The Big Bang Theory 6.3, “The Higgs Boson Observation” – Review, Analysis, Discussion

This week the writers don€™t give us much in the way of plot development, but to be honest, sometimes that€™s an OK thing. Sometimes these characters are at their best when simply turned loose in their surroundings for our entertainment. And so goes this week€™s 3rd episode of the season, entitled €œThe Higgs Boson Observation"; let€™s dive right in! Howard and Bernadette, separated by over 200 miles, still manage the sweetness of their newly wedded bliss as Howard continues to orbit in the International Space Station. While I won€™t spend too much time on this aspect of the episode, I will take the time to acknowledge that these scenes with Howard are a prime example of the individual characters making things interesting on their own. Simon Helberg manages to make the best out of the limited story he€™s given this week, but it€™s always good to see Howard uncomfortable and in panic mode with Bernadette trying to keep him balanced and at ease. These are some funny scenes that work so well because of the chemistry that€™s developed between Helberg and Rauch. The big news this week, however, is the introduction of what is a new but probably limited character run on the show, Sheldon€™s new assistant Alex Jensen played by Margo Harshman. While the character itself was nothing special, the fact that we have Sheldon paired with a new acquaintance is always comedy gold. Much in the same vein as last week€™s episode with the Stewart character, Alex is berated by Sheldon, condescended on by Sheldon, and certainly offended by Sheldon. This, however, never seems to frustrate our new character as she has spends the episode trying to decide if she€™s working for a crazy person. And that€™s a great question most days. Moreover though, Alex Jensen€™s introduction is more about furthering the Penny/Leonard relationship than anything else. We see Penny become jealous as Leonard spends time talking with the new assistant, and while this is expected, it€™s also a little confusing. We still don€™t know how Penny really feels about Leonard at this point, so having her go overboard and snatch him from the sights of the new assistant Alex, only to go and have sex with him makes her seem a bit shallow. I€™m certainly hoping for more growth with this storyline, but given that this week€™s episode is light in the plotline department all around, I€™ll let it slide this week. Also this week we get yet another mention of Sheldon€™s desire for the Nobel Prize. While I was merely guessing we would see this unfold as the new season took off, even I€™m a bit surprised that it has begun so early. Nonetheless, in keeping with the theme of this week€™s episode, it€™s merely a mention of that pursuit as Sheldon looks back to his youth for fresh ideas for a Nobel project. It will be interesting to see if they continue to move forward with this aspect of Sheldon€™s career. And finally I could not forget Amy Farrah Fowler. Always funny, she was in limited form this week, but still hysterical in what scenes she had. This would include getting a makeover with Penny, a very funny line about an eyelash curler and Tinker Bell€™s gynecologist, and her never-ending love for both Sheldon and Penny. She continues to be Penny€™s €œbestie€ by discussing and helping her recognize and work through her feelings for Leonard while delivering some of the best lines of the season so far. She even manages to bring the topic of phone sex with Sheldon into her conversation with Penny, and that can€™t help but get us all wondering if that€™s something that€™s happened before with the way she mentions it. Amy also marks her €œterritory€ throughout Sheldon€™s office with her scent (yea for armpits!) and even revealing to Penny that she has done the same to her apartment to ensure their friendship. Hysterical! That€™s 3 episodes down and what do you think so far? I think so far so good, kids. Hit me up on Twitter @davyshrader or via the Gmail at jshrader392@gmail.com
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