The Big Bang Theory: The Discovery Dissipation (7x10)

Wow, for once The Big Bang Theory actually told a story that took more than one episode. A few episodes back, Sheldon thought he had discovered a new element, but it turns out that the discovery was founded on a mistake. In this episode, we get to see more of the repercussions from that.

The main plot follows Sheldon, who is being forced by the university into interviews celebrating his great discovery. He doesn't want the fame, since it's founded on an error, and reacts negatively to the press. Amy brings in Wil Wheaton to explain to Sheldon that he knows what it feels like to be negatively perceived because of one accomplishment. He encourages Sheldon to get through it. Sheldon cheers up. However, Leonard disproves the existence of Sheldon's element. He thought this would make Sheldon happy, but it doesn't - he's angry that Leonard took away his accomplishment. Now, Leonard is getting the attention for his disproving. Sheldon tries to force his way onto a radio show interview with Leonard. The episode ends with Penny and Amy listening to the program, embarrassed at the antics of their boyfriends.

Okay, I mostly liked this one okay. As is often true with this show, the guest stars are never really utilized to their fullest potential. Wil Wheaton is always fun to see, but it seems as though he could have had more to do. Barry Kripke was also in this episode, as he mocks Sheldon for having to retract his research. He was decently funny, but also underused. I did like the idea of the episode though, and particularly the fighting between Leonard and Sheldon. Sometimes I get annoyed about how much these two fight, because it never seems to go anywhere. In this example, however, it seems clear that they were just squabbling at each other, and that they'll both get over it in no time.

The other plot involved Raj staying with Howard and Bernadette while his apartment is being fumigated. Raj is an ideal roommate. He's attentive to Howard and Bernadette's needs, he picks up drinks for them, cleans the dishes, asks them about their days... in fact, he's so perfect that both Howard and Bernadette start to feel like inadequate spouses. They then get mad at Raj for exposing the weaknesses in their marriage.

A lot of this stuff was really, really funny. I especially loved the part where Bernadette and Howard started arguing about something and then they immediately turned it around and got angry at Raj for their disagreement. There was a wonderful moment when Raj, kicked out of the apartment, turns his relationship advice to Sheldon and Amy. Amy is less than pleased with Raj's advice to her that she be patient with Sheldon's need for limited physical contact. I really loved this, because Raj actually made a very good point about their relationship. I think the main flaw with this plot thread is just that the entire thing is treated entirely as a joke, when in reality it seems as if Raj is bringing up some real concerns in Bernadette and Howard's marriage. If I thought the show was going to continue examining this in the future, that would be one thing. .. but they probably won't, so it feels like a wasted opportunity.

Wow, I wrote this really quickly. Not much more to say about this one... overall, it was fine.

7/10