Okay, let’s start with recognizing that the quality of the past 2-3 seasons has been uneven. The current season, thankfully has had more winners than whiners so far. So, what still works?
Sheldon and Penny still have an interesting dynamic as shown in several episodes this season. Leonard and Penny are not as fortunate as their on screen chemistry works only when they are avoiding oneOkay, let’s start with recognizing that the quality of the past 2-3 seasons has been uneven. The current season, thankfully has had more winners than whiners so far. So, what still works?
Sheldon and Penny still have an interesting dynamic as shown in several episodes this season. Leonard and Penny are not as fortunate as their on screen chemistry works only when they are avoiding one of their childish squabbles. The relationship between the three girls still works, especially when the plot line is interesting. Even the professional collaboration relationship between Howard and Amy works.
Liked seeing the guys get some success professionally and with the Air Force contract. Would like to see some more professional accomplishments and recognition come their way.
What doesn’t work:
Raj - the whole character - perhaps he should have a relapse and stop talking to women again. He was a lot funnier then. Now he is just pathetic and often just a big jerk. The writers need to fix this character or write it out.
Leonard and Penny - as mentioned above, these two only work on screen when they are not fighting. Their childish spats are tough to watch and getting harder to believe.
Howard - having committed parenthood for the second time, it is time for this character to grow up and step up. Time to become the husband and father he always wanted to have for himself and his mother.
Stuart - a minor character for certain, but it would be fun to see how he handles life if things started going his way. Maybe Raj could learn a few things from him. (This plot development actually was done in a recent show - interesting.)
Bernadette - should curb the nasty side except when it’s absolutely necessary. This has been used way too often.
With the loss of Kripke and Leslie Winkle as regular antagonists, the work environment does not have as much comic fodder. Burt cannot carry this function alone. Need to think about some new minor characters here.
Other suggestions:
It might be funny if Leonard and his father spent more time together and help fix each other’s wounds regarding Beverly.
More guest star cameos like Mark Hamill, Bill Shatner, or Patrick Stewart would be fun.
Keep tying in the science. Being super nerds is what makes this all fun. Making this just another Friends rip-off, not so much.
Addendum:
Looks like the writers are trying to fix the Raj character a bit, which helps, but there’s a long way to go before he is no longer an irritant. Bernadette also seems a bit less angry, which also helps. It appears Stuart’s store is getting more business soon, so thanks for that. Sheldon is getting a bit more tolerant of others, which actually weakens the appeal of the character. The show is more about relationships now than geeky fun, which dilutes the original appeal of the premise. Need more science and nerdy quirks to finish the show strong.
The final episode of the season helped with two of my suggestions, above. Mark Hamill and a focus on science delays the start of the wedding. Thanks!
It appears the company is coasting into the inevitable oblivion that all long running shows reach. Please renew your efforts to go out strong. It can’t be all that taxing cashing those million dollar checks per episode?!. I’m afraid your fate may be fading out with mediocrity, and that would be a shame for a show that was once one of TV’s all time best.… Expand
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