The Big Bang Theory: The Commitment Determination (8x24)

The fact that this was the finale totally sneaked up on me. Lots of pretty big stuff happened in this episode. The title, "The Commitment Determination," is a reference to the fact that all of our different couples reach a significant point in their relationship. (Howard and Bernadette being the possible exception, although their relationship with Stuart is showcased). I want to take each of these relationships separately, and talk about what happened.

Sheldon wonders why Penny and Leonard haven't set a date for their wedding yet. They both get defensive, saying that everything is fine as it is. However, they decide that maybe it is time to start making some decisions. Penny suggests that they drive to Vegas and elope! In the car on the way there, Penny talks about how they will be going in to their marriage with no secrets or regrets. Leonard has a confession to make - when he was on the boat doing scientific research, he kissed a girl. Penny decides to forgive him, because it happened when they weren't engaged, and it was just a kiss. The two continue onward to get married.

I was wondering more and more if we were ever going to move forward with the whole Penny and Leonard wedding thing, and I'm glad that we finally are. The fact that Leonard kissed someone else came entirely out of left field and I'm not too sure what to think about it, but I appreciate the show going down a more serious route. When we open up the next season, will we get a happily married Leonard and Penny, or a resentful and awkward recently broken up couple? I like that it could go either way at this point. Also, some of the humor in their plot thread was actually laugh-out-loud funny. They get all defensive about Sheldon asking him about the date for their wedding, and get increasingly agitated, even though Sheldon just keeps saying "okay."

Speaking of Sheldon, his plot with Amy was the big shocker of the night, even considering the surprise elopement twist. Sheldon and Amy are celebrating their 5 year anniversary. In the middle of making out on the couch, Sheldon stops and asks Amy if he should start watching The Flash. Amy is upset that Sheldon doesn't seem to think about their relationship or their future. She leaves, angry. Sheldon asks Penny and Leonard about it, which is what ends up sparking the discussion of their engagement. Later, Sheldon and Amy talk over a video chat. Sheldon says he's been doing a lot of thinking, but before he can say more, Amy cuts him off, saying that she needs to take some time to re-evaluate their situation. Sheldon seems hurt, but he just says "oh," and Amy hangs up. Then, Sheldon pulls a ring out of the desk drawer, revealing that he was planning on proposing.

Oh dear. That was a shocker if I've ever seen one. There are some parts of Amy and Sheldon's relationship that make me profoundly uncomfortable - for example, Penny accuses Sheldon of not moving forward with Amy by specifically mentioning that they haven't had sex yet. I've always been curious about this... I don't think Sheldon wants to have sex, you know? There could be something really sweet going on here with an asexual Sheldon who always thought he was also aromantic, but who then realizes that he can and has fallen romantically in love with someone - without there being sex involved. I also think that Amy probably should have cut her losses a long time ago, and I'm not particularly sure why this incident is the one that pushed her over the edge. That being said, I think it was an awesome idea to end the episode - end the season, in fact - on that moment of Sheldon revealing he was planning to propose. Because. Woah. If that doesn't shake things up, I don't know what will.

Bernadette and Howard are sick of living with Stuart, and they decide they need to ask him to move out. However, just as they start to do so, they learn that it's Stuart's birthday. They chicken out and wish him a happy birthday instead. This was cute, I guess... nothing to serious. I liked the way Bernadette and Howard both fought over who would have to break the news to Stuart.

Raj is increasingly unsure about his future with Emily. She is a weird, twisted person, and when she declares that she wants to have sex with him in a graveyard, he decides enough is enough. As they have a picnic among the graves, Raj tries to break up with Emily, but he chickens out and tells her he loves her instead. This plot thread I found the tiniest bit problematic... like, I enjoy the idea of Emily being over-the-top-creepy, but I don't understand what else about her makes Raj like her in the first place. And it's terrible to tell someone you love them if it's not true. Is that what happened here? Raj also had a line where he said "you're dark on the inside, and I'm dark on the outside." I'm not sure if that's as offensive as it sounds, but with this show I always tend to err on the side of caution.

Ultimately, each of these plot threads involve a couple (or a couple and a single guy whose living with them) coming to a point where a difficult or challenging truth needs to be spoken. Sheldon doesn't get to say his truth, and Raj, Bernadette, and Howard all chicken out on saying theirs. Penny and Leonard are the only couple that actually do follow through. Leonard is honest with Penny, even if it hurts.

So... yeah. This episode was actually a pretty big deal when it comes to this show. I guess we'll have to see what this means for the characters moving forward into Season Nine.

8/10