With "Gorilla" in the title, something tells me that Penny's headed for a major change this episode. What could befall our gang of nerds next? (And can I hope it's an intervention?)

Howard and Raj try to move a treadmill into Howard's mom's house while Mrs. Wolowitz protests and Bernadette manages. Unfortunately, they let it go on the stairs and goes slamming into Mrs. Wolowitz. On that somewhat dark note, we begin the opening credits.

Raj recounts the story to his friends over takeout. Mrs Wolowitz is fine, but will need some recovery time. They suggest trying to help her, but Sheldon's more interested in the new Spider-Man movie. Penny comes back from her own film with a new resolve to keep a positive attitude about work. Meanwhile, Howard is daunted by the prospect of caring for his mother for an extended period of time. Bernadette tries to put it in perspective. He suggests hiring a nurse, but she finds the notion heartless. To show her what's what, he tasks her with the more unpleasant parts of the job.

Sheldon manages to drag Raj to the movie, where they run into Emily, who is with - gasp! - another man. Raj's tiny little heart is crushed into a million pieces. Sheldon just makes it worse, of course. On the film set, Leonard watches Penny and Wil Wheaton at work. To be fair, the actors are giving it their all, though the film crew appears to have given up. The director even tells her that "If it was a good movie, you wouldn't be in it." Leonard tries to be encouraging and stick up for her. Annoyed at having his genius questioned, the director fires both Penny and Wil Wheaton.

A heartbroken Raj has decided to skip the movie, miraculously getting Sheldon to come with him. To his credit, Sheldon does try to comfort him with a hot beverage, though he makes a few racist comments in the process. He then tries to give relationship advice, forgetting as usual that his relationships are rather unique. Bernadette and Howard are worn out from caring for Mrs Wolowitz. Bernadette rightly points out that this is what having kids is going to be like. Though he claims he'd be the perfect dad, Howard's reaction to Mrs Wolowitz's cries suggests he might not be as patient as he thinks.

Penny, Wil and Leonard drown their sorrows at a local bar. However, Wil gets an audition for Sharknado 2, so he has to run. Penny continues to bemoan her fate. In fact, she's considering leaving acting all together. Leonard tries to cheer her up, with little success. Meanwhile, Raj continues to complain about his love life. Sheldon unexpectedly brings it to light - he thinks Raj can't stand to be alone, and so comes off as desperate. He decides to work on his independence. Sheldon suggests chemical castration.

Howard and Bernadette get into a massive fight about their duties re: Mrs Wolowitz, bla bla bla. Emily comes over to apologize to Raj, but he gives her a fair response. She's impressed, saying she would hate to see him with another woman. I still think there's a good chance this will go Fatal Attraction. Keep an eye on Cinnamon, Raj. They start talking about her tattoos, and she offers to show him. Bow chicka wow wow.

Penny and Leonard arrive home, where Penny goes on about her bad decisions and the need to make good ones from here on in. She suggests that they get married. And oh, yeah, she's serious. Leonard thinks she's just choosing him as the dull alternative, and tries to leave. She protests that it's only now that she realizes how much she needs him, and I'm reminded of this:

Sadly, Leonard has neither the wherewithal of Rhett Butler nor the moustache of Clark Gable. He accepts in the doofiest way ever, Penny says "Cool", and there you go, they're engaged (though they have to stop and make sure first). They decide it was a shitty proposal, so Leonard reveals that he's been carrying a ring around for a couple of years - yeah, no way this marriage will end in disaster - and does the down-on-one-knee thing. Audience cheer. What is this, Full House?

A relaxed-looking Howard and Bernadette talk about how proud they are about getting through this ordeal. Just then, Mrs Wolowitz's nurse comes in, looking harried. Bernadette acknowledges that he was right, and thus our story has a happy ending.

First of all, I'm happy Raj got some action for the first time in like five seasons. Still, it's time to talk about the elephant in the room - the engagement. Knowing full well that most sitcoms stop their gears entirely when the main couple settles down (and we have at least three seasons going on this one), but really, do any of us think this is going to last? Well, whatever comes next, it'll be a fun ride, though I fear an endless cycle of engagements and breakups after this. Next week - the season finale!

FJ Discussion Thread