TVSquad

(S02E22) Space poop! That's really all you need to know about this episode-- oh, and Penny still totally has the geek hots for Leonard. But mainly, this episode came out of the writers' desire to see how many poop jokes they could fit into a half-hour show. The answer? A lot.

The whole thing about Wolowitz's toilet for the space station was kind of great, because it showcased Sheldon's continued evolution. He actually recognized that jokes were being told! And he thought they were funny! In fact, other than the whole "breakdown of the social contract" thing with regards to Leonard's voicemail, Sheldon really wasn't his usual nitpicky, neurotic self. Instead of making everything about his compulsions, he actually managed to fit in and become a member of the group. Sheldon has had a lot of personal growth throughout this season, so it was nice to have it showcased in this episode.

On to Leonard and Penny: I was pleasantly surprised to see that Stuart made a comeback. I thought that his date with Penny a few weeks ago was just a throwaway storyline. I figured it would be funny that Sheldon ruined the date, and that would be the end of it. Instead, they brought him back to showcase that the whole Leonard/Penny thing isn't going to die.

While this may be disappointing to all of the Sheldon/Penny shippers out there (and I know that includes many of you), I've always been a fan of the way this show has handled Leonard and Penny's relationship. It's always been under the surface, but hasn't been a main theme of the show. Generally, I hate the whole "will they or won't they" thing, but BBT handles it gracefully enough that I keep coming back for more.

What I'd like to see is Leonard and Penny actually trying to make a go of it. We really got gypped out of seeing their first relationship go-around, so it would be nice to actually see them together. They've been working up to it all season, so my hope for next week's finale is that they get together and we can begin season three with an actual relationship between the two of them.

Some of my favorite lines from this episode:

Stuart: "Here Sheldon. I pulled the new Hellboy for you. It's mind-blowing."
Sheldon: "Excuse me! Spoiler alert!"
Stuart: "What? I didn't spoil anything."
Sheldon: "You told me it's mind-blowing, so my mind is going into it pre-blown. Once a mind is pre-blown, it cannot be re-blown."
Stuart: "I'm sorry."
Sheldon: "Said the Grinch to Christmas."
Raj: "Interesting. Penny's current suitor asking advice from Penny's former suitor."
Leonard: "Thanks for close-captioning my pain, Raj."

Sheldon: "You have to check your messages, Leonard! Leaving a message is one-half of a social contract, which is completed by the checking of the message. If that contract breaks down, then all social contracts break down and we descend into anarchy."
Leonard: "It must be hell inside your head."
Sheldon: "At times."

"I have to say I thought the toilet humor would get less funny with repetition. Apparently there is no law of diminished comedic returns when it comes to space poop." - Sheldon

"If you really want to clean up your Karma, go get my frickin' latte." - Raj

Sheldon: "Why does Leonard get to go?"
Wolowitz: "Because he's upset over his situation with Penny, and if I have to hear about it again, I'm gonna kick him in his ovaries."