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The Big Bang Theory's 100th Episode: Hitting All the Right Notes

Posted: 01/20/12 08:17 PM ET

Thursday's episode of The Big Bang Theory was the 100th episode for the series and I must say, it did not disappoint! First off, a classic Sheldon-and-Leonard exchange dealing with the random interworkings of Sheldon's overactive mind. The conversation was topped off by the delivery of Sheldon's beloved life-sized cardboard Spock! Too bad it was the "wrong" Spock, which made me laugh even more when he uttered the line: "Live long and suck it Zachary Quinto!" So much hostility, while I thought Zachary Quinto made quite a fine Spock, but what do I know?

As for Leonard, he was busy gazing through Penny's open door watching her, Amy and Bernadette looking at something she received in the mail. Suddenly with confidence and a direct approach, he asked Penny on a date. I was impressed by Leonard's newfound confidence by the way! Penny was obviously stunned, but accepted to the "ohhhs'" of her girlfriends. Just like that Leonard appear to be back on.

While the girls tried to help Penny pick outfits and Amy said her usual stream of inappropriate comments, across the hall Sheldon, Raj and Leonard played a board game that made for many hilarious jokes from an unsuspecting Sheldon. This jokes may have carried a little too long, but I couldn't stop laughing at Jim Parsons' brilliant ability to keep a straight face. Particularly for such lines as "I need wood" and "Who has wood for my sheep?" Hilarious! I also loved the way Howard and Raj played into it for their own enjoyment because honestly, why wouldn't they?

It was nice to get a few more words from Raj this week too. You can never anticipate what he's going to say and this week was no exception -- yes Sandra Bullock IS great in everything!

At the restaurant, Leonard and Penny seem to be off to a very good start. Lots of talking, laughing and honesty as they proceed with their first date re-do. But quickly their laughter becomes argument and the date ends miserably at the very early time of 8:30 p.m.

Disastrous though the date was, apparently Leonard's confession that he still had feelings for Penny brought forth her decision to text message him a booty call. I have to give her credit where credit's due, that has to be the shortest distance to a booty call ever. They end up in Penny's bed together, post-passion, still trying to figure out what everything means. They decide to date in secret to test the waters of their new relationship before making it public. But after a squabble amidst their friends at the Cheesecake Factory, it seems their reunion may be short-lived.

After another late night text message from Penny, they are back out in the hall arguing before sleeping together at Penny's place once again. Afterwards, it seemed as though Leonard had realized their relationship didn't seem to be working out the second time around either, and I sadly believed their reunion would be over as quickly as it began -- but not so fast!

Turns out, we were tricked! It's all been but a daydream in Leonard's head as we arrive back to the scene where he is looking at Penny and the girls opening the box in Penny's apartment while Sheldon hates on Spock. It seems as though Leonard realized starting again is a mistake and will end badly.

But to my surprise, and I'm sure to the surprise of many fans, he walked over and asked Penny on the dinner date (for real this time!) and she accepted, albeit stunned by the invitation.

This is where we leave things for now, but the promos for next week show that Leonard and Penny will continue to explore their new (2.0) relationship by taking things slow.

I loved this episode; it had almost everything I love about the series: Funny nerd moments between the guys, Leonard attempting to keep a secret from Sheldon (does anyone else think sometimes it would just be easier to tell the guy the truth than deal with all of his questions?), clever and funny Raj/Howard moments, and of course a return to Leonard and Penny.

What did you think of The Big Bang Theory's 100th episode? Did Leonard and Penny's (sort of) reunion live up to your expectations? Do you think they can make it last this time?

 

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10:43 PM on 01/23/2012
The Big Bang Theory is a TERRIFIC and AMAZING show. I just LUV, LUV, LUV it! Superb cast, utterly talented comic performers, and fantastic comedy writers. The 100th episode is a BLAST. I've seen it four times now, and I laughed as much every time. May the show see many years of success and popularity and more awards especially for everyone who's a part of it. MORE POWER to the show.
06:27 AM on 01/21/2012
Love, Love, Love this show. Have watched it from the first episode and catch it in syndication on TBS Tues, Wed and Thurs evenings. It always makes me laugh out loud. I agree that this episode did not disappoint....I gasped a little when Leonard asked Penney out :)
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edejan
04:04 AM on 01/21/2012
This is my family's all-time favorite TV show. They rarely hit a wrong note for me. My husband says this show is the new "Friends." I agree.
10:44 PM on 01/23/2012
It's also the new "Golden Girls".
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offred
A biocitizen is 3/5 of a corporate citizen
04:02 AM on 01/21/2012
You forget that Sheldon owns an autographed napkin used by Leonard Nimoy. Sheldon can clone Nimoy.
10:47 PM on 01/23/2012
Amy might be better able to do the cloning hands-on because Sheldon is a physicist, not exactly a biologist. (Sounds like a future episode featuring the two characters collaborating on a Nimoy cloning project.)
jjtx
living between the trees
12:46 AM on 01/21/2012
My spouse and I actually think that Sheldon and Penny have better chemistry - yes, believe it or not. These two act like an old married couple - she can get him to do things that no one else has a chance at getting him to do with the exception of his mother; she takes care of him when he is sick and even when he is hurting emotionally. She sings "Soft Kitty" to him.

Then, the kicker was the episode where the hot girl moves upstairs and all the boys (except Sheldon) are falling all over her. Where do you find Penny? In the apartment with Sheldon, of course.

Think about it.
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edejan
04:06 AM on 01/21/2012
No way. "Shenny" just doesn't sound as good as "Sham(e)y."
10:49 PM on 01/23/2012
I agree. Leonard and Penny still make a very good match for a love team.
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anneeger
Per aspera ad astra
10:54 PM on 01/20/2012
I simply love the series. I grew up with scientists( Physicists and engineers) and though the ones I knew would not be interested in cartoons, they were in many ways like the characters presented. It is the only comedy show which makes me laugh and it really does not need a laugh track.
I think the Penny/Leonard combination is essential for the show and I am looking forward for them being together again. I hope Raj gets a girlfriend too.
10:59 PM on 01/23/2012
I think Raj should continue to remain single, notwithstanding occasional attempts at flirting with or relating to women (as he did, for example, with Penny and Bernadette). I would like to see the homosexual innuendos or glancing same-sex humor continue especially between him and Howard. It just adds spice to the fun and gaiety of the show.