense does that make?

I really think  he was going to ask her over Skype.  He said he was thinking about their relationship.  He was just telling Lenny he was so happy for them.  He had it on his mind, and he was ready to discuss the relationship, To my mind, he was going to propose on Skype.  I am THRILLED she told him she needed to think things over and she didn't get a SKype proposal!!  

 

WHat are you thoughts, given your post?

Exactly. This wasn't some monumental thing. It was simply, hey I'm not feeling so hot right now, I need some space. I mean, at least she told him over Skype instead of just running off to a train station, right? Anyone giving her grief about not doing it in person, I kindly refer you to Status Quo.

Oh snap!

[fitzsimmons]

I really think  he was going to ask her over Skype.  He said he was thinking about their relationship.  He was just telling Lenny he was so happy for them.  He had it on his mind, and he was ready to discuss the relationship, To my mind, he was going to propose on Skype.  I am THRILLED she told him she needed to think things over and she didn't get a SKype proposal!!  

 

WHat are you thoughts, given your post?

 

Nope, I truly believe he was calling her just to catch up since they hadn't spoken in over a day, and he was going to tell her that he'd been thinking about relationships and that he wanted her to come over for an impromptu date night. Don't think he would have proposed over Skype, he was just calling her (since they do calls by video and not phone) and going to invite her over, or invite her out somewhere, where he was going to do it. Or at least he was just going to test the waters, try to get things back to normal, and then build up to the proposal. I do not think the Skype call was the start of his proposal. Think he had the ring but was going to do it the right way.

[Thyanic]

I'm still processing... first of all I just want to say Thank you girls for the taping report!! I cried when I was reading it because I love Amy character, and it hurts see her suffering

I wonder ... How is sheldon going to deal with this "break"? I mean this is a new experience that made him feel sad and I'm pretty sure vulnerable.

To be honest I think Sheldon is not going to chase amy, simply because he is not that kind of person, he had lived with his own rules for a long time, no matter what people say or think about him. I know he is in love with Amy but that would be a big change for him and remember he hates changes.

Maybe the old sheldon is ready to get back!! I wouldn't like that, but I'm afraid it is a possibility.. IMO...

[Tomasina]

I'm still processing... first of all I just want to say Thank you girls for the taping report!! I cried when I was reading it because I love Amy character, and it hurts see her suffering

I wonder ... How is sheldon going to deal with this "break"? I mean this is a new experience that made him feel sad and I'm pretty sure vulnerable.

To be honest I think Sheldon is not going to chase amy, simply because he is not that kind of person, he had lived with his own rules for a long time, no matter what people say or think about him. I know he is in love with Amy but that would be a big change for him and remember he hates changes.

Maybe the old sheldon is ready to get back!! I wouldn't like that, but I'm afraid it is a possibility.. IMO...

I don't know. When leonard asked to suspend their friendship and be strictly roommates with no obligations, he went through a lot to try to get leonard to come back.

and of course, the cats.

[loriparis80]

I haven't posted on the forum in a long time, but it's time to weigh in on this new development.

 

I hurt for Amy.  In their moment of passion, Sheldon wasn't fully present.  It gives her reason to wonder if he's really interested in her romantically the way she is him, or if he's just going along with it, like when he did yoga with Penny.  We know what Sheldon's real feelings are, but Amy is questioning it.  She is passionate about him and she knows she needs and deserves to be with someone who feels the same.  Can the man she loves give her that?

 

I also hurt for Sheldon.  He didn't know what he did wrong, and all of a sudden she's angry.  He's deeply in love with her and doesn't understand why she's pulling back.  He's surprised to find himself interested in being physical with someone and he's ready to make the big commitment.  Now he's left thinking he may have lost her.

 

For much of their relationship, Amy has been driving their progress.  She has done remarkably well to maintain her self-confidence under these conditions.  Now it's time for the roles to reverse for a bit.  Sheldon needs to pursue her, leave her with no doubt about his intentions.  I've always been more interested in the sweetness of their relationship, but now it's time for him to be passionate, show her that he desires her sexually.  He needs to kiss her in a way that leaves them both breathless and speechless.  I think this may be the shake-up that will lead to the eventual consummation of their relationship.  I predict we'll see some great stuff in season 9 as Sheldon woos Amy.

Totally agree with this.

[rachelshamyfan]

#thecatisdraggingitsass

Seems appropriate

Edited April 23, 2015 by rachelshamyfan

[mothandfire]

I've read everyone's comments and some of you have touched on how I feel about all of this, but I want you to try this on for size.

We get a small glimpse of the lives of these characters. Things that happen behind the scenes comprise the majority of their lives. We just get the highlights.

We know that Amy and Sheldon kiss off screen. Leonard mentioned it, and that he didn't find it particularly romantic.

Of the three kisses we have witnessed, one was brought on by anger, one was interrupted by Sheldon talking about PS4 controllers and a make out session was shut down because of The Flash tv show.

If 100% of the kisses that we got to see were interrupted or generated in a manner other than by desire to do so, how many of the other kisses do you think went smoothly?

Amy has been with this man for 5 years, which is a huge investment in time and emotional energy. She has put up with a large amount of malarkey, everything from being told that her lips look too slippery to being mocked about spending their sunset years together.

Even if you are an emotional door mat, this wears on you. Over time it has a cumulative effect wherein when another instance occurs, it adds another load to your already heavy burden.

But, you say, Madamocho, season 8 was the year of the Shamy! Sheldon had improved, Amy can't complain. From first hand experience I can say that being repeatedly let down by someone whom you love is trying. But when you get that glimmer of hope, that moment when things get better for a little while and you hope against hope that things have changed, just to be disappointed yet again. I find that is far worse. Your delicate ego that has been bombarded with low expectations blossoms with this new hope just to be crushed again, and without that cautious shield you had put around it to protect yourself.

It is hard enough to be in a relationship where both parties are fully invested and of the like mind. It is an uphill battle when you are not on the same page and and dragging your partner with one hand and feeling they don't want the same things you do.

So picture your own life. You're getting hot and heavy with your loved one and they ask if you should change the drapes, or what they want for dinner or why the color blue is their favorite color. Now picture that happening half the time you are getting frisky. Or that they found a loophole to get out of not being grumpy on a date by holding up a picture of them smiling. A rule they made by the way.

So Amy, after getting this behavior for 5 years, decided to stop and take a good hard look at this relationship. Was she willing to have any type of romance he was willing to give her interrupted by off topic things? Was she willing to take Sheldon as he is, quirks and all at the detriment of her own ego and self esteem? She hasn't said no yet. She loves him, but does she love herself more? Does she want this to be what she deals with forever? Because even though she thinks that in fan fiction changing another person's personality is called good writing, in real life the only one who can change their personality is themselves.

Now I'm getting off my soapbox.

In other news that engagement ring was ginormus if you like sparkly things like that. And as it was the same day as the day after the fight, he had it for a while in my opinion.

Can't agree anymore! You just speak out my heart.

[rachelshamyfan]

I need to get me a time machine and transport it to August or the writers room so I do

[mothandfire]

Do you know what I find weirdest about this scenary? That I can't really wrap my head around the fact Sheldon was being able to think about something else during such a heated (an alien for him) situation! Before last night, I would have bet big sums of money that such monumental step in their relationship and his life would have affected him waaaaaaay more than it seemed to.

 

As I see it, I don't think we must be taking sides, as Maddie just said, they both have rights and wrongs in their doings. I totally agree with Susana's post and I understand Nickelette's points, thing is, both Amy and Sheldon had put a lot in the relationship, yes, Sheldon had broken his self-imposed life plan in order to be with Amy, and Amy had sacrificed her needs of romance and physical intimacy in order to give him time to get used to the idea and get out of his shell at his own pace, and both had done it willingly and out of love.

 

Of course, after the I love you's and all the nice things they had shared as lately, Amy's reaction may seem an overreaction, but I can't blame her after so much "underreaction" she had been showing for most part of their relationship!

 

At this point, we (and Amy) know he loves her, we know he feels attracted to her, we know he enjoys kissing her, perfect!, Now, I think the next big step for them (and specifically for him) is to start thinking about her. Because even after all these nice things happening between them we have witnessed in this season, it's still all about Sheldon, what Sheldon wants, what Sheldon feels, the pace Sheldon needs, the time Sheldon needs, the effort Sheldon is doing, the way Sheldon like things done, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. We are saying what a big sacrifice for Sheldon is to do what he is doing for Amy, but truth is, he's doing it for himself as well. Yes, now he is kissing her passionately, but, as far we know, he enjoys it very much as well, so, what kind of sacrifice is that? Because yes, he is going against his preconceived idea of an ideal life "for her", but also, and mainly, for himself, he wants her and enjoys her being in his life, very much, so he is acting in consecuence for himself, to please himself.

 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great! of course I think it's great he enjoys kissing her, and I don't want him to go and do things against his will because of her, and I know his self-centeredness is an essential part of his personality, but in order to have a better and fairer relationship in a future, he needs to take a little time to think: "What would Amy like/want/think?" before doing or saying things. He takes her for granted most of the time and that can be healthy for any relationship.

 

Of course it didn't happened this way because they wanted DRAMA for the finale, but even after his misstep, after she asked him "is that all you are thinking about?", he had said "and also that your lips are very soft", nothing like this would have happened. We can't say Sheldon would never think about her lips because he already thought about them after his first initiated kiss, we can't either say "he has no idea she wants to hear him says nice things", because she has been clear about that and they had been together for five years, we can always excuse him by saying he is still trying to hide his feelings to her, well firstly, we don't know for sure, and secondly, it's about time for him to leave that little game behind, he has proclaimed her his love and he is kissing her passionately and has his hands all over her, will it kill him to say: "I enjoy so much kissing you"?

 

The Super-Oblivious Sheldon card is not of much use anymore, Amy is a very important person in his life it's time for him to make perhaps the biggest effort to be in a relationship and make little space for her in his brain, wether he is planning to start a life in Mars or thinking about what she would like to hear after a kiss.

Spot on! Sarah7.