The Big Bang Theory

While the focus is on Leonard's budding relationship with Penny, I was most entertained by Sheldon's internal struggle to keep a secret and the hilariously awkward situations that resulted. "I drank milk that tasted funny." (12/27/2017)

Leslie Winkle is back to comfort a grieving Leonard and be a pain in Sheldon’s ... . Once again, I had a blast. Highlights included the Super Mario scenes, Raj’s Comic Con story (“And he told me his name was Kimberly!”), and Leslie’s hilarious interactions. (12/27/2017)

Easily one of my favorite episodes. I truly live in World of Warcraft. Anyone who's ever fallen into the clutches of a gaming addiction, even briefly, will relate to Penny in this episode. For me, it was my first PS1 and a five-day gaming marathon that only ended when I ran out of dishes and the growing stench from my overflowing sink snapped me back to reality. (12/27/2017)

The episode clearly belonged to Raj, who quickly transforms from a shy scientist into an unbearable, self-centered, attention-seeking snob. I was thoroughly entertained, especially during his encounter with Dr. Gablehauser. "Dr. Koothrappali," "Dr. Hofstadter," "Dr. Cooper," and "Mr. Wolowitz." (12/28/2017)

Sheldon's ability to alienate everyone he needs help from knows no bounds. The gang's effort to convince him to get a driver's license and drive on his own was already a Herculean task, but to top it off, Darth Vader was giving some seriously weird looks. "Why Penny?" "Because rock breaks scissors" (12/28/2017)

Dr. Sheldon Cooper was shown in a whole new light. Well, not really. Sheldon was as typical as ever, but his company was anything but ordinary. But hey, who wouldn’t do anything for free food, right? Penny’s reaction to the whole situation was spot-on, and Leonard’s line had me in stitches: "The viewing area’s right over there!" (12/28/2017)

There are two independent storylines in this episode - both equally hilarious. The first one starts with a seemingly minor tiff between Sheldon and Penny that escalates into an all-out war, with both sides bringing out the big guns, nearly ending in a Junior Rodeo showdown. The second follows Howard and Raj as they use science and military-grade tech to track down the address of Howard's future Mrs. Wolowitz. This episode was a blast from start to finish. "Wait a minute, you're telling me that I'm within driving distance of a house filled with aspiring supermodels?" (12/29/2017)

This episode made it clear that it takes a Mars Rover accident for Leonard to find a girlfriend, and being the better option certainly helped. Howard's messages on the answering machine were absolutely hilarious. "It’s Howard." The debate between Sheldon and Raj also had some serious moments. "I have three words for you. Wrath of Khan." (12/29/2017)

This episode features Sheldon as the self-appointed supervisor of Leonard's new relationship, and it's pure gold. Sheldon’s conversations with Penny were hilariously awkward (“New topic. Where are you in your menstrual cycle?”), and even Leonard isn't as desperately clingy with Stephanie as Sheldon is. (12/29/2017)

Leonard is oblivious to the fact that he has a new roommate, and every time he tries to address it, he falls victim to clever manipulation. He might resist, but he's just too weak... Meanwhile, Sheldon meets his match in someone who can actually handle him. "Where's my Bat-Signal?" (12/29/2017)

I was tempted to dock a star from this episode for Dr. Stephanie's unexplained disappearance, but I just couldn't. The episode was packed with great lines, and the gift exchange was absolutely perfect. "What are you looking at? You've never seen a hypocrite before?" "Sweetie, sweetie, Dave was talking." "I possess the DNA of Leonard Nimoy?" (12/29/2017)

Once again, we have an episode with two separate storylines, and it worked out great. Sheldon gets roped into an underground robot fight (or “woboto vs. woboto,” as Barry Kripke would say), while Howard has an emotional meltdown after a confrontation with Penny. "She ran past me. Was I supposed to tackle her?" "Howard, I’ve been informed that you have feelings." (12/29/2017)

Sheldon trying to understand friendship is pure comedy gold. His questionnaires and algorithms take everything to the usual absurd levels. Barry Kripke joining the group and the subsequent selection of the least valuable member were absolutely brutal. "Well, it's not exactly a plan, but I think I'm going to pass out." (12/30/2017)

Another great episode. This time, the spotlight is on Penny's financial troubles, Sheldon's unexpected generosity, and a can protected by snakes. I enjoyed Leonard's attempt to help Penny, which leads to a heroic quest after failing to reduce her expenses. "Well, what was the plan?" "Um, waitress for six months and then become a movie star." "Was there a plan B?" "TV star." (12/30/2017)

This episode was brutally good. Leonard's mom is the only character who has managed to outshine Sheldon, and I already wish she'd appear more often. "Oh, your Uncle Floyd died." "Oh my God, what happened?" "His heart stopped beating." (12/30/2017)

Realizing that the sixteenth episode revolves around a couch cushion, I have to give it a full five stars. We get to see more of Sheldon's quirks, but the real standout is Howard's surprising development. "His right hand is calling him?" (12/30/2017)

Sheldon's obsession with trains leads to an eleven-hour trip to a conference in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Raj and Howard keep themselves entertained by hunting for the Terminator, while Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny tackle puzzles. I'm still thoroughly enjoying the show, so it's another easy five stars from me. "Oh, look, now he's boring on an international scale!" / "With all due respect, Dr. Cooper, are you on crack?" (12/30/2017)

Penny asks Sheldon for help, realizing she's essentially making a deal with the devil — or a vampire. The result? Pure entertainment. Sheldon’s productivity songs and motivational speeches to the team were spot-on. / "Everything is better with Bluetooth!" / "Hey! Less talk, more work!" (12/31/2017)

With the arrival of a new neighbor, the dynamics shift, and Penny loses control of the situation. This episode was both hilarious and insightful, showcasing the moments when a man's actions are controlled by his brain—and when they are controlled by something else entirely. It also showed how to exploit these situations. / "It's a trap!" / "They're gone, Penny, they can't hear you." (12/31/2017)

The plot was a bit weak, but Penny's visit to the comic book store was absolutely fantastic. On the flip side, the unarmed hunting with Howard Wolowitz didn't do much for me, although Rajesh's bit at the end made up for it. "Why are they all looking at me?" - "Don't worry, they're more afraid of you than you are of them" / "Blink twice if you're here against your will." (12/31/2017)