The Big Bang Theory: The Pirate Solution

(S03E04) Wow. I'm pretty sure Raj had more lines in this episode than he's had the entire season -- and he even shared scenes with two different women! It was nice having Leonard and Penny in their relationship, but in the background. Now that they're together, I'm glad the writers don't feel as though they need to focus on them every single episode. It makes sense though: sometimes your friends are going through some things, and you're just off having sex. It happens.

I really enjoyed this episode, but I'm not sure there's much of a need to talk about anything besides the amazing "Eye of the Tiger" montages. Not since, well, ever, has staring at a white board seemed so thrilling. Sheldon, of course, should never be allowed to have employees, as he is in no position to lead anyone anywhere except, perhaps, an insane asylum. But I sincerely hope Raj continues to work with -- er, for, Sheldon for quite some time.

The whole premise behind the episode -- Raj getting deported -- is kind of predictable and tired, but the interaction between he and Sheldon made it worth it. Very few people would dispute that Sheldon is the anchor of the show, so it's nice to see him share focus in an episode with someone other than Leonard or Penny (although I do love the Sheldon/Penny episodes).

Raj's inability to speak to women has always obviously just been psychosomatic, but I loved how they played up just how ridiculous his "affliction" is. First, he had to ask Wolowitz whether or not it was okay for him to talk once he realized Penny could hear them through the door. Then later during his interview, he only had to have alcohol pass his lips before he was asking a doctor from MIT if she wanted to go into his hot tub.

Some of my favorite lines from this episode:

Sheldon: "Yes, since their relationship became carnal, Penny has updated his designated term of endearment, distinguishing him from those she calls 'sweetie,' usually as an attempt to soften a thinly-veiled insult."
Penny: "You're boring people, sweetie."
Sheldon: "Although sometimes, she omits the veil entirely."

"I don't want to go back to India! It's hot, and it's loud, and there are so many people! You have no idea -- they're everywhere." - Raj

"I'm going to be deported, sent home in disgrace, exposed to the sardonic barbs of my cousin Sanjay, or as you may know him, Dave from AT&T customer service." - Raj

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