Ship Zone [Spoilers]Leonard And Penny Season 8 Thread

[3ku11]

So yeah this is just pure speculation re a career change. It could just be one episode, or a multi episode arch. I doubt they well do a Friends, when Rachel got a new job, and it caused a rift between her and Ross. This well be just giving Penny some sense of independence that she needs. She needs to contribute to her relationship more, they can't have her in S8 hanging out at their apartment every day hoping her acting career well take off. So does that mean her acting career is done then? I hope not, I mean the whole premise of her character is based on wanting to be an actress. Sure they can change that they did with Rachel in Friends, but after 8 seasons? It maybe too late. They still got three seasons at least out of this show, they maybe entering the whole "Will they or won't they scenario". They want to keep their fans happy, and they want Lenny to continue to be happy, but as writers I guess it is their job to keep viewers invested, so most likely this is just a plot device to a storyline. I do too have a feeling Lorre is trying to project Katie onto Penny moment again, I kinda think adding a depressing or conflict complex to Lenny well bring drama. But they don't need to do that to keep the viewers invested in the show, trust the show itself is so endering that even after 8 seasons it has no signs of slowing down.

Edited July 24, 2014 by 3ku11

[cAntonio Santos]

Do not worry fellow Lenny fans,  the force is with Lenny.  Our favorite couple have eyes for each other only.  It is normal for couples to argue about things, finances are one of many components of a relationship.  Lenny are the force, the pulsar of the TBBT, so anything that might make them unstable will not be good for TBBT.  Do not read too much into money arguments for Lenny. 

I really hope that Leonard's insecurities do not creep into his head; he finally got the woman he loves, after seven years.

[3ku11]

Do not worry fellow Lenny fans,  the force is with Lenny.  Our favorite couple have eyes for each other only.  It is normal for couples to argue about things, finances are one of many components of a relationship.  Lenny are the force, the pulsar of the TBBT, so anything that might make them unstable will not be good for TBBT.  Do not read too much into money arguments for Lenny. 

 

The Force be with Lenny

[SRAM]

Really Penny will probably be hit on more in that job, so it could give the writers the opportunity to have Penny stand up for her man.  It would be really funny if a handsome married doctor kept hitting on her, so she finally agreed to have a business dinner with him and brought Leonard along.  It would be even funnier if she invited the guys wife, then sort of made little remarks during dinner to blackmail him into a big order.

[Nogravitasatall]

Is the force supernatural? Where does it fit? Is it dark energy?

btw, they will be fine. UNLESS they are not. But maybe we should write about P/l if she starts wearing the britches.

[cAntonio Santos]

SRAM, that brings into mind the episode how Penny got all gaga with Leonard's physicist friend, he turned out to be married; and Leonard by Penny's side to hear her pain.  Leonard is the man.  But it is a little bit worry some it seems on how Penny gets sometimes gaga by smooth talk but not by Leonard, case in point the scene of Raj showing her astronomy romance.  I m reading too much about nothing, so GO LENNY.

[3ku11]

Mmm yeah but its not Season 2. Penny well be in a working profession, but she is not working at a bar haha so would guys really hit on her in a professional environment? Reminds me of that ep in Scrubs. Clearly if you listin to Leonard, Bernadette, and Amy she gets hit on a lot. But I don't know if they put a number on it, or that Leonard was just showing his insecurities, and Amy and Bernadette their jealousy. Having a ring on her finger, surley guys would respect that.  Obviousley Penny choose Leonard, she didn't have too, she clearly kept her options open since the pilot haha, but she choose Leonard that's the main point to focus on. Yeah so I think this well just be a power shift in their relationship, I hate to bring up a Friends reference again haha, but I can't help it this show is so similar to Friends. But I don't think it well be like R and R, when Rachel got a job, with Mark? Ross was jealous for no reason. They could do that but in a different way.

Edited July 24, 2014 by 3ku11

[Nogravitasatall]

Id like to believe that as long as she is not clubbing with baby seals Leonard will fine with her in the long run. Bring it on, I say.

[Tensor]

But maybe we should write about P/l if she starts wearing the britches.

Penard?

[Carlos]

Of course I will not pass judgment until I actually see it onscreen but it the actual story resembles what Chuck Lorre said I don't like it, She gives up acting, which was supposed to be her passion? So basically they are saying she lost the last ten years of her life. And if the problems arise from her making money, that would make her look petty. Even if Leonard made more money than her it was never a problem. Finally, if the job comes from Bernadette, and knowing how she has been struggling financially her whole adult life, why didn't Bernadette help her out before?

[Nogravitasatall]

Well, they have either run out of narrative or we have to brace for a new mythology. It could be a good third act. Certainly, Penard would be a reversal. But I have a bias that their relationship doesn't have to be defined by their employment or vocation. The conceit is that "love conquers all".

Anyway, Penny has always been on top of Leonard in the relationship. He may get uncomfortable being subordinate if he overthinks, but if he is fair dinkum it will work out.

Go Penard. It might be interesting.

[3ku11]

Of course I will not pass judgment until I actually see it onscreen but it the actual story resembles what Chuck Lorre said I don't like it, She gives up acting, which was supposed to be her passion? So basically they are saying she lost the last ten years of her life. And if the problems arise from her making money, that would make her look petty. Even if Leonard made more money than her it was never a problem. Finally, if the job comes from Bernadette, and knowing how she has been struggling financially her whole adult life, why didn't Bernadette help her out before?

 

Has it been confirmed she completely gives up on her acting career? I agree though it seem's like Penny has wasted seven years of her life, only to get a job through a Friend who has seen her struggling since they meet. So your right why now? This question is targeted not only at Bernadette but also the Writers. Get ready here comes another Friends reference, in Friends Rachel quit her job as a waitress, and found a passion in Fashion. Are we susposed to believe now Penny has found a passion in Sales? Specifically Pharmaceuticals? I don't know the whole premise of her character is hot girl next door aspiring for stardom. This seems to me she is giving up, and settling not for Leonard but career wise, but well see how it plays out. I still can't forget that perky blonde from S2 Barb Sublim who was told she was too much of a "type".

[rachelshamyfan]

The writers set this in plan and was obvious in the proposal that penny was going to drop out of acting, going for a fresh start can only be a good thing but Penny loves Leonard and will likely ignore any "hit on" from guys

Edited July 24, 2014 by rachelshamyfan

[Itwasdestined]

While disappointed with the apparent demise of Penny's acting 'career' and hints at tension caused by her new job, I haven't lost any faith in the strength of their relationship. Sure, the writers might be going down the predictable route of Penny getting hit on by potential clients ( of course that's just the fears of some posters interpreting Lorre's comments) but I just see it as set ups for comedic writing. Some of us have mentioned in our theories during the hiatus what we though were funny ways for Penny (or even Leonard) to get attention from someone else. At the same time, we've also mentioned that these would be opportunities for the two of them to strongly reject the advances to express their commitments. I think this is what is going to happen with what Chuck describes as 'friction' if they do go down the "Penny gets attention from a Dr McDreamy" route. She will flash the ring, or she's yell at Leonard like she did before the ILY if he gets jealous or insecure.

 

If it is friction caused by Penny becoming the 'sugar mommy' ( we never saw that coming during all our sugar daddy Leonard arguments did we?) it will probably be no different to the occasional episode discussions/disputes Howard and Bernadette had. Maybe Penny wants to pay him back for the car and Leonard is offended because it was a gift or she wants to replace it with a better car and he feels she is insulting his sign of love by dumping it for something better. Regardless, they'll all be minor arguments which all of us couples have in the real world. I don't for a minute believe the writers are going for Lenny/Penard Breakup 2.0. Howard and Bernie survived their issues - Leonard and Penny will too.

 

I still wish she was sticking with acting though. I think rachel is right. The proposal pretty much set up the end to the career. We just wanted to interpret it as Leonard being the most important and being famous wasn't the most important. She was it seems actually rationalising dropping it at the bar. 

[DaisyJane]

Of course I will not pass judgment until I actually see it onscreen but it the actual story resembles what Chuck Lorre said I don't like it, She gives up acting, which was supposed to be her passion? So basically they are saying she lost the last ten years of her life. And if the problems arise from her making money, that would make her look petty. Even if Leonard made more money than her it was never a problem. Finally, if the job comes from Bernadette, and knowing how she has been struggling financially her whole adult life, why didn't Bernadette help her out before?

 

I think the dignity and independence that comes from earning your own way in life will outweigh whatever arbitrary "passion" she may have for acting. The alternative is to continue pursuing something she may or may not succeed in while depending on Leonard like a child does their parent, which sounds like a pretty miserable life that would most likely breed resentment in both of them. 

Edited July 24, 2014 by DaisyJane

[Oldnavy]

I understand issues developing in a relationship.  However, this roller coaster of Lorre's IMO is getting old.  Like others have said, I will wait until the actual episodes come out before making my judgment. 

However, I would not put it past Lorre to look at another break-up, even though I think it would not go over well.  Also, having Leonard constantly insecure about Penny is getting old.  It seems like Lorre is just trying to find a way to keep this roller coaster going. Also, I do not see how Penny would even be qualified for such a position.  She has a high school diploma with a handful of basic college classes completed. 

 

Penny needs to have another way of making a living sense she is no longer at the CCF, but this just does not fit.   

[Chrismo]

Of course I will not pass judgment until I actually see it onscreen but it the actual story resembles what Chuck Lorre said I don't like it, She gives up acting, which was supposed to be her passion? So basically they are saying she lost the last ten years of her life. And if the problems arise from her making money, that would make her look petty. Even if Leonard made more money than her it was never a problem. Finally, if the job comes from Bernadette, and knowing how she has been struggling financially her whole adult life, why didn't Bernadette help her out before?

I don't think giving up on acting is an absolute. I don't think she lost ten years of her life. Things change. Speaking for myself my life has changed in the last ten years. At the end of season 7 she's engaged with no job and no money. As you pointed out money has never been a problem but how would Leonard feel if she was less dependent on him because of money. Would he be okay with that? In regard to Bernadette Penny has always been working till the middle of last season. Maybe a job just came up or Bernadette realizes Penny is ready for a change and helps out.

[Martin Pollard]

Also, I do not see how Penny would even be qualified for such a position.  She has a high school diploma with a handful of basic college classes completed.

 

I only have a high school diploma with a handful of basic college classes completed, yet I've been working as a computer programmer for over 30 years, specializing in everything from embedded systems to sophisticated desktop applications, and even some web-based application development. Simply put, extensive education and a college degree isn't a prerequesite for being skilled at something.

 

Like others have already said, let's wait and actually see what transpires before passing judgment and writing the whole thing off. There've been plenty of times where people (in these forums and elsewhere) jumped to all sorts of conclusions about something, only to find that the actual end product was much different (and often better) than they convinced themselves it would be. How many times do people need to learn this lesson before it actually sinks in?

[Strawberry PopTart Fan]

Totally agree that the P/L roller coaster ride has gotten old. They have grown so strong as a couple over the last 2 seasons. A major backslide would be very unrealistic and very disappointing at this stage of the game. They can be very funny together without ripping each others hearts out. Let's hope that the writers know this to be true.

[Chaliceinnana]

I don't think the money conflict is what you think it will be. Leonard is a cautious person. Penny will probably want to go crazy with her money and Leonard will want to save for the future and that's where the conflict will be. Penny will see him as trying to rain on her parade.

 

Leonard won't be insecure, he'll be nest building and planning for a house and kids. In a way, this job with the promise of tenure could mean everything that he's dreamed of if Penny is on board with him.

 

But if she sees him as wet blanket...

[Tonstar17]

Agree on all points made. I think people are just worried that this change might impact the relationship in a negative way, but also we have to look on the bright side as it might actually be good for them, obviously there will be bumps alone the way and I think they will come out stronger.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[kerrycec03]

How I see it playing out is a new job (and hopefully success) will help Penny's overall confidence and self-worth.  She won't "need" Leonard anymore in the meaning that she will be more self-sufficent.  Maybe spoil him a bit which could make for a funny switch.  I do not see any break-up or anything like that....this would just put another dynamic on their relationship.  Penny would be in the drivers seat a bit more on the financial front & responsible adult role (which she hasn't really done)

 

He may have enjoyed taking care of her and might feel a little threatened, but he's a smart guy and will realize this is good for her. 

[SRAM]

I don't think the money conflict is what you think it will be. Leonard is a cautious person. Penny will probably want to go crazy with her money and Leonard will want to save for the future and that's where the conflict will be. Penny will see him as trying to rain on her parade.

 

Leonard won't be insecure, he'll be nest building and planning for a house and kids. In a way, this job with the promise of tenure could mean everything that he's dreamed of if Penny is on board with him.

 

But if she sees him as wet blanket...

I could definitely see Penny going a little crazy with the money, if she starts getting large checks. It is only human nature, to go a little overboard when you start getting a lot more money than you are use to. I could see Leonard walking into her apartment to see her sitting on the couch with a wine glass, surrounded by shoe boxes and a big smile on her face "look what I got Leonard". Her first remark.

[Nogravitasatall]

I think the dignity and independence that comes from earning your own way in life will outweigh whatever arbitrary "passion" she may have for acting. The alternative is to continue pursuing something she may or may not succeed in while depending on Leonard like a child does their parent, which sounds like a pretty miserable life that would most likely breed resentment in both of them.

This depends. Cognitive dissonance is a bitch. If her identity and her work don't align she is likely to be unhappy regardless. But who knows how long this aspect of her life will last. If it suits, then let her suit up. Looking forward to seeing the cage rattled.

[Itwasdestined]

I think the dignity and independence that comes from earning your own way in life will outweigh whatever arbitrary "passion" she may have for acting. The alternative is to continue pursuing something she may or may not succeed in while depending on Leonard like a child does their parent, which sounds like a pretty miserable life that would most likely breed resentment in both of them.

If I have to be completely honest, if I had been trying to succeed at something for 10 years and hadn't got there, I would probably chase the opportunity for a chance to be financially secure for the first time in my life, especially if I had a reputation for benefiting from the financial support of my friends at times. While I did want Penny to continue the acting dream, as long as she is happy, continues to be happy with Leonard, and most importantly, the writers continue to find humour in her new opportunity, I'm happy. I watch the show for the enjoyment. If Penny as a Pharm Rep is funny, and Lenny remains happy, good enough for me.