1013 The Romance Recalibration

[No Regrets]

Well, I decided to give the episode a chance and turns out it wasn’t what I expected.

It was fucking worse.

I wanted to smack Penny in the face with frozen fish.

In order to complain about your husband not making an effort you first have to make an effort yourself. I could have accepted this whole scenario had they shown me that Penny tried to keep the romance alive as well. Hell, I’m a woman but I don’t think that’s solely the man’s job. It’s a two way street. In her “daydream” she has Leonard say that it’s important to not take each other for granted. Like, you know, not knowing your husband’s birthday for example. Or actually giving a crap when your husband just told you he had a successful therapy session about his issues with his mother. Or not getting rid of your husband’s beloved collectables. 

Yet they went out of their way to make Leonard the bad guy? Really? REALLY? I wanted Penny to slip on a banana and hit her friggin’ dumbass head. Her holier-than-thou princess queen bitch attitude drove me absolutely nuts. Then to top it all off, when Leonard actually drove after her even though he had nothing to apologise for, she actually had the gall to complain? He needs to let her figure out what she wants? Here’s a thought: while trying to figure out what you want, how about not taking your frustration out on your husband? The thing I most wanted to see was for Leonard to NOT BE THERE when she got home. 

When Lenny asked Shamy to leave so they could talk I was like, “Well, at least I’m gonna see a meaningful conversation now”, but naturally Shamy were more important so of course I didn’t get to fucking see anything. 

And then the dream-come-true for all Lenny fans: a relationship agreement. Cause you know, only if it’s written down do Lenny know how to behave like a married couple. And since nothing in this world is better than Shamy they needed a copy. 

I’d rate this episode -100 out of 10 if I could. I’ve never disliked Penny, but this episode did it for me. 

Just wow.

WOW.

[3ku11]

Tbh no one was the bad guy in this episode. They are both in the marrage. I personally beleive Penny has every right to want more from her marrage. Penny once again showed her immaturity. But tbh, when Penny walked in and Leonard was like Hi barley registering a look. I was like Leonard man show some interest in your wife! I mean heck even Sheldon did, even though it was just his show more interest in people thing. Leonard diddn't help him self, with his indifference to Penny. So I am just saying with better communication, things may have not escalated as much as they did. That is why it is really crappy, the pacing. Instead of having Lenny discuss things. They skip that for some pointless Howard jumping to the crib. Some pointless Shamy fluff. We haven't seen enough of their cringe for one episode. Instead we find out offscreen they sorted it out, yeah because I love imagaining what they were talking about. I thought Penny was shocking don't get me wrong. But let's not act like Leonard was innocent. It was refreshing for me to see them both acknowledge their issues and work on them. 

Edited January 20, 2017 by 3ku11

[No Regrets]

Just now, 3ku11 said:

To be fair Leonard was the bad guy. And tbh no one was the bad guy in this episode. 

Glad we cleared that up.

[Jonny]

Overall I enjoyed the episode, it had a bit of everything some sweet and funny moments but also some drama when trying to raise a real life issue.

The writers were trying to address a real life issue that many couples do experience at some point through their relationship. The whole subject around losing some spark in their relationship, perhaps becoming a bit complacent and the shift from boyfriend and girlfriend to husband and wife is a very real issue. I have seen from real life experience newlyweds or people pretty early into their marriage having moments similar to what Lenny are going through. I think they will be fine in the long run, just got to work through these issues.

Loved Shamy in this one, Mayim especially continues to have an amazing season in terms of dialogue and she is acting her socks off. Shamy's PDA I enjoyed seeing it immensely. If you had said that kiss had happened in say Season 8 then you may have a point that it was out of character but from everything we have seen this season and the rapid growth of their relationship it's perfectly in character imo. The miss you's were my favorite Shamy part of the scene, it was adorable and using math to try and quantify is so them. They really are in a great place right now.

Laughed so much at Howard trying to sort out the squeaky floorboard situation. Is Simon underrated? The guy seems to be able to do everything and his physical comedy is just so good. When I had read the TR I immediately hoped there might be some Mission Impossible shit going down lol with them trying to find a way to get to that spot. So I was so happy to see the scenes of them dreaming different audacious ways to try and get there lol.

Wasn't the best episode this season but overall I thought it was good.

Edited January 20, 2017 by Jonny

[spidergirl]

Overall I think it episode was good, as it was well balanced between drama and comedy. 

The lenny plot turned better than I thought it would, as it was hadled as one issue that happens to most of couples after knowing each other for many years and the transition from boyfriend/girlfriend to husband and wife is not easy to anyone. I think the RA was used for be a joke , however couples should settle some rules so imo it didnt hurt at,all as the rules settled would help lenny.

As shamy I tend to speak more about Mayim and Jim's performances than others actors but today I have to say some words about Kaley and Johnny. I really loved their performances in this episode, as we could feel their characters's  pain for not be well between each other. I especially liked Johnny's who I think he could offer so much to the show and writers have been lately put him a bit aside. I know as shipper we dont enjoy when our ship is put under fire but this plot turned good to show real life is not easy to everyone and there are issues in every marriage.

Kaley was also very good too, her angry look at Leonard made me feel so sorry for him, great job Kaley and Johny! I really hope lenny sort things out between them and this phase really goes away asap for we see again the lovely Leonard with his hot and sweet Penny.

Howard. Have I mentioned that him, with Sheldon and Amy, is one of may fav characters? Simon is so good with physical comedy, my laughs in this episode was because of him. The plot was not anything especial , they could do more than only put a couple to handle with a squeaky floorboard of their child's bedroom, but it was worth for Simon's performance and his interactions with Kunal and Melissa. I really hope writers can develop a bit more about this couple life, after the birth it seems a bit stagned, a bit without action....

Raj. Nothing aboard, nothing to say. As I have said earlier in DT, I am really sorry for Kunal's lucky about his Raj.

Sheldon and Amy. I really enjoyed them as couple and as individuals. Mayim 's performace in this season has been really great, her performance of sassy and now passionate Amy is really spot on! I really liked how Amy finally found her space in her girlfiends group. In past, Amy tried to adjust to Penny and Bernardette and follow them as much as possible. Now Amy has her opinions and her own stuff, which she is proud about. It is really cool to see that.

About the kiss it was really short, as shipper I wanted more, lol! My shamy thoughst are in their thread, as usual.

And last but not least, I liked very much shelnard moments. It was nice to see Sheldon trying to cheering up Leonard, even it was in his own way but he tried because Sheldon cares for Leonard. Leonard says many harsh things about Sheldon but he knows he can count on him when he needs, even it can be showed by a simple chess game, like old times.

Looking already foward to seeing next episode!

 

[sdffcx]

I find in this episode Howard is really cute,I like the H/B/R scenes.

and I don't like sheldon teasing leonerd and their marriage. I rated very good,though I wanted to rate good.

 

 

 

[karyshamy]

Despite the fact it seemed shorter than normal, I enjoyed the episode. They could have cut out the repeated part of Bernie with the baby.
I loved the opening scene with Penny and it was so obvious it was a dream, Leonard knowing when he shouldn't explain something (LOL!), quoting NSYNC, and the best moment was when he opened his mouth to stay something and then burp! Kaley and Johnny were so awesome!
It broke my heart when she told Leonard she would be taking Amy to the spa instead of him, and he left the room hurt.
I wish the Shamy kiss had been more romantic, it was kind of weird. I know they want us to see they are quirky, but the kisses in the Harry Potter episode were way more natural to me than this one. I really thought it would be different.
I laughed a lot with Howard trying to avoid the squeaky floor, I rewatched it many times! I just wish Bernie and Raj were better explored in the episode.
About the episode seeming too short, I think they kind of ruined the drama part by jumping to the solution too quickly. I love it when Penny and Leonard talk about their problems, and they just skipped it all. How did they get to the conclusion they needed a RA? That scene with the drinks could also have been cut out, it really added nothing to the episode, and I feel it was there just to tell us Shamy still have a RA. What? Since when? That was the worse part for me.
But the beginning of the episode and Howard saved it for me.
I also liked the chess jokes and Leonard's underwear in the RA.

[Maddie]

I really adored Shamy in this episode. All season long there's been a consistent progression of showing how happy they are together. The kiss was "Shamy-hot" but obviously meant for laughs as well. I really loved the I'll miss you part, of course. And I don't know, it's the non-verbal, non-physical things. Just seeing them together, they look so happy and in love. For all intents and purposes, they're already married. It will just be a formality at this point, lol. But nonetheless I'm waiting with bated breath for that proposal.

I also liked how when Leonard lost at the chess game, Sheldon felt the need to move his last chess piece and take Leonard's piece, haha. Always has to get his closure.

I also thought Howard was very funny in this episode, too. And I've been liking Bernie a lot more lately. Her chronic meanness seems to have gone away, haha.

For the lenny parts, I see a lot of people saying how this is completely coming out of the blue and how Penny is totally in the wrong. And I have to say, I've seen almost this EXACT scenario in real life with my very own parents. Don't get me wrong, I think Leonard is very much in the right in this circumstance. He's always been the one who's tried harder in the relationship, way harder than Penny ever has. All throughout this episode I wanted to ask Penny, "Well what have you ever done for HIM?" But I think Penny's concerns have very little to do with Leonard and their relationship. A few years ago, seemingly out of the blue, my mom started saying all the time how my dad doesn't try in their marriage anymore, and that it doesn't appear he loves her anymore. My dad and I were baffled, because we couldn't see where she was coming from at all. But my mom was persistent, and it led them down a pretty rocky path, but ended up being better than ever.

Anyway, it ended up that the problem wasn't with their relationship but with my mom herself. She was dealing with her own personal issues and projecting them onto my dad. And I think Penny is doing the same. I think she's unhappy with where she's at in life. She doesn't like her job, her friends are all seemingly happier than her. I don't think she's unhappy, she's just sort of stuck. I mean, ten years ago she was the hot party girl who was moving to LA to become a movie star and she had her whole life in front of her, and here she is settled down and married and working as pharmaceutical rep. When you have a dream your whole life that doesn't end up coming true, it makes you rethink a lot of things. And she's been saying for a year now - since the Big Bear episode - that she hates her job.

Kinda personal story, but it's just my thoughts.

Edited January 20, 2017 by Maddie

[No Regrets]

5 minutes ago, Maddie said:

For the lenny parts, I see a lot of people saying how this is completely coming out of the blue and how Penny is totally in the wrong. And I have to say, I've seen almost this EXACT scenario in real life with my very own parents. Don't get me wrong, I think Leonard is very much in the right in this circumstance. He's always been the one who's tried harder in the relationship, way harder than Penny ever has. All throughout this episode I wanted to ask Penny, "Well what have you ever done for HIM?" But I think Penny's concerns have very little to do with Leonard and their relationship. A few years ago, seemingly out of the blue, my mom started saying all the time how my dad doesn't try in their marriage anymore, and that it doesn't appear he loves her anymore. My dad and I were baffled, because we couldn't see where she was coming from at all. But my mom was persistent, and it led them down a pretty rocky path, but ended up being better than ever.

Anyway, it ended up that the problem wasn't with their relationship but with my mom herself. She was dealing with her own personal issues and projecting them onto my dad. And I think Penny is doing the same. I think she's unhappy with where she's at in life. She doesn't like her job, her friends are all seemingly happier than her. I don't think she's unhappy, she's just sort of stuck. I mean, ten years ago she was the hot party girl who was moving to LA to become a movie star and she had her whole life in front of her, and here she is settled down and married and working as pharmaceutical rep. When you have a dream your whole life that doesn't end up coming true, it makes you rethink a lot of things. And she's been saying for a year now - since the Big Bear episode - that she hates her job.

Kinda personal story, but it's just my thoughts.

Thank you for sharing this. I agree that this is probably where they're going with this, but I gotta say that I'm starting to lose patience with Penny. They all have their demons and issues, yes, but I just think it's so unfair for her to take it out on her husband of all people. He's served as a punching bag for so many people all his life and now his own wife does the same. I think there are many other ways in which they could have approached Penny's issue, especially without including that ridiculous RA. 

[kimbee73]

Okay I am weighing in on my thoughts. And I would say this episode was okay.

I was one that when I read the TR I thought it didn't sound so bad. To me it sounded like Leonard and Penny were adjusting to living alone together for the first time. I thought not too bad, everyone needs time to do that.  But it came off much worse in my opinion. I mean I see Penny as someone who thinks she should be treated the way her daydream was. In season 6 the girls told her Leonard does things he doesn't like to make her happy and she told them that was his job. When they questioned what her job was she answered letting him make me happy. She has no interest in what he likes and has even made fun of his stuff in seasons past. This season she hides his stuff and leaves nothing but a candle when redecorating? Not even the cute pictures of the two of them(prom and best fiancé ever). But he is the one who isn't trying? Him sitting in his underwear and burping was not funny at all in my opinion because it isn't him. Dancing in his underwear maybe but being a slob nope not Leonard. Although we did get a little foreshadowing in Brain Bowl when Penny asked why he didn't eat broccoli and he answered "I'm married I don't have to be attractive." while stuffing his face full of noodles.

The fight was out of the blue in my opinion and wasn't what I expected. The one in the last episode made more sense since they were a bit tense from the tree and all. I got that. We have all had those days where little things set us off.

And there seemed to be no transition to Sheldon and Leonard going to the spa. Where was that conversation?

Things that were in character was Penny saying things were fine when they aren't. She has been known to do that. But other than that not really much else.

To me they need to talk about things they want maybe not put it in an agreement, no matter if they will actually use it or not. But I did get why Leonard may want it and I said this when I read the TR. It is how he has lived for the last 13 years. He is kind of used to it. But Penny being in agreement doesn't make sense to me at all. I wish we would have seen them coming to the conclusion about why they wanted one.

I have to say I agree the conversation between Shamy at the spa was not needed. Who cares if Sheldon likes cucumber water or not.

Now while I enjoyed the Shamy kiss, awkward or not, it was completely out of place. Now I am not saying it is OOC because he has kissed her in front of other people. But the fact was he felt uncomfortable doing it when his friends were fighting and when they said go ahead they took it too far. It was ridiculous and I know the writer's were making a point.

I did like the I will miss you and miss you more using math and science. It was cute. But for crying out loud it wasn't like she was going away for 3 months! It was a weekend trip. Good for Penny for pulling her away.

We get it they are in the honeymoon stages of living together and stuff but so are Penny and Leonard living by themselves. I guess with the start of the cohabitation we saw Shamy fighting now we have to see Lenny too. UGH!

I love Shamy but they were not very much in character last night in my opinion even if I did enjoy watching the scenes.

Also I know some are okay with a relationship agreement between Sheldon and Amy and I was too, after seeing the silly I have to laugh comment but when  Sheldon made the comment about bringing up nostalgia stuff I was a bit angry about it.  So she can't reminisce? Well I can see him not wanting to remember the break up and such but come on they have had some very good moments too.

Howard thinking about how to fix the floor kind of made me laugh just because he knew they would fail.....so no. The end result did make me laugh.

All in all I didn't laugh that hard like in the past couple of weeks.

[Chrismo]

Wasn't it refreshing not to have Sheldon in the opening scene before the commercial for once?

[spidergirl]

1 hour ago, No Regrets said:

Thank you for sharing this. I agree that this is probably where they're going with this, but I gotta say that I'm starting to lose patience with Penny. They all have their demons and issues, yes, but I just think it's so unfair for her to take it out on her husband of all people. He's served as a punching bag for so many people all his life and now his own wife does the same. I think there are many other ways in which they could have approached Penny's issue, especially without including that ridiculous RA. 

Thanks for putting in words so well why I felt so sorry for Leonard in this episode. Neither him or Penny are saints in their marriage's issues but people must talk what upsets them , no bottle up until to the minimum thing they explode and want the other understand why the frustration.

Agree about RA at least it would not need to have the same format as shamy's but they should share what upsets them about the other. I would put my money as the RA plot wont develop more than it already did.

I hope Penny might find a way of getting her hapiness back. I am sure she loves Leonard but I think she doesn't love herself much at moment. As long as she can work her issues about her expectations for her life and for her marriage, it would be okay eventualy. Maybe giving a chance of Penny challenging herself about something she enjoys could  help her to be back on track. 

Edited January 20, 2017 by spidergirl

[No Regrets]

3 minutes ago, spidergirl said:

I hope Penny might find a way of getting her hapiness back. I am sure she loves Leonard but I think she doesn't love herself much at moment. As long as she can work her issues about her expectations for her life and for her marriage, it would be okay eventualy. Maybe giving a chance of Penny challenging herself about something she enjoys could be help her to be back on track. 

Here's the thing: I wanna empathise with Penny, except the show hasn't really made it clear what her problem actually is. She says she doesn't know what she wants. Okay, but what exactly does that even mean? Are we talking about her professional life? That I could empathise with. However, if we're talking about her personal life, then I'm out. She's married to a guy who loves her and would marry her 10 more times if she asked him to. He'd take a bullet for her. She has friends who love and support her. Does she want a house and kids? Well, who's stopping her? Leonard sure as hell isn't. If she doesn't love herself, then try to work at it. Go to therapy, talk to someone but stop punishing your husband for any of the above.

[Chrismo]

1 hour ago, No Regrets said:

Here's the thing: I wanna empathise with Penny, except the show hasn't really made it clear what her problem actually is. She says she doesn't know what she wants. Okay, but what exactly does that even mean? Are we talking about her professional life? That I could empathise with. However, if we're talking about her personal life, then I'm out. She's married to a guy who loves her and would marry her 10 more times if she asked him to. He'd take a bullet for her. She has friends who love and support her. Does she want a house and kids? Well, who's stopping her? Leonard sure as hell isn't. If she doesn't love herself, then try to work at it. Go to therapy, talk to someone but stop punishing your husband for any of the above.

I agree that the show has made it difficult to empathize with her.i agree that has been proven repeatedly he would do anything for her. Saying that her personal life is great I don't totally agree with. She has friends that love her and support her. But are they her friends?Amy's presence is totally because of Sheldon. Bernadette is really her only friend. Leonard's  life really hasn't changed in 10 years. Penny life has changed. She used to have other friends and have other interest. Those are gone. In this episode I thought it was telling when Leonard correctly made the giving the effort comment but was fine Penny going to the spa with Amy. Even with Sheldon he wanted to do something with him. He felt bad later about the argument with Penny not because he wantedto go to the spa. Part of the problem with show is there is a character who isn't like the rest and the powers above don't know what to do. It appears that way in her career also.

Edited January 20, 2017 by Chrismo

[No Regrets]

3 minutes ago, Chrismo said:

She has friends that love her and support her. But are they her friends?Amy's presence is totally because of Sheldon. Bernadette is really her only friend. Leonard's  life really hasn't changed in 10 years. Penny life has changed. She used to have other friends and have other interest. Those are gone. 

But the question is: do they have to be gone? What's stopping her from picking up the phone? I have old friends who live hundreds of miles away and I still make the effort to call them and see them on a regular basis even though our lives have totally drifted apart. 

[serena_1995]

1 hour ago, No Regrets said:

Here's the thing: I wanna empathise with Penny, except the show hasn't really made it clear what her problem actually is. She says she doesn't know what she wants. Okay, but what exactly does that even mean? Are we talking about her professional life? That I could empathise with. However, if we're talking about her personal life, then I'm out. She's married to a guy who loves her and would marry her 10 more times if she asked him to. He'd take a bullet for her. She has friends who love and support her. Does she want a house and kids? Well, who's stopping her? Leonard sure as hell isn't. If she doesn't love herself, then try to work at it. Go to therapy, talk to someone but stop punishing your husband for any of the above.

I can understand Penny's complaint about her personal life to some extent. Leonard has gained weight, he seems to have a belly and he didn't eat broccoli.  He said he doesn't have to look attractive anymore whereas Penny does make efforts to look attractive.

Also, during their visit to the convention, Leonard kept bragging about landing Penny like a trophy while her so called fans were humiliating and disrespecting her. 

Their marriage started, with Penny learning Leonard cheated on her , and didn't tell her about it for 2 years. While she forgave him, and was able to move on from it, it was still unpleasant for her. 

So while upto season 7, i agree Leonard made more efforts , but ever since they married,  Penny does have some reasons to be unhappy in her personal life and feel like she is being taken for granted.

Having said that, I do feel that it was OOC for Penny to long for mushy romantic stuff, because she was never that kind of person,  neither was she one to do big romantic gestures for Leonard herself.

Edited January 20, 2017 by serena_1995

[No Regrets]

3 minutes ago, serena_1995 said:

So while upto season 7, i agree Leonard made more efforts , but ever since they married,  Penny does have some reasons to be unhappy in her personal life and feel like she is being taken for granted.

Leonard isn't the perfect husband. What I am saying though is that it takes two to tango. Has Leonard put much effort into the romance lately? No, he hasn't. Has Penny? No, she hasn't.* So why is it that that gets overlooked on this show and Leonard is the bad guy again? 

* Mainly cause that'd require proper screen time which they barely ever have these days.

[Chrismo]

Penny making an effort to look attractive has nothing to do with Leonard.

[HeWolf]

I enjoyed this episode. I enjoyed it because I like these characters and enjoy watching the actors bring them to life. There were several very funny parts and the chance to watch Leonard and Sheldon interact one-on-one was very welcome. I liked it when Leonard turned the tables on Sheldon over the tea, and I found Sheldon's comments to Leonard to be reminiscent of earlier times.

The Shamy and Howardette parts were fine for me. The kiss was OOC for Shamy but it didn't bother me. I found it fit in for the purposes of juxtaposing the two relationships at that point. I also enjoyed the cucumber water scene. Very Sheldon... The nursery floor bit was pure fluff but it was fun to watch Howard and Raj. Simon is a great actor and it's fun when they give him something to shine with. As opposed to Howard acting more like Bernadette's child than a grown man.

I hated the Lenny story. Penny was absolutely cruel to Leonard. The portrayal of Leonard sitting around in his underwear was totally OOC as was the Penny dream sequence. Reversed, they would have been closer to the truth. The writers have made a mess of these two and it just isn't getting any better. They have made Leonard come across as having an "I got the girl and now I can relax" kind of attitude. He was rather smug at the fan greet and didn't act at all like he appreciated Penny. Penny, for her part, has never put any effort into their relationship. In fact, she has historically put more effort into helping him with his other relationships than she has ever put into making something work between the two of them. It doesn't help that the show has created this idea that they're together because 'he wore her down'. Something both have said more than once. These two are the premise the show is built upon. Surely the writers can do better...

As for the idea that Penny is projecting her own issues into the relationship: I don't care. Boo-hoo! She's just got it so bad. Penny has a good, well paying job in spite of having no qualifications. She bombed the interview that she only got because of Bernadette. She isn't happy doing the job but has no other prospects that will likely provide anything close to a similar opportunity. She was a terrible waitress. She failed as an actress. She has no education above high school and most likely didn't do well there. Considering where she was in the pilot episode, it seems that her life now is immeasurably better. Is Leonard perfect? No, not even close. But, compared to the other occupants of Penny's life, he's a veritable Mac-Daddy...

 

[3ku11]

4 hours ago, No Regrets said:

Leonard isn't the perfect husband. What I am saying though is that it takes two to tango. Has Leonard put much effort into the romance lately? No, he hasn't. Has Penny? No, she hasn't.* So why is it that that gets overlooked on this show and Leonard is the bad guy again? 

* Mainly cause that'd require proper screen time which they barely ever have these days.

I don't think Penny was overlooked, nor was Leonard the bad guy. They did point out that Penny is not trying too. When pointed out he has been doing the heavy lifting since Day One. I thought Penny's claims were quite justified, as were Leonard's. The show weren't picking on Leonard, nor were they using him as a punching bag. I did not see that at all. But that is jmo. I mean their marrage started out with him cheating on her reveal. Then gradually through out the season, suggesting he doesen't have to try anymore he is married. The Comic Con episode, suggesting he has already won Penny, so he is not going to try anymore, as he bragged to his Young Proteges if you well. So I am just saying as baffled as we can be about Penny's outburst, and as baffled as we can be at why Leonad is getting the brunt end of the stick again. I see where TPTB are heading with this. 

3 hours ago, HeWolf said:

I enjoyed this episode. I enjoyed it because I like these characters and enjoy watching the actors bring them to life. There were several very funny parts and the chance to watch Leonard and Sheldon interact one-on-one was very welcome. I liked it when Leonard turned the tables on Sheldon over the tea, and I found Sheldon's comments to Leonard to be reminiscent of earlier times.

The Shamy and Howardette parts were fine for me. The kiss was OOC for Shamy but it didn't bother me. I found it fit in for the purposes of juxtaposing the two relationships at that point. I also enjoyed the cucumber water scene. Very Sheldon... The nursery floor bit was pure fluff but it was fun to watch Howard and Raj. Simon is a great actor and it's fun when they give him something to shine with. As opposed to Howard acting more like Bernadette's child than a grown man.

I hated the Lenny story. Penny was absolutely cruel to Leonard. The portrayal of Leonard sitting around in his underwear was totally OOC as was the Penny dream sequence. Reversed, they would have been closer to the truth. The writers have made a mess of these two and it just isn't getting any better. They have made Leonard come across as having an "I got the girl and now I can relax" kind of attitude. He was rather smug at the fan greet and didn't act at all like he appreciated Penny. Penny, for her part, has never put any effort into their relationship. In fact, she has historically put more effort into helping him with his other relationships than she has ever put into making something work between the two of them. It doesn't help that the show has created this idea that they're together because 'he wore her down'. Something both have said more than once. These two are the premise the show is built upon. Surely the writers can do better...

As for the idea that Penny is projecting her own issues into the relationship: I don't care. Boo-hoo! She's just got it so bad. Penny has a good, well paying job in spite of having no qualifications. She bombed the interview that she only got because of Bernadette. She isn't happy doing the job but has no other prospects that will likely provide anything close to a similar opportunity. She was a terrible waitress. She failed as an actress. She has no education above high school and most likely didn't do well there. Considering where she was in the pilot episode, it seems that her life now is immeasurably better. Is Leonard perfect? No, not even close. But, compared to the other occupants of Penny's life, he's a veritable Mac-Daddy...

 

Completly agree Lenny is the entire premise. And Penny's immaturity is disenabling her from seeing how good she's got it. I mean its not like they are old married and with kids. They are young and in their prime of their lifes. Writers need to start writing them like that. 

[ajond]

Just watched this episode. Found it unredeemably bad. Ranks with Speckerman and Itchy brain.

[No Regrets]

7 hours ago, 3ku11 said:

I don't think Penny was overlooked, nor was Leonard the bad guy. They did point out that Penny is not trying too. When pointed out he has been doing the heavy lifting since Day One. I thought Penny's claims were quite justified, as were Leonard's. The show weren't picking on Leonard, nor were they using him as a punching bag. I did not see that at all. But that is jmo.

Then why was Leonard the one who had to drive after Penny to make things okay? And when he tried to, she basically told him to go away? 

I'm not upset about Leonard and Penny having problems. They're married, that's bound to happen and like I've mentioned several times on here: I love angst when it's written well. What I'm saying is they could've done that without putting them in a totally OOC situation. Leonard sitting there like a homeless guy and burping? Penny all of a sudden daydreaming about the cheesiest, most schmaltzy romantic evening even though she's not even into that? I get that the writers tried to make a point but they could've done that without making them look like morons yet again. The one thing, the ONE good thing about this was Johnny and Kaley's acting. 

[joyceraye]

On 20/01/2017 at 2:52 PM, Maddie said:

When you have a dream your whole life that doesn't end up coming true, it makes you rethink a lot of things.

 

On 20/01/2017 at 2:52 PM, Maddie said:

Kinda personal story, but it's just my thoughts.

Yes ! There's so much in tbbt that viewers can recognise from real life. In among all the ridiculous stuff are things every now and again we can identify with. This is one reason for the show's continued success. I once saw an interview in which Kunal said it was popular because it was about underdogs and everybody roots for the underdog. Academics doing well in their careers and climbing, but still wanting the same things relationship-wise as everybody else and having just as much or even more difficulty accomplishing them, rang a lot of bells round the world and still does. Ganging up with others and developing friendships so close their kids won't notice the difference between them and their aunts and uncles of blood is  another one. Finding out that marriage is not the end but just another beginning that carries its own issues with it, is how our characters are experiencing life's big bangs just like so many million other couples on the planet. Penny is the only one without letters after her name to show what she can do. To her, being desired and pursued by Leonard,an intelligent man who knows a good thing when he sees it, whose other objects of desire were highly qualified professional women, has perhaps been her validation. She loses that if the romancing ceases.

Penny represents that person inside so many of us who had a passion and a dream that got diverted into something else. We'd love to see her making TV commercials for the products she's selling, for instance, but we know how few of us get the best of both worlds. Had she been academically inclined, Penny might have used her intelligence to get a degree in something, yet wondering if she'd ditched school and moved to a big city to take acting lessons and audition for parts whether she'd have made a success of it, all the while knowing she'd never know what would have happened on the road not travelled.  Someone needs to tell her she was brave and at least by following her dream she found out. The decision to step away from the negative aspects of her chosen career life was her own and she should have more acknowledgement that for her it was the right one.

[3ku11]

19 hours ago, No Regrets said:

Then why was Leonard the one who had to drive after Penny to make things okay? And when he tried to, she basically told him to go away? 

I'm not upset about Leonard and Penny having problems. They're married, that's bound to happen and like I've mentioned several times on here: I love angst when it's written well. What I'm saying is they could've done that without putting them in a totally OOC situation. Leonard sitting there like a homeless guy and burping? Penny all of a sudden daydreaming about the cheesiest, most schmaltzy romantic evening even though she's not even into that? I get that the writers tried to make a point but they could've done that without making them look like morons yet again. The one thing, the ONE good thing about this was Johnny and Kaley's acting. 

I agree with you. I'm just saying Penny needed space, and diddnt appreciate Leonard ignoring those wants. I liked that Leonard challenged her. And diddnt let it stir. And while the dream was Ooc. You could look at it, as a reveal. Penny does like that stuff. I'm not sure Leonard burping was ooc. But I agree that was probably Ooc for them. I guess I'm just like okay what should of the writers done instead of this? I guess I think they did this because they thought it was the most funniest from a casual perspective. I'm not sure they care enough about what's Cannon or not anymore.

[djsurrey]

Finally saw the episode and I thought it was okay. Perhaps kind of  other sitcom stereotypical with a bit of TBBT flair. Perhaps we will see an upcoming episode where Penny will take to heart what Leonard said and be a little romantic herself. That would be something. 

The RA was OOC but fit the episode even if really did not fit Lenny.