The second episode of Season 6 arrives, and it manages to blend just the right amount of everything I love about this show. We get plenty of Amy Farrah Fowler wit mixed with just the right dose of Howard and Bernadette, and a huge helping of Penny and Sheldon one on one to top it all off (which one of our readers has managed to convince me is probably the best part of the show; kudos to you, commenter Alexandra!). The bigger picture is already beginning to develop with this second episode. The girls kick off the show opening gifts from last seasons wedding, and it provides a nice backdrop for a conversation that eventually leads to discussion of the Penny / Leonard relationship debacle. Penny and Leonard appear to be in a holding pattern since last seasons marriage proposal from Leonard, but what a great change of pace it is to hear about the status of their relationship from the other side of the hallway. Too often we have been subjected to the Leonard point-of-view regarding the issues in his relationship with Penny, but this episode provides a much needed breath of fresh air as we hear about the quandaries from Pennys perspective. Shes confused; she obviously cares for Leonard, and even thinks that she loves him. Shes never loved a man like Leonard before, so its understandably confusing for her given her history of run-of-the-mill macho boyfriends. Penny is leaning towards leaving Leonard; and while we have been down this road before with the on-again, off-again Leonard and Penny indecisiveness, this scene makes it feel like something more concerning this time around. This was actually a nice change, and I honestly hope we get more from Penny in the weeks to come; Im betting the writers are about to really open her character up.
Also starting with this episode, we are seeing more emotional development in Sheldon Cooper. This week hes conflicted as Amy shares her secret that Penny may end things with Leonard, and he feels a moral obligation to tell his best friend and roommate this terrible, would-be news. I thought the scene where he leaves Pennys bedroom and asks her not to hurt his friend was a genuine, emotional moment for Sheldon and very well done by Jim Parsons; however, someone get Sheldon a haircut! This scene also had some classic, old school comedy between Penny and Sheldon; again very well done by Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco. Go home, crazy man!
Probably the highlight of this episode for this writer, however, is the growing relationship of Howard and Bernadette Wolowitz. Even as Howard is high in the sky orbiting Earth, the show manages to build on their marriage and grow their relationship. Bernadette has managed to transform the seedy, slimy Howard into a charming, caring man. And while we have seen Howard come of age over the past several seasons, his lasting pairing with Bernadette has added an even greater dimension to his character. Whats also nice, too, is that just when I thought the writers were going to make Howard take a backseat to Bernadette and her career last season, we get Howard doing something hes only ever dreamed of, even since he was a child: going into space. With the full support of his new wife, Howard can thrive in doing something he loves, and we as viewers get to see their relationship develop alongside them. Bernadettes support of Howard in this episode was unwavering, even if the whole school yard bullying issue is a bit over the top and cliché at this point for the show; Bernie handles it with grace and honesty and caring.
Through all this, though, the 2nd episode was not without some minor missteps. While I am all for introducing Kevin Sussmans Stewart the Comic Book Store Owner as a full time player this season, there has got to be a better way around it than pairing him with Rajesh. I will admit the scenes with Sheldon constantly comparing Stewart to Howard in the friend department were very funny, but as of now its feeling a bit forced having Stewart thrust upon us in such a manner. I do think the writers will find their stride with the Stewart character in full time action, much like they have with the 2 additional female characters theyve added over the past several years; it takes time and we will get there. And also, the scene involving all our characters at the movies, and Sheldon holding a conversation with Amy was out of the norm. We all know how seriously Sheldon takes his theater going experience: he insists on being there early for seat selection, trailer viewing, and overall comfort ability (much like this writer!). He would never hold a conversation in this setting with anyone, unless it was to complain about his experience or correct someone who was in error. A minor issue, to be sure, but still an error in overall Sheldon continuity! How does everyone feel now that we are two episodes into the new season? Let the discussion begin! On here in the comments section, on my Twitter @davyshrader, or via email: jshrader392@gmail.com