The Big Bang Theory Review: A Chicken Pecking for Corn
This week's installment of The Big Bang Theory, "The 43rd Peculiarity," wasn't bad - but it wasn't particularly high on the funny chart either.
I'm trying to figure out why, but I can't quite put a finger on it other than there weren't as many great quips as usual. Bernadette and Amy weren't seen, but that was okay by me. In the end, it was an enjoyable episode built around two specific scenes.
Weeks after Penny wondered if Leonard was for her, in the midst of an argument, she threw the "I love you" out into the world. It was the perfect moment for her to recognize and acknowledge her feels for Leonard. While Leonard probably shouldn't have been jealous of the British classmate, it was only natural for him to feel that way. His relationship with Penny this time around was never clearly defined.
Penny: Leonard, why do you always do this? Listen to me, you are the one that I'm with. You know that I love you. So, will you please relax, because you are driving me crazy. | permalink
Their parting afterwards to keep from crying was the perfect response. I don't know about you, but when she said those three magic words, my eyes welled up. While Leonard was worrying about Penny, she should still be worrying about Sheldon's assistant. She is hot for Leonard! He may not know it, but eventually she will make an unmistakable move. How will he handle having a beautiful, smart woman throwing herself at him? Penny's never even done that!
The other main storyline surrounded Sheldon's mysterious disappearance each day at exactly 2:45 p.m. That he kept to a particular schedule was not odd, but where did he go? And why? Raj and Howard couldn't let it go. It wasn't clear why now all of a sudden they noticed it or cared, but oh well. It made for an intriguing mystery with a brilliant and funny payoff.
When Howard and Raj broke into the storage room, they found nothing but the number "43" on the chalk board and went into investigative mode. What did the "43" mean?
The real payoff came from their next attempt to spy on Sheldon. They put a camera in the room and witnessed a miracle. Sheldon was creating a wormhold to look into other worlds. When he came out of the black hole with that creepy creature thing on his face, I laughed so hard. It was shocking and hilarious! What made it even better was that he was standing behind them watching their reactions. Sheldon played a trick!
It's not often Sheldon gets into his trick mode, but he did here and it worked. He freaked them out and it made for a classic Sheldon moment.
After all Howard and Raj went through to find out what Sheldon was up to, it ended up being something quite simple. Hacky sack! Sheldon liked to chill out alone for a period each afternoon and try to beat his record of 43.
While this wasn't the overall funniest episode of The Big Bang Theory, it had two moments that will be forever remembered. That made the episode well worth watching! Plus, there was this line and Sheldon's chicken movement!
Sheldon: The mind's a mysterious thing, Leonard. He could be having the time of his life, while she thinks she's a chicken pecking for corn. | permalink
What did you think of Sheldon's fake out for Howard and Raj? Hilarious, right? And hacky sack? What about Penny's "I love you?" Glad she finally said it and in that way?
TBBT BONUS: You must watch this video...
Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.

April 16th, 2013 8:55 AM
some really great content on this site, appreciate it for contribution.
November 26th, 2012 1:32 PM
I think the episode could be funnier. Of course, it's always great to watch the 5 guys, without the annoying presence of Amy and Bernadette, but the writers should be more creative. And am I the only one who thinks that Raj is turning into a completely stupid character; His lines are not funny, and he always makes fun of his country and his sexuality. The guy is a fine actor, it's so hard to see him playing the idiotic nerd!
Rank: Guest Star
November 25th, 2012 10:35 PM
I loved the episode, when they give Sheldon more lines the better. It was cool to see Ryan Cartwright on tonights episode, it took me a minute to recognize him from Alphas.
Rank: Guest Star
November 18th, 2012 3:25 PM
thank you thank you mac!!!!!!!!!!!!! you said every thing i am thinking and trying to say but can't!!!!!!!!!! i want amy off the show and gone like yesterday
she just ruin ruin sheldon
Rank: Guest Star
November 18th, 2012 2:35 PM
this one reminds me of old school tbbt
Rank: Guest Star
November 18th, 2012 2:34 PM
i thought lastnight show was one of the best this seaon so far. it's right up there with the game night. the best of the whole night there was no amy!!!!!!!!!! came we please keep her for the rest of the season please and thank you
November 18th, 2012 12:53 PM
Has anyone noticed the group shot at the end of the opening titles now has all seven of the 'major' characters in it, a la Friends ? I just spotted it this time around. (Maybe I've missed the opening this season.)
November 18th, 2012 11:49 AM
I'm a alien and I really like tbbt.leonord was too sensitve but it was all right.everyone can see his love on penny
Rank: Guest Star
November 18th, 2012 10:33 AM
Finally Raj was featured majorly in a story but I agree Don writers should find him a unique storyline. Loved Sheldon in his trick mode. Also nice video Carla he heh Bazinga!!. Didn't know TBBT was acted in front of an audience. Hm...didn't miss Amy or Berney really. I hate her and Walowitz scenes. Yawn ... BoredTown. Raj and Walowitz is much funnier combo.
November 17th, 2012 11:21 AM
I thought this episode was OK. The wormhole scene was very funny and I think we all recognized immediately that it was the first time Penny used the "L" word. I agree that Amy has become tedious (at least when she's with Sheldon). I also think that Raj's character is becoming too stupid and weak. His lines are predictable and silly. I think the writers need to give him more breadth and depth because we need the big 5 (Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Penny, and Raj)to make interesting contributions for the ensemble to work. I think Penny makes a great foil for all the guys and she should be playing a bigger part in most episodes. Her "wisdom" and street smarts are always fun to see against the nerdy naivety of the guys. I don't mind Bernadette but agree that Amy could disappear with no loss to the show.