The Big Bang Theory: The Bow Tie Asymmetry (11x24)

Amy and Sheldon have tied the knot. This was a decent episode of a bad show.

Cons:

I get really sick of the same cliche with sitcom parents. The shrewish wife and the quiet, timid husband. Haven't we seen that a million times? Amy's parents were unoriginal and bland. In fact, all of the guest characters from Amy and Sheldon's families were pretty disappointing. We didn't get any good material from Sheldon's brother and sister, or even his mom, although we did have one moment where Sheldon sincerely thanks his mother for everything she's done for him over the years. That would have probably packed a bigger punch if I cared about any of these characters at all.

Pros:

Mark Hamill was in this episode, and he was pretty fantastic. I love that he got roped in to officiating as a thank you to Wolowitz for saving his dog, but that by the end he was getting all weepy at the wedding. We also got a scene where the wedding guests asked Mark questions about Star Wars, but the crowd was a little too intense for him, and he didn't know the answers to most of the questions. That was funny.

The Mark Hamill stuff also gave an opportunity for Stuart to impress his new employee, who he brings as a date to the wedding. He knows all this obscure Star Wars knowledge, and she seems thoroughly impressed. Stuart is a wet noodle, but I suppose he deserves love.

Amy and Sheldon spend the moments before their wedding frantically working out equations, as Sheldon has a breakthrough in his scientific theory. I loved the moment when Leonard walked in to get them, and instead of rushing them along, he joined in on the chaos and helped them with the theory. That was kind of the perfect ramp-up to their wedding. Of course they would get all excited about science right before walking down the aisle.

While Sheldon's moment with his mom didn't really do anything for me, I did think Leonard and Sheldon's moment was sweet. Sheldon says he'll "always be Leonard's problem," and the two share a hug. That was nice.

Wil Wheaton also guest starred, and I loved the idea that Mark Hamill is an "upgrade" of Wil Wheaton. Wil seems bitter about being replaced as the officiant. That was pretty hilarious, as was the moment when Mark Hamill didn't recognize him. Of course, that's patently unrealistic, as Mark Hamill is totally aware of who Wil Wheaton is. But still, it made me laugh!

That's all I've got. A better sitcom would utilize the guest stars even more. A better sitcom would have more crazy, creative shenanigans. But honestly, a simple, non-disastrous wedding is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. And Barry Kripke was there to sing the bride and groom out of the room, which I found just the kind of absurd final touch to make this episode... pretty decent.

8.5/10