The Big Bang Theory: The Retraction Reaction (11x02)

This was an episode with some bones to it, which is something I very rarely say about The Big Bang Theory.

Cons:

Of course, that doesn't mean it was super awesome and great or anything. There was this really weird subplot that kind of petered out without resolution. Bernadette and Amy commiserate that they have to hide their success from their male partners, because they always get weird when they're doing well in their careers. They decide to brag to each other instead. Bernadette brags about all the money she gets working in the private sector, while Amy claims that Bernadette's job is morally bankrupt.

This was problematic in a couple of different ways. The idea that Amy and Bernadette feel uncomfortable sharing their successes with Sheldon and Howard is... unsurprising, but depressing. If I thought this was going to be a plot point moving forward, I'd be happy to see it explored. But we know it's not going to be. The guys will continue to be bad partners to the girls in a lot of ways, and they'll just put up with it with a complacent sigh. Ugh. And then there's the weird antagonism between Bernadette with her money, and Amy with her morally superior attitude. If Bernie has so much money, why was there all that financial concern with the babies? And since when is Bernie working in the private sector a point of conflict? This came out of nowhere.

Pros:

The good news, however, is that the main plot was kind of good. Leonard is asked to go on talk radio and talk up Cal Tech's physics department. Instead, he laments the lack of breakthroughs and marvels at the sheer amount of money being spent on no progress. Leonard gets in trouble with the school, and is asked to write a retraction. The only problem is, Leonard doesn't believe that physics is about to have a big breakthrough, and after talking with Sheldon, turns out he doesn't either. This prompts a field trip for the guys and Penny, who go to the grave of Richard Feynman in order to pay their respects to one of the foremost figures in their field. They get drunk on Romulan Ale (vodka with blue dye in it) and decide that physics isn't dead until they stop caring about it.

This was really touching. Often times the best plot threads this show produces are when we focus on the guys at work. Seeing them actually exercise their mental capacity and work to solve professional obstacles gives the show a purpose and drive that it's often lacking. And seeing Sheldon and Leonard in a place of uncertainty was refreshing, as was seeing Penny do everything she could to cheer up her boys. I like seeing her support them, although I'll admit I wish we could see the reverse every once in a while.

There you have it. Subplot felt really unbalanced and strange, but main plot had a lot of golden moments in it.

7.5/10