[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[JE7]

Serious question, why do you go to such lengths to explain away Sheldon's bad behavior. You admit it was inappropriate but then justify it. Why is it diffrent just because it's Sheldon?

At his age living and working in the world as an adult shouldn't he be held to the same standards as others and if not why?

And since he has NOT and never will be diagnosed with any "condition" you can't use that reason only what we have seen on the show

Edited February 19, 2016 by JE7

[Tonstar17]

Stuart is as creepy as sheldon. We don't know why Stuart does what he does because tptb haven't told us, he could be nuts just like sheldon so he should get a pass as well just like sheldon. Oh i forgot the guy with so much excuses made up for him to justify his actions is not creepy or nuts. But Stuart is.

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[April]

Sheldon's inappropriate behaviour really needs to be addressed in some way. They did that with him terrorising everyone while he was ill. Well done, show. But in the same episode a ton of other areas are shown to be, say, "work in progress" to put it mildly. I really really wish at some point (sooner rather than later) Lenny start setting boundaries and emancipate themselves here because that kind of living situation is ridiculous enough as it is - it's even more unbelievable if one party involved don't even like living with the other. Why would anyone in their right mind do that to themselves???

If I were terribly optimistic about this I'd say that the writers do have a few potentially interesting ingredients to cook up a nice plot and finally set things into motion with the living arrangements. Sheldon's personal growth has been the centre of attention (to the dismay of many here, I know), but also Lenny have dealt with a few personal issues regarding their maturity. Basically all that's missing is a catalyst that challenges their homeostasis. As said, I really hope that happens sooner rather than later. ugh

Edited February 19, 2016 by April

[Nogravitasatall]

15 minutes ago, April said:

Sheldon's inappropriate behaviour really needs to be addressed in some way. They did that with him terrorising everyone while he was ill. Well done, show. But in the same episode a ton of other areas are shown to be, say, "work in progress" to put it mildly. I really really wish at some point (sooner rather than later) Lenny start setting boundaries and emancipate themselves here because that kind of living situation is ridiculous enough as it is - it's even more unbelievable if one party involved don't even like living with the other. Why would anyone in their right mind do that to themselves???

If I were terribly optimistic about this I'd say that the writers do have a few potentially interesting ingredients to cook up a nice plot and finally set things into motion with the living arrangements. Sheldon's personal growth has been the centre of attention (to the dismay of many here, I know), but also Lenny have dealt with a few personal issues regarding their maturity. Basically all that's missing is a catalyst that challenges their homeostasis. As said, I really hope that happens sooner rather than later. ugh

S10 is not far away and they could wrap with the resolution of the dysfunctions. However, they rely on the dysfunctions for comedy, so dysfunction is what we have had and will continue to get. I can't see why they would change the formula. It's a successful product, with no flagging demand, so they will make the rational choice of continuing as they have gone before, until something commercial changes. They are wriggling a little bit artistically with the "evolved" Sheldon but I'd be more surprised than Penny in the shower if they make everything normal.

[3ku11]

It has been Lenny and Sheldon ever since s3. So its not a new thing. But face of show has changed. Sheldon has. Therefore his dynamic with Penny particularly too. Has changed. So I.think.the point here is Set Boundaries. Sheldon.cleaning a single, 22 unattached womens apt. Funny. Fast forward eight years. Said women now married to his roommate. Guy walking in on a married women. Not funny, now just creepy and crossing boundaries. Writinh needs to evolve. I can no longer take this show seriously. Too many inconsisties.

 

Eta: that's what was good about last ep. New set designs. Show needs refreshing up. Holding onto a premise that has past its due by date. Is loosing other possibilities. Story wise.

Edited February 19, 2016 by 3ku11

[Tensor]

5 minutes ago, Nogravitasatall said:

S10 is not far away and they could wrap with the resolution of the dysfunctions. However, they rely on the dysfunctions for comedy, so dysfunction is what we have had and will continue to get. I can't see why they would change the formula. It's a successful product, with no flagging demand, so they will make the rational choice of continuing as they have gone before, until something commercial changes. They are wriggling a little bit artistically with the "evolved" Sheldon but I'd be more surprised than Penny in the shower if they make everything normal.

I must commend you for your insight, but I'm really not fond of how right this is. 

[April]

1 minute ago, Nogravitasatall said:

S10 is not far away and they could wrap with the resolution of the dysfunctions. However, they rely on the dysfunctions for comedy, so dysfunction is what we have had and will continue to get. I can't see why they would change the formula. It's a successful product, with no flagging demand, so they will make the rational choice of continuing as they have gone before, until something commercial changes. They are wriggling a little bit artistically with the "evolved" Sheldon but I'd be more surprised than Penny in the shower if they make everything normal.

Nobody is saying that they need to make everybody behave like terribly "normal" well-adjusted adults all of a sudden. Personally, I just believe that there's plenty of dysfunctions for comedy left even after Lenny move into 4B. There are very few plots that would require the backdrop of Lenny living part time in 4A. For all that they're keeping this constellation as it is they aren't exactly mining the living arrangements for all its comedy potential, IMHO.

[Carlos]

20 hours ago, jenafan said:

You aren't the only one.   It bothered me, too.   It was the only part of the episode that I did not like.

It think part of it is because Sheldon was so supportive of Howard and joined in the celebrations rather than attempted to ruin the party.   If he had been a jerk, I can understand Lenny doing what they did to him, but Sheldon was a true friend tonight.    He even told Howard he would make a good father.

Also, I'm tired of the writers having Leonard and Penny treat Sheldon as if he were their child and hanging out in his kitchen watching over him.   I'm so done with it.

TBH I found the episode... Meh... even if there are some Howardette moments that are just adorable. I sort of couldn't stand the Karaoke, which brings me to a reflection: Has all of a sudden Howard forgotten how to sing? He seemed to be doing it just fine when Bernadette was quarantined, so Howard singing awfully didn't ring true to me.

As far as writing on Sheldon's face it didn't bother me too much because even if he was being a true friend in this episode  he has done some pretty mean things in the past, but most importantly because I think it was just used to set up a joke implying that Lenny are not ready yet to form a family because they are still immature.

Bolded part: agree 100%, but the writers seem unwilling to take any big risks and try to maintain the status quo at any cost.

[Kasey]

1 hour ago, Nogravitasatall said:

I'm not saying he should. I'm saying he will. He certainly should not behave that way, but he will anyway because he has a different decision making process to what is common. He is pretty much invulnerable to shame and guilt, which drive most of us. He doesn't blush at anything, literally. So I am not condoning him or admiring him but it's an observation. And he is just lucky that he has sufficient privilege to get away with what he does.

edit. And if Penny wants privacy she should move. And Leonard should buck up and start the move process himself. But then they lose the funny, so....

With regards to the bolded part, I think (though I hate it) that they will never move because that apartment is so central to the show that there would be another big bang if Lenny moved out. 

I don't think it's because they want Sheldon in between the relationship of Lenny BUT that Sheldon and Leonard's friendship is so central to the show that they almost have to live together.  Possibly to the casual fan, they couldn't handle the changes of Lenny moving into Penny's apartment and Sheldon being alone (or with Amy). 

19 minutes ago, Carlos said:

TBH I found the episode... Meh... even if there are some Howardette moments that are just adorable. I sort of couldn't stand the Karaoke, which brings me to a reflection: Has all of a sudden Howard forgotten how to sing? He seemed to be doing it just fine when Bernadette was quarantined, so Howard singing awfully didn't ring true to me.

As far as writing on Sheldon's face it didn't bother me too much because even if he was being a true friend in this episode  he has done some pretty mean things in the past, but most importantly because I think it was just used to set up a joke implying that Lenny are not ready yet to form a family because they are still immature.

Bolded part: agree 100%, but the writers seem unwilling to take any big risks and try to maintain the status quo at any cost.

Bolding's mine.  Very true.  And I really see them writing on Sheldon as their being goofy and just trying to antagonize Sheldon like he does to them.  Immature - maybe.  But aren't we all at times? 

[luminous]

2 hours ago, Nogravitasatall said:

And he's a guywho lived in Germany briefly, where some norms are different.

Well, over here it is inappropriate and rude to walk in on someone who is showering too.

Edited February 20, 2016 by luminous

[ATOB]

1 hour ago, Tonstar17 said:

 

Sorry but that Sheldon is not the 2016 Sheldon. He has supposedly learnt a lot since then and should know better. Sorry don't buy it. He knows a lot now and please someone take the vinyl of repeat. It's annoying.

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You're missing my point. Yes, he does know better, I agree.  My point is that he doesn't care.  "Me first" is his motivation.  He has an obligation to fulfill, he doesn't care that this ain't a great time, place or situation to 'apologize'. The irony is that in his need to apologize for being an arse he is in fact being an arse!

[Desdemona]

Now that in the next episode we are going to see Leonard arguing with Amy about who should talk with Sheldon, I wonder if that could be one possible direction the writers want to go. I mean first we had Amy to stand her point against Meemaw and next she´s discussing with Leonard.

These events could be the catalysts for Amy to talk with Sheldon about their future and how long  he does want to live with Leonard.

There are so many situations, where these two couples could easily get into a discussion. Or Shamy just do some of their awkward activities so Lenny goes over to 4b to have their space and peace. This could be fun.

Or the writers  give Penny finally an offer for a good role, but she has to spent a few months abroad or in another state in the U.S. for the tapings, so Leonard accompanies her because he doesn´t want to be without her and takes all the vacation he has left.

[Strawberry PopTart Fan]

34 minutes ago, Kasey said:

With regards to the bolded part, I think (though I hate it) that they will never move because that apartment is so central to the show that there would be another big bang if Lenny moved out. 

I don't think it's because they want Sheldon in between the relationship of Lenny BUT that Sheldon and Leonard's friendship is so central to the show that they almost have to live together.  Possibly to the casual fan, they couldn't handle the changes of Lenny moving into Penny's apartment and Sheldon being alone (or with Amy). 

Bolding's mine.  Very true.  And I really see them writing on Sheldon as their being goofy and just trying to antagonize Sheldon like he does to them.  Immature - maybe.  But aren't we all at times? 

3 mil$ per episode smushed together under the same roof week after week IS pretty mind boggling! I wish at least we'd get a peek at the newlyweds in THEIR bedroom now and again. With the door locked.It's just a short little walk away from THE ISLAND.

 

[Nogravitasatall]

51 minutes ago, luminous said:

Well, over here it is inappropriate and rude to walk in on someone who is showering too.

Yeah, he is just an arschloch. I was stretching. But I do fondly recall I think it was Wednesday's at the Memmelsdorf public baths.   And in the 80s every German houseguest I had got their kit off at the beach, so... Good times. Lol. 

[Earnie]

13 minutes ago, Strawberry PopTart Fan said:

3 mil$ per episode smushed together under the same roof week after week IS pretty mind boggling! I wish at least we'd get a peek at the newlyweds in THEIR bedroom now and again. With the door locked.It's just a short little walk away from THE ISLAND.

 

Yes pictured this Sheldon walks past  the Lenny bedroom you hear Penny behind the closed door say Leonard you beast the same line Leslie Winkle said

[Kasey]

1 hour ago, Strawberry PopTart Fan said:

3 mil$ per episode smushed together under the same roof week after week IS pretty mind boggling! I wish at least we'd get a peek at the newlyweds in THEIR bedroom now and again. With the door locked.It's just a short little walk away from THE ISLAND.

 

Are we sure there isn't a cot behind THE ISLAND that they sleep on?

[Nogravitasatall]

Hey, on the plus side... things are going great for Sheldon. That can't last, can it? Hehehe.

[vonmar]

I keep tying and deleting things I've typed. I'm trying so hard to resist getting sucked into the vortex that is this thread sometimes.  

<sigh> Happy Friday all.  

 

 

 

 

[Einstein Von Brainstorm]

I'm interested in the theory here that Sheldon, Leonard and Penny 'have' to be together in 4a all the time because they are the big earners and TPTB have to have them front and centre at all times.

As of season 10 Simon and Kunal will also be hitting the $1 mil per ep (right?) so are they gonna get more screen time do we think? Screen time equal to Jim, Kaley and Johnny? 

I don't see that happening, I think it's cus they are the original 3 stars that story usually revolves around the 3 of them together and as Penny does not work with them that story usually (unfortunately) happens to be in 4a.

I'm done with it tbh, move across the hall already and just hang out in 4a for dinner and stuff already 

[3ku11]

10 minutes ago, Einstein Von Brainstorm said:

I'm interested in the theory here that Sheldon, Leonard and Penny 'have' to be together in 4a all the time because they are the big earners and TPTB have to have them front and centre at all times.

As of season 10 Simon and Kunal will also be hitting the $1 mil per ep (right?) so are they gonna get more screen time do we think? Screen time equal to Jim, Kaley and Johnny? 

I don't see that happening, I think it's cus they are the original 3 stars that story usually revolves around the 3 of them together and as Penny does not work with them that story usually (unfortunately) happens to be in 4a.

I'm done with it tbh, move across the hall already and just hang out in 4a for dinner and stuff already 

Problem is does ThAt change anything? Not really. Lenny would need to move out of the Apt Unit. But that wont happen till the very end.

[Nogravitasatall]

9 minutes ago, Einstein Von Brainstorm said:

I'm interested in the theory here that Sheldon, Leonard and Penny 'have' to be together in 4a all the time because they are the big earners and TPTB have to have them front and centre at all times.

As of season 10 Simon and Kunal will also be hitting the $1 mil per ep (right?) so are they gonna get more screen time do we think? Screen time equal to Jim, Kaley and Johnny? 

I don't see that happening, I think it's cus they are the original 3 stars that story usually revolves around the 3 of them together and as Penny does not work with them that story usually (unfortunately) happens to be in 4a.

I'm done with it tbh, move across the hall already and just hang out in 4a for dinner and stuff already 

It's the premise for their product. To shuffle the deck messes with the formulation. It is soooooooooooooooooo hard to get that formula right. Thousand of ideas shopped around, hundreds of producers winnowing through stuff, dozens of pilots being shot,  tens of shows going into full production and a handful in any one year getting to run five years and fewer going ten years.

I really don't know why, until market forces act, that they will change what has worked. If they want freshness they'll start another production.  Of course I am often wrong. And I am not across the ratings.

[djsurrey]

There is a good chance I'll be watching the last episode again tonight or on the weekend.

I'm being to think perhaps Johnny is a more convincing Leonard when he is irritated, exasperated, upset, overjoyed or being mischievous than when he is just being neutral with Penny. I'm wondering if perhaps there is a reason Leonard has just been reacting to situations lately.  If that were true it might limit what the writers can write for him.

In comparison Kaley, Simon and Jim seem to be able to pull just about anything off. I might be completely off but it just occasionally looks Leonard is somehow not Leonard.

[Judith]

Some very interesting posts here...What I'm about to say has already been said by other posters but anyway...

I think that it's feasible for Leonard and Penny to move in 4b without missing out on funny situations. The show isn't going to collapse on its foundations if that happens (unfortunately, the writers think that it will and that's what matters) - on the contrary, many new funny plots could occur, especially if Amy moves in.

The thing is though, there is no way in hell Amy will ever be treated as anything more than a secondary character - we saw that with the break-up - so that alone makes me think that changes in living arrangements will happen towards the end with L and P moving in to 4b and then in the series finale buying a house (or not). So unfortunately, I don't think we're going to see S and A live together a lot (that goes to the Shamies).

As for Leonard, I always thought Galecki's acting was bad at the beginning of the show but he has improved vastly during the seasons. Thank god he stopped doing that extremely irritating head lift...I don't think Galecki's acting abilities have anything to do with Leonard being a reactionary character...I think he's always been like that - the straight man reacting to the crazy people around him. 

This is all IMO.

[3ku11]

16 minutes ago, Judith said:

Some very interesting posts here...What I'm about to say has already been said by other posters but anyway...

I think that it's feasible for Leonard and Penny to move in 4b without missing out on funny situations. The show isn't going to collapse on its foundations if that happens (unfortunately, the writers think that it will and that's what matters) - on the contrary, many new funny plots could occur, especially if Amy moves in.

The thing is though, there is no way in hell Amy will ever be treated as anything more than a secondary character - we saw that with the break-up - so that alone makes me think that changes in living arrangements will happen towards the end with L and P moving in to 4b and then in the series finale buying a house (or not). So unfortunately, I don't think we're going to see S and A live together a lot (that goes to the Shamies).

As for Leonard, I always thought Galecki's acting was bad at the beginning of the show but he has improved vastly during the seasons. Thank god he stopped doing that extremely irritating head lift...I don't think Galecki's acting abilities have anything to do with Leonard being a reactionary character...I think he's always been like that - the straight man reacting to the crazy people around him. 

This is all IMO.

Hmm yeah his Golden Globe Nomination. Says it all. Johnny is a diverse actor. I just think Leonard has always been the straight man. Everything seen from HIS pov.

[3ku11]

Watching the wedding ringer. Kaley is kinda a bitch shes only marrying the guy as hes got good family connections. Hmm kinda Like Lenny lol. Other then bad family connections haha. Still better then Lennys wedding