[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[Chiany]

I'm sorry.   I am  all  for  growth and lord knows  Sheldon has  some growing up to do.   But I just  don't buy this notion that he totally fucked up and this is all his fault.   I didn't want sunshine and rainbows,  but I don't subscribe to this notion that Sheldon needs to be completely broke down and beat down here.   Amy is not some saint that it is the perfect girlfriend and they need to settle this and come to an agreement of mutual terms,  not Amy's terms and not Sheldon's terms. 

 

I wanted to add, Michy's description of the episode was pretty spot on as always.  I just hate this idea that Sheldon was/is so horrible,  especially after a season where he was a pretty damn good boyfriend, in my opinion.   I feel like the guy keeps having the goal posts moved on him and unless he turns into something he's not, he's never gonna be enough. 

Yes a 1000% this.

Yes Sheldon made mistakes, and Amy has a point.

But I can't believe all the comments I am reading here (luckily there are a few who think like me) that both have a lot of growing up to do, and that the ball is not just in Sheldon's court.

I am willing to go as far as to say that Amy is the one who needs to step up!

[Tensor]

Question for the taping attendees:  did they mention anything about Amy's great-uncle who didn't play by the rules?  I didn't see any mention of it in the TR, but please forgive me if it's there and I overlooked it.  The reason I ask is that it's another thing they said would be in the premiere and wasn't.  To me, it's more indication of a two-parter.  If so, they may consider the first two episodes as the premiere, even though they won't be airing on the same night.

t, I think the consensus  about the great-uncle was it a joke by Kaplan.  Wasn't meant seriously.

[rachelshamyfan]

Michy did Lenny have wedding rings on?

[kazzie]

Question for the taping attendees:  did they mention anything about Amy's great-uncle who didn't play by the rules?  I didn't see any mention of it in the TR, but please forgive me if it's there and I overlooked it.  The reason I ask is that it's another thing they said would be in the premiere and wasn't.  To me, it's more indication of a two-parter.  If so, they may consider the first two episodes as the premiere, even though they won't be airing on the same night.

Nope

Michy did Lenny have wedding rings on?

Yes

[meka3000]

imply that the way others enjoy or not enjoy the show are doing it wrong, as you did.

And there's absolutely NO POSSIBILITY that your interpretation might be wrong?

 I find it rather humorous that you have no problem telling others how you feel about their comments, but  get so defensive and upset when someone tells you how they feel about your comments.

I usually try to stick to telling someone how I feel about their comments AS IT PERTAINS to the show itself (don't always succeed at this, I'll admit that, but I try), your last comment before this had nothing to do with what your thoughts were on mine AS IT PERTAINS to the show, but only how it pertains to how you view my comments.

[tmp]

t, I think the consensus  about the great-uncle was it a joke by Kaplan.  Wasn't meant seriously.

I didn't hear the context of his comment, so it's entirely possible I missed that it was a joke.  Kaplan is a strange bird, though, in a good way.

[Tensor]

 

 

And there's absolutely NO POSSIBILITY that your interpretation might be wrong?

 

Of course their is, but you don't seem to see that possibility for yourself, so you must think there is no possibility that you could be wrong.  Your scenario may be right, it may be wrong, but I won't tell you it wrong, just based on my opinion, just out of the blue.  More importantly, why do you care how anyone else feels about this?  I don't see anyone telling you how you feel about it is wrong,  without you telling them their opinions or feelings are wrong.  But you have no problem telling everyone you don't agree with that their feelings are wrong. 

 

 

 

I usually try to stick to telling someone how I feel about their comments AS IT PERTAINS to the show itself (don't always succeed at this, I'll admit that, but I try), your last comment before this had nothing to do with what your thoughts were on mine AS IT PERTAINS to the show, but only how it pertains to how you view my comments.

Which comes across as you telling them the way they feel, or the way they are watching the show, or the way they see it wrong.  And before you jump up and down about how it something I see, I suggest you read over some of the post, I'm not the only one telling you this.  

I really don't care, you can jump on me all you want,  if you want to point out something factually wrong about someone's post have at it.  But I'll continue to point out where you are telling others their feelings and their opinions are wrong, with nothing more than using your opinions or you pulling the character's strings.  

[Carlos]

Excuse me? End of story? Sorry I have an opinion on the subject..... He was having online sex with a woman that was NOT his girlfriend. Bernadette considered that cheating and I agree. I'm not saying Howard is a bad guy but she was hurt by him because he cheated on her sexually with another person.

And could you please tell me what having online sex is? If you want to really get technical about it, his character (which is NOT him) was having cyber sex (whatever that is) with Glucinda the troll, who was not even a woman. Clearly their characters are NOT them, or you would have to consider that a homosexual infidelity since Glucinda was a guy. Since you think you are sole possessor of the truth please enlighten me how did he sexually cheat? By making his character do it online? In the same way that he killed other characters in his quest? So besides being a cheater he's also a murderer? No because online actions have nothing to do with real life. It is online, it is a character, it is not real, OK?

[3ku11]

Have you ppl just met Howard, let me introduce myself, pleased to you meet you, i hope you guess my name!!'

[veejay]

And could you please tell me what having online sex is? If you want to really get technical about it, his character (which is NOT him) was having cyber sex (whatever that is) with Glucinda the troll, who was not even a woman. Clearly their characters are NOT them, or you would have to consider that a homosexual infidelity since Glucinda was a guy. Since you think you are sole possessor of the truth please enlighten me how did he sexually cheat? By making his character do it online? In the same way that he killed other characters in his quest? So besides being a cheater he's also a murderer? No because online actions have nothing to do with real life. It is online, it is a character, it is not real, OK?

That's great!  Haha

[3ku11]

Ive done it with an online character lol. Its not sex, its digital its not real.who cares. Its howard lol, but damn the are putting through the ringer by their men haha. 

[rachelshamyfan]

It's all for drama!

 

Oh and ratings

[keie]

And could you please tell me what having online sex is? If you want to really get technical about it, his character (which is NOT him) was having cyber sex (whatever that is) with Glucinda the troll, who was not even a woman. Clearly their characters are NOT them, or you would have to consider that a homosexual infidelity since Glucinda was a guy. Since you think you are sole possessor of the truth please enlighten me how did he sexually cheat? By making his character do it online? In the same way that he killed other characters in his quest? So besides being a cheater he's also a murderer? No because online actions have nothing to do with real life. It is online, it is a character, it is not real, OK?

You are being extremely rude and I am not going to continue having a conversation with you and being spoken to this way.

Edited August 13, 2015 by keie

[3ku11]

LOL well now then..

[fitzsimmons]

Also, when I was mentioning the adorable Kaley/Johnny BTS, I forgot a few. In the scene in the hallway before the wedding ceremony, Leonard checks in with Penny to make sure she's really okay with what happened in the car and she tells him to stop bringing it up. The line Leonard is supposed to say is, "You're right, I'm sorry." But the first time they did the scene, Johnny said, "You're sorry, I'm right." And then Johnny and Kaley promptly busted up laughing in each other's faces. 

Then at the end of the motel scene, when Leonard is trying to lighten the mood and Penny's not having it, there was one take where Kaley just screwed up her face and started mumbling at him like she was angry but it was just really cute and funny. Then in the scene back home where they storm off into their respective apartments, they changed Leonard's line from "you're inconsistent" to "you're hard to lift!" And Kaley had a hard time keeping a straight face as she headed into Penny's apartment.

[hokie3457]

Thank you for the BTS items with Johnny & Kaley!  Also thank,you for your impressions of/feelings about the Leonard & Penny story line.  You and Kazzie really went above and beyond for us. Really wary about the episode, but again, your "fleshing out" things has helped.

[rachelshamyfan]

So with Amanda the boat girl on next week's taping, it looks like it's going to be another drama filled episode

I wonder sometimes 

 

 

[3ku11]

Adding dramatic edge must mean they are serious about Emmys, and to increase the ratings...

[Chiany]

Adding dramatic edge must mean they are serious about Emmys, and to increase the ratings...

Guess they really want a different kind of audience...

[3ku11]

Guess they really want a different kind of audience...

hey its not all bad, gaining new is always good. And expanding the audience

Just wondering am i the only one who finds it obsurd now Lenny are married, but are not living together? They are really persistent on Leonard and Sheldon forever arent they. I can see it now on their honeymoon. Via skype, Leonard  wheres my toothbrush!! Sheldon im kinda getting busy here!! lol. Sheldon comes to the door with the  with the laptop heh. This is why they made the one night a week thing. To create the illusion Lenny living together. 

Edited August 13, 2015 by 3ku11

[stardustmelody]

hey its not all bad, gaining new is always good. And expanding the audience

Not likely going to be gaining sadly.  People don't tune into a series this many years into their show just because it suddenly went from comedy to angst show.  If anything they are likely to decrease in viewers.   If they get too heavy on angst and relationships they will tire many fans who just want to tune into this show, watch it for the laughs and light-hearted stories it once had.  

Growth is painful for characters, but BBT has  focused too much on growing the same person over and over and it has gotten tedious.  Sheldon's growth has been the focus for several seasons...and it is getting a bit old.   They really need to figure out some new story telling because it is getting quite repetitive to constantly focus on his growth. Jump ahead if they must, and show he has grown and move on to other story.

[3ku11]

Not likely going to be gaining sadly.  People don't tune into a series this many years into their show just because it suddenly went from comedy to angst show.  If anything they are likely to decrease in viewers.   If they get too heavy on angst and relationships they will tire many fans who just want to tune into this show, watch it for the laughs and light-hearted stories it once had.  

Growth is painful for characters, but BBT has  focused too much on growing the same person over and over and it has gotten tedious.  Sheldon's growth has been the focus for several seasons...and it is getting a bit old.   They really need to figure out some new story telling because it is getting quite repetitive to constantly focus on his growth. Jump ahead if they must, and show he has grown and move on to other story.

yeah most likely things well stall until living arrangements change. I think it would be really refreshing if Leonard moved out, and Sheldon was alone for awhile. Leonard should of moved out years ago. But i guess bbeing a sitcom and his wife lol across the hall its more convinient for storyline. 

Edited August 13, 2015 by 3ku11

[Nogravitasatall]

Not likely going to be gaining sadly.  People don't tune into a series this many years into their show just because it suddenly went from comedy to angst show.  If anything they are likely to decrease in viewers.   If they get too heavy on angst and relationships they will tire many fans who just want to tune into this show, watch it for the laughs and light-hearted stories it once had.  

Growth is painful for characters, but BBT has  focused too much on growing the same person over and over and it has gotten tedious.  Sheldon's growth has been the focus for several seasons...and it is getting a bit old.   They really need to figure out some new story telling because it is getting quite repetitive to constantly focus on his growth. Jump ahead if they must, and show he has grown and move on to other story.

Or he goes into a huddle with Leonard and they start all over again. Fun to speculate. But I'm looking foward to seeing if they dig further down or start to climb back up. I guess 23 more eps should tell us. Will we survive?

Edited August 13, 2015 by Nogravitasatall

[Lionne]

First of all, thanks to all who went and gave a report of what they saw at the taping. Michy, your writing is really remarkable, and I choked up a few times reading both the Shamy and Lenny reports. A few stabs, right to the feels.....

After reading all of this, it's hard to summarize how I am feeling or what I think of it all, I can't even say if I like it or not - I feel a little blank. I have seen the rumors online about the show being in negotiations already to go past 10 seasons, I can't really shake the feeling that I've been moved back to Square 1:

Sheldon and Leonard are best friends, two nerdy, genius guys without women in their lives - and Sheldon doesn't want one ever, and Leonard does. Penny, a beautiful blonde, moves in across the hall and is heartbroken over a guy she's been dating for years who was unfaithful, and is trying to move on with her life. Raj and Howard are friends of Sheldon and Leonard who have romantic escapades and issues of their own.

That's how we began.

Now, Sheldon and Leonard are still roommates and best friends, nerdy genius guys who are technically without women in their lives at the moment, because Sheldon just got dumped and is now hating on women and relationships, while Leonard is still pining for the beautiful girl who lives across the hall, who happens to be his wife. His wife, whom he does not live with, is Penny, who is currently heartbroken over a guy she's been dating for years and just married who she has found out was unfaithful. Raj and Howard are friends of Leonard and Sheldon who are in the midst of romantic escapades and issues of their own.

The more things change, the more things stay the same - that's almost what this premier seems to say to me. They had so much fun writing themselves from this point of where Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj and Howard are the first time, why not do it again?

But there's so much water under the bridge at this point, and things have changed. Bernie and Amy are on the scene for one thing, and Leonard and Penny are married. I don't want them to reset back to Square One, I don't want Penny and Leonard's wedding so obviously treated as a throwaway here that I can't possibility believe it's the real one; this just has to be the starter wedding for the couple who tried to get engaged 5 times before it stuck. Perhaps we'll have 3 more weddings in the background of an episode before we actually see Penny in a white dress at her dream wedding to the man she's absolutely sure about, and she'll make Leonard cry with Toy Story lyrics again. Perhaps Sheldon will pursue and win Amy all over again, and #coitusiscoming will finally become an accurate prediction.

But will people stick around to watch this all play out again? Does it feel fresh, or uplifting and funny and sweet? Like Tensor, I never got into a show as much as I did with TBBT. Sometimes I was amazed that a show that really had a cotton candy story with low-stakes conflict and no real drama to it managed to drag me in as far as it did, although I think it was the addition of Bernie and Amy that truly gave it the depth, but for me it was all about how much I loved the characters and wanted to cheer for them and spend time with them every week. When things got mean-spirited is when I wanted to turn it off, or got annoyed - I enjoyed the show because of the way the characters were such great friends, interesting people, the chemistry was amazing and the show made me LAUGH. And I totally fell in love with Sheldon Cooper, too.

I don't believe that everyone has to hit rock bottom just to be rebuilt so they thrive. Honestly, that's really for addicts or people who are driving down a bad road - sometimes they need to hit rock bottom in order to re-examine their lives and do the hard work to build themselves back. The characters on TBBT are not like that, they are not constantly making poor life choices, hurting each other or themselves, partaking in addictive and destructive behavior that's hurting themselves and others, and are in need of an epiphany and major retooling.

Sheldon knows he loves Amy, he says so and bought an engagement ring. Penny has come a long way from the naive, daydreaming waitress she once was. Leonard has....well, he DID come a long way, and now he's been knocked back and branded as unfaithful to boot, which is killing me because that's just not Leonard to me, and I have always loved his character. Everyone else has come a long way too, and they are all good people with stable jobs who treat each other well - mostly - and are great - mostly - just the way they are. Sometimes I want to whack them upside the head and tell them to get a clue, but I have never thought they needed to be broken and rebuilt new - I love them how they are...Mostly. This Leonard as a cheater thing being the exception.

I also am not completely against drama, per say, there have been times watching this show that I wish they could have just let the heavier moments stick without trying to insert a joke at the end. I'm not even sure drama is what's killing things here, like the drama of Lenny's marriage going completely south within minutes, or the drama of Shamy breaking up. It's the sense to me that this is resetting everything back to the beginning, and the writers have wormed their way out of making any of the bold moves I've been waiting for to keep the show fresh and interesting to me. And yet, at the same time, I don't know if they are NOT going to do them either. Will Penny and Leonard patch it up quickly, and Leonard move in with Penny, or does the casting of Mandy Cho mean their rift is going to last a long time? Because the longer that lasts, the longer they keep Leonard and Sheldon living together. Will Penny and Bernie encourage Amy to try dating someone else so she gets some experience with another guy, and that'll kill Sheldon, so that'll be lengthened out? Will they now just ignore the drama elements in the show and go for some good old-fashioned light-hearted "boys and girls do nerdy stuff" or "work-related crap goes down and we get to hear Barry's rhotacism?"

Best guess is that this situation won't budge all that much until November sweeps. There will probably be ship stuff with Lenny and Shamy thrown in there - they can't keep their 4 main characters from seeing each other, and agonizing over each other until November - but I have a feeling that "the big stuff" won't go down or move forward again until then. And knowing how these writers recycle plots, I would not be surprised to see Amy and Penny stalking Mandy Cho at Cal Tech next week. In fact, a lot will probably go down at Cal Tech next week, as we'll meet Mandy Cho and I bet that Sheldon is going to do something to get himself transferred into Amy's lap somehow. He wants her, we know he does, but he's not in a situation where it's going to work to just tell her that as he has before, so bets are he'll find more devious ways to be a thorn in her side.

But we'll see. I guess my reaction right now is.....really? We're back to here again, and we have to move forward from here? How many times do we have to do this before you guys are going to make a genuine move forward? The show is still entertaining and funny, so I will watch, but the depths to which I care and consider this "must see TV" are getting more and more shallow. All 4 lead characters are now heartbroken and shattered, and it's hard for me to feel it's realistic for them to work their way back together, and while I really want Shamy to do so, I'm not sure about Penny and Leonard. Especially with the way that Leonard's infidelity and Amy's freakout came completely out of thin air just to move the plot and the whole situation for everyone back to this point, where they are literally all back to square one and have to move forward again....and I would want them to move forward pretty much to exactly to where they were before things blew up. Sheldon wanting to marry Amy and them kissing and being so in love, and Leonard and Penny so in love and on the verge of getting married.

I feel like the writers literally wrote us to the point of happiness and elation after 8 years of watching these characters go down this road - marriage right on the horizon for Lenny, engagement right on the horizon for Shamy - and then they have ripped it right out from under the fans and gone back to the beginning. And now they expect us to hang on while they do it again.....to what, season gazillion?

Will Amy's eggs still be viable by then? (jk)

 

 

Edited August 13, 2015 by Lionne

[koops]

Spot on Lio. I think that summarizes how I feel about it to. I love watching this show, and, other than TXF, I've never been so addicted to another show the way I've been with TBBT. However, I feel like TBBT is risking to follow in the footsteps of TXF: withering and dying because the writers just won't wrap things up and move on, but instead keep changing the cards on the table at every turn so they can keep rehashing the same stuff out over and over again. There's two ways a show can wither and die: it either wrap things up and try new things, and those things don't work, or it drags out the same storylines for so long that people no longer care and it turns into a caricature of itself. I am not against the show going on past 10 IF they feel they have fuel in them. But not if the way to do that is by extending the stories they've had so far into eternity. I can deal with them wrapping things up and trying TBBT 2.0 and see how it goes. At least if it tanks I can be "Well, it was good up to here and at least those stories had a satisfying ending". It also surprises me that a show that made the bold move of adding two new characters to their cast well into its run, and got huge positive feedback from that bold change, is now stuck in the mud and spinning its wheels instead of trying another bold move after 5+ years. 

I think there's a lot of interesting stuff to explore in a season where Leonard and Sheldon finally, slowly, part ways as Leonard moves in with Penny. There's a lot of interesting stuff to explore with Lenny learning to live together and solving their issues of insecurity and money and common interests. There's a lot of interesting stuff to explore with having Sheldon live alone for a while before he builds a home there with Amy. There will be lots of stuff to explore with Amy living at 4A and being across the hall from her bestie. Not to mention all the possible career plots: these guys have been scientists for over a decade now, you can have them get tenured, make some major discovery, climb the ladder, get some big grants, get a lab of their own. How about Leonard starting up his own lab and having people working under him? Or, just because I can't help myself to say it, Sheldon and Amy work on something together. There's so much to do still and there's so much happening in science and technology to still have material for plenty of fun stand alone nerdy episodes. Can we please move on, and not turn the show into a ridiculous caricature of itself where the characters grow but never really grow and we see the same plots play out over and over again? Is Mandy going to be Alex 2.0? Is Shamy going to go through Flaming Spittoon 2.0? Really?