Rhetorical Ink: The Big Bang Theory, “The Explosion Implosion” Review
**BETTER LATE THAN NEVER SPOILERS BELOW**
I realize I am a week late on this and Episode 5. Apologies! I was catching up on Stranger Things before Season Two released... in any case, here is --
My Top Ten Thoughts on The Big Bang Theory, Season 11, Episode 4:
10. I think Simon, who plays Howard, is the perfect actor to play a father because he brings so much of his own “daddy experience” to the role. “Today’s all about you!” Don’t stop being adorable in these moments, Simon.
9. And they’re having a baby boy this time around! I like how Howard and Bernadette flip the whole “parenting” model on its head for this show -- in this case, we learn that they each wanted another daughter, not a son. I sort of like this, because it’s a nice flip on the “only want sons” mentality a lot of shows have placed with their couples. Howard is nervous about being a father, but the crew -- minus Sheldon, who really just wanted to talk about model rockets -- encourage them that they’ll be there to help taking care of the two kids.
8. With all this talk of Howard’s family, I wonder if we’ll get to see his father this season? To help him realize he can be a father to his own son? In any case, Sheldon is jealous of Howard’s Saturn V rocket -- he’s such that friend that is obsessed with your knickknacks -- I’m usually that friend. Howard is nice in asking Sheldon to build the rocket with him! That’s definitely a change from their past in other seasons.
7. Oh noooo, Beverly wants to have conversation with Penny and be her “friend.” The scary thing is that Beverly and Penny are more similar than we may have initially thought...interesting! Any excuse to have Beverly on the show is good with me!
6. Speaking of “Oh No,” poor Howard’s rocket explodes instead of going up into the air...they should have gotten the peanuts like Howard predicted. Superstition, indeed!
5. I’m not sure how I feel about Raj’s slowly adding more details that may hint that he is, in fact, gay. I think that is where they are going with that storyline. I’m not opposed to Raj being gay, I just want it to be realistic and believable, and not feel forced. I also have been so used the last 10 seasons to him just being an effeminate man, I’m too much like Sheldon -- change is hard for me to deal with. Please let Raj just be a rough and tumble, but sensitive and compassionate man.
4. I have always felt like Amy and Leonard have similar personalities, which is why they make such great “Foils” to Penny and Sheldon -- their awkward frustrated exchange felt so odd, but also so natural, because of their natural chemistry -- plus, they’ve worked together on previous shows...anyone else think they were about to kiss at the end of that conversation, though? I was about to freak out for a second!
3. Leonard finally confronts his mother, though, and we learn that Beverly loves Penny the most out of all her daughter/son-in-laws. Aww!! And for that, she’s proud of Leonard! I love this little development between the three of them! It’s only taken 11 seasons...
2. Okay, anytime it’s just Sheldon and Howard, you can be sure they’re going to have a great personal moment -- and this episode is no exception. Sheldon reveals that he’s got his license but hasn’t had much time to practice, so he and Howard take time to do a “test drive”...
I will not lie, I got misty-eyed when Sheldon told Howard he was going to be a good father. Just those quiet scenes prove how good these actors are, and how much I love when these characters get chances like this to express their friendship.
1. ...even if it’s short-lived, as Sheldon gets the “need for speed,” and cranks it to 112 MPH...getting pulled over. I laughed out loud at his comment to Howard about a possible “escape plan,” only to be shut down immediately by Howard. I have to admit, this may be my favorite episode of the season so far!
