1013 The Romance Recalibration

[Tensor]

'The Romance Recalibration ' - Season 10, Episode 13 
Airs Thursday, January 19 at 8/7c on CBS.

When Penny feels that Leonard is taking her for granted, she decides to go on a spa weekend with Amy. Also, Wolowitz and Koothrappali try to fix a squeaky floorboard in the baby's room.

[Guest]

I really liked it. It's not even close as bad as it sounded.  I enjoyed the ending where Penny couldn't really stop smiling and both were in good spirits.

I also LOVED that their RA contains a line that prevents Penny from not saying what's bothering her, or bottling up her feelings, because that's one of the few things I didn't like about her at all.

Edited January 20, 2017 by FileXxX
forgot an important word LOL

[gsxdoug]

I'm going to rate this as merely okay. Not a big amount of laughs and I found the Shamy make-out somewhat cringe-worthy. I really don't think the Lenny tiff was worth all the angst displayed in here in the last little while.

[vonmar]

From Glamour

The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 13 Recap: Penny and Leonard Deal With Marriage Issues in "The Romance Recalibration"

"Is it normal for the husband to stop giving a crap?"

Whoa. And with that, Kaley Cuoco's Penny opened up a big ol' can of worms on the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory.

(more in the link)

[Chrismo]

I agree with rating of okay. Could careless about the H/B/R storyline. It seemed to me something was missing when all of a sudden S and L were suddenly driving to the spa. The set up for the argument in 4a was far fetched. Sheldon pretending he cares is a bit much. To me its  subtle but in the girl part it always seems when Lenny has issues Bernadette seems to take Leonard's side. Still not totally convinced Penny is going to follow the RA.

[Guest]

Btw, @kerrycec03 and @CaffeineBuzz, there was nothing wrong with your reports at all. You did a great job. Not that anyone ever said that, but I'm just making this clear. But, as I said multiple times, everyone's looking at these things from a different angle.

Neither of you mentioned Penny being envious, and after watching the episode, I still can't see it.

 

[SRAM]

3 minutes ago, FileXxX said:

Btw, @kerrycec03 and @CaffeineBuzz, there was nothing wrong with your reports at all. You did a great job. Not that anyone ever said that, but I'm just making this clear. But, as I said multiple times, everyone's looking at these things from a different angle.

Neither of you mentioned Penny being envious, and after watching the episode, I still can't see it.

 

I agree, they have modified the tone of a episode before in the edit room.

[joyceraye]

That kiss ! Blink and you miss it. Literally.Why did they cut it so short ? Not that somebody won't make a gif and let it look longer, but still  ... Why couldn't they have shortened Amy's laughing or Halley's crying or Leonard's burp instead ?

[Shelldon]

-"You always know what not to say". Of course Penny's fantasy is one where he talks and acts nothing like himself.

-Oh for fuck's sake Lorre, him in his underwear with a stained shirt BURPING was such a horrible stereotype. Couldn't think of anything subtler to snap Penny back to reality? >_>

-Shoe size is a little personal Sheldon.

-Amy's hosting girl's night. How far she's come to be the leader of this group.

-Knees in a line-up. 

-Walking Dead theme as a lullaby. So the baby likes making horror noises and listening to horror noises.

-Sheldon took an interest in her chips and wine. Take that Leonard.

-"Uncork a geyser of nonsense". Lenny's uncorking one of those right now!

-Here's an idea, walk into the crib room without the sneakers on.

-GET IT SHAMY, GET IT.

-Miss her x+1. 

-Holy shit, these 5 to 6 minute commercials are really apparent to me tonight.

-What? Now Leonard's turning into Sheldon with the specifications?

-"What would you be the happiest losing at?". 

-"Maybe Penny isn't the only relationship you're phoning in". 

-His daughter's growing up in his old bedroom. Not abnormal at all.

-Didn't Bernadette and Howard use his room for sex before? Inconsistency in continuity alert.

-Spur of the moment divorce!

-"That's how you make effort look effortless". 

-I think the glow in the dark was practical. 

-World's most boring liquid and world's most boring vegetable. 

-Two Christmases. 

-Penny does do that thing a lot where she lies about being fine. At least, I've seen it more than the sudden pantless slob Leonard trait.

-"No nostalgia clause". Bringing back the relationship agreement was for nostalgia though.

[Chrismo]

18 minutes ago, FileXxX said:

 

Neither of you mentioned Penny being envious, and after watching the episode, I still can't see it.

 

Everything is open to  interpretation but Penny's dream with Leonard was supposed to be lovey dovey. Then in real life Shamy kissing in front of Lenny and then when Amy was at the door saying miss you miss you was lovey Dovey. Was Penny, or Leonard envious? It was out of character for Shamy but I think it was suppose to be a reminder of them earlier in their relationship.

[Guest]

5 minutes ago, joyceraye said:

That kiss ! Blink and you miss it. Literally.Why did they cut it so short ? Not that somebody won't make a gif and let it look longer, but still  ... Why couldn't they have shortened Amy's laughing or Halley's crying or Leonard's burp instead ?

It was longer than any of Leonard and Penny's kisses lately. 

[3ku11]

17 minutes ago, joyceraye said:

That kiss ! Blink and you miss it. Literally.Why did they cut it so short ? Not that somebody won't make a gif and let it look longer, but still  ... Why couldn't they have shortened Amy's laughing or Halley's crying or Leonard's burp instead ?

Leonards burp was the highlight of the episode. I personally found the Shamy kiss cringy. Thats not Shamy to me. But I well post my extensive thoughts on the episode later. I was watching online. But person who uploaded it, skipped 9 mins of the episod!

[Lady in Red]

I enjoyed it.  Laughed out loud a number of times.  The RA was clearly put in for laughs, and Lenny were smiling at seeing a number of their issues now that they were written on paper.  It's always fun when Simon can do some of his physical comedy.  And, the Amy/Sheldon good-byes, the kiss, the one upmanship one who will miss who more, I found this a lot of fun.

[brilliantfool]

ok as everyone knows I'm no fan of Lenny but I don't think the beginning of the episode was fair to Leonard. We haven't seen him burp or sit in his underwear like that in all 10 seasons and now suddenly he does that? It's just so OOC! I can believe Penny having issues with their marriage but I'm not buying him acting like that.

And Penny's fantasy, that's kind of too much, she was never a fan of romance and now she wants him to quote NSYNC and 5 bouquets? It just feels so not her! I just think if they wanna create drama for Lenny it should be better quality and more in character.

[Tensor]

Poll: What did you think of the episode

[Itwasdestined]

Loved Howard's physical comedy. He's an underrated treasure is our Simon.

Liked the chess scene and Shelnard interaction overall. The spark is still there.

Was completely comfortable with how the Lenny story panned out once the over the top melodrama started it off. Happy that both looked relieved with the Penny can't say it's nothing clause. Biggest problem in their relationship from the start.

Thought the Shamy scenes were too far removed from reality. Felt like Amy daydreaming. I know they have progressed but that was just too unrealistically Lovey Dovey for me. Almost as out of the blue as Penny's sudden complaints about being taken for granted. I suppose it was used for contrast but didn't work for me.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[3ku11]

40 minutes ago, brilliantfool said:

ok as everyone knows I'm no fan of Lenny but I don't think the beginning of the episode was fair to Leonard. We haven't seen him burp or sit in his underwear like that in all 10 seasons and now suddenly he does that? It's just so OOC! I can believe Penny having issues with their marriage but I'm not buying him acting like that.

And Penny's fantasy, that's kind of too much, she was never a fan of romance and now she wants him to quote NSYNC and 5 bouquets? It just feels so not her! I just think if they wanna create drama for Lenny it should be better quality and more in character.

I saw it diffrently. Shows me Penny deep down, and subconciousley actually wants that stuff. I don't think Penny wants Leonard to do that stuff, considering she never mentioned any part of her dream to Leonard. Penny just seems to be in a state of wanting of a more romantic Leonard. I thought alot of it was very IC. Penny overreacting to something, then back tracking, and like Leonard said "Don't worry about it". Leonard wanting to fix things straight away. if anything I Thought Shamy was very OOC in tonights episode. But thats just me. So I diddnt think the dream was OOC. The purpose of the dream, and Leonard burping. Was to the show contrast of fantasy and reality. 

 

 

Decent episode tonight. Lenny came across very well actually. It played out alot better. I actually loved everything about Lenny tonight. I really enjoyed Penny's dream sequence. Such contrast to Leonard's dream in The Recombination Hypothesis. Huge reveal to me. Penny actually likes those corn ball stuff Leonard does. She always is adamant she is not the romantic type. But as it turns out she is. And she would love Leonard to do that stuff. And not just wait for the sunset, because their story is over. Their story is not over. Johnny and Kaley just work so well together. They always make you care about their characters, even if the writing at times is not the best. i completely bought and understand each perspective. Leonard won the argument for me. "I have been the one trying since day one, what more could I possibly do". That's the ting Penny is vague with Leonard. She is prone to quick and spontaneous public outburts, and does not really think about it before she does. So I did like the clause in the contract, that she can't say stuff like "Don't worry about it". 

I did feel when Amy was like let's leave them to talk. Then it cut to the Howardette/Raj story. I could of done without that story completely. It was fine on its own. I just felt the pacing was a bit over the top. Would of liked that 4 mins, to see Lenny communicate in their room. And then not see them next morning, and they solved things. Great! Can we see it LOL? I also felt Amy was acting like a pubescent teenager girl. All giddy. Great. But it felt OOC to me. And I Feel she was giving Penny the wrong impression in their opening 4B scene. Like oh were so luckey, you should be more like us. Bernadette's advice or perspective seemed more appropriate to me. In the end of the episode Lenny were happy. They both admitted they have found new challenges. But rulled out any possiblity of divorce. I did feel the Shamy kiss was cringy as hell. Please don't do that again lol. Bit over the top. Overall I woulden't rewatch it. But in tone it was fine. 

Edited January 20, 2017 by 3ku11

[Chrismo]

11 minutes ago, 3ku11 said:

I saw it diffrently. Shows me Penny deep down, and subconciousley actually wants that stuff. I don't think Penny wants Leonard to do that stuff, considering she never mentioned any part of her dream to Leonard. Penny just seems to be in a state of wanting of a more romantic Leonard. I thought alot of it was very IC. Penny overreacting to something, then back tracking, and like Leonard said "Don't worry about it". Leonard wanting to fix things straight away. if anything I Thought Shamy was very OOC in tonights episode. But thats just me. So I diddnt think the dream was OOC. The purpose of the dream, and Leonard burping. Was to the show contrast of fantasy and reality. 

 

43 minutes ago, brilliantfool said:

ok as everyone knows I'm no fan of Lenny but I don't think the beginning of the episode was fair to Leonard. We haven't seen him burp or sit in his underwear like that in all 10 seasons and now suddenly he does that? It's just so OOC! I can believe Penny having issues with their marriage but I'm not buying him acting like that.

And Penny's fantasy, that's kind of too much, she was never a fan of romance and now she wants him to quote NSYNC and 5 bouquets? It just feels so not her! I just think if they wanna create drama for Lenny it should be better quality and more in character.

I'm with 3kull. Shamy was very much OOC. Sheldon's asking what Penny ate and drank at girls night, the nauseating Shamy make out in front of Lenny, and the miss you bit was way out of character.

Edited January 20, 2017 by Chrismo

[serena_1995]

Howard was so charming and that plot was just  utter genius ! Really laughed out  loud at Howard zip lining,  swinging from a rope and then using a slingshot lol ! The physical comedy was on point . And later, when he devises a method to calculate a non-squeaky  path to the crib,  it was the perfect blend of comedy and geek ! 

Sheldon and Amy were quite charming and romantic,  I really loved their exchange of what missing each other means in terms of algebraic equations . Totally in character and very brilliant , they are two peas in a pod.

Sheldon was very likable in this episode,  he comforted Leonard with tea, tried to comfort him with games and then also, his input was nice. Penny shouldn't say "I'm fine " if she is not really fine. 

Best moment was when Amy was fully dressed in the spa and then later when Sheldon mentions the "nostalgic clause" lol. I'm a sucker for burocratic jokes !

47 minutes ago, Chrismo said:

 

I'm with 3kull. Shamy was very much OOC. Sheldon's asking what Penny ate and drank at girls night, the nauseating Shamy make out in front of Lenny, and the miss you bit was way out of character.

It was totally in character  . Shamy are both scientists, very literal minded and it is perfectly plausible that they would express that they miss each other in terms of math equations. And yes, they love each other, so ofcourse they'll miss each other.  They showed similar behavior in "The Sales Call Sublimation" during their "I miss you" on Skype.

Edited January 20, 2017 by serena_1995

[Carlos]

I absolutely hated this episode. I found it pathetic, boring, OOC, and all around very badly written. Btw, I'm writing this based on what I saw, and haven't read any of the previous posts yet. I found Lenny's drama to be absolutely fake, because to begin with Penny's fantasy is completely OOC. She has never been into romance that much, in fact she said she sucked at romance in a previous episode, and now apparently it's all she wants or expects. Besides that, there's always been snark between Leonard and Penny, but in this episode it was the first time that I saw Penny be really mean to Leonard. The way she reacted, excuse me, totally over reacted to what Leonard was doing is simply unacceptable. In comparison she reacted better to the writers' invented ( I mean Mandy's) kiss, than how she did tonight. IMO it was pathetic that when Leonard said he'd been doing the heavy lifting in the relationship she reacted as being really pissed that he hadn't continued to do so 24/7/365. Suffice it to say, the fact that she took Amy with her to the spa, is too much. Had I been in Leonard circumstances, I would never have gone after her, and she wouldn't have found me when she came back home.

The Shamy kiss was ridiculous (within the context) and also totally OOC. When have Shamy ever been so lovey dovey? Never. To me it looked pathetic as well. No, not because I believe that Shamy shouldn't kiss like that, but because it is OOC the way it was done, and felt incredibly forced. I understand what the writers were attempting to do: present one couple having the problems associated with the routine that can happen after being together for some time while the other is in the initial infatuation stage. However the execution was appallingly bad, and done with a complete lack of subtlety. It looks as if it was written by amateurs.

Are we supposed to believe that after they requested and got a Lenny RA then all peace was restored and happiness reigned supreme? As if both clauses shown would solve any real problem? Couldn't they had talked it out? Of course not, otherwise Sheldon wouldn't have had anything to do. Come to think of it, if they hadn't interjected Amy, she wouldn't have had anything to do either.

So... this is what it smells like when a previously great show turns to utter shit. I see. I am disgusted. Speckerman, Itchy Brain and now this Romance recalibration crap. If the episode had been called The Writers recalibration, at least I would have been more hopeful. I think Mr. Lorre has run out of good ideas. In this case I believe the episode turned even worse than the TR. Simply amazing, and not in a good way. Liked the Howardette/Raj stuff, btw.

Edited January 21, 2017 by Carlos
Spelling

[john2p]

7 minutes ago, Carlos said:

I absolutely hated this episode. I found it pathetic, boring, OOC, and all around very badly written. Btw, I'm writing this based on what I saw, and haven't read any of the previous posts yet. I found Lenny's drama to be absolutely fake, because to begin with Penny's fantasy is completely OOC. She has never been into romance that much, in fact she said she sucked at romance in a previous episode, and now apparently it's all she wants or expects. Besides that, there's always been snark between Leonard and Penny, but in this episode it was the first time that I saw Penny be really mean to Leonard. The way she reacted, excuse me, totally over reacted to what Leonard was doing is simply unacceptable. In comparison she reacted better to the writers' invented ( I mean Mandy's) kiss, than how she did tonight. IMO it was pathetic that when Leonard said he'd been doing the heavy lifting in the relationship she reacted as being really pissed that he hadn't continued to do so 24/7/365. Suffice it to say, the fact that she took Amy with her to the spa, is too much. Had I been in Leonard circumstances, I would never have gone after her, and she wouldn't have found me when she came back home.

The Shamy kiss was ridiculous (within the context) and also totally OOC. When have Shamy ever been so lovey dovey? Never. To me it looked pathetic as well. No, not because I believe that Shamy shouldn't kiss like that, but because it is OOC the way it was done, and felt incredibly forced. I understand what the writers were attempting to do: present one couple having the problems associated with the routine that can happen after being together for some time while the other is in the initial infatuation stage. However the execution was appallingly bad, and done with a complete lack of subtlety. It looks as if it was written by amateurs.

Are we supposed to believe that after they requested and got a Lenny RA then all peace was restored and happiness reigned supreme? As if both clauses shown would solve any real problem? Couldn't they had talked it out? Of course not, otherwise Sheldon wouldn't have had anything to do. Come to think of it, if they hadn't interjected Amy, she wouldn't have had anything to do either.

So... this is what it smells like when a previously great show turns to utter shit. I see. I am disgusted. Speckerman, Itchy Brain and not this Romance recalibration crap. If the episode had been called The Writers recalibration, at least I would have been more hopeful. I think Mr. Lorre has run out of good ideas. In this case I believe the episode turned even worse than the TR. Simply amazing, and not in a good way. Liked the Howardette/Raj stuff, btw.

I am not into the hate. But I basically agree what you writing. To me, I am just indifferent. It was " meh". And I certainly agree about the OOC parts. And I was wondering too, why couldn´t they (writers) create a lighthearted drama like the Howardette stuff, you mentioned. Obviously I like that too. For instance, it would have been epic, if Penny had mirrored Leonard´s behaviour, by walking around in unsexy underwear, scratching manly her butt, and smacking and burping, maybe even farting, this would wake him up for sure and it could have been fun.

Edited January 20, 2017 by john2p

[3ku11]

17 minutes ago, Carlos said:

I absolutely hated this episode. I found it pathetic, boring, OOC, and all around very badly written. Btw, I'm writing this based on what I saw, and haven't read any of the previous posts yet. I found Lenny's drama to be absolutely fake, because to begin with Penny's fantasy is completely OOC. She has never been into romance that much, in fact she said she sucked at romance in a previous episode, and now apparently it's all she wants or expects. Besides that, there's always been snark between Leonard and Penny, but in this episode it was the first time that I saw Penny be really mean to Leonard. The way she reacted, excuse me, totally over reacted to what Leonard was doing is simply unacceptable. In comparison she reacted better to the writers' invented ( I mean Mandy's) kiss, than how she did tonight. IMO it was pathetic that when Leonard said he'd been doing the heavy lifting in the relationship she reacted as being really pissed that he hadn't continued to do so 24/7/365. Suffice it to say, the fact that she took Amy with her to the spa, is too much. Had I been in Leonard circumstances, I would never have gone after her, and she wouldn't have found me when she came back home.

The Shamy kiss was ridiculous (within the context) and also totally OOC. When have Shamy ever been so lovey dovey? Never. To me it looked pathetic as well. No, not because I believe that Shamy shouldn't kiss like that, but because it is OOC the way it was done, and felt incredibly forced. I understand what the writers were attempting to do: present one couple having the problems associated with the routine that can happen after being together for some time while the other is in the initial infatuation stage. However the execution was appallingly bad, and done with a complete lack of subtlety. It looks as if it was written by amateurs.

Are we supposed to believe that after they requested and got a Lenny RA then all peace was restored and happiness reigned supreme? As if both clauses shown would solve any real problem? Couldn't they had talked it out? Of course not, otherwise Sheldon wouldn't have had anything to do. Come to think of it, if they hadn't interjected Amy, she wouldn't have had anything to do either.

So... this is what it smells like when a previously great show turns to utter shit. I see. I am disgusted. Speckerman, Itchy Brain and not this Romance recalibration crap. If the episode had been called The Writers recalibration, at least I would have been more hopeful. I think Mr. Lorre has run out of good ideas. In this case I believe the episode turned even worse than the TR. Simply amazing, and not in a good way. Liked the Howardette/Raj stuff, btw.

I don't think it came across that bad. I agree about Shamy, that was the worst they had ever been Cannon wise. I don't think Penny overreacted personally. It's not like she walked in bang. She had a dream. then bang Reality Leonard. So I thought it was IC for her to spontaneousley rant at Leonard. Then typical Penny, tell Leonard to shut up about it. I don't think this was about a competition of whos been more romantic. Clearly Leonard wins. But the fact Leonard is not doing it anymore. I am not saying I disagree with you about Lenny. I just saw it differently that is all. 

[john2p]

2 hours ago, brilliantfool said:

ok as everyone knows I'm no fan of Lenny but I don't think the beginning of the episode was fair to Leonard. We haven't seen him burp or sit in his underwear like that in all 10 seasons and now suddenly he does that? It's just so OOC! I can believe Penny having issues with their marriage but I'm not buying him acting like that.

And Penny's fantasy, that's kind of too much, she was never a fan of romance and now she wants him to quote NSYNC and 5 bouquets? It just feels so not her! I just think if they wanna create drama for Lenny it should be better quality and more in character.

Agree!

BTW a cumcummer isn´t a vegetable, it´s a fruit. That is a painful mistake from the writers to give it as a line for genius " besserwisser" Sheldon. To be on character, they should have given this line to Penny, where Sheldons gives a lecture about cumcummers and why they are a fruit. 

[Chrismo]

50 minutes ago, 3ku11 said:

I don't think it came across that bad. I agree about Shamy, that was the worst they had ever been Cannon wise. I don't think Penny overreacted personally. It's not like she walked in bang. She had a dream. then bang Reality Leonard. So I thought it was IC for her to spontaneousley rant at Leonard. Then typical Penny, tell Leonard to shut up about it. I don't think this was about a competition of whos been more romantic. Clearly Leonard wins. But the fact Leonard is not doing it anymore. I am not saying I disagree with you about Lenny. I just saw it differently that is all. 

What made Shamy worse was it was in front of other people. Sheldon's anti public affection. The dream was having wine from somewhere she didn't know and pizza bagels? The dim lights might made it seem romantic not so much the food. In actuality Penny didn't rant right away. It was caused by Sheldon.  Leonard pursued the discussion.They ended up having the typical Leonard trying to fix the problem and Penny try not discuss it and had a fight. In actuality Leonard fought by saying he was the one carrying the relationship. The romance part it seems to me is a bit over the top for Penny to complain since they were living with Sheldon.

[djsurrey]

Missed it. 
So, VOD is my friend. I'll see it on the weekend most likely. It is not like I'm real excited about this episode.