The Big Bang Theory: The Vegas Renormalization

(S02E21) It's not often where you have an A and B story that are both hilarious, but The Big Bang Theory pulls it off in this episode. It sucks that she didn't make an appearance, but I'm glad the show didn't completely forget about the whole Howard and Leslie thing and wrapped up that storyline tonight.

It was a little weird that Sheldon was the one who suggested that they all go to Vegas, but I loved how he didn't even consider for a second actually going himself. I also loved how Leonard didn't even try to convince him. When Raj and Leonard were immediately approached by a prostitute when they got there, I assumed it would be a one-off joke about Raj's inexperience with woman. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be quite a funny storyline.

Not only was this episode hilarious, but it was actually kind of touching. As ethically awkward as it may be, it was nice of Leonard and Raj to get Wolowitz that hooker. After all, they knew it would cheer him up. Even nicer was Raj trying to make him even happier by guaranteeing a "Jewish girlfriend experience." Her whole performance after that was hilarious ("would it kill them to put out a nice brisket?").

Back at the apartments, I'm sure all of the Sheldon/Penny shippers out there just about peed themselves. Not only did he spend the night in her apartment, but they talked about sex and he slept in her bed! Of course, since it's Sheldon, none of those things was actually exciting, but the fact that he was even around that situation was kind of hilarious.

Sheldon and Penny also showed how much they care for each other as friends, during this whole thing, which is also nice to see. She humored him through 20 questions, but it was bedtime that was really sweet. Sheldon, of course, couldn't sleep, so Penny went in and sang the "Soft Kitty" song to him even though it's supposed to be only for when he's sick. When he turned to her and said, "thank you for letting me stay here," I actually said, "awwwww." It was a very nice moment.

In all, it was another strong episode. The last exchange between Leonard and Sheldon was one of the funniest moments, just because it winks at BBT's fandom who is convinced that there is something going on between Sheldon and Penny. I don't think there ever will be, but it's certainly fun to play around with the idea.

Some of my favorite lines from this episode:

"What exactly does that expression mean, 'friends with benefits?' Does he provide her with health insurance?" - Sheldon

"You know, I'm given to understand that there's an entire city in Nevada devoted specifically to help people like Howard forget their problems. They replace them with new problems such as alcoholism, gambling addiction and sexually transmitted diseases." - Sheldon
"Raj, there's no place for truth on the Internet." - Wolowitz

"I'm telling you Leonard: Video slots, free drinks brought to you by a bosomy barmaid, and all-you-can-eat shrimp for $3.99. Disneyland can suck it. This is the real 'happiest place on earth.'" - Raj

"Too bad he wasn't here for that hooker. She was exactly his type: a hooker." - Raj

Leonard: "What were you doing at Penny's?"
Sheldon: "Well, we had dinner, played some games, and then I spent the night. Oh -- and you'll be happy to know that I now have a much better understanding of 'friends with benefits.'"