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)

And again, an episode consisting of two separate storylines and it turned out well again. Sheldon allows himself to be provoked into an unlicensed robot fight (woboto vs. woboto, as Barry Kripke would say), while Howard experiences an emotional breakdown after a confrontation with Penny. "She slipped away. Was I supposed to fold her?" "Howard, I was told you have feelings." (12/29/2017)

Sheldon is trying to figure out friendship, which is a guarantee of quality entertainment. His questionnaires and algorithm have once again taken everything to absurdity. The arrival of Barry Kripke into the group and the subsequent selection of the least useful member were absolutely brutal. "Well, it's not exactly a plan, but I might faint." (12/30/2017)

The fourteenth episode is among the successful ones. The main roles this time are Penny's financial inability, Sheldon's willingness to help selflessly, and a can protected by snakes. I liked Leonard's effort to help Penny, which leads him on a heroic adventure after his failure in the area of reducing expenses. "What was the plan?" "To be a waitress for six months and then become a movie star." "Ah, and did you have a plan B?" "To become a television star." (12/30/2017)

I cannot describe the episode any other way than brutally good. Leonard's mother has been the only character so far who managed to overshadow Sheldon, and now I already wish she would appear more often in the show. "Your uncle Floyd passed away." "Oh my god, what happened?" "His heart stopped beating." (12/30/2017)

When I realize that the sixteenth episode was a story about the couch, I can only rate it with a full number of stars. Some of Sheldon's obsessions came to light again, but the most surprising progress was undoubtedly made by Howard. "Is that what he calls his right hand?" (12/30/2017)

Sheldon's obsession with trains is worth an eleven-hour journey to the conference in San Francisco. Fortunately, Rajesh and Howard are able to shorten the trip with their Terminator hunting, while Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny occupy themselves with solving puzzles. I still enjoy the show tremendously, so once again I rate it with subtle five stars. "Look, now it's boring on an international scale!" "With all due respect, Dr. Cooper, are you on crack?" (12/30/2017)

Penny asks Sheldon for help, even though she vaguely realizes that she is getting into a similar situation as if she made a deal with the devil or an agreement with a vampire. The great fun, Sheldon's songs to increase work productivity, and motivational speeches to employees were flawless. "Everything is better with Bluetooth!" "Hey! Less talking, more work!" (12/31/2017)

With the arrival of the new neighbor, spheres of influence are changing and Penny is losing control of the situation. This episode was very educational and nicely portrayed situations in which the male body is controlled by the brain, but also situations in which it is controlled from elsewhere, and it showed how to take advantage of it. "It's a trap!" They're gone, Penny, they can't hear you. (12/31/2017)

The twentieth episode was plot-wise slightly weaker, but Penny's arrival at the comic book store was absolutely amazing. On the other hand, I wasn't really into the hunting without weapons with Howard Wolowitz, who at least improved Rajesh in the end. "Everyone is staring at me!" "No worries, they are more afraid of you than you are of them." "Take a second look if you're here against your will." (12/31/2017)