The Big Bang Theory: The Relationship Diremption (7x20)

Last time I wrote one of these reviews I managed to keep it very, very, short. Let's try and do that again.

Raj sets up a double date with Bernadette and Howard, so they can meet Emily. We learn that Lucy didn't approve of Raj dating both of them at the same time, so now Raj is down to just one girl. Howard predicts that Raj will mess things up with Emily, but when he finally meets her on the double date, he realizes to his horror that he recognizes her: years ago, he was set up on a blind date with her, but he clogged her toilet and was so embarrassed that he climbed out her window, never to see her again. Howard ends up being the brunt of all the jokes, instead of Raj.

Lots of gross, immature poop jokes. Not really my cup of tea. The only decently amusing bit was when Emily talks about her job, and we get the sense that something might be a bit... off about her, as she says she loves getting to cut people with knives. That could be funny to explore more in the future.

Sheldon starts to doubt that he'll ever get anywhere with string theory. Penny tells him that maybe it's time for him to "end the relationship" with string theory and try something else. Sheldon goes through a "breakup," letting Penny give him a new, more attractive look, getting drunk, trying to figure out a new scientific focus... he even drunk dials Stephen Hawking, and spends the night reading a geology text book, which he says his not a real branch of science.

There were a few decent moments in here, such as when Penny tells Sheldon that she understands what it's like to pour your heart into something and get nothing in return. Sheldon asks her if she's talking about her acting career, or her relationship with Leonard. I also liked Amy's "sex on a stick line," and some of Sheldon's messages to Stephen Hawking were okay. In particular, at one point he just says "I kiss girls now," apropos of nothing.

However, other parts of this plot thread really rubbed me the wrong way, such as Sheldon making a couple of insensitive jokes about Stephen Hawking's inability to answer the phone, and the way Leonard asking for his inhaler and showing visible signs of his health problems was supposed to be seen as a sign that he's not a good catch for Penny.

Yay, I kept it short! I didn't enjoy this one. I know that The Big Bang Theory is going to be around for years to come, but I might not stick it out until the end. It's trying my patience.

5/10