The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 2 Review: The Junior Professor Solution
Carla Day
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Phew! The second episode of the night was better and funnier than the first!
The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 2 succeeded because it focused on two main stories, made fun of their group idiosyncrasies and Sheldon swallowed a spit ball. Howard's spit ball. Eat that Sheldon!
Even though Sheldon has consistently demeaned Howard's intelligence from season 1, the dynamic between them as professor and student showcased the fight in a new light. Sheldon was supposed to be the high brow professor, but even in that role he couldn't let go of his grudge against Howard. Sheldon had to prove he was the best and brightest no matter how juvenile it made him.
In response, Howard outplayed Sheldon and used actual childish behavior to prove his point. Sheldon wasn't interested in teaching Howard, so the student taught the teacher a lesson. I loved that Howard put on earphones to block out Sheldon's pompous lecture, but that was nothing compared to the delight that came from the spit ball.
Sheldon didn't believe for a moment that Howard would actually launch a spit ball at him, but he did. It could have landed on his shirt, the wall, or even his hair to prove the point, but instead it went in the funniest place possible -- in his mouth! Anyone who didn't at least chuckle, if not, full on laugh at that probably has no sense of humor. Though, I am someone who loves fart jokes, so maybe spit ball humor is in the same category.
After a disappointing The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 1, I was glad to see that the show still has some real laughs in it. It really comes down to the characters' interactions with each other and how they play off each other. Instead of cowering in the shadow of Sheldon's brilliance, Howard has grown the confidence to stand up for himself and it was amazing to see.
Sheldon and Howard weren't the only ones playing a childish game. Amy got high from gossip and played the middle against both Penny and Bernadette. She was the one in the know and felt "cool" for the first time. It was all fun for her until Penny and Bernadette recognized their irritation with the other and made up. Then, Amy was left on the outside all alone.
It was entertaining to see Amy chipper and full of self-confidence even if it came at the expense of Penny and Bernadette. Both of those woman can hold their own, so it didn't hurt them in the long run for Amy to feel special for a time. It was realistic and catty, but funny at the same time. At least, none of the women launched a spit ball or swallowed one.
Overall, it was a light-hearted and funny episode which showcased the characters at their worst and their best. What was your favorite part? Was Howard in the right to punish Sheldon? Or, should he have been the dutiful student?
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Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.
