[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[joyceraye]

20 minutes ago, April said:

Exactly. There's a context to this scene - it was all about deciding to spend time with Amy on her birthday. For better or for worse, birthdays are a reminder of getting older and as time passes by everyone is inevitably getting closer to the day they die. So while it sounds pretty bleak it fits that it's coming from Arthur cause last time we saw him like that it was after his death and he was urging Sheldon to appreciate the people in his life. It's a lovely callback to that.

 I agree. The first time I heard the line I thought Arthur was reminding him that earthly lifetime is limited. Also the words 'be with this woman' sounded as though there was a lot of emotion behind them. On repeat viewings it's sunk in with me that he also tells Sheldon he can see the movie any time he wants to, in contrast to the time available to be with Amy. That implies to me that Sheldon has less time to spend with Amy, which doesn't make a lot of sense. I don't quite get the juxtaposition.

[Jonny]

3 minutes ago, 5Mississippis said:

Agreeing with what serena wrote.

I really liked the Shamy relationship in Season 4 when they were both very unique individuals who seemed to love their relationship of the mind. This was different type of relationship that we usually see. They were above the ordinary, a completely  unique relationship from the usual and it served as nice counterpoint to what the other couples were doing. Not only did it keep the other characters puzzled but it wonderfully reinforced Howard's Season 3 final line 'My God. What have we done?' I'm sorry that they had the couple slip and slide down into the ordinary relationship muck and drama, rather than continuing to  sit on high, feeling superior and comment on the love/ relationship foibles of the others as if they were researchers observing a pack of poo flinging squabbling monkeys. JMO, but I really liked It when the Shamy were written like that. It was unique, wonderful, and fun to watch. Now, foe me, not so much.

I still think they do have a relationship of the mind but in a natural way it's developed into much more than that as their love for each other has developed and blossomed. I think it was always going to progress into something more because Amy especially is way more than the quirky robotic mirror of Sheldon when she was first introduced. There were signs early on that her strict upbringing, lack of friends and therefore life experiences had restricted her severely.

What I think is missing for some people is perhaps the lack of science Amy in Season 9 and I hope they find a way to get more back into that in Season 10. I mean she's a brilliant scientist and that wasn't explored as much in the last season probably because of the breakup dominated drama. There is nothing stopping the writers going back to more old Amy the scientist and some of her quirky hobbies now she is back in hopefully a stable relationship again (for the moment anyway).

[Jedichic98]

I would love it if they had a story line where Amy was overwhelmed at work (not because I want my baby to suffer) and Sheldon has to comfort her. And by the end she overcomes the obstacles with his support. 

[ATOB]

21 minutes ago, joyceraye said:

 I agree. The first time I heard the line I thought Arthur was reminding him that earthly lifetime is limited. Also the words 'be with this woman' sounded as though there was a lot of emotion behind them. On repeat viewings it's sunk in with me that he also tells Sheldon he can see the movie any time he wants to, in contrast to the time available to be with Amy. That implies to me that Sheldon has less time to spend with Amy, which doesn't make a lot of sense. I don't quite get the juxtaposition.

This! Exactly this! You see if the line about "seeing StarWars any time" was not there then I would agree with the obvious meaning that Shamour and April mention.  But it is there, and that changes the meaning.

"Being with her" (a euphemism for sex because Sheldon is already 'with' Amy relationship-wise) is time-limited. However, there is no limit placed on when he can see StarWars.  So, why is sex with Amy time-limited? Neither are elderly, neither have a life limiting illness. The window in which he can "be with her" is the only thing subject to limitation in Sheldon's imaginings. Why?

[mirs1]

2 hours ago, joyceraye said:

 I agree. The first time I heard the line I thought Arthur was reminding him that earthly lifetime is limited. Also the words 'be with this woman' sounded as though there was a lot of emotion behind them. On repeat viewings it's sunk in with me that he also tells Sheldon he can see the movie any time he wants to, in contrast to the time available to be with Amy. That implies to me that Sheldon has less time to spend with Amy, which doesn't make a lot of sense. I don't quite get the juxtaposition.

For me it meant just that he could have seen the movie any day, but Amy's birthday was just on December 17th. Sheldon (as all of us, for that matter) has a limited number of days to live in this world, was going to the movies instead than celebrating Amy the way he wanted to spend that particular day?

Edited May 24, 2016 by mirs1

[ATOB]

4 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

For me it meant just that he could have seen the movie any day, but Amy's birthday was just on December 17th. Sheldon (as we all, for that matter) has a limited number of days to live in this world, was going to the movies instead than celebrating Amy the way he wanted to spend that particular day?

But that doesn't tie in with "be with her" as a euphemism for sex.  And you can argue that it isn't, but the whole conversation was about sex and his fears of becoming overwhelmed.

So if we remove the euphemism, "you only have a limited time to have sex with her" is pretty blatant in its meaning and explains both the speed with which the sex occurred after their reunion as well as Sheldon's continuing disinterest in the act after the event.

[April]

4 minutes ago, ATOB said:

But that doesn't tie in with "be with her" as a euphemism for sex.  And you can argue that it isn't, but the whole conversation was about sex and his fears of becoming overwhelmed.

The conversation wasn't about sex and his fears at that point so I'm sorry to say but I think your premise is faulty. It's a separate scene early in the episode and he was contemplating spending time with Amy on her birthday instead of going to the movie. It had nothing to do with sex cause he hadn't even made that decision yet. The conversation you are thinking about only comes later.

[BigBang15]

4 hours ago, FileXxX said:

I personally don't want Sheldon and Amy to be more physical. It wouldn't feel like something they would do, especially Sheldon.

And I wouldn't want my 10 year old to be more physical with someone..... but then he grows (up). After 9 years, I'd be worried if he didn't want to be.

Edited May 24, 2016 by BigBang15

[Guest]

8 minutes ago, BigBang15 said:

And I wouldn't want my 10 year old to be more physical with someone..... but then he grows (up). After 9 years, I'd be worried if he didn't want to be.

Except that Sheldon is a grown man already who hasn't developed any sort of sexual desire so far. I see no reason to assume that he's gonna change and I wouldn't like that. Even after having sex with Amy, which he didn't have for his own pleasure, he's still showing no interest in these things, except for the casual kiss.

[djsurrey]

I think it is just part of the larger theme. 

• appreciate those who are still with you
• be with her

[Lady in Red]

When Arthur tells Sheldon he has limited time to be with this woman, the writers were referring back to the wording in the final scene in 7x22.

Sheldon: You’re back.

Arthur: Yeah, apparently, um, I’m here whenever, when, whenever you need me.

Sheldon: That’s nice.

Arthur: May, maybe for you.

Sheldon: Why do I need you now?

Arthur: Well, as near as I could tell, you, you fell asleep watching Star Wars, and now you’re, you’re dreaming you’re watching Star Wars.

Sheldon: So?

Arthur: I mean, don’t, don’t you see a problem there? I mean, how, how you’re spending your limited time on Earth?

Sheldon: Not at all.

Arthur: Okay, good luck to you.

 

In 9x11 Sheldon realizes that he should spend his limited time on Earth to be with Amy, instead of watching Star Wars.  Furthermore, in one of the interviews with Mayim about Opening Night, she mentions that Sheldon was so excited about coming up with the idea to have sex, that he immediately phones Amy in the middle of the night.  Of course, during the conversation he realizes that calling her wasn't the smartest idea, and rings off quickly.  But, I think this was one of the most romantic moments in the evolution of this character. 

[Judith]

1 hour ago, FileXxX said:

Except that Sheldon is a grown man already who hasn't developed any sort of sexual desire so far. I see no reason to assume that he's gonna change and I wouldn't like that. Even after having sex with Amy, which he didn't have for his own pleasure, he's still showing no interest in these things, except for the casual kiss.

Actually, he has developed a sexual desire, which we saw all the times they kissed. Also, the man said himself that he has urges. And he should know better than anyone. 

Their first time (which he liked) was never going to be portrayed as just a spontaneous romp in the sheets since it was supposed to be a big step for them. As for his interest after that, there's nothing to indicate that he wants/doesn't want to do it again. The writers are dragging this out for all it's worth. As for the casual kiss you mention, that's funny, because they haven't even kissed after sex in any ep. I'm pretty sure though that that doesn't mean something in particular in-show.

[ATOB]

1 hour ago, April said:

The conversation wasn't about sex and his fears at that point so I'm sorry to say but I think your premise is faulty. It's a separate scene early in the episode and he was contemplating spending time with Amy on her birthday instead of going to the movie. It had nothing to do with sex cause he hadn't even made that decision yet. The conversation you are thinking about only comes later.

Erm, yeah, it was about sex. Mayim thinks so too...

43 minutes ago, Lady in Red said:

In 9x11 Sheldon realizes that he should spend his limited time on Earth to be with Amy, instead of watching Star Wars.  Furthermore, in one of the interviews with Mayim about Opening Night, she mentions that Sheldon was so excited about coming up with the idea to have sex, that he immediately phones Amy in the middle of the night.  Of course, during the conversation he realizes that calling her wasn't the smartest idea, and rings off quickly.  But, I think this was one of the most romantic moments in the evolution of this character. 

As I said, there are no life threatening reasons why this should be Amy's last birthday,  so no reason for any limitations. The limitation relates to sex. Do you really think Sheldon's actions were entirely selfless? He has no interest in sex.

[April]

58 minutes ago, Lady in Red said:

In 9x11 Sheldon realizes that he should spend his limited time on Earth to be with Amy, instead of watching Star Wars.  Furthermore, in one of the interviews with Mayim about Opening Night, she mentions that Sheldon was so excited about coming up with the idea to have sex, that he immediately phones Amy in the middle of the night.  Of course, during the conversation he realizes that calling her wasn't the smartest idea, and rings off quickly.  But, I think this was one of the most romantic moments in the evolution of this character. 

Correction: He calls her to tell her that he will spend her birthday with her. No mention about sex at all. Idk what interview you are talking about (if you can find it a link would be much appreciated) but that simply is not correct as to what went on on-screen. He only made the decision later and Amy found out from the girls, not Sheldon.

But I agree with the rest of your post.

Edited May 24, 2016 by April

[Lady in Red]

14 minutes ago, ATOB said:

Erm, yeah, it was about sex. Mayim thinks so too...

As I said, there are no life threatening reasons why this should be Amy's last birthday,  so no reason for any limitations. The limitation relates to sex. Do you really think Sheldon's actions were entirely selfless? He has no interest in sex.

The reference to limited time refers to the time we all have in our lives and how we choose to spend our time.  It is his phobias that hold him back from sex.  In a PaleyFest interview a couple of years ago the writers were asked if Shamy would ever have sex?  Of course they didn't answer directly, but it was clear they weren't sure how to make it happen.  They joked that perhaps a rubber suit would be involved.  I think this is a reference to his phobias and indicates that this is the main obstacle that they were concerned about.

 

[Lady in Red]

31 minutes ago, April said:

Correction: He calls her to tell her that he will spend her birthday with her. No mention about sex at all. Idk what interview you are talking about (if you can find it a link would be much appreciated) but that simply is not correct as to what went on on-screen. He only made the decision later and Amy found out from the girls, not Sheldon.

But I agree with the rest of your post.

It was in the December 1, 2015 Glamour interview.

http://www.glamour.com/story/sheldon-and-amy-have-sex-the-b

Mayim: [The] whole episode is about the Star Wars premiere! Instead of going to a Star Wars premiere, Sheldon's conscience, played by Bob Newhart, says "You can see Star Wars anytime. Show Amy she's important to you." And then it occurs to him, "Oh, maybe we should have sex too." [Laughs]

And, from 9x11, 

Arthur: Sheldon, you, you can see this movie whenever you want. But you only have a limited number of days that you, you can be with this woman. Be with her.

Sheldon: You’re right.

I agree with other posters, that "Be with her" refers to sex.  The very next scene is when he calls Amy and wakes her up in the middle of the night.  He stops himself and hangs up before saying, gee, let's have sex.

[mirs1]

3 hours ago, Lady in Red said:

It was in the December 1, 2015 Glamour interview.

http://www.glamour.com/story/sheldon-and-amy-have-sex-the-b

Mayim: [The] whole episode is about the Star Wars premiere! Instead of going to a Star Wars premiere, Sheldon's conscience, played by Bob Newhart, says "You can see Star Wars anytime. Show Amy she's important to you." And then it occurs to him, "Oh, maybe we should have sex too." [Laughs]

And, from 9x11, 

Arthur: Sheldon, you, you can see this movie whenever you want. But you only have a limited number of days that you, you can be with this woman. Be with her.

Sheldon: You’re right.

I agree with other posters, that "Be with her" refers to sex.  The very next scene is when he calls Amy and wakes her up in the middle of the night.  He stops himself and hangs up before saying, gee, let's have sex.

The bold part...He hung up because Amy said something like "Weren't you going to spend my birthday with me?" He wanted just to avoid an argument.  I don't know whether "be with her" was his subconscious suggesting him sex, it might as well be, but at the point of that phone-call he hadn't caught the drift yet, and he called Amy just because he was "proud" of his decision to skip SW premiere for her and wanted her to know that; he hung up because he realized that  might open a whole can of worms. It's pretty clear from his expression as soon as she tells her line. BTW, he was hanging up even before Amy said that line, without any references to his plans for the evening...Amy and her "realization" that she might have been ditched on her birthday produced his quick reaction.

S: See, I had tickets to the Star Wars premiere that night, but Professor Proton came to me in a dream dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi and convinced me I should be with you.

A: Obi-what?  

S: I'll let you get back to sleep now. Good night.

A :Okay. Good night. Wait. Um, Sheldon, were you actually not gonna spend my birthday with me?

S: It's late.Got to go. Bye.

Edited May 24, 2016 by mirs1

[April]

1 minute ago, Lady in Red said:

It was in the December 1, 2015 Glamour interview.

http://www.glamour.com/story/sheldon-and-amy-have-sex-the-b

Mayim: [The] whole episode is about the Star Wars premiere! Instead of going to a Star Wars premiere, Sheldon's conscience, played by Bob Newhart, says "You can see Star Wars anytime. Show Amy she's important to you." And then it occurs to him, "Oh, maybe we should have sex too." [Laughs]

And, from 9x11, 

Arthur: Sheldon, you, you can see this movie whenever you want. But you only have a limited number of days that you, you can be with this woman. Be with her.

Sheldon: You’re right.

I agree with other posters, that "Be with her" refers to sex.  The very next scene is when he calls Amy and wakes her up in the middle of the night.  He stops himself and hangs up before saying, gee, let's have sex.

Okay, two things. First, Mayim didn't say "she mentions that Sheldon was so excited about coming up with the idea to have sex, that he immediately phones Amy in the middle of the night" as per your post. You are putting words in her mouth here. Second, there is nothing in the episode that suggests he "stops himself and hangs up before saying, gee, let's have sex."

Quote

 

Amy: Sheldon, what’s wrong?

Sheldon: I wanted to let you know I’ll be spending your birthday with you.

Amy: Okay.

Sheldon: See, I had tickets to the Star Wars premiere that night, but Professor Proton came to me in a dream dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi and convinced me I should be with you.

Amy: Obi-what?

Sheldon: I’ll let you get back to sleep now. Good night.

Amy: Okay. Good night. Wait. Um, Sheldon, were you actually not gonna spend my birthday with me?

Sheldon: It’s late. Gotta go. Bye.

 

I mean, seriously? He isn't stopping himself from saying anything about what he wants to do with her cause he's already saying good night before Amy calls him out about that he even thought about not spending her birthday with her - and that's when he hangs up. In-story then he spends the following day thinking about a birthday present and that's when he's coming up with the idea of coitus among other things.

I mean interpret all you want but the story makes perfect sense if you take it at face value... and less sense if you imbue it with all sorts of hidden double meanings.

If Arthur was telling him "go sleep with your girlfriend" and Sheldon supposedly understood that and the call was about him having made the decision that he wants to sleep with Amy why would Sheldon look for a birthday present the next day? Why would he need the extra advice from the girls? Why is that scene written as him making the decision then? Why is he telling Arthur "I’ve decided to be physical with my girlfriend" instead of "I decided to follow your advice" or something along those lines? I'm sorry but it really doesn't make any sense. If it were a euphemism for "have sex with Amy" Sheldon clearly didn't understood it as such or else he wouldn't need to go through this decision making process for half of the episode.

[Lady in Red]

21 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

The bold part...He hung up because Amy said something like "Weren't you going to spend my birthday with me?" He wanted just to avoid an argument.  I don't know whether "be with her" was his subconscious suggesting him sex, it might as well be, but at the point of that phone-call he hadn't caught the drift yet, and he called Amy just because he was "proud" of his decision to skip SW premiere for her and wanted her to know that; he hung up because he realized that with that might to open a whole can of worms. It's pretty clear from his expression as soon as she tells her line. BTW, he was hanging up even before Amy said that line, without any references to his plans for the evening...Amy and her "realization" that she might have been ditched on her birthday produced his quick reaction.

S: See, I had tickets to the Star Wars premiere that night, but Professor Proton came to me in a dream dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi and convinced me I should be with you.

A: Obi-what?  

S: I'll let you get back to sleep now. Good night.

A :Okay. Good night. Wait. Um, Sheldon, were you actually not gonna spend my birthday with me?

S: It's late.Got to go. Bye.

I agree, mirs1.  I just think that part of his excitement in making the call was this is when he first had the idea to have sex.  Mayim's comment is my best evidence, plus the fact that his actions in future scenes show a forthright determination to move forward with his plans.  The only doubts come during his dreams.

Edited May 24, 2016 by Lady in Red

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Judith said:

As for his interest after that, there's nothing to indicate that he wants/doesn't want to do it again.

He hasn't shown a tiny bit of interest since they've done it, but has dodged some pretty obvious occasions, like in 9.19 when he mentioned it's still a couple hours until bed time. He could've had sex with her that night, but instead he decided to stare at her through his computer screen. Doesn't look like someone with a "deal" to me.

[JE7]

44 minutes ago, Lady in Red said:

It was in the December 1, 2015 Glamour interview.

http://www.glamour.com/story/sheldon-and-amy-have-sex-the-b

Mayim: [The] whole episode is about the Star Wars premiere! Instead of going to a Star Wars premiere, Sheldon's conscience, played by Bob Newhart, says "You can see Star Wars anytime. Show Amy she's important to you." And then it occurs to him, "Oh, maybe we should have sex too." [Laughs]

And, from 9x11, 

Arthur: Sheldon, you, you can see this movie whenever you want. But you only have a limited number of days that you, you can be with this woman. Be with her.

Sheldon: You’re right.

I agree with other posters, that "Be with her" refers to sex.  The very next scene is when he calls Amy and wakes her up in the middle of the night.  He stops himself and hangs up before saying, gee, let's have sex.

Mayims comments as is often the case do not reflect the actual episode but her take on it, she is not a writer she dosent get to decide what a line means she just reads it.

Your interpreting the meaning of "be with" to fit your head canon, thats fine but it dosent make it a fact.

[Judith]

Proton meant that Star Wars is just a movie that Sheldon can see any day, a premiere isn't worth leaving Amy alone on her birthday. He should appreciate her every chance he gets (which ties in with his previous message of "Appreciate them"). The writers just misspoke through Proton.

But then, let's just say that "Be with her" means "Have sex with her". That would mean that he's telling himself "You can watch this movie when you're 80, [email protected] her while you can". Which...fine by me.

OR!!! It could mean that he's telling himself "Have sex with her to placate her NOW, before she changes her mind and leaves you again". Uh-huh...Yeah, that's it

[Lady in Red]

3 minutes ago, JE7 said:

Mayims comments as is often the case do not reflect the actual episode but her take on it, she is not a writer she dosent get to decide what a line means she just reads it.

I'm sure Mayim's take on the episode is influenced by how the scene was directed.  The actors are given an understanding of their characters' motivations so that they can interpret them correctly for us as they act out the scene.  

[April]

12 minutes ago, FileXxX said:

He hasn't shown a tiny bit of interest since they've done it, but has dodged some pretty obvious occasions, like in 9.19 when he mentioned it's still a couple hours until bed time. He could've had sex with her that night, but instead he decided to stare at her through his computer screen. Doesn't look like someone with a "deal" to me.

Ahh yes, of course! A day full of devastation, anxiety and soul-stripping really should have gotten him in the mood!

lol

(Usual disclaimer: Yes yes, they should have done something with that during the second half of S9, yadda yadda. It's just, this specific episode was really not the right time.)

[Judith]

16 minutes ago, FileXxX said:

He hasn't shown a tiny bit of interest since they've done it, but has dodged some pretty obvious occasions, like in 9.19 when he mentioned it's still a couple hours until bed time. He could've had sex with her that night, but instead he decided to stare at her through his computer screen. Doesn't look like someone with a "deal" to me.

Yes, because he was excited about the laptop and it was a Sheldon thing to do to send her home to try it out. We don't know what happenned next. We already know he has a deal since he has said so himself (among other things).