episodes 1108 - The Tesla Recoil (November 16)

[mirs1]

It felt  like an early seasons episode to me, but one of the unfunny ones. Also the jokes were "old", and told the wrong way...In 9.10 Sheldon thought Tesla was insane just because he fell in love with a pigeon! It's like the writers have gotten a lobotomy and don't remember anything happened after S. 6.

In the A-plot it was Sheldon's who started the whole thing, and there's no other way you can put it, what he did is totally wrong and if he got fired from the military, good for him. I felt sorry for Leonard and Howard, they got screwed from Sheldon and Kripke at once. For the other plot, I'm sorry it didn't work out between Ruchi and Raj, they seemed to want totally different things, though. I'm not sure either we are done with Ruchi, but this is Raj we are talking about, so not sure how much the writers are invested in giving him a story arc. Bernie in psycho-mode was the funniest thing of the episode...

Edited November 17, 2017 by mirs1

[bfm]

I had some laughs, thought it was nice but not hilarious. I think the plots were fine but they could do more with the scenes themselves. I felt like they needed some more "wackiness".

So unsurprisingly Sheldon was a total jerk, IMO, but I liked it that Howard and Leonard protested. What I didn't like is the tit-for-tat theme that also appeared in the Bernie-Raj-Ruchi plot. 

I liked that they showed Leonard's difficulties in getting to "battle dynamics", this sort of things shows "the normal guy"'s flaws and explains why he went with Sheldon's crap all these years. They have been showing these things about Leonard in other episodes this season too and I really like it.

Also liked that Penny showed her capabilities again, being the voice of reason with Raj and making the Tesla/Edison analogy that comforted the guys. This is the Penny I know and like (saying I love a character sounds too weird)! So glad to have her back after she has been replaced by that woman whose part was mostly to take pitty on Sheldon and cuddle him. 

The little Lenny parts were also IMO fun light banter as they have been in this season. Sooo much better than seasons 8-10, hurray!

The Bernie-Raj-Ruchi plot was true to life, IMO, especially Bernadette's fear and less so Ruchi actually taking advantage of her absence. Melissa was great with that creepy delivery of what she'll do with Ruchi. Classic Bernadette. 

I really hope this is not the end of Rachi!!! I liked Ruchi and I think they make a nice couple, better chemistry than he had with most of his romantic counterparts IMO. Sure she is a jerk but hey, these characters all have questionable morals, to different degrees. If this is it for Rachi then this was a total waste of time, IMO. But IDK, I feel it is not.

I didn't like Amy tying Sheldon's shoes. Come on... She's not his mommy, he's not 4. I did LOL at the "I'm growing as a person" joke, love me some meta jokes.

So overall not a very good one but fair enough and I'm liking this trend of Sheldon actually being told off on his transgressions.

Edited November 17, 2017 by bfm

[bfm]

55 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

It felt  like an early seasons episode to me, but one of the unfunny ones. Also the jokes were "old", and told the wrong way...In 9.10 Sheldon thought Tesla was insane just because he fell in love with a pigeon! It's like the writers have gotten a lobotomy and don't remember anything happened after S. 6.

In the A-plot it was Sheldon's who started the whole thing, and there's no other way you can put it, what he did is totally wrong and if he got fired from the military, good for him. I felt sorry for Leonard and Howard, they got screwed from Sheldon and Kripke at once. For the other plot, I'm sorry it didn't work out between Ruchi and Raj, they seemed to want totally different things, though. I'm not sure either we are done with Ruchi, but this is Raj we are talking about, so not sure how much the writers are invested in giving him a story arc. Bernie in psycho-mode was the funniest thing of the episode...

Sheldon did not deny the problem with Tesla falling for a pigeon, he just turned it into another one of his tired insults against Leonard...

And Rachi remind me of Ted and Robin from HIMYM... Ted was also romantic but also kind of a jerk at times, though not as bad as Raj.

Edited November 17, 2017 by bfm

[3ku11]

Just watched it. I liked the plot. Good too see some Science returning in the Dialogue this season. More Light Hearted and Fluffy. And not so heavy in tone. Although I Dont think it was terribly funny. And some of the jokes were lacking consistency tbh. Sheldon was typically a jerk throughout. In reality it was all his fault. Trying to hid that. By showing the other guys. Leonard, Howard, and Kripke. Doing the same does not change that. With all of Sheldon character development. You would expect him to show at least some common courtsey in what he did was wrong. But alas. 

I am enjoying Sheldon getting told off this season. The Tesla/Eddison analogy was good. And appropriate that Sheldon should be told he is more Eddison. This is not the first time Sheldon has taken credit for work that is not just his own. And sure in the past Sheldon thought Tesla was insane for falling for a pigeon. But he did not deny the problem. In this case it was just another insult towards Leonard. I really liked Leonard and Howard in this one though. Leonard and Howard ended up having a better idea. And in both occasions did not get credit for it. As in the second occasion Kripke screwed them lol. IF Sheldon actually went to Leonard and Howard intially. Instead of being arrogant and a self promoter. They could of all benefited from it. 

But like I said I am enjoying the Science Driven Plots this season. This episode did feel like an earlier season episode. I am also really enjoying the light hearted banter between Lenny. Penny has kinda returned to form this season. Past few seasons she has been used to coddle Sheldon. But now her sharp wit has returned. She is the voice of reason. Just wish Lenny would get a story soon. Still pretty under utilized. 

The B Plot was good. I like Ruchi too. Weird but I Feel she kinda flows with the character's better then even Emily did. She is kinda like Raj's equal in a way. Yeah she is a jerk. But I Don't mind that. They have chemistry too. Hopefully it is not the last we see of her. 

Edited November 17, 2017 by 3ku11

[veejay]

My opinion about Jessica R. (Glamour) reaches unexpected heights after 3 episodes. Well written again.

https://www.glamour.com/story/the-big-bang-theory-season-11-episode-8-recap-sheldon-screws-over-leonard

"Naturally, it's Penny (let's keep #JusticeForPenny going you guys!) who's the voice of reason again this episode, and she tells Raj he can't go on sleeping with a woman who's trying to screw over his friend. I feel like the series finale of The Big Bang Theory will end up being one big dream of Penny's, who's really a world-respected psychologist."

[nusspot]

I've always basically agreed with what Jessica has written over the years, but you know something is wrong with this season when even such a dedicated  fan of the show like her is completely fed-up at this point. I have to agree with every single word in that article.

[Jonny]

Leonard and Penny softer interactions, that's the only plus point for me this season. Everything else feels like I have gone back in time which I don't find funny or interesting. Rehashed storylines with at best a slightly different twist, old gags (that shoelace gag, I mean really?!), behaviors I haven't seen for some time coming to the surface and no reason in some examples for it to be the case.

I thought the episode was a nasty petty one and nobody heavily involved in the storylines came out of it good. I thought the ones that came out of it best were the ones barely in it in Penny and Amy. Felt a bit sorry for Raj caught between a rock and a hard place. Like @mirs1 said it most reminded me of that GOT viewing Party episodes back in Season 9, a petty episode in which nobody came out of it looking good.

And yes Sheldon was at fault for it. I've been very critical of how he is acting and being portrayed this season, I had hoped by now whatever arc they have for him this season might have been resolved. I guess not...

Not impressed by the show under Holland's leadership, not one bit.

Edited November 17, 2017 by Jonny

[3ku11]

Still vastly better then the show under Moloro. Especially when it comes to Lenny. TBH the how has not changed all that much in overall quality since Season 7. Repeated Cannon, Rehashed Stories e.t.c. Ain't suddenly some new revelatation. This has been ongoing for a few years now. I diddn't expect a new show runner would change much in this regard. And it hasen't.

Edited November 17, 2017 by 3ku11

[snapepans]

Okay episode, I laughed, but not that funny.

I love Leonard, Penny and Amy in this episode. 

Leonard's line:" We should tell Sheldon!" with his excited and happy tone, he is a true friend.

Penny's line:"Raj, you can't go on sleeping with a woman who is trying to screw over your friend." True friend, hands down.

Amy's line:"Well, if it helps, you all behaved terribly and you deserve what you got." Yes, poor social skills indeed, but a friend who calls out your wrong behavior is indeed a true friend.  

========================

However, in the meantime, I didn't "hate" the other four characters, based on what I've watched them all these years, I believe what they did in this episode are totally IC.

And honestly, if Sheldon didn't behave this way, I believe some people would cry out " This is not Sheldon! They changed him!" etc... and, blame Amy for his behavior somehow.  

So, yeah, not that funny, okay episode.

[3ku11]

4 minutes ago, snapepans said:

Okay episode, I laughed, but not that funny.

I love Leonard, Penny and Amy in this episode. 

Leonard's line:" We should tell Sheldon!" with his excited and happy tone, he is a true friend.

Penny's line:"Raj, you can't go on sleeping with a woman who is trying to screw over your friend." True friend, hands down.

Amy's line:"Well, if it helps, you all behaved terribly and you deserve what you got." Yes, poor social skills indeed, but a friend who calls out your wrong behavior is indeed a true friend.  

========================

However, in the meantime, I didn't "hate" the other four characters, based on what I've watched them all these years, I believe what they did in this episode are totally IC.

And honestly, if Sheldon didn't behave this way, I believe some people would cry out " This is not Sheldon! They changed him!" etc... and, blame Amy for his behavior somehow.  

So, yeah, not that funny, okay episode.

What be a jerk, thoughtless, and outright innapropriate. Mate that has been Sheldon since the pilot lol. Being a jerk. I don't think people would complain either way. Seeing that has always been a constant. The point is he has changed. Yet I feel he has degressed some what this season. And last. 

[Strawberry PopTart Fan]

Shelnard as any kind of a real friendship is pretty much done for me after years of wanting to believe in it.  I try hard to tolerate Sheldon because of his "undiagnosis" and because disliking him lessens my overall enjoyment  but the show makes it impossible any more. He's no friend to Leonard. He betrayed him and Howard and he's a selfish, self-serving, self-absorbed  jerk. The only thing Leonard and Howard did wrong was to trust Kripke . To suggest that Leonard and Howard  were in the wrong along with Sheldon is pure b.s., imo.

For all of his flaws, Raj was a much better friend to Bernie and did the right thing.

[Die Zimtzicke]

9 hours ago, 3ku11 said:

Sheldon was in the wrong periord. He once away gets away with it. 

Well, he did lose his project and got a taste of what that was like. But this was not a great ep for me in any sense. The only thing I laughed at was Kripke saying the sundae had a cherry on top. That line was so Kripke. I was kind of surprised now that I've thought about it that they went back to pointing out how mean Bernadette could be at work. That was a major trait of hers for several eps. Ruchi did do what Bernie would have done. As I said earlier, I don't think any of them came off well.

[Chrismo]

18 minutes ago, Strawberry PopTart Fan said:

Shelnard as any kind of a real friendship is pretty much done for me after years of wanting to believe in it.  I try hard to tolerate Sheldon because of his "undiagnosis" and because disliking him lessens my overall enjoyment  but the show makes it impossible any more. He's no friend to Leonard. He betrayed him and Howard and he's a selfish, self-serving, self-absorbed  jerk. The only thing Leonard and Howard did wrong was to trust Kripke . To suggest that Leonard and Howard  were in the wrong along with Sheldon is pure b.s., imo.

For all of his flaws, Raj was a much better friend to Bernie and did the right thing.

My mother always says two wrongs don't make a right. Those as I said earlier Sheldon's wrong caused Leonard and Howard's wrong. Though think Shelnard's "friendship" at this point is pretty much done for me after this episode.

[Die Zimtzicke]

23 minutes ago, Strawberry PopTart Fan said:

He's no friend to Leonard.

But Leonard can't figure that out. Look at his warm explanation to Professor Proton about why they are friends. I thought he might start after he was so astounded that Bert was able to close the door on Sheldon, that it might be a turning point for the rest of this season and next season, but I have lost all hope for Leonard not considering Sheldon his best friend.

[snapepans]

3 minutes ago, Die Zimtzicke said:

But Leonard can't figure that out. Look at his warm explanation to Professor Proton about why they are friends. I thought he might start after he was so astounded that Bert was able to close the door on Sheldon, that it might be a turning point for the rest of this season and next season, but I have lost all hope for Leonard not considering Sheldon his best friend.

And after Leonard had some new idea, his first reaction was "We should tell Sheldon!" Man, I love him. I hope I can have a friend like Leonard. Seriously.

[Spaced_up]

43 minutes ago, Strawberry PopTart Fan said:

Shelnard as any kind of a real friendship is pretty much done for me after years of wanting to believe in it.  I try hard to tolerate Sheldon because of his "undiagnosis" and because disliking him lessens my overall enjoyment  but the show makes it impossible any more. He's no friend to Leonard. He betrayed him and Howard and he's a selfish, self-serving, self-absorbed  jerk. The only thing Leonard and Howard did wrong was to trust Kripke . To suggest that Leonard and Howard  were in the wrong along with Sheldon is pure b.s., imo.

For all of his flaws, Raj was a much better friend to Bernie and did the right thing.

They ruined the character for me many years ago, when they replaced his deadpan but innocent arrogance with spitefulness, one-up-manship. They have done everything they can to make Sheldon a completely arse. Sick of it as well. Its as though they want the public to hate him.

 

On 15/11/2017 at 2:08 PM, mirs1 said:

Anyway, for the discussion at hand, I think @Spaced_up has the dates and episodes mixed up. The episode (s)he is referring to, 11.7, was taped on October 10 and we had the discussion about the alleged sexism in the show much later, towards the end of October...so, for sure we didn't influence the writers on that, unless they are psychics. 

You're got my comments mixed up, I was talking about another conversation about how he treats Penny, which was after that. Of course I can never prove the writers read these forums, it's just my own suspicions. This is the only place where the show gets this much attention and the tempatation, for a writer to read anbout what they have written must be strong... but anyways.

Edited November 17, 2017 by Spaced_up

[Kathy2611]

12 minutes ago, Spaced_up said:

They ruined the character for me many years ago, when they replaced his deadpan but innocent arrogance with spitefulness, one-up-manship. They have done everything they can to make Sheldon a completely arse. Sick of it as well. Its as though they want the public to hate him.

 

You're got my comments mixed up, I was talking about another conversation about how he treats Penny, which was after that. Of course I can never prove the writers read these forums, it's just my own suspicions. This is the only place where the show gets this much attention and the tempatation, for a writer to read anbout what they have written must be strong... but anyways.

Ok I know this is off topic but genuinely curious and I absolutely love learning about stuff from other countries.... is this the European version of the word "ass" and if so what other swear words do you guys say that's different from ours here in the states.  

And anybody from other parts can answer, it wasn't directed solely at @Spaced_up but of course she can answer too.....

[BigBangEnthusiast]

10 hours ago, Tensor said:

Many members here and at other forums, who have attended tapings, have repeatedly said if a joke doesn't work, and the audience doesn't laugh, they stop and rewrite.  This doesn't sound as if anyone is forced to laugh.   What taping did you attend where they forced you to laugh, and what exactly did they do to force you to laugh?    

This is true. I have attended four tapings, and the writers changed a few lines each time. Once they changed a line four times to get the reaction they hoped for.

[Jonny]

9 minutes ago, Kathy2611 said:

Ok I know this is off topic but genuinely curious and I absolutely love learning about stuff from other countries.... is this the European version of the word "ass" and if so what other swear words do you guys say that's different from ours here in the states.  

And anybody from other parts can answer, it wasn't directed solely at @Spaced_up but of course she can answer too.....

Arse is what we say in the UK instead of ass. Sheldon is acting like a bit of an arse or an arsehole is what we would say instead of Sheldon is acting like an ass.

[joyceraye]

I could have understood it had Sheldon been approached by the air force to work for them and been told it was secret. But for Sheldon  himself to have been the one to pitch the idea without talking to the other two is outrageous.That is so  unfriendly it's unbelievable. It's also unprofessional. He does know better. He thoroughly deserved to have his work dropped in favour of something better. 

Good job Amy's style of admiration of him and his electricity has slipped back a few years or she'd be having her doubts about him too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[joyceraye]

15 minutes ago, Jonny said:

Arse is what we say in the UK instead of ass. Sheldon is acting like a bit of an arse or an arsehole is what we would say instead of Sheldon is acting like an ass.

Yep. 'Ass' is the American way of pronouncing 'arse' which means a bottom. It's not such a kind word as 'bum'  which is a diminutive of bottom. ( A butt in UK  is a barrel for keeping water in, or a cigarette end. ) Arse is not  a swear word as such but it's often used to be impolite or very firm with someone, such as in ' Do some real work instead of sitting around on your arse all day.'  To say Sheldon is being a dick, as he's been called in the show before, is not strong enough. So, he's what Jonny says he's acting like.

Generally in UK If we call someone an ass we mean they're acting like the animal - stupidly, mistakenly or stubbornly. This is why when they changed the story of Buridan's ass to Buridan's donkey some of us thought it was very funny. The writers are not usually so shy.  

[Chrismo]

11 hours ago, Tensor said:

 

Many members here and at other forums, who have attended tapings, have repeatedly said if a joke doesn't work, and the audience doesn't laugh, they stop and rewrite.  This doesn't sound as if anyone is forced to laugh.   What taping did you attend where they forced you to laugh, and what exactly did they do to force you to laugh?    

My wife went to 8.21 Communication Deterioration. Had a great time. How was the episode itself I asked? Not too good she said. People are in a good mood at tapings and have a Comedian there to keep them laughing. My forced comment isn't really right. I think though you are more likely to laugh while there than watching the episode at home.

Edited November 17, 2017 by Chrismo

[veejay]

1 hour ago, Kathy2611 said:

Ok I know this is off topic but genuinely curious and I absolutely love learning about stuff from other countries.... is this the European version of the word "ass" and if so what other swear words do you guys say that's different from ours here in the states.  

And anybody from other parts can answer, it wasn't directed solely at @Spaced_up but of course she can answer too.....

Well, then I'll make a contribution. Sheldon is not only a "Besserwisser" but also an "Arschloch" (sometimes).

[Jonny]

11 minutes ago, veejay said:

Well, then I'll make a contribution. Sheldon is not only a "Besserwisser" but also an "Arschloch" (sometimes).

The first one sounds like a German beer lol

[veejay]

4 minutes ago, Jonny said:

The first one sounds like a German beer lol