[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[The Mushroom Log]

I found seasons 1-5 funny and really did not care for Seasons 6 and 7.  But Season 8 was delightful.  While it was not always "laugh out loud funny" it was entertaining and fun.   It also had some great poignant moments as well.   Overall I think it was a good season and in a few episodes did remind me of earlier seasons.   Seasons 6 and 7 were the worst seasons so far for me.  I hope Season 9 is as good if not even better than season 8 and does not go down the Season 6/7 rabbit hole.   Season 6 had a lot of mean tone by many of the characters and it was too much drama.  Season 7 was better than 6, but only marginally and it too seemed to not have much humor.   

Season 8 was much better and moving toward a goal and you could see they were heading somewhere finally.  But also, it seemed like the characters were more kind to each other than in Seasons 6/7 and also more content.  

 

As far as spoilers, I think the only thing we will get before the taping report is a rehash of what has been out there since Comic-Con.  Beyond that, I think it will remain tight lipped until taping night.   Mayim might slip something and we likely will see a script cover from Bill, but otherwise it likely will be rather quiet about content.

Besides the main cast, according to imdB, the additional folks that are going to be in the first episode include:

Kevin Sussman (Stuart)
Laura Spencer (Emily) and
LaVelle LaRue (Security)

 

I reckon the security guard will have something to do with Vegas, if Lenny are still going to be there in the premiere. 

I'm not expecting any more spoilers...but it's less than three weeks now so it's not like we really need any more  

While Season 8 was not the funniest season by a longshot, I personally found it way funnier than Season 7. Season 7 seemed to swap much of its potential humour for bland, boring conversation and relationship stuff. It just wasn't really that funny and is my least favourite season. I actually don't mind Season 6, I'm not sure why but I just seem to prefer it over Season 7.

Relationship-wise, obviously Season 8 has been the best for Shamy so far (minus the finale, although I actually think the break is a good thing). . As a whole, Season 8 just seemed a bit more light-hearted than Season 7 (except of course for the passing of Mrs Wolowitz). 

The funniest seasons in my opinion are 1, 2, 3 and 5. It slipped a little bit in Season 4 (especially with all the relationship drama associated with Priya) but picked right back up again for Season 5 (which is my all-time favourite season). 

 

Edited July 23, 2015 by The Mushroom Log

[tmp]

Hopefully! I forgot about the script covers...when does he normally post them? It's been a while.

He usually posts them the day of the table read for the episode.  Since the first taping is Aug 11, the table read will probably be Aug 5.

The closer it gets, the more impatient I get.

[stardustmelody]

I reckon the security guard will have something to do with Vegas, if Lenny are still going to be there in the premiere. 

I'm not expecting any more spoilers...but it's less than three weeks now so it's not like we really need any more  

While Season 8 was not the funniest season by a longshot, I personally found it way funnier than Season 7. Season 7 seemed to swap much of its potential humour for bland, boring conversation and relationship stuff. It just wasn't really that funny and is my least favourite season. I actually don't mind Season 6, I'm not sure why but I just seem to prefer it over Season 7.

Relationship-wise, obviously Season 8 has been the best for Shamy so far (minus the finale, although I actually think the break is a good thing). . As a whole, Season 8 just seemed a bit more light-hearted than Season 7 (except of course for the passing of Mrs Wolowitz). 

The funniest seasons in my opinion are 1, 2, 3 and 5. It slipped a little bit in Season 4 (especially with all the relationship drama associated with Priya) but picked right back up again for Season 5 (which is my all-time favourite season). 

 

I actually was wondering if the security guard may be related to Raj/Emily since they were in the grave yard in a compromising position kind of thing.  It might also be related to Lenny, but I am leaning more toward Raj/Emily.   

Yes, and S9 is supposed to open up with a scene in Vegas, so that has to be Lenny-related.  

I agree that S8 was much funnier than S7 by a long shot.  The reason I did  not care for S6 is the dialog was very mean.  You had Penny being mean to Leonard a lot of the time and to Amy.   You had Sheldon being mean to Amy.  Amy was basically a doormat most of the latter half of Season 6.   I didn['t like how S6 started, with the bonding of Sheldon and Penny because to me what made them fun was their bickering, not their "likenesses."  But starting the 3rd episode it was not bad until after Valentine's episode, where it went downhill fast, other than episode 6.23 (Love Spell).  But then they went no where with Love Spell after that.  It was like they started S7 as if it never happened. 

Season 7 wasn't as mean, but it also was bland, as you said.  I can't think of any episodes short of Lenny getting engaged that stand out from that season. Season 7 also started out weird to me because I expected more discussion to happen about Leonard's trip and it was glossed over so quickly in a way.   Very strange.   Plus there was a lot of Lenny bickering in Season 7 until they finally did get on the same page about the engagement.   But all the false engagements kind of stole thunder and well, it seemed anti-climatic.   Shamy were okay, but again...more bland.  I liked Shamy a lot in S8 because they finally had some momentum. 

[The Mushroom Log]

The closer it gets, the more impatient I get.

Preaching to the choir.

I actually was wondering if the security guard may be related to Raj/Emily since they were in the grave yard in a compromising position kind of thing.  It might also be related to Lenny, but I am leaning more toward Raj/Emily.   

Yes, and S9 is supposed to open up with a scene in Vegas, so that has to be Lenny-related.  

I agree that S8 was much funnier than S7 by a long shot.  The reason I did  not care for S6 is the dialog was very mean.  You had Penny being mean to Leonard a lot of the time and to Amy.   You had Sheldon being mean to Amy.  Amy was basically a doormat most of the latter half of Season 6.   I didn['t like how S6 started, with the bonding of Sheldon and Penny because to me what made them fun was their bickering, not their "likenesses."  But starting the 3rd episode it was not bad until after Valentine's episode, where it went downhill fast, other than episode 6.23 (Love Spell).  But then they went no where with Love Spell after that.  It was like they started S7 as if it never happened. 

Season 7 wasn't as mean, but it also was bland, as you said.  I can't think of any episodes short of Lenny getting engaged that stand out from that season. Season 7 also started out weird to me because I expected more discussion to happen about Leonard's trip and it was glossed over so quickly in a way.   Very strange.   Plus there was a lot of Lenny bickering in Season 7 until they finally did get on the same page about the engagement.   But all the false engagements kind of stole thunder and well, it seemed anti-climatic.   Shamy were okay, but again...more bland.  I liked Shamy a lot in S8 because they finally had some momentum. 

Ooh I never thought about the security guard relating to Raj/Emily...that's actually not a bad idea!!! I'm so intrigued by why the security guard is there which is hilarious because it's such a minor detail! No idea how the security guard could relate to Howardette/Stuart or Shamy so IMO it has to be either Lenny or Rajily.

I hope the premiere isn't too Lenny-centric although from Comic Con I think we can expect to see a fair amount of Shamy-related material as well. Maybe not a lot of interaction (like maybe one scene at the most) but at least a secondary storyline relating to them? That's not too much to ask for  

Yeah I guess Season 6 did have a lot of meanness to it...one thing I really don't like about Season 6 is that Shamy's relationship seemed to go downhill, as you said. They both manipulated each other and Amy really did become a doormat. 'Love Spell' was a weird and wonderful anomaly which never seemed to be spoken of again.

Season 7 wasn't as mean as Season 6 but it was just so boring. Probably the only episode that stands out to me is 7x15 but only because of the SIK. Meanness aside, Season 6 was way funnier than Season 7. I think the meanness in Season 6 was often intended as humour (and admittedly some of it, not all of it, was actually funny) whereas the bickering in Season 7 had no humorous intent and was meant as genuine bickering and nastiness. There wasn't really much momentum for anything in Season 7 and like you I preferred Season 8 for Shamy because that momentum was finally there. Hopefully it continues (in a good way) in Season 9! 

[mirs1]

 

Besides the main cast, according to imdB, the additional folks that are going to be in the first episode include:

Kevin Sussman (Stuart)
Laura Spencer (Emily) and
LaVelle LaRue (Security)

 

Wow...it looks like a pretty crowded episode. I know that since it will begin just few hours after the finale one should expect that all the stories will get their follow up, but I was hoping more focus on few plots... I don't like very much episodes with more than 3 plots and as a Season Premiere I don't think they are really necessary.

 In your opinion how this fact (if ImdB is right) will effect Lenny supposed wedding? I think if so many stories are to be told, there will be no wedding for them in Vegas, unless all the gang go there with them. So, at least a wedding all by themselves could be ruled out, I guess...

[Tensor]

I hope the premiere isn't too Lenny-centric although from Comic Con I think we can expect to see a fair amount of Shamy-related material as well. Maybe not a lot of interaction (like maybe one scene at the most) but at least a secondary storyline relating to them? That's not too much to ask for  

yeah, wouldn't want to see too much Lenny, after seeing their relationship drowning out all the other interactions in season 8.  They really need to cut more time from them.  I know, TPTB could just have them break up in the cold open, that way you won't have to see them for the rest of the episode. 

[veejay]

[The Mushroom Log]

yeah, wouldn't want to see too much Lenny, after seeing their relationship drowning out all the other interactions in season 8.  They really need to cut more time from them.  I know, TPTB could just have them break up in the cold open, that way you won't have to see them for the rest of the episode. 

omg pls!!! 

But seriously dude, chill out. This isn't the Lenny thread so i'm sorry if all of my opinions aren't 100% supportive of that particular ship. 

Not everybody is a hardcore Lenny shipper like you appear to be (and yes, I know that not everybody is a hardcore Shamy shipper either).

There are Shamy shippers that post on this particular thread, god forbid they start speculating about the Season 9 premiere...

 

[Tensor]

omg pls!!! 

But seriously dude, chill out. This isn't the Lenny thread so i'm sorry if all of my opinions aren't 100% supportive of that particular ship. 

Not everybody is a hardcore Lenny shipper like you appear to be (and yes, I know that not everybody is a hardcore Shamy shipper either).

There are Shamy shippers that post on this particular thread, god forbid they start speculating about the Season 9 premiere...

Youre right, this isn't the Lenny thread.  Which is why I posted what I said here, it's hardly supportive of Lenny. 

[veejay]

omg pls!!! 

But seriously dude, chill out. This isn't the Lenny thread so i'm sorry if all of my opinions aren't 100% supportive of that particular ship. 

Not everybody is a hardcore Lenny shipper like you appear to be (and yes, I know that not everybody is a hardcore Shamy shipper either).

There are Shamy shippers that post on this particular thread, god forbid they start speculating about the Season 9 premiere...

 

To paraphrase Sheldon:
…because not only has that ship sailed. If it hit an iceberg, countless men would perish.

[The Mushroom Log]

Youre right, this isn't the Lenny thread.  Which is why I posted what I said here, it's hardly supportive of Lenny. 

um...

 

[Tensor]

Of course it was sarcasm, but that kind of sentiment still can't be put on the Lenny thread.  And if you think I need to chill on that reply, you should have seen the reactions last year, when Lenny's were being told or it was implied (mostly by Shamy's) that it was OK to cut Lenny's time, because Lenny had too much time in prior years, or it's been done over and over, etc.  Just so you're aware, the major lack of Lenny, along with the mostly negative connotations for them in season 8 has Lenny sensibilities kinda raw.   

[SRAM]

Of course it was sarcasm, but that kind of sentiment still can't be put on the Lenny thread.  And if you think I need to chill on that reply, you should have seen the reactions last year, when Lenny's were being told or it was implied (mostly by Shamy's) that it was OK to cut Lenny's time, because Lenny had too much time in prior years, or it's been done over and over, etc.  Just so you're aware, the major lack of Lenny, along with the mostly negative connotations for them in season 8 has Lenny sensibilities kinda raw.   

Yeah I remember that well, plus the other condescending remark about how Lenny's are being too sensitive when everyone knows by the end of the season they will be fine.  Yeah, that last scene of the season they looked great, no worries there.

[veejay]

Well, three weeks to go......or most we need a time-machine?

[Carlos]

I hope the premiere isn't too Lenny-centric ....

 

For the record, no, WE Lennies don't need to chill out at all. What YOU need to do is not say anything that  remotely resembles attacking a ship that's not yours. It would be sort of like me saying I hope we don't see Shamy in the premier, or some crap like that. JMO, but I believe it's better not to try to put down someone else's ship, because it will, obviously, not be taken too kindly.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Carlos

[tmp]

Well, three weeks to go......or most we need a time-machine?

Don't we all have an agreement that if any of us ever invent a time machine, we'll transport back here in 5 seconds and tell the others about it?

[Carlos]

Yeah I remember that well, plus the other condescending remark about how Lenny's are being too sensitive when everyone knows by the end of the season they will be fine.  Yeah, that last scene of the season they looked great, no worries there.

Yes, I really can't believe how some people feel the need to denigrate someone else's ship in order to feel good about theirs...

[Tensor]

Well, three weeks to go......or most we need a time-machine?

Well, if we got a time machine to go forward, then the time machine wouldn't be here to use to take us to the future.  This is a rookie time travel mistake.  

[The Mushroom Log]

 

Guys, please know that I am not trying to denigrate the Lenny ship in order to feel better about my own. I like Lenny and want them to be happy but I like Shamy more, so naturally I don't want them to be overshadowed by Lenny in the premiere. That being said, I also don't want Lenny to be overshadowed by Shamy (even though I might not have said so yet on these forums). What is so wrong about that?! 

You're all attacking me for complaining about Lenny...but don't tell me that you wouldn't be doing the same if the premiere was Shamy-centric instead. Ideally I'd actually like a balance between both ships rather than one overshadowing the other. Would I be annoyed if the premiere was all about Shamy with hardly any Lenny? Shock horror, yes I would. I don't know if you actually read the entirety of my original post, but I did say that I would still be happy if Shamy was just a secondary storyline or if they only had one scene. 

I'm really, really sorry if I upset anyone with any of my posts! I'm not trying to be condescending towards any ship (or its shippers) and I truly apologise if it came off that way. 

[tmp]

I want a balance of everything the show has to offer...romantic relationships, friendships, science, nerdery, main characters, guest stars, humor, heart.  We're all partial to certain elements, but I think most of us can agree that the show wouldn't work if it didn't have a balance of everything that made it what it is.

Having said that, I just really want the show to be all about Cinnamon.

Edited July 24, 2015 by tmp

[rachelshamyfan]

Well, if we got a time machine to go forward, then the time machine wouldn't be here to use to take us to the future.  This is a rookie time travel mistake.  

we could always get two so one could be left behind

[SRAM]

we could always get two so one could be left behind

if you came back to now, just before you left, you would at some point have two time machines and wouldn't then have to build the second one.

[SRAM]

Hey! I think you're all forgetting that if you go into the future, what about the intelligent dog uprising? Consider the dogs tearing your machine apart!

I would just sell out the human race, big time, so the dogs would let me go and proceed further in the future to the point intelligent flying Dolphins controlled the world and I could spend my remaining days in bliss at the thinkatorium.

[stardustmelody]

Typically finales and premieres include full cast and that means a lot of split stories going on.   Just a reality.  I doubt this year will be any different.  We will likely see four stories trying to be balanced.   However, as they move throughout the year, there are often episodes that focus only on two stories and those are usually the most favored episodes (or most highly ranked) because they actually get somewhere and have more depth to them.   But I don't expect that in the premiere.  The premiere is usually a "stage setter" for the remaining season and wraps up previous season story.   

I fully expect we will see plenty of Lenny and Shamy, but we also will see Raj/Emily and then there must be a story with Bernie/Howie and Stuart going on as well because they don't seem like they fit well with the Shamy or Lenny stories.    However, I could see the three of them going to go rescue Raj/Emily should they be arrested or something (security guard comes to mind).   LOL!   But I do think Raj/Emily, Howard/Bernadette/Stuart will all be short-changed when it comes to air time over Lenny/Shamy stories because those two stories were the major teaser for this coming season.   They know everyone is tuning in to see more and so the premiere is likely to be more centrally focused on those two stories with a peppering of the other stories for some comedy relief.

[PatsyR]

One of my great hopes for Season 9 is that Sheldon will pick Amy up in his arms and carry her somewhere (preferably the bedroom).  I'd hate to see all that effort that Jim has put into improving his upper body go to waste and, from my own personal observation while waiting in line for an autograph after AN ACT OF GOD, I can assure you, those biceps are bulging! Please, writers! Give Jim a chance to show off his muscles!  I mean, I don't think Leonard, Raj, or Howard will ever be able to lift their women. More likely, it would be the other way around.  What more super hero act is there than carrying a damsel in distress to safety? (or to coital bliss?).