The Big Bang Theory Review: Long Island Iced Tea Therapy Session
![](https://tv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com/iu/cs_srgb,d_tv-fanatic-placeholder-square.png,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1379964633/user/carla-day)
When I first turned on The Big Bang Theory tonight, I thought it was a re-run of the "Fun with Flags" episode, but no, Sheldon's web series was brought back for another edition, Star Trek style!
The previous Wil Wheaton appearances have been both hit and miss. On tonight's "The Habitation Configuration," his inclusion was well-crafted and provided for plenty of laughs.
It's been quite awhile since Sheldon and Amy had a real disagreement or had to deal with a relationship issue. It finally happened when Sheldon sided with his friend, Wil, over his girlfriend. There's been much discussion in the comments about whether Sheldon should grow or remain the same. While I don't want him to lose the uniqueness of his character, I also don't want him to remain stagnant.
An evolving Sheldon opens up new opportunities for humor. The roommate agreement, the relationship agreement, disregard for others and so on will eventually get boring. I loved the Sheldon we saw tonight. His lack of understanding about what it means to be in a relationship rang true, but also did his drive to fix the problem once he recognized it.
The bonus was that it was Leonard that proved him wrong. While Sheldon's gift of the full series box set of Star Trek: The Next Generation failed, he didn't give up. He went to the one person who understands women, Penny. You had to love that she introduced Sheldon to a new tea, the Long Island Iced Tea. A drunk Sheldon is an amusing Sheldon. With a few drinks in him, he was able to self-reflect, while also exposing his true Texas roots.
The best part of Sheldon's trip to Wil's house was the delay in recognizing he only knocked twice. Sheldon was really out of it to not even do his methodical triple knock. Though, I could have done without the throwing up in the bushes. I hope Sheldon's friendship with Wil isn't over now. I'd love to see Wil return again at some point.
However, I'm guessing a visit to "Fun with Flags" is forever out of the question. The appearance of LeVar Burton was the perfect substitution - and for a free lunch too! Still, Sheldon may want to consider retiring the show or finding a new director. Sometimes, it's better to not mix show business with your personal life.
While Sheldon hit a relationship road block, Howard was dealing with one of his own. Bernadette finally put her foot down about moving out of his mother's house. No more splitting time between her apartment and his childhood home. It was about time this happened, but it didn't last long. Howard's heartbreaking magic trick story brought out Bernadette's sympathetic side and she demanded he move some stuff back home.
Their conversation at the restaurant was quite hilarious, especially Bernadette calling Howard out for eating a bacon cheeseburger. Another highlight was the interaction about the secrets that Howard's wall knows all to well about. This storyline was a nice companion to Sheldon's relationship woes.
Here are a few of my favorite lines from the episode:
Amy: You'll have to forgive me. This is my first time directing. I just want it to be good.
Wil Wheaton: So, do I.
Amy: Great. So, this time let's try more real boy and less Pinocchio.
And action.
Wil Wheaton: And cut. | permalinkHoward: So, this one's on God.
Bernadette: That might be a little more convincing if you didn't have a mouth full of bacon cheeseburger.
Howard: My religion's kinda loosey-goosy. Basically, as long as you have your schmekel clipped and don't wear a cross, you're good. | permalinkHoward: Boy, if these walls could talk.
Sheldon: Get the Mad Hatter on the horn, I'm having a tea party.
Leonard: They'd say, "Why does he touch himself so much?"
Howard: Yeah. | permalink
Penny: You might want to pace yourself.
Sheldon: I drink tea all the time. I think I know what I'm doing.
Penny: Far be it from me to criticize a man with a full pubis. | permalink
For more, check out The Big Bang Theory quotes page!
What was your favorite moment of the episode? Anything make you burst out in a laugh? Are you glad we saw some character growth from Sheldon?
Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.