The Big Bang Theory: The Hot Tub Contamination (10x05)

Of the many things I habitually complain about on this show, one of the most aggravating is the constant telling, rather than showing. In my opinion, this episode is a perfect example of that problem.

Cons:

The main plot is about Sheldon and Amy and how they have a hard time living together. Sheldon and Penny end up going out to get away from the fighting, while Amy and Leonard stay in. Sheldon complains about Amy, and Penny finds herself sympathizing, while Amy complains about Sheldon, and Leonard finds himself sympathizing. In the end, Sheldon apologizes for being so contrary, and agrees to try and compromise more.

Here's the problem: we spend the whole episode hearing Sheldon and Amy talk about living together and how hard it is. We don't even see them in the actual apartment they're living in until the very end! It would have been much more fun to watch them actually living together. To see these complaints play out on the screen. Instead, we just get to hear about how hard it is, and then in the end Sheldon and Amy are back on good footing, and nothing has really changed or moved forward in any way for the plot or the characters.

The subplot wasn't much better. Bernadette and Howard had plans to go out of town on a final vacation before the baby comes, but Bernadette's morning sickness prevents them from going on the trip. They decide to opt for a stay-cation, and they don't tell their friends about it. Turns out, both Stuart and Raj use the opportunity of the house being available to sneak over and use the hot tub. Howard and Bernadette spy from the window up above, and learn that Raj is now single. They can't keep quiet anymore when they learn that Stuart is not wearing any swim trunks.

Again, with the wasted opportunities. I wondered what sort of fun stuff Howard and Bernadette could get up to staying home and away from everybody else. Raj is so often included in scenes with this couple that I wanted a chance for them to breathe on their own. But, of course, Stuart and Raj had to come over and use the hot tub. This could have been potentially funny, but it never really escalated. I wanted Howard and Bernadette to overhear something unfavorable about the two of them, or something. Instead, this plot thread ends quite abruptly with Howard yelling out the window at the two interlopers. We don't even get to see the conversation that follows.

Pros:

I often find myself complimenting this show most when it slows down and takes itself seriously. That was the case here, when we did have a brief moment with Penny and Sheldon that added some depth. Sheldon reveals that when he was a kid, he walked in on his father having sex with his mistress. He says that this is why he has the compulsion to knock three times before entering anywhere. This also explains why he's being so resistant to compromise with Amy. He's so sure that he'll end up hurting her, that he hurts her to avoid hurting her. Penny untangles this line of reasoning for him and encourages him to go and apologize.

It's no secret that Penny and Sheldon's relationship is one of this show's only hidden treasures. I always like watching them bond. It was also decently funny to see them commiserating together over Amy and Leonard's shared flaws. Penny is fine living with her husband, but that doesn't mean there aren't things she would change!

In the subplot, the only good thing to be found was the news that Raj is single. Emily and Claire both kicked him to the curb, apparently. I've gotta say, good for them. Now hopefully we can get a plot of substance for Raj that won't make me hate him.

That's it. Not a great episode, but at least it didn't insult me.

6.5/10