S8 Discussion Thread

[IAteAButterfly]

The last episode, very subpar for most of the characters, except I thought I was watching " The Sheldon Show " I thought TBBT was supposed be on. Unless the writers are pulling for Sheldon to win another Emmy.

Sheldon hasn't won any Emmys, since he's a theoretical physicist and also fictional. Jim Parsons has won Emmys for portraying Sheldon. Just thought I'd clear that up.

Also, seemed to me like everyone had pretty equal screentime, and I thought everyone's storyline was pretty entertaining, for different reasons.

Edited November 23, 2014 by IAteAButterfly

[cAntonio Santos]

right, Sheldon does not win Emmys, obviously he is fictional character, that I know.  Simply affirming the last episode was one most sub par ones since episode 1, fifty percent of the time was spent on Shammy, and minor time on Lenny, howardette and Raj.   That lead to me say that I thought I was watching the Sheldon Show, and somehow TBBT was amiss.

[3ku11]

Well I can relate to what Cant is saying. He or She has a valid point of view. I mean I cant remember one plot, since the pilot. Particularly since s7 where Sheldon was not heavily centred. All characters mostly over the course of the series, have been diminished in some capacity, not Sheldon though. But is it a surprise? Sheldon is the Kramer of Big Bang. Jims the breakout star. But I wouldent call it The Sheldon show completely. All characters still get their moments, its just storylines are centric towards Sheldon.

Edited November 23, 2014 by 3ku11

[djsurrey]

right, Sheldon does not win Emmys, obviously he is fictional character, that I know.  Simply affirming the last episode was one most sub par ones since episode 1, fifty percent of the time was spent on Shammy, and minor time on Lenny, howardette and Raj.   That lead to me say that I thought I was watching the Sheldon Show, and somehow TBBT was amiss.

One thing that is amiss is the references to Lenny and Howardette.

To set the record straight

1. Penny had scenes with Bernadette.
2. Leonard had scenes with Howard and Raj.

 

So, are you referring to the most recent episode released in north America or something else?

Perhaps that was a random comment drawn from a hat?

[kelliluvtbbt]

i think that the focus is on Shamy the first half of the season because that's where season 7 left us and led us to: Sheldon and his coming to terms with things. I honestly believe that the rest of the season will focus on Howard and bernadette since they have been raising some issues there. the fact that the actress who played Howard's mom's voice died will ,at some point, be dealt with.  Raj and his parents will be dealt with and more Lenny  wedding preparations will happen. 

 

and there's nothing wrong with having a few episodes dedicated to a certain couple or a certain actor. the show has been on for 7 full years. it's gonna happen.

Edited November 23, 2014 by Kelli

[djsurrey]

Well I can relate to what Cant is saying. He or She has a valid point of view. I mean I cant remember one plot, since the pilot. Particularly since s7 where Sheldon was not heavily centred. All characters mostly over the course of the series, have been diminished in some capacity, not Sheldon though. But is it a surprise? Sheldon is the Kramer of Big Bang. Jims the breakout star. But I wouldent call it The Sheldon show completely. All characters still get their moments, its just storylines are centric towards Sheldon.

 

This is not making any sense at all. The Penny Bernadette storyline had nothing to do with Sheldon. The Leonard, Howard ,Raj storyline had nothing to do with Sheldon. Sheldon's time was shared with a couple of guest stars and Amy.

[tallin]

Agree with Kelli...I think the reason why show was focused now more on Sheldon was because after season finale, his life was kind of burning problem, which needed to be solve right away. And with character like Sheldon, and a lot things he must have deal with, it couldn't be solve in one or two episodes. I would say in  it is now 50/50 to Sheldon heavily centric/non centric episodes. But just because Sheldon get a little bit more space now than usual, I don't see it as turning point to calling it Sheldon show... every character have been there/will be there.  I believe it will change now again, as Kelli said with Lennys wedding coming, dealing with Mrs. Wolowitz death etc..There are so many characters now, it's impossible to gave heavy plot to every one of them in every episode...

[Nogravitasatall]

Look, the show ebbs and flows around Sheldon. He is in every major plot. It it want it it. But Penny is getting her own story to some extent now, which is nice. And Leonard had something of a career epiphany last week that *may* lead to something.

[Guest]

And Leonard had something of a career epiphany last week that *may* lead to something.

 

Hahaha, that was a good one! Wait... you're serious?

[cAntonio Santos]

dsjurrey, I m referring to the last episode, the flag show plot just was too overbearing.  So season 8 in my view is being driven by which character is most popular, that seems to be Sheldon, I guess he has most fans votes, probably why the TBBT is Sheldon centered to the detriment of Leonard mostly this season.  Leonard this season has been relegated to a supporting character; which is a shame.

[Nogravitasatall]

Hahaha, that was a good one! Wait... you're serious?

Well, on the upside, someone had to drink the champagne.

[boys3allc]

dsjurrey, I m referring to the last episode, the flag show plot just was too overbearing.  So season 8 in my view is being driven by which character is most popular, that seems to be Sheldon, I guess he has most fans votes, probably why the TBBT is Sheldon centered to the detriment of Leonard mostly this season.  Leonard this season has been relegated to a supporting character; which is a shame.

It is like How I met your Mother started out being about Ted then Barney broke out and it was all about him. Then I started hating the show b c I hated Barney. In this case though I don't mind because Sheldon makes the show IMO

[cAntonio Santos]

I miss the old Lenny

[3ku11]

Your entitled to that Cant. But it may better to share those specific views, in a more supportive forum. Like the L/P Spoilers thread, or shipping lanes. Old, New it is all the same. Ever since S5 Lenny has evolved with their beta version relationship. S6 was a lot of Penny evolving. So its not lonely nerd and hot girl next door anymore. So they are equals, so their is a reason the show is called The Big Bang Theory. Leonard with all his atoms in perfect order, then this hot girl moves in with all her atoms in the right place. It disrupts his world. Then later on Penny's world get's disrupted. So takes a while for both to maintain Central Equabrilam. So the dynamics of their relationship has changed. So I guess you can't expect the "old" Lenny to be the same over time. I am glads its not lol. So I agree with the majority, I don't think it is The Sheldon show at all. Everyone has got their equal plots, spread through out. Sheldon may be centric too storyline, and it may flow through him. But I agree that is partly due to the S7 finalie, it started off with Sheldon making changes to his life.    

Edited November 24, 2014 by 3ku11

[tmp]

There's no question Sheldon is the breakout character of TBBT and has gotten more attention.  He's a very well-written character and Jim Parsons gives him a brilliant portrayal.  However, I think TPTB have showed restraint in overdoing emphasis on him.  Compared to Fonzie on Happy Days or the (unbearable, IMO) Urkel on Family Matters, they've really kept it mostly an ensemble comedy.  In the last episode, I really thought all of the characters, not just Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny got nearly equal air time.  The plots were about the secondary characters just as much as the top three.  By that I mean Bernie and Penny shared their plot equally, as did Raj, Howard, and Leonard in theirs and Sheldon and Amy in theirs.  

[Nogravitasatall]

Sheldon is the tent pole holding up the fabric of TBBT. For some the fabric is a blanket. Hmmm. But he is funny... and being played differently this season. Still the egoist, but softer with it, I think.

[BespectacledBrunette]

I also think it would be difficult to really sideline Sheldon for an episode without simply cutting him out altogether.  A big part of the character is his way of putting himself in the center of things.

[Tonstar17]

Your entitled to that Cant. But it may better to share those specific views, in a more supportive forum. Like the L/P Spoilers thread, or shipping lanes. Old, New it is all the same. Ever since S5 Lenny has evolved with their beta version relationship. S6 was a lot of Penny evolving. So its not lonely nerd and hot girl next door anymore. So they are equals, so their is a reason the show is called The Big Bang Theory. Leonard with all his atoms in perfect order, then this hot girl moves in with all her atoms in the right place. It disrupts his world. Then later on Penny's world get's disrupted. So takes a while for both to maintain Central Equabrilam. So the dynamics of their relationship has changed. So I guess you can't expect the "old" Lenny to be the same over time. I am glads its not lol. So I agree with the majority, I don't think it is The Sheldon show at all. Everyone has got their equal plots, spread through out. Sheldon may be centric too storyline, and it may flow through him. But I agree that is partly due to the S7 finalie, it started off with Sheldon making changes to his life.

Sorry it is the Sheldon show. Every plot/episode this season has centered around him, even when the other characters are doing other things. it all comes back to him & his issues, for god sake all the characters got issues too which are not dealt with as often as Sheldon's in every episode. (Boring). Yes for the last two seasons Shamy & Sheldon issues gets more screen time. fact. Time it if you want. it will prove my point. when Leonard was having his operation, it wasn't about penny taking care of Leonard. It was all about sheldon worried about his little buddy. That's penny's job to care more, who is Leonard engaged to? Penny or Sheldon?. Me think Sheldon. Think what you want. But it is what it is. The Sheldon show & it going to continue to the end of the series.

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[tallin]

I also think it would be difficult to really sideline Sheldon for an episode without simply cutting him out altogether.  A big part of the character is his way of putting himself in the center of things.

That's very valid point 

[3ku11]

@Tonstar. Sheldon is the monster (I say that in the most affectionate way possible), he is the anti-hero. The show well always centre around him. It is the role of his character. Depending on your preference, he may be polarizing to you, because he gets in the way of your ship. But I don't think for one second it is the Sheldon Show. I think their is an argument for the Shamy SHow haha. But no. Last ep Amy and Penny got their plot, LEoanrd got his e.t.c. All spread out. From a plot perspective, their is a balance. Sheldon could become more emphazised then he is currently, but he is not. I guess first Two seasons was more a story about Leonard and Penny. So I guess their is an argument from a writing perspective, that it is the Sheldon Show. Most plots are centric through him. But I don't think this change has dominated the show all too much. Like I said depending on your preference, you may see it differently.

Edited November 24, 2014 by 3ku11

[Nogravitasatall]

I also think it would be difficult to really sideline Sheldon for an episode without simply cutting him out altogether. A big part of the character is his way of putting himself in the center of things.

Up until he found a loom, that was the case. Then bam...runaway train.

[BespectacledBrunette]

Up until he found a loom, that was the case. Then bam...runaway train.

Well if we're looking at it that way, then I'm amazed people have stuck around past episode 4...   

I can admit that there's been a lot of emphasis Sheldon so far in Season 8, but I don't really see the complaints prior to that.  Personally, I think the show generally does a great job balancing the ensemble's screentime.

[kerrycec03]

Misinterpretation was not a Sheldon heavy episode. That episode was very Lenny focused

Hook-up also was not a big Sheldon episode (whole ensemble played a big role)

Focus was a true ensemble episode

I think while Sheldon is the face of the show and how his departure and his return have been a huge arc, and with that Shamy, I don't see others being completely forgotten

Even Prom had Lenny moments (probably equal screen time together compared to Shamy)

Yes, I recognize Lenny haven't had a heavy closeness episode and I do feel the later half of the season will go into there

But I also notice how both Leonard and Penny are very career focused, how tension between Howard and Bernadette is brewing and of course the Mrs. Wolowitz and Stuart plot was going... So to say it's the Sheldon show is a little unfair because all these other arcs are going on too. And I don't think I would be interested in all these plots if the writers weren't putting them out there.

I do think Sheldon's growth and relationship with Amy has been a huge focus this season (which I love) but I don't think that will stay that heavy as we go deeper in season 8. They will have their hiccups too. And up until season 8 Shamy hasn't been a huge focus. Yes a couple of episodes here and there but not always the A storyline.

Plus Shamy progress helps move Lenny along. It's all stepping stones in a way.

And yes Jim's public success raises the stock of the Sheldon character. Every shirt, every reference by novice watchers is usually tied into Sheldon. He is the brain child of terrific unique character writing coupled with great acting.

But that doesn't lower the stock of the others. I expect the second half of the season to bring more stuff for all of them

Edited November 24, 2014 by kerrycec03

[3ku11]

I've always found Sheldon hilarous, so I have no problem with him being centric why would I. it is true Lenny were the forefront of storylines early on. But status quo has changed. Leonard and Penny progressed alot in S6, particularly Penny. Shamy have tons of potential, and alot of development to be made. Lenny has been a couple since almost the begginning of the show. They are now in an equal, requitted partnership, and are engaged. The writers dont want to rush things, but they also dont want to break them up. So their is more individual focus on their careers. So I do think their well be more focus later on in the season. But as fans we need to come to terms with the fact, it is Season 8 not Season 3 or even 4 or 5. This is not the Lenny/Sheldon show anymore. As a Lenny fan, do I want every single scene to be about them haha? Maybe, but that is the case for any shipper in the fandom. But this show has developed into an ensemble piece ever since Season 4. It used to be a cute show about eggheads and their hottie neighbour. It has now transformed into this addictive ensemble piece. But Jim and Sheldon are the break outs of the show. But Sheldon ain't just specific to the show. All big comedies had their anti-hero, a character that takes up alot of room. So I well say Sheldon has become someone they have to deal with more then they used to, but he has not taken over the show. Like say Fonzie did when Ron Howard left to direct in Happy Days. Sheldon has lot his innocence, and has more hard edges these days. But I still enjoy his character, and loved his friendship with Leonard this season, he is starting to appreciate Leonard more which is nice. All characters contribute to making this show the mega juggurnuat it is, not just Sheldon.  

[Tensor]

I can admit that there's been a lot of emphasis Sheldon so far in Season 8, but I don't really see the complaints prior to that.  Personally, I think the show generally does a great job balancing the ensemble's screentime.

You haven't been here very long, have you? There were plenty of complaints prior to this season. Why, for instance, was Sheldon in the car when Leonard was leaving at the end of season six? What should have been a touching moment between Leonard and Penny was, in a lot of peoples minds, ruined by inserting Sheldon where he shouldn't have been.

Let's flip of these around, shall we? How happy would many of the Shamy's have been if Leonard was in the middle of the scene making comments about how they were in his way, during Sheldon and Amy''s "I love you too," scene? Do you think fans of Sheldon and Amy would have quietly accepted it?

How about we have Leonard, in the middle of Sheldon making Amy his emergency contact come out of his room and start demanding they take his feelings into account before changing that? Do you think that might have ruined the scene for many of the fans of Sheldon and Amy? Like Sheldon did when he demanded to know where Lenny's relationship was going. How would that have went over with the Shamy's?

Or, how about during their first SIK, we have Leonard come out and start trying to tell a joke right in the middle of the kiss? You know, like Sheldon did in the middle of Penny's first proposal. That's what a lot of people mean by the Sheldon Show. Why was he even in those scenes? Only thing I can think of is to get Sheldon in the scene. That's it. There is no reason for Sheldon to be in any of those scenes, other than they want to have him in the scene, in effect making it the Sheldon show. If you can think of another reason for him to be there, I'm sure there are a lot of people here who would love for you to explain it.

I have no problem with the emphasis on Sheldon or Sheldon and Amy this year, as they have things to work out, much like the emphasis was on Leonard and Penny in season six. But, don't try to say there weren't any complaints before this about the Sheldon Show.

Plus Shamy progress helps move Lenny along. It's all stepping stones in a way.

Requiring Leonard and Penny to wait for Shamy progress is making the show Sheldon centric.

 

But that doesn't lower the stock of the others. I expect the second half of the season to bring more stuff for all of them

When they insert him into a Leonard and Penny scene over and over again, for no good reason, yes it does take away from the others(see above)