Shenny: Yeah, I'm a Dreamer Too
The Big Bang Theory episode 7.13 illustrated, once again, the problems with Lenny versus Shenny. For me, it was not just that Leonard was not supportive of Penny’s decision, while Sheldon was supportive. That was part of it, and that was definitely the point that Penny latched onto for most of the episode. The truth is, I didn’t really expect or want Leonard to throw a ticker-tape parade because Penny quit The Cheesecake Factory. I understood his doubts. TCF was Penny’s only source of income, and I could see money issues coming up in a future episode.
What really, really got me was Leonard’s behavior in the cafeteria when he was eating lunch with Raj, Howard, and Amy. I think it was Amy who asked Leonard if he was OK with Penny quitting TCF. Leonard indicated that he was, but then when Amy seemed to buy this, Leonard was thrilled at how convincing he came off, enough to call Penny to convey his support while he could remember how he said this. I just hate how he lies to Penny. He is much more concerned with what Penny wants to hear, then with what is best for Penny.
Ironically, I DON’T believe that Sheldon said what he said just to try to please Penny or give her what she wanted to hear. I believe that he was merely giving his own thoughts on the matter. If he thought she was making a bad decision he would have told her that. The reason that Sheldon gave for supporting her decision was totally in character for him. He had dreams of being a physicist (and pursuing the Nobel Prize) and we all know Sheldon doesn’t think much about money. He didn’t express any concern with her being a freeloader this time, like he had in the past, so that was interesting.
I feel like this isn’t the last we have explored this issue. I loved how Sheldon inserted himself into the Lenny relationship discussion. He is more interested in their relationship than in his own relationship with Amy, whose name never came up from his end during this episode. Leonard and Penny’s resolution was quiet and she did not even hug him or give him a kiss. She just said “OK.” Sheldon asked a good question though: “How do we put up with it?” (meaning Leonard and his behavior) I’d like to know the answer to that as well.
