The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 20 Review: The Fortification Implementation
Ashley Bissette Sumerel
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Wil Wheaton is back!
On The Big Bang Theory Season 8 Episode 20, Penny joins Wil Wheaton for a podcast, and it's fantastic. The podcast situation provides a new way to see Penny and Leonard interact with the added bonus of Wil Wheaton's sly remarks.
Their conversation is one that becomes a little uncomfortable when a semi-famous producer tells Penny he thinks she's a good actress and wants her to try out for a part in his new movie.
This is where we see a side of Leonard that I don't like. He becomes the guy who thinks he knows what's in Penny's best interest, heavily advising against her pursuing her acting.
I was with Leonard on the idea that Penny needed a better job. Practically speaking, she needed money for things like food and bills, so wanting her to take advantage of a better job opportunity made sense. But now that she has that good, solid job, he's starting to overstep his bounds.
Not to worry, though. Wil Wheaton is blatant in pointing out the gender roles here, and that's just before Leonard learns that Penny makes twice as much as he does. TWICE! He has a PhD, you guys.
There's some beauty in the fact that Penny has become so successful, especially since we saw where she started. Money or no money, though, she still wants to live her dream of being an actress. Leonard may not have as much money, but he's doing what he loves. Penny finally convinces Leonard to be on her side by playing to his ego.
Meanwhile, Howard and Bernadette are settling into the house that was his mother's. Howard says he had a lawyer track down his father, but didn't try to meet him himself. Howard has become an especially interesting character this season – and he's also another character who has a grown a great deal.
We're fleshing out his character even more now that a surprise guest has come to visit -- Howard has a brother. He isn't thrilled about this at all, but he, along with Bernadette and Raj, try to make the guy feel welcome. Sort of. Howard, of course, warms up when the brother asks about Howard being an astronaut. This guy also seems to be a lot like Howard, which could make for some fun stories in the future.
Sheldon and Amy's story line is less interesting than the others this week. It's the usual sort of thing with Sheldon, so much so that one quote probably sums it all up:
Sheldon: I'll give you three guesses why I'm so irritated.
Howard: Something happened different from the way you wanted it.
Sheldon: I guess news travels fast.
Amy's attempts to cheer Sheldon up are really fun to watch – who doesn't love a good fort? And the two of them even take another step further in their relationship with their first "boy / girl sleepover." It's cute and endearing.
What did you think of "The Fortification Implementation"? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in September 2017. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.
