The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 18 Review: The Escape Hatch Identification

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Well, you guys, it was bound to happen sometime.

On The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 18, "The Escape Hatch Identification," Raj finally has to move out of his apartment because of his financial problems, and he ends up taking Sheldon's old room.

Raj and the Dog - The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 18

That brings up some difficult feelings for Sheldon, and it might just reveal something about Penny and Leonard's relationship as well.

As far as the show is concerned, though, Raj taking Sheldon's old room is pretty genius.

It feels like a revolving door, much like Leonard's mom points out, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's fun to watch these characters interact as roommates, and Raj taking Sheldon's old room opens up a lot of possibilities.

A show like this needs those changes too, and the roommate swapping feels a lot like Friends. 

It also centralizes all of these characters, I think, more than we've ever seen. Because now there are only three homes to house each character, as opposed to all of them being spread out. 

Hey look at that. You've got a Raj, we've got a Stuart, maybe we should take them to the park and let them run around together.

Howard

Beverly's interpretation of Sheldon's reaction to Raj taking his old room makes perfect sense. Sheldon still saw that room as home and as a place of comfort.

Now that it will no longer be available, he has to confront the seriousness of his relationship with Amy. 

That's a good thing, and it's another reason I'm glad this is where the story is heading. We're removing the possibility of Sheldon returning to that room, which ideally, means he and Amy will only keep moving forward. 

I'm also relieved that Raj continues to have a story of substance. He went too long without one, and now not only does his character have an opportunity to grow, but there's a chance to see new interactions between him and other characters.

Better stories for Raj is something I was really hoping to see during The Big Bang Theory Season 10, and I'm excited we're getting just that (finally).

Do I think it would be great for Penny and Leonard to live alone together? Sure I do.

Realistically, that would make the most sense, and it would be important for their relationship. But throwing Raj into the mix is going to be much more interesting. 

Other Thoughts:

  • How great is Christine Baranski as Beverly? I love her more and more each time, and using video chat is a great way to bring her in.
  • It's nice that Raj has such supportive friends, so much so that he has to new homes to choose from when he needs help.
  • With Raj and his dog living across the hall now, they can trick Sheldon into thinking the dog is loose all the time! 
  • Penny is picking up on some science facts! This quote is one of my favorites:

Penny: It's like that science thing. For every action you have a gigantic and annoying reaction.
Leonard: Just when I thought you couldn't get any hotter...

What did you think of this episode of The Big Bang Theory? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Need to catch up on old episodes? You can always watch The Big Bang Theory online right here via TV Fanatic! Watch online now!

The Escape Hatch Identification Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 2.6 / 5.0 (144 Votes)

Ashley Bissette Sumerel was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in September 2017. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.

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The Big Bang Theory Season 10 Episode 18 Quotes

Sheldon: Well, I think it's very nice that you're helping out our friend.
Leonard: I think it's nice that you're taking whatever medication Amy is clearly giving you.

That would be amazing. I was literally just looking at my moving boxes trying to figure out which one to live in.

Raj