Worldly Distractions: The Big Bang Theory 8.8 - The Prom Equivalency
Hey guys! Everything the actors have been hinting at suggests that this is going to be a big episode. I'm a little skeptical, due to the marketing machinations of the Hollywood world, but definitely game. Take your bets on whether Penny's pregnant, Howard goes to space again, or Amy and Sheldon finally do it, and let's get going.
Over lunch at CalTech, the guys discuss Howard's mom, who is apparently still dating Stuart, which creeps Howard out immensely. Sheldon throws in trivia to keep everyone on their toes. Opening credits, and dear god I need a drink already.
Penny has cleared out her wardrobe, since she has to replace it with work-ready outfits. One of the outfits is her prom dress, which prompts everyone to relive their memories of that one special high school moment. It turns out that everyone has terrible memories, except Penny, since no smart people can ever have friends or dates. This immediately prompts the idea of a prom do-over, because a bunch of grown-ass women have nothing better to do. This also brings up another issue - why do all the girls hang out completely separately from the boys, almost all the time? Is there no room for a Sheldon/Bernadette hang out, or something? It bugs me that all activities are so clearly split along gender lines.
Raj is on board with the prom thing, since it's such an American thing to do, but no one else can muster up enthusiasm. Sheldon is especially disdainful, obviously. However, Leonard is at least happy to be going with someone as pretty as Penny. Bernadette is so excited that her voice keeps going high-pitched, in the key of "makes me want to kill myself". However, the party has a massive damper on it when Stuart invites Howard's mom. Bernadette shrewdly points out that Howard has no room to talk, since his mom was his date, too. However, it turns out that Stuart is inviting someone else, to which Howard asks whether he's cheating. There is just no way this guy can win, right?
Sheldon desperately tries to ditch prom, inviting Penny along for the escape. Hearing this, Penny blindsides him by introducing him to the concept of "post-prom mating rituals". Sheldon admits he's open to these rituals, which stuns Penny, until Sheldon admits it's all part of a fantasy where he pretends to be an alien. Yeah, I'm confused too. Eventually, he is stuffed into a tux (complete with bowtie, because Bruce Wayne wears one) and the party begins. He even brings a flask, because spiking the punch (with pomegranate juice) is another timeless ritual. I don't need to tell you what Leonard thinks of this.
Leonard chooses this moment to give him the "hormone talk", at which Sheldon is terrified that he'll have to lose his virginity. Why they can't just leave the asexual guy alone, I don't know. Let's hope they don't decide to roofie him.
Prom night begins, and I have to say, everyone cleans up nicely. Amy looks downright sexy, with her hair flying about like that. However, Sheldon is terrified by the mere prospect of sex and runs out on his date. Raj invites Emily, who is still creepy as fuck (ask her about her tattoo, I dare you), and Stuart brings Jeannie. If this name sounds familiar - she's Howard's second cousin. And the taker of Howard's virginity, long ago.
Penny and Leonard go up to the decorated rooftop and discuss their past proms. They wind up sharing a slow dance, alone, before anyone else shows up. Sheldon, in the midst of a panic attack, has barricaded himself in his bedroom. Amy goes after him and finds out that he's feeling a lot of pressure to have coitus. Jeannie and Stuart seem really tight, which drives Howard to distraction. Bernadette's none too pleased, either, but Emily finds it hilarious. Honestly, I'm liking her character more and more. Sheldon admits that he thought Amy looked pretty, and that was what panicked him. Amy admits that she always hope for sex, but a nice time would be enough. She starts to say something else, something he doesn't have to say back - and he interrupts you with "I love you, too." Everyone watching falls off their chairs. That's right, Sheldon and Amy love each other, and the world is upside down. Amy has a panic attack of her own at his words.
Everyone poses for awkward prom pictures, except for Howard, who flips out when Raj tells him to say "Cousin" instead of "cheese". Stuart gets a call from Mrs Wolowitz, and runs out on his date, much to her disgust. End credits.
Well, TBBT has long consisted of interesting premises poorly executed, but this is an example of a dumb premise well-executed. The prom plot was a tad creaky, but provided for some great moments between the characters - not least the new development between Amy and Sheldon. I'd honestly believe this before any sort of carnal development. Howard's outrage was quite funny, and the many jabs at everyone's past refrained from getting too stale. Even Emily had a couple of good moments. The episode had little in the way of plot, but in my opinion, it really didn't matter this time. This week, everyone was on game. Can they keep it up?
0 Comments
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now