Episodes 802 The Junior Professor Solution (September 22)

[rickfromillinois]

This episode was not among the best of the series.   Not even in the top 1/2.  It was more boring then entertaining.

[Kasey]

 

 

I love the way they were testing each other, and both being surprised at the other's knowledge.  And the group Q&A game at the end was an excellent way to remind everyone who these guys really are.  Apart from their nerdy interests and their relationships, they're still scientists who know their stuff.

 

 

 

This.  Loved this part of the episode.  

[Martin Pollard]

Yeah I get the psychology behind Amy's actions and I can understand them.  Doesn't mean I have to like them...

 

No, it doesn't, but I respectfully recommend that you'd better get used to it, because I really doubt we're going to see the last of situations like that.

[Itwasdestined]

It was very touching when Leonard pointed out to Sheldon that he maybe feels threatened that others are just as smart or smarter than he is. Sheldon didn't totally disagree (growth) but did end with the peanut allergy line.

Howard/Sheldon spitball...OMG, now this whole scene and the "removal" of the spitball....I can't even stop laughing at.

I enjoyed at the end all the guys quizing each other...establishing they are all smart, they all are who they are...(again, growth for Sheldon)

So to those that say the train trip didn't show any changes in Sheldon, I beg to differ.

I'm with you on this, kerry, although I think the idea of Sheldon changing being the purpose of the train trip is more in our minds than his or the writers.

"Leonard, I am overwhelmed. Everything is changing and it’s simply too much. I need to get away and think."

He never promised to go away and change, just to think about the changes in his life and how he was going to deal with them. Expecting him to return as a new person would result in changing the personality of the character that this show has built its success around, like him or not. And I think the first two episodes, this one in particular has shown he did a bit of thinking.

He thought about his relationship with Amy. He's acknowledged in his mind and eventually was able to admit to her that he shuts her out sometimes because he doesn't like to appear less than perfect to her. Even admitting that was a big deal for him. Was he still an ass to her? Yes, because Sheldon IS an ass. That ain't changing.

He thought about his job situation. When Mrs Davis suggested the professor compromise, he could have stomped out, sat on the stairs whimpering like a dog, run home to mommy in Texas to have toast with smiley faces, or sat at home testing eggs or making glow in the dark fish. Instead, he accepted it and went home to prepare lessons. Was he still an ass to Mrs Davis? Was he still dismissive of teaching? Yes, because Sheldon IS an ass and that ain't changing.

He thought about his attitude towards his friends. He considered what Leonard said about his superiority complex issue and didn't dismiss it completely ( peanut allergy - ass - ain't changing). He was visibly surprised and impressed by Howard's intelligence and gave him multiple opportunities to show it and acknowledged it...but ( Noo! - ass - ain't changing). This was an improvement on bath item Sheldon who constantly dismissed every superman theory that wasn't his own opinion and the Sheldon who preferred to dismiss the answer of the Ukraine janitor/physicist and lose rather than accept someone knows more than him. Even the final scene of this episode where he is openly excited that his friends are answering questions instead of him is an improvement. But koala definitive answer, discussion over - ass - ain't changing.

With Sheldon late last season and possibly now, it's like he is in one of those old cartoons with the devil and angel sitting on opposite shoulders as the good and bad consciences. Early Sheldon completely dismissed the angel but now he at least listens to both sides, acknowledges opposing opinions, considers them and occasionally even acts on them. "Inside Sheldon" is changing. But "visible, outer shell" Sheldon is a very powerful creature that is very hard to crack. That's ass Sheldon, the Sheldon who has to end every good moment with the snide remark to maintain his superiority and dominant position. It's slowly changing but will always be prone to regression. That is how the writers want it. Bad luck if we don't 'cos that ain't changing.

[phantagrae]

Yeah, I think that those folks who expected SHeldon to come back some serious, grown-up guy who wants to hop in the sack with his girlfriend, or who will maturely accept the world around him and be polite to his friends were living in some delusional place, because NONE of that was ever hinted at last season.

 

None of these characters is ever going to change all that much.  They change by increments and sometimes those increments can't be seen with the naked eye, but happen like glaciers breaking down mountains.  You're not going to see Mt Everest come crashing down over the course of 2 episodes, or because of anyone's summer getaway.  Howard's trip to space changed him somewhat, but not really.  Leonard's trip to sea didn't change him a bit, really.  The guys' trip to the North Pole didn't change them in any long-lasting ways.

 

They never implied that Sheldon was going to come back a changed man, so I don't know why anyone would expect that.  JMHO.

[Nevermind]

Really funny episode. I loved it!

Simon and Mayim were terrific! 

 

Great writing. I laughed hard for a lot of scenes!

The starfish stuff and the virgin throat drove me crazy!

 

Has anyone noticed that Sheldon doesn't repeat the same sentence when he knocks on the door of Missis Davis?

They won't want to tone down Sheldon's OCD, will they? I could freak out for that!

[3ku11]

Not sure why their is two posters bringing their negativity into this thread. Sure your entitled to your opinion. But Rick you have already said you don't like the eps for what ever reason. But the fact that I well say 99% found it hilarous, I'll say you need to lower your expectations JMO. Big Bang at its best here, not sure how it could be any more perfect or better. 

[pisquenta]

This episode was hilarious!!! The Howard-Sheldon bits were hysterical!! And again Leonard may not be getting a lot of stories but he's just hilarious

[mphs95]

I'm with you on this, kerry, although I think the idea of Sheldon changing being the purpose of the train trip is more in our minds than his or the writers.

"Leonard, I am overwhelmed. Everything is changing and it’s simply too much. I need to get away and think."

He never promised to go away and change, just to think about the changes in his life and how he was going to deal with them. Expecting him to return as a new person would result in changing the personality of the character that this show has built its success around, like him or not. And I think the first two episodes, this one in particular has shown he did a bit of thinking.

He thought about his relationship with Amy. He's acknowledged in his mind and eventually was able to admit to her that he shuts her out sometimes because he doesn't like to appear less than perfect to her. Even admitting that was a big deal for him. Was he still an ass to her? Yes, because Sheldon IS an ass. That ain't changing.

He thought about his job situation. When Mrs Davis suggested the professor compromise, he could have stomped out, sat on the stairs whimpering like a dog, run home to mommy in Texas to have toast with smiley faces, or sat at home testing eggs or making glow in the dark fish. Instead, he accepted it and went home to prepare lessons. Was he still an ass to Mrs Davis? Was he still dismissive of teaching? Yes, because Sheldon IS an ass and that ain't changing.

He thought about his attitude towards his friends. He considered what Leonard said about his superiority complex issue and didn't dismiss it completely ( peanut allergy - ass - ain't changing). He was visibly surprised and impressed by Howard's intelligence and gave him multiple opportunities to show it and acknowledged it...but ( Noo! - ass - ain't changing). This was an improvement on bath item Sheldon who constantly dismissed every superman theory that wasn't his own opinion and the Sheldon who preferred to dismiss the answer of the Ukraine janitor/physicist and lose rather than accept someone knows more than him. Even the final scene of this episode where he is openly excited that his friends are answering questions instead of him is an improvement. But koala definitive answer, discussion over - ass - ain't changing.

With Sheldon late last season and possibly now, it's like he is in one of those old cartoons with the devil and angel sitting on opposite shoulders as the good and bad consciences. Early Sheldon completely dismissed the angel but now he at least listens to both sides, acknowledges opposing opinions, considers them and occasionally even acts on them. "Inside Sheldon" is changing. But "visible, outer shell" Sheldon is a very powerful creature that is very hard to crack. That's ass Sheldon, the Sheldon who has to end every good moment with the snide remark to maintain his superiority and dominant position. It's slowly changing but will always be prone to regression. That is how the writers want it. Bad luck if we don't 'cos that ain't changing.

 

 

I agree.  I did sense a bit of maturity that wasn't there before he left, but he's still Sheldon.  People do grow up and evolve over time, not overnight.  I think that Sheldon has mellowed a bit over the years, partly from age, partly from experiences, and yes a bit from Amy.  If he came back and did a 180, he wouldn't be Sheldon Cooper and he wouldn't be as fascinating a character.  People aren't perfect.  If one wants dream Sheldon, then read or write some fanfiction.

 

I want Sheldon to evolve, but I like the slow ride to get there to see the nuances in him and with Amy.  I have no doubt he's going to get there, in time.

[ajond]

Not sure why their is two posters bringing their negativity into this thread. Sure your entitled to your opinion. But Rick you have already said you don't like the eps for what ever reason. But the fact that I well say 99% found it hilarous, I'll say you need to lower your expectations JMO. Big Bang at its best here, not sure how it could be any more perfect or better. 

 

Hey we get it. you liked it. But let others voice their disappointmrnt without your comments, I know you condescendingly agreed that Rick was 'entitled to his opinion' but you were the same in S7 when I expressed my dissatisfaction with a lot of S7. IMO the start of S8 is no better than the start of S&.

[Cassalia]

With Sheldon late last season and possibly now, it's like he is in one of those old cartoons with the devil and angel sitting on opposite shoulders as the good and bad consciences. Early Sheldon completely dismissed the angel but now he at least listens to both sides, acknowledges opposing opinions, considers them and occasionally even acts on them. "Inside Sheldon" is changing. But "visible, outer shell" Sheldon is a very powerful creature that is very hard to crack. That's ass Sheldon, the Sheldon who has to end every good moment with the snide remark to maintain his superiority and dominant position. It's slowly changing but will always be prone to regression. That is how the writers want it. Bad luck if we don't 'cos that ain't changing.

 

THIS!

 

Yeah, I think that those folks who expected SHeldon to come back some serious, grown-up guy who wants to hop in the sack with his girlfriend, or who will maturely accept the world around him and be polite to his friends were living in some delusional place, because NONE of that was ever hinted at last season.

 

None of these characters is ever going to change all that much.  They change by increments and sometimes those increments can't be seen with the naked eye, but happen like glaciers breaking down mountains.  You're not going to see Mt Everest come crashing down over the course of 2 episodes, or because of anyone's summer getaway.  Howard's trip to space changed him somewhat, but not really.  Leonard's trip to sea didn't change him a bit, really.  The guys' trip to the North Pole didn't change them in any long-lasting ways.

 

They never implied that Sheldon was going to come back a changed man, so I don't know why anyone would expect that.  JMHO.

 

AND THIS!

 

I want Sheldon to evolve, but I like the slow ride to get there to see the nuances in him and with Amy.  I have no doubt he's going to get there, in time.

 

And especially this!!

 

Thank you guys for saying everything that was on my mind while reading this thread. The writers are purposefully changing Sheldon's behavior gradually without changing who he is as a person (an ass). I am actually starting to trust that they know what they're doing. We just have to wait and see how it plays out this season...

[Nogravitasatall]

People may not know this, but koalas in the wild are pretty stressed; suffering from falling fertility from widespread chlamydia infections and shrinking living areas because of human encroachment into the bush. Koala soldiers would be terrifying and not at at all cuddly, because they would be cranky about all that. I would not take the risk of giving a koala a gun.

[Itwasdestined]

People may not know this, but koalas in the wild are pretty stressed; suffering from falling fertility from widespread chlamydia infections and shrinking living areas because of human encroachment into the bush. Koala soldiers would be terrifying and not at at all cuddly, because they would be cranky about all that. I would not take the risk of giving a koala a gun.

LOL. Nograv. They also don't play welll with others in their group, not a good trait for soldiers. And sleep up to 19 hours a day? Not good either. Also wouldn't eat army food. I'd go for the meerkat! Still too cute to attack but very attentive, tribal, and can dig their own bunkers. But I'm sure Sheldon will disagree.

( Big Bang really needs to come to Oz, what with Sheldons love of all things koalas and other things made apparent in episode 5 ( nearly threw spoiler in!)

Edited September 25, 2014 by Itwasdestined

[phantagrae]

I was just re-watching scenes from the season openers and in the scenes in Sheldon's classroom, in the back of the room it looks like they have Sheldon's white board with the calculations he was working on with Kripke in The Cooper/Kripke Inversion, the one from the last scene.

[tmp]

I thought it was sweet the way Leonard reacted when Sheldon said nobody signed up for his class because apparently he has a reputation for being obnoxious.  Leonard tried to be supportive by sounding surprised, even though he couldn't quite make it convincing.  Sweet but also funny.  Johnny doesn't get enough credit for his acting on this show.

[Stewie99]

Critical Response to 'The Junior Professor Solution'

 

Reviews of the episode were generally very positive.

 

Oliver Sava of The A.V Club said 'There's a mania to Mayim Bialik's performance in this episode that is very fun to watch'.

 

Carla Day of TV Fanatic said 'The second episode of the night was better and funnier than the first' and described 'The Junior Professor Solution' as 'a light-hearted and funny episode which showcased the characters at their worst and their best'.

[bigbangsheldon]

LOL... Nice second poll option Tripper...but where is Koothrapeeny?

[kelliluvtbbt]

LOL... Nice second poll option Tripper...but where is Koothrapeeny?

and Rajily? 

[mjc45]

lot better

 

mayim/simon rock the show big time.

(how has simon not be in for more awards)

 

penny/bernie- she had to show her some tough love

she is in a big girls job now.

 

h/s with the spitball that was fun.

 

raj picking out nick names all ready.

[notchinc]

Swoothrapeeny

[Stewie99]

Review: The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 2: 'The Junior Professor Solution'

An improvement on last week, the second episode of Season 8 started well and maintained a high standard of laughs throughout what was one of the cleverest, wittiest and funniest TBBT episodes of the past few years.

 

The show benefitted by only having two storylines this week, instead of the chaotic three plots of last week. This helped to settle the pace of the episode early on, and left time for each storyline to breath and to get some good jokes in.

The Sheldon/Howard storyline, unsurprisingly, was the wittier and funnier of the two. It's always nice to see Regina King make another appearance as Mrs Davis, but unfortunately she mainly served just to advance the plot rather than to be the stern, sensible foil to Sheldon's antics which she normally is. That said, the banter between Mrs Davis and Sheldon in the Human Resources scene was good.

The repartee between Howard and Sheldon later on ('Engineers are just as smart as Physicists!' 'You take that back!') was smart and funny, and Leonard and Raj's reactions to the argument also added amusement. I'd like to see Leonard and Raj in a more major role next week though- for the last two episodes they have simply served as supporting characters, so it would nice to see them featuring more prominently next week.

Howard being a 'bad student' was one of the highlights of the episode for me, and Sheldon's reaction to Howard's spit ball was priceless ('Can't talk... spit ball... probably gonna die'). Very well played by Jim.

I was glad to see the guys reconcile in the end though and the Science quiz game they played in the tag scene was a nice way to end the episode.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the Penny/Bernadette/Amy storyline quite so much. It had some good character beats, especially Amy listening at the door and then running downstairs when she knew that Penny was going to ring her, but I found Amy's slang talk a bit corny and it was lacking the humourous kick which the Sheldon/Howard stuff had. Perhaps the mediocrity of this plot was emphasised by how amazing the A-Story was though.

Best Line: Sheldon: 'Look at this section. Even I don't really understand it!'

Performance of The Week: Simon Helberg. Simon and Jim both had a great episode, and I wouldn't be surprised if this one was on the list for Emmy consideration next year, but I felt that Simon just edged out Jim this week for the best performance.

Score: 8/10.

[Stephen Hawking]

Amy taking her gloves off, while video chatting with Bernadette, wasn't really necessary.

I know it was done so Amy's manicured nails were visible, but I think it was a clumsy way of revealing them.

Edited November 21, 2015 by Stephen Hawking

[Stephen Hawking]

I can't vote on this episode, because it requires both parts to be completed, and I don't like either nickname.

[Stephen Hawking]

I wonder if someone could clarify something, which has been bugging me?

From the episode:-

Sheldon: Oh, yes. Fig Newtons. I was going to ask them which scientist both helped to develop calculus and had a famous cookie named after him? And then after someone said Newton, I was going to tell them they’re wrong. The cookies are named after a town in Massachusetts. And then I’d throw the cookies away.

So, since it Newton, who was the scientist who helped to develop calculus, and had a famous cookie named after him?

Edited May 18, 2016 by Stephen Hawking

[Irene]

Leibniz